Customer Ratings & Reviews
- Model:
- SRSXB23/B
- SKU:
- 11960555
Rating by feature
- Sound Quality
Rating 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Battery Life
Rating 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Range
Rating 4.7 out of 5 stars
to a friend
Sony Bluetooth speaker issues
||Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.While the sound of these is good, I bought them to use as stereo speakers in my living room to connect to my TV via bluetooth. Sounded great when they were working but they kept disconnecting from one another and going in and out. They also had an echo sound because they wouldn't sync up at times. If I paused the TV and hit play again it would sound staticy, hit pause and play again and the static would go away. I tried off and on for 3 days and kept having the same issues. Returned them and ordered the JBL equivalent speakers that had great reviews. Will review those when they come in.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Wyliebar,
Thank you for choosing and purchasing our Sony SRS-XB23 EXTRA BASS™ Portable BLUETOOTH® Speaker.
We appreciate your time in sharing this honest review. While we're glad that you like the sound quality, we regret to hear that it hasn't lived up to your expectations and the speaker had to be returned. The communication between the devices will be poor if there is an obstruction between the unit and the connected device. We recommend checking if your TV supports Bluetooth A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) profile for wireless speaker playback, the XB23 should work and sync perfectly with your TV sound. However, due to the characteristic of Bluetooth® and other wireless transmissions, there may be a delay in playback due to signal interference or a slight delay. You can improve playback quality by the following:
• Change the position or location of your device.
• Move as far away as possible from a microwave oven and other Bluetooth devices.
• Turn off other wireless connections.
Please note we have a customer hotline that is happy to assist you and help troubleshoot any concerns you have, and your speaker has a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase. Sony takes into consideration all feedback to improve the performance and quality of our products and services. We hope you will consider Sony again in a future purchase. Thank you for the feedback. -Jess
Phenomenal sound in a portable package
|Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.The Sony SRS-XB23 speaker is hands down the best sounding Bluetooth speaker I have ever owned. This thing punches well above its weight class. This speaker is LOUD, even when placed in the middle of an open field. But even when turned all the way up to max volume, there is no distortion to be heard. I am amazed at how much difference the “EXTRA BASS” Sony touts makes. Now it can’t hit the frequencies a dedicated subwoofer can, but it does a remarkable job nonetheless especially when you consider its size. I found that placing this speaker in a corner to focus the sound allows you to get the most volume out of it without having to crank it. On that note, battery life is heavily dependent on volume level. To make this speaker loud, bassy (in a good way), and portable, something has to give. It turns out that it is battery life. With that being said, the battery lasts a respectable amount of time. Listening at a moderate level, I was easily able to obtain 7 hours of life on a single charge with it claiming about 50% battery remaining. According to Sony’s documentation, the battery should last you around 3 hours at max volume though I did not personally test this claim. But considering the number of decibels the SRS-XB23 delivers at that volume, this is both believable and understandable. Plus, it only takes around 4 hours to recharge if it is completely drained. First time pairing is very easy and subsequent connections occur within just a couple of seconds of powering on the unit. It automatically re-pairs to the device it was connected to last, as long as it is within range. Speaking of which, I did test the Bluetooth range and I was impressed with the results. I was able to walk around 100 feet from the speaker before my music started to cut out. I only have one of these so I cannot comment on the Stereo Pair or Party Connect features. Though I cannot imagine that you would need anywhere near the 100-speaker limit of Party Connect to fill your entire house with your favorite tunes. The Voice Guidance feature works well enough and you definitely know when you have connected/disconnected from the unit. Though I would rather just have an indicator light to tell me battery level opposed to the speaker verbally communicating an estimated battery level. I only have one real complaint about the SRS-XB23 and it is the “Operating Instructions” Sony gives you to work with. Nowhere in either the Operating Instructions or the Reference Guide does it tell you how to activate the “STAMINA” sound mode necessary to achieve the claimed 12 hours of playback. All you get is half a dozen diagrams to interpret the meaning of; good luck if you struggle with technology. So I’ll tell you what Sony won’t. Press and hold the “BATT” button until the orange light above “Stamina” turns on to activate. Repeat this while in STAMINA mode to return to “EXTRA BASS” mode. Be aware that the speaker does not sound nearly as good in STAMINA mode because it basically just cuts out the bass entirely. Personally, I’ll take the 2 hour hit to battery life in exchange for the improved sound quality.
