Customer Ratings & Reviews

Sony’s SRS series portable speakers are designed to have powerful sound anywhere you go. They produce a full-range sound and line-shape diffuser for the best wider listening area by spreading the sound further and wider to the sides. Contrary to similar speakers, which transmit the sound mostly when you are in front of the speaker. The sound gets correctly balanced, which produces a high-quality sound without distortion. The bass is acceptable. It is designed to make this truly portable to take anywhere (beach, pool, park, etc.) since it is water, sand, and shock proof. I get many listening hours at medium volume on a single full charge. Not sure how long it will last at total blast volume. It gets fully charged very quickly and comes with its own USB-C type charging cable. Note that it doesn’t come with a wall charger. I feel this is not an issue for most people since you can use a wall charger from your other devices (e.g., mobile phone). Using a standard wall charger for many devices is excellent for reducing production costs and, simultaneously, helping the environment—props to Sony designers for being environmentally responsible. With the Sony SRS series speakers, you can optimize your sound experience with the control Party Connect feature via the Sony Music Center app. If the speakers are of the same models, you can have one speaker play sound on the right side while another plays on the left side. The Music Center app has features to change the setting and play with your music. Overall, this is a good speaker; if you get more than one, you can experience the best sound through party connect.

Great speaker ! Would recommend getting two if getting this size , to get that full stereo effect.

The Sony XE200 wireless portable Bluetooth speaker is a major update to Sony’s line of compact Bluetooth speakers. It is a surprisingly powerful unit with very nice sound quality and some great bonus features. Compared to the alternatives available it is one of the best values on the market. This year Sony once again upgraded its popular line of wireless Bluetooth speakers with a family of three new units: XE200, XE300 and XG300. These have some similar features (Line Shape Diffuser, Live Sound mode, water and dust proof case, inter-speaker connectivity, lighting effects) but differ in speaker size, battery life and price. The largest (XG300) is 12.6 inches long, weighs 6.1 pounds and has two 60 x 70 mm speakers plus two tweeters. The midsize (XE300) is 9.4 inches long, weighs 2.1 pounds and has two 49 x 71 mm speakers. The smallest (XE200) is 8.2 inches long, weighs 1.7 pounds and has two 42 x 51 mm speakers. The XG300 costs about 1.75 times the XE300 and the XE200 costs about 65% the XE300’s price. There are advantages to each but this review will concentrate on the XE200. Sony is one of the largest consumer electronic companies in the world. It began in 1946 as an electronics shop but soon began producing its own products, starting with tape recorders and transistor radios in the mid-1950s. Sony built a reputation for quality and introduced many innovations in portable audio, including the Walkman in 1979, the CD disc in 1983, flash memory for audio and video in 1998 and the Blu-ray HD disc in 2000. Its consumer audio products including stereo component systems, speakers and headphones are very well-regarded for quality and features. Here is a summary of the key features: • Sony Wireless Line Shape Diffuser Speaker – Model SRS-XE200 • X-Balanced Line Shape Diffuser distributes sound evenly and across a wider area • Bluetooth Version 5.2 supports SBC/AAC/LDAC codecs, multi-point connections • Two 42 x 51 mm speakers plus two passive radiators generate deep bass notes • Frequency response: 100 – 10,000 Hz, less than 1% total harmonic distortion • Built-in microphone with echo-cancelling technology for phone conversations • Voice guidance for primary functions (Bluetooth connection, battery, phone calls) • Power, Bluetooth access, Volume, MIcrophone and Stamina (battery saver) controls on speaker • Sony Music Center app provides additional controls • Water-proof, dust-proof (IPX67) • Shock-resistant up to four feet drop on plywood • Easy-clean silicon and silicon-infused fabric surfaces • Up to 16 hours of listening time on full charge (which requires 4 hours) • 70 minutes of playing time from 10 minute quick charge • USB-C power connection port behind waterproof