The Sony SRS-XB43 is a bass-forward Bluetooth speaker with an outdoor-friendly design, built-in LED lighting, and lots of power for the price.

Powerful audio performance with strong bass depth and sculpted highs; Built-in LED lighting; Dust and waterproof build; In-app EQ

Not for listeners seeking accuracy; Bulky

This unashamedly party speaker - complete with built-in lights - busts out the audio with real intent, ensuring it delivers on that Extra Bass title promise through and through. It's fully portable and fully weather-resistant, too, so if you want a bold sound with lots of features then it does a...

Bold and party-focused sound with solid bass; Fairly portable package with decent battery life; IP67 dust- and weather-sealed; Those lights can be turned off if you want

Built-in disco lights are rather 'out there'; Sound isn't always perfectly cohesive and tweeters sometimes sharp; Fairly directional sound

Last August, Sony renewed its popular EXTRA-BASS portable speaker lineup with three brand new IP67-rated (waterproof, dust-proof, and washable) devices. The largest speaker, which we’re reviewing today, answers to the name of SRS-XB43.

Above-average timbre performance, Maximum volume is very good; Fairly good dynamics performance, Great distance for high-pitched voices, thanks to great low-mids, Correct punch reproduction, Good artifacts performance

At $249.99, the SRS-XB43 is the biggest and most expensive model in Sony's new trio of portable, waterproof Bluetooth speakers. It's also priced fairly for the amount of audio firepower it delivers—this a loud, bass-forward speaker. In addition to its rugged build and big sound, it features built-in LEDs for a fun light show, and adjustable EQ so you can dial in your audio preferences. It also fills a gap between tiny and massive portable models, earning it an Editors' Choice for outdoor speakers.Design At 4.8 by 12.8 by 4.6 inches (HWD) and 6.5 pounds, the SRS-XB43 is available in black, blue, or taupe. It has LED bands that wrap around its left and right ends, and the drivers behind the grille are also lit by pale LEDs. The top panel houses a control strip, with buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, play/pause/call management (or with multiple presses, track navigation), plus and minus for volume, and a Live button that coats the audio in a supposedly “three-dimensional” sound ...

The Sony SRS-XB43 is a bass-forward Bluetooth speaker with an outdoor-friendly design, built-in LED lighting, and lots of power for the price.

Powerful audio performance with strong bass depth and sculpted highs; Built-in LED lighting; Dust and waterproof build; In-app EQ

Not for listeners seeking accuracy; Bulky

Very easy to use, fantastic sound quality

Once we worked out the Bluetooth it was easy and very good to have we only need this one speaker for so many devices now!

I like all the features

Easy Bluetooth connectivity for my Samsung phone but not for my husband s Telstra phone

Good sound and excellent base. We were thrilled with the product and the service we received.

This unashamedly party speaker - complete with built-in lights - busts out the audio with real intent, ensuring it delivers on that Extra Bass title promise through and through. It's fully portable and fully weather-resistant, too, so if you want a bold sound with lots of features then it does a decent job. The wall of sound style isn't as delicate as some though.

Bold and party-focused sound with solid bass; Fairly portable package with decent battery life; IP67 dust- and weather-sealed; Those lights can be turned off if you want;

Built-in disco lights are rather 'out there'; Sound isn't always perfectly cohesive and tweeters sometimes sharp; Fairly directional sound;