This speaker sets the mood with beat-synchronized lights speaker pairing capabilities, but doesn't offer the best audio quality

Sony's waterproof SRS-XB33 speaker delivers cool LED lighting and some surprising bass depth for its size.

Powerful bass depth and overall audio performance the size; Waterproof and dust-resistant build; Cool LED lighting

Scooped sound signature not for purists

There’s plenty for the Sony SRS-XB33 to shout about, and it isn’t afraid to do so in the most extravagant ways

Big sound with good focus; Waterproof and dustproof; Up to 24-hour battery life

Some roughness to treble; Could be more dynamically engaging

Sony recently updated its SRS series of portable Bluetooth speakers, and the SRS-XB33, at $149.99, is the mid-priced option. While not exactly tiny, the Sony SRS-XB33 is still quite small for the amount of sound it can produce—there’s plenty of bass depth here for the size and price. Thankfully the lows are balanced by sculpted highs, but this is not a speaker for those seeking accurate audio performance. That said, in-app EQ allows for some sound signature tweaking, and built-in LED lights add a fun factor, making the SRS-XB33 a solid outdoor-friendly option for the price.Design Measuring 3.8 by 9.7 by 4.2 (HWD) and available in black, blue, red, or taupe, the SRS-XB33 isn't quite cylindrical—it’s oblong like its less expensive sibling, the Sony SRS-XB23 ($99.99). But unlike that speaker, its front face and top panel are both flat, while the back is rounded. On either end, the Sony SRS-XB33 has a band of LED lights that continually change colors and flash to the beat (they can be...

Sony's waterproof SRS-XB33 speaker delivers cool LED lighting and some surprising bass depth for its size.

Powerful bass depth and overall audio performance the size; Waterproof and dust-resistant build; Cool LED lighting

Scooped sound signature not for purists

The speaker is a well built solid unit. Sound quality is nice with good bass. Battery life is great. Max volume could be a little louder though.

Sony's new generation of wireless speakers with extra bass sounds even better than before.

The SRS-XB33 provides surprisingly rich and good sound for being so compact. The larger XB43 has even more of everything, and also cleaner voices and instruments.

The SRS-XB33 sounds a bit flat when forced to play loud, and bass pressure is limited. The SRS-XB43 is too big for the handbag, and although it is more powerful, it is not the difference night and day.

Sony is one of the most popular technology companies globally, and it’s easy to see why.

Attractive design in a range of colors, Unique technology for great bass, Amazing rich sound stage in any environment, IP67 rating to protect your speaker, Portable for a party wherever you go, Fantastic lighting effects that you can control, EQ management through an intuitive app, Powerful volume,...

No AptX codec, No built-in smart assistant

Great little speaker

Sound is great. Good stereo definition and crisp well controlled treble(not harsh at all). Bass is great however I'm guessing due to the side facing radiators placement can increase or decrease it a little which happened less on my previous speaker with rear facing radiators. Headphone jack would have been great but the sound quality of the Bluetooth on this thing doesn't hold it back at all. After all I compared every speaker in the shop and still came back to this because it's the best. (Best sounding to me anyway)

Bought over other products in same price point for the bass and it didn't disappoint