I would recommend this to a friendGood speaker, but not the best.
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.This speaker has all the latest technology, like bluetooth 5.2, but I just did not like the sound. It did not have a deep base sound that I like. Just not for me.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Vic867,
While we're delighted that you like most of the features, we're sorry to learn you're not having the best experience with this speaker. If you feel the low frequency is not sufficient, please try the following troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.
To get the sound that you prefer, please try the different sound modes found in the Sony Music Center app. There is even an EQ in there—which can be customized to fine-tune your music to your liking. If you haven't yet, you can also test this with a different source to confirm the issue.
Depending on the music, the EXTRA BASS effects may not be so noticeable. To switch the sound effect from STAMINA mode to EXTRA BASS mode, press and hold the BATT (battery)/STAMINA button for about 3 seconds. The STAMINA indicator will turn off and the sound effect will be switched back to EXTRA BASS mode.
You may also want to try switching your XB23 into Sound Quality priority mode. The “Priority on sound quality” and “Priority on stable connection” modes are available as options for the playback quality of BLUETOOTH audio streaming. “Priority on sound quality” enables you to perform playback settings of AAC, LDAC, and SBC, so that you can enjoy high quality sound via BLUETOOTH connection. Check the link below for more details. https://helpguide.sony.net/speaker/srs-xb23/v1/en/contents/TP0002741516.html
If you need additional assistance regarding your concern, you can email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:
Name:
Best Buy Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
Regards,
Jess
Not sure I’d buy more than one
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.It has a good sound but it is not user friendly when pairing with another Sony speaker. I also find the battery needs to be changed sooner than the stated 12 hour use.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Tamisfix, Thank you for the feedback on your experience with your SRSXB23. We're glad you like the good sound quality of your Bluetooth speaker. We're sorry to hear you're having some difficulties pairing this speaker to another Sony speaker. Please make sure to follow the step-by-step party connect pairing procedure on this link: https://helpguide.sony.net/speaker/srs-xb23/v1/en/contents/TP0002800284.html
The XB23 speaker can last up to 12 hours provided that the volume level of the speaker is set to 34 and the sound effect is set to STAMINA.
For more details about the built-in battery life of this unit, please refer to this link: https://helpguide.sony.net/speaker/srs-xb23/v1/en/contents/TP0002800281.html
And , actual performance time may vary from the listed time due to the volume, songs played, surrounding temperature, and usage conditions.
The XB23 is rated IP67 waterproof and dustproof resistant with up to 12 hours of battery life so your music never gets left behind Keep the good times going with super-efficient USB-C charging and control sound settings with the Sony Music Center app. Thanks for choosing Sony! -Sam
Overall OK
||Posted . Owned for 4 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Sound is very base heavy. Used in bathroom for audio while showering. If the Bose sound link was this price I would have purchased that. Bose has superior audio for sure, but this is worth its price.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Avid, Thanks for taking the time to review our SRS-XB23 EXTRA BASS™ Portable BLUETOOTH® Speaker. We're glad that you appreciate the overall performance of the speaker. The SRS-XB23 speaker features EXTRA BASS for a deep, punchy sound and with a battery that can last up to 12 hours. To get the sound that you prefer, please try the different sound modes found in the Sony Music Center app. There is even an EQ in there—which can be customized to fine-tune your music to your liking. Thanks for sharing your feedback and for choosing Sony. -Jess
Not bad
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I'm using it for work and I work in a loud environment and cover my ears too.. I can hear it, but sometimes I feel like volume goes down the longer it stays on while on max volume... And when I do charge it for awhole day didn't last over 8hrs maybe just me tho
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Chuckzero, thank you for sharing your feedback on your XB23! It is so good to know that you use the speaker while working! The battery life will vary depending on usage such as volume, the higher the volume, the shorter your battery life will be. Go anywhere with full, crisp sound in a lightweight, stylish design. The XB23 is IP67 waterproof, rustproof, dustproof, and shockproof, with up to 12 hours of battery life, so your music never gets left behind. Keep the good times going with super-efficient USB-C charging, and control sound settings with the Sony | Music Center app.
The sound may become low in the following cases. This is not a malfunction.
When the built-in battery is running low and the CHARGE indicator flashes slowly, while the speaker is being powered by the built-in battery only.
When the rechargeable built-in battery is running low as a result of long-time use of the speaker at a loud volume even though the speaker was connected to an AC outlet by a USB AC adaptor (commercially available) or to a computer that comes equipped with a USB charging port.
If the sound becomes low while in use, follow the procedure below.
Turn off the speaker.
Charge the built-in battery sufficiently.
Please note that actual performance time may vary from the listed time due to the volume, songs played, surrounding temperature, and usage condition.
Sincerely,
Erin
Great sound for a small speaker, some issues
|Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.First the good. The sound is great for this size of the speaker. Deep, rich , nothing thinny about it for a small portable. Pairs easily. Has a dedicated button for the battery saving feature, which they call stamina. That basically disables the deep bass or so it sounds, which makes the sound still quite acceptable. So you have a basic sound quality adjustment on the speaker with two choices, the deep bass is on or off, whatever you like at the moment. The basic music navigation is provided directly on the speaker, hit the pause button once to stop the music, to resume hit the pause button again. Once the battery goes to a low level the speaker tells you to charge the battery soon, which is nice as it allows you to take a proactive action and avoid the situation where the music suddenly stops because the speaker went out of juice. Great feature. The build quality appears excellent, looks very well made. Here is the not so great. There no dedicated forward or back button on the speaker. To skip to the next song you have to quickly hit the pause button twice. To go one song back you have to push the pause button three times. You can learn it, but you might forget about it if you do not use the speaker that often. The provided charging cable is less than a foot short. Unusable in my book. There is no dedicated charger provided, but this is probably okay because we all have plenty of chargers coming from other devices. This speaker comes with the App, called Music Center. The app provides for additional ways to modulate the sound through a manual adjustments of the bass, mid and treble levels. It also allows to switch between a number of music/video applications installed on your device, though their choice is limited, you will not see all the music/video apps there that you have installed on your device. And basically you do not need that app for that, the speaker will play whatever sound you produce on your device, another words you can switch between the apps and the speaker will play whatever you have on at the time. The app created the initial challenge for me with the app setup (not the speaker setup, just the app setup), as it had problems recognizing that the speaker was already paired. I tried different things to make it work, including forcibly shutting the app twice. Finally after the third shutoff the app was working. From what I see I probably will not use this Music Center app, though it would be nice if it did not have the initial setup issue and was more robust. At the end the most important things do count. The quality of the sound is great, it produces a solid bass for its size, the battery lasts for a decent amount of time, giving you a warning when it goes low. While there are no dedicated forward and back buttons on the speaker you still can go back or skip the song by using the pause button. For all the daily stuff it works great and deliver the value relative to its prize. And it looks great too.
I would recommend this to a friendVery Nice
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I really like the speaker, I prefer the bigger speaker because I need more sound output but it’s a little to expensive in which it needs to lower its cost. Even the little one that I have was some what too expensive for me, but I needed it.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi DilDana, That's awesome! We're happy to hear you like the features and overall sound of your new XB23 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. The SRS-XB23 speaker features EXTRA BASS for a deep, punchy sound and with a battery that can last up to 12 hours. The newly developed X-Balanced Speaker Unit in the XB23 achieves high sound quality and powerful sound pressure for a richer, deeper, more rewarding listening experience. The speaker is also waterproof and salt water resistant—so you've no worries using it by the sea or the pool—and there's no problem washing it either. Thank you so much for the 4-stars review & for choosing Sony! -Jess
Wouldn't buy again
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Had high expectations for this due to other reviews, but doesn't meet the expectations of my other bluetooth speakers in the same price point. The biggest reason is the battery life and the sound level. Compared to my Ultimate Ears speaker that's similar in size, the Sony doesn't measure up. My UE speaker will easily get me through two rounds of golf being played at a higher volume level, and the Sony barely makes it through one round. Sound is decent, but nowhere as good as my Other Sony speaker or my UE speaker. Ultimately, would not recommend or buy again. If you're going to get a Sony speaker, get one of the higher level/pricepoint ones. Those sound great and have better battery life.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi ksugman1979, Oh No- This is definitely not the experience we want you to have! We are so sorry to hear that the sound and battery life did not meet your expectations. This is definitely not the listening experience we'd like you to have. We’d love to help you troubleshoot your problem.
