Customer Ratings & Reviews

It's too heavy and it really doesn't sound that great outdoors. I would return it if I could.

I purchased this Bluetooth stereo system as a birthday gift and the recipient was pleasantly pleased. I would recommend getting this item on sale.

Amazing it works Great!!!! Definitely a great Product!

I just bought this speaker, and Oh. My. God, it sounds awesome!! I would highly recommend it to someone!!

Tbh is has been a great addition to assist with back yard parties and days at the lake

Needed a new bluetooth speaker because old one was too small and not loud enough for my taste..

Bought 2 of these to connect. Perfect for get togethers. Use them all the time.

Sony makes the best speakers, that’s why I bought 2.

The SRS XB43 is Sony’s newest large-but-portable Bluetooth speaker. It replaces the prior XB41 model (there is no XB42). Sony also has released the XB33 and XB23 which are midsized and compact, respectively. PROs • New in this model are dual tweeters. This is a much appreciated upgrade, and adds crisp vocals to the excellent bass. The tweeters deliver nice clarity to high frequency sounds instead of making them sound muffled or tinny. This is the number one reason to put this speaker on your short list, or consider upgrading if you have the XB41. • Allows two simultaneous Bluetooth connections without having to switch manually. When you play sound from one device, it automatically pauses the other sound from the other device. In my case, I use the speaker with both a desktop and a mobile phone, so it’s extremely convenient to not have to fiddle with settings. • Has an input microphone so that it can be used as a speakerphone when paired to your mobile phone. • Devices can be plugged in via an audio cable (stereo mini jack). Bluetooth input will not work while an audio cable is plugged in, except for phone calls. • Quick access button on top to switch between Extra Bass and Live Sound. Both settings are great depending on what you’re listen to. Further sound customization is also possible via the Sony Music Center app. • Can charge your phone when the phone is plugged into the standard USB port, which serves as a DC out only. • Waterproof IPX7 (salt water resistant), and dust proof IPX6. • 24 hour battery life, but only if in Stamina mode, which turns off extra bass and lights. Up to 14 hours with extra bass turned on. Of course, loud playback volume and lights reduce that max. CONs • It’s heavier and bigger than the prior model. While it’s still portable in size, at 6.5 pounds, it will certainly add weight. • Speakerphone functionality only works if one Bluetooth is paired with it. Not sure if that’s a deficiency in the Bluetooth standard or Sony’s engineering, but I do wish I could still use it as a speakerphone even when two devices are connected to it. • Though water- and dust- proof, it’s not shockproof like the XB33 and XB23 models, so don’t drop it. OTHER • Passive radiators have been moved to the side from the front like in the XB41. This follows the trend of other manufacturers, and it may or may not affect sound quality depending on where you place the speaker. • Charges via a USB-C port input. • The paper manual is sparse. For detailed instructions and features, see Sony’s help page at https://helpguide.sony.net/speaker/srs-xb43/v1/en/contents/TP0002741512.html This is a terrific Bluetooth speaker, and the new tweeters have stepped up the sound. It should certainly be on your shortlist.

Good service, on-time, helpful suggestions All was OK. Person was very knowledgeable.

Man is this speaker a thumper but for every day use I would go smaller as this is just a space hog.

It’s really great , sounds amazing loud base perfect for family gathering or get together

Great speaker Easy to pair with multiple devices Had same speaker but it was stolen from my hotel room

i was a sceptic but this Speaker delivers ! I am extremely impressed.