May we contact you to help? If so, please email the below information to [email protected] with the following details:
Name:
Best Buy Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
Sincerely,
Erin
Awesome at sale price
||Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Found on sale so worth the price! A little tinny at high volume and not full of bass, but great in a smaller space and plenty of sound for the kids.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi MediaGeek11,
Thank you for sharing such an excellent shopping experience. We are very happy to hear you like the overall sound quality of your new XB23 EXTRA BASS™ Portable BLUETOOTH® Speaker! We value your input and appreciate the feedback. Depending on the music, the EXTRA BASS effects may not be so noticeable. To switch the sound effect from STAMINA mode to EXTRA BASS mode, press and hold the BATT (battery)/STAMINA button for about 3 seconds. The STAMINA indicator will turn off and the sound effect will be switched back to EXTRA BASS mode.
Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry, the SRS-XB23 combines punchy bass sound with a tough, durable, go-anywhere design. As a music loving company, sound quality is our top priority. The newly developed X-Balanced Speaker Unit in the XB23 achieves high sound quality and powerful sound pressure for a richer, deeper, more rewarding listening experience. The speaker is also waterproof and salt water resistant—so you've no worries using it by the sea or the pool—and there's no problem washing it either. Thanks for sharing this positive feedback and for choosing Sony! -Jess
So far so good!
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.So far I really enjoy these speakers! I ordered two different colors. My only downfall so far is I feel like the batteries die much quicker when multiple speakers are paired. But using them solo they seem to last much longer
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Riordane988,
Thank you for purchasing two of our XB23 EXTRA BASS™ Portable BLUETOOTH® Speaker! We're happy to know you're enjoying the features and overall sound quality of the speakers. We value your input and appreciate the feedback regarding the battery life when multiple speakers are paired. The estimated battery life is 12 hours, but may vary depending on the following:
• Ambient temperature
• Conditions of use
• Volume level
As with any battery operated speaker, Actual performance time may vary from the listed time due to the volume, songs played, surrounding temperature, and usage conditions. For more information, please refer to this helpful link: https://helpguide.sony.net/speaker/srs-xb23/v1/en/contents/TP0002800281.html
Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry, the SRS-XB23 combines punchy bass sound with a tough, durable, go-anywhere design. As a music loving company, sound quality is our top priority. Like you we think pairing the XB23s together is an awesome way to listen to music! Thank you for sharing your feedback and for choosing Sony! -Jess
Good Speaker but not so good for calls - high bass
||Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I bought this speaker for a dual use - mainly for attending calls and listen to music. I felt the bass was so high that I felt uncomfortable in hearing people's voice on calls. I returned this since that was my primary objective
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Srinivas,
We regret to hear that you had to return the speaker because it didn't perform to your standards. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. The EXTRA BASS function of the speaker can be turned off by pressing and holding the BATT (battery)/STAMINA button for about 3 seconds. The STAMINA indicator lights up in orange and the sound effect is switched to STAMINA mode. Additionally, you can use the Sony Music Center app to adjust this function. The app's equalizer can also be adjusted to tailor-fit the sound quality to your needs.
Thanks for sharing your review and we hope you consider Sony in your future purchase.
-Ralph
Sony does it again!
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Really good sound. The bass sounds amazing! It’s perfect for an office, bedroom or even the family room. Good ambience
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Abnel, we're glad you like the sound quality of our product. The XB23 is rated IP67 waterproof and dustproof resistant with up to 12 hours of battery life so your music never gets left behind Keep the good times going with super-efficient USB-C charging and control sound settings with the Sony Music Center app. Thank you for choosing SONY. ~Earl
Sounds great
||Posted . Owned for 3 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Purchased this Bluetooth speaker as a Christmas gift for my sister. She now has a audio upgrade when she talks to her grandkids on Skype.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Turquoiseband, Thanks for leaving us such a great review on the XB23! We're glad the speaker was a great gift for your sister. It's nice to hear you like the overall sound of it. The SRS-XB23 speaker features EXTRA BASS for a deep, punchy sound and with a battery that can last up to 12 hours. The newly developed X-Balanced Speaker Unit in the XB23 achieves high sound quality and powerful sound pressure for a richer, deeper, more rewarding listening experience. The speaker is also waterproof and salt water resistant—so you've no worries using it by the sea or the pool—and there's no problem washing it either. Thank you for choosing Sony! -Jess
I still like portable speakers
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I haven't personally used this product, but the price was good, delivery was easy, and it was a good gift choice.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Dc23, Great! We're glad that your investment is worth it and you appreciate the overall features of the speaker. The SRS-XB23 speaker features EXTRA BASS for a deep, punchy sound and with a battery that can last up to 12 hours. The newly developed X-Balanced Speaker Unit in the XB23 achieves high sound quality and powerful sound pressure for a richer, deeper, more rewarding listening experience. The speaker is also waterproof and salt water resistant—so you've no worries using it by the sea or the pool—and there's no problem washing it either. Thank you for your purchase and for the 5-star rating! -Jess
Best buy
||Posted . Owned for 1.5 years when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Is a me or Bluetooth speaker, but I turn it back because I don’t like to control it with my phone
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Garduno2021,
Thank you for the 5-star rating. We're sorry to hear that. To further assist you with your concern, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:
Name:
Best Buy Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
Regards,
David
Sounds great
||Posted . Owned for 8 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.It’s quite a power house. I am far from an audiophile, but it does what I need it to do.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Rudy, we're glad you are enjoying our product. Compact, lightweight and easy to carry, the SRS-XB23 combines punchy bass sound with a tough, durable, go-anywhere design. Thanks for choosing SONY. ~Earl
Awesome speaker
||Posted . Owned for 7 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Awesome speaker. Just rolls around when i try to put it on my dashboard. Dropped it a few times, hasn't affected it.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Irish666, Great! We're very happy to hear you like the sturdy built quality of your new Sony XB23. The XB23 is rated IP67 waterproof and dustproof resistant with up to 12 hours of battery life so your music never gets left behind Keep the good times going with super-efficient USB-C charging and control sound settings with the Sony Music Center app. Thanks for choosing Sony! -Sam
Like it even better than my SRS-XB20
|Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Before receiving the XB23 BT speaker, I already owned an XB20 and have been very happy with it. As a Realtor, one of the activities I use the speaker for are Open House events – to set the mood with a little background music. It tends to facilitate conversations with potential clients and customers, sometimes just in regard to the music. I once sold a woman on the purchase of a Maria Muldaur CD, but unfortunately not the house. That said, I was interested in seeing what the newest Sony BT speakers had to offer. Dust-proof, shock resistance, water-proof, and different design features – to name a few changes. Granted, I never really researched the full potential of my old Sony BT speaker, but I am curious as to what I missed now. For example, the new speaker has a call feature that allows it to be used as a speaker phone of sorts. Not sure if the old speaker had that option. Part of my problem is that I am not good at “reading” picture-only product manuals. I miss the words and am perhaps too lazy to interpret the drawings of what Sony is try to explain to me. I strongly encourage anyone purchasing this speaker to download the Sony Music Center app – if for no other reason than to adjust the setting to “extra Bass”. I find it provides a more enjoyable, robust sound, especially in outdoor situations. The build quality of the unit is nice, the shape and simple controls make it easy to use in just about any application. Personally, I plan to use it on the deck for parties, inside my house and garage, as well as outside while working on projects. Although I have wireless earbuds, I much prefer a stand-alone speaker as long as the music, podcast, or audiobook does not interfere with the comfort and well-being of others. This speaker can be used in conjunction with up to 100 other similar speakers for a REALLY BIG party setting. More interesting, I think is the ability to connect with one other XB23 speaker to create a true stereo effect. (Via the Sony Music Center app you can select “stereo” setting and when the speaker is positioned in a horizontal position you have a much smaller stereo vs mono effect.) Although Sony has more expensive models – XB33 and XB43 – which I am not familiar with, I am very happy with the XB23 and would not hesitate to recommend this Bluetooth speaker to others.
I would recommend this to a friendBig B
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I have two of them and I like that you can spread them out and still hear the music anywhere.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Nothanks,
Great! We're glad that you are enjoying the sound quality of the speaker. Go anywhere with full, crisp sound in a lightweight, stylish design. The XB23 is IP67 waterproof, rustproof, dustproof, and shockproof, with up to 12 hours of battery life, so your music never gets left behind. Keep the good times going with super-efficient USB-C charging, and control sound settings with the Sony | Music Center app. Thanks for choosing Sony!
-Ralph