I have owned several Sony bluetooth speakers and in my humble opinion are the best bang for your buck for their size. Sure, you can get smaller ones (cheaper) or even bigger ones (louder) but the Sony speakers are at the top of the list in features, sound quality and build. They're pricey, given that there's lots of options out there, but the value is there. If you are in the market for a Bluetooth speaker, Sony's XB line has to be on your list to consider. XB LINE First, I want to say that there are several different speakers in the XB line. They all have similar features, but the distinguishing factors are that the higher number models are larger, louder, and longer battery life. This review will apply to the XB-43 (the largest one) which I highly recommend, but if it's too big for you, I still recommend the lower model number XB speakers. IN THE BOX There's not much, it's the speaker and the charger. Sony has FINALLY gotten away from proprietary charging ports or micro-USB. The world is moving to USB-C and while using the included charger is probably best in terms of charging the speaker quickly, it's nice knowing that you could at least use a standard USB-C charger in a pinch. BUILD QUALITY The first thing you will notice with the XB43 is that it is large and heavy. To me this isn't a bad thing. While it's too bulky and heavy to throw in your backpack in the event you might use a speaker, but if you know you are going to use a speaker somewhere (pool, beach, outdoor party, etc.) it is the one to take with you. It's build quality is impeccable. It is highly durable (more on that) and just feels solid. It's surrounded with some kind of special Japanese fabric (whatever that may be) that Sony has been using for some time now. I can speak from experience that the fabric repels water (although it gets damp) and can be easily cleaned (mud, sand). I have an older model that's 2 years old now and it still looks new and out of the box. EASE OF USE Most Bluetooth devices nowadays are easy to use and setup. And the XB43 falls in this category. You turn it on for the first time and it's in pairing mode and you can easily connect it with your phone. No issues there. After the initial setup, you turn it on and it connects almost immediately to your phone. The buttons on the top of the speaker are the only ones you need: power, Bluetooth (for pairing), volume, play/pause and "live". It's not complicated to use and very intuitive. There are more buttons and ports hidden behind a waterproof flap. There you will find the USB-C charging port, a standard USB-A port (to charge your phone), a button to turn off the lights and a button to pair the XB43 with other Sony speakers. Again, it's simple and intuitive. FEATURES In terms of features, aside from sound quality, there's not much, but it's a Bluetooth speaker and you don't need much. You can charge your phone from the speaker (which is a plus) and it's waterproof and salt water proof. You can drop this in the water and it will be fine. Now, I wouldn't recommend it because it's so heavy it will sink. But you can take this speaker anywhere and not worry about damage. For an outdoor speaker, this is a gigantic plus. It has party lights. During the day, at the pool, the lights aren't worth anything because you can't see them. But at night, it's pretty cool. Not necessary, but I personally love them. The lights don't coincide with the music, but who cares (supposedly if you download the Sony app it will do that). But this is something you will either love or hate. I think it adds a nice atmosphere for a late night party, especially one at the pool. The other nice features are stereo pairing or party chaining. If you had two XB speakers, you can connect them wirelessly for stereo sound. Or you can daisy chain them so to speak and place them at different locations in the room where you're listening to music to have two sources of audio. Obviously, these are expensive speakers and buying two for this purpose is a tough sell, but it's nice to have that option especially if you have an older XB model that has this same feature. Another feature that cannot be overlooked, battery life. It's rated for 24 hours without lights or 14 with the lights. Either way, so long as you charged it recently, it will outlast almost any party you might throw. I use mine doing yard work, playing it outside, and I don't have to worry about it dying or keeping the charge up. It just keeps on going. Again, even if you use the lights, you don't have to worry about it dying when you need it. SOUND SIZE Saving the most important for last. Sound quality. This speaker sounds great. It's loud, which makes it perfect for outdoors, and it is extremely balanced. It has better bass than most portable speakers, but it's not too overpowering. Whether you're listening to pop, rap, country or classical you will not be disappointed. It has terrific range. It's actually the single best reason you should consider buying it. Side note, there is a "live" feature, which can be activated via button on top of the speaker. It does some musical wizardry to make your music sound like a live concert. I've tried it, and I don't dislike it, but I just prefer the normal sound of the track. But it's a nice option that doesn't get in the way (and it's not on by default). CONCLUSION At $250 in a time where Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen, this speaker can be a tough sell. But I assure you, if you are looking for the best sound quality in an extremely durable speaker, that lasts forever, you have to consider this speaker. It would be your go to all the time, for any situation. Just note though, it is extremely heavy, so I wouldn't just throw it in a backpack and carry it around in case you might use a speaker later in the day. If you are the type to keep a speaker with you at all times I would encourage you to look at the smaller XB models. But if you want the best, the loudest, with the longest battery life, this is the speaker to get. Highly recommend it despite the price. It's worth it.

Unlike my other speakers, this one achieves full power without having to be plugged in.

Price matched for us! Excellent Bluetooth speaker. Exactly what we were looking for!

My husband loves it. I like the different colors changes that it has too.

I love this thing. Works well for what we need. Bought it for Christmas.

Does everything advertised and more. Great item and great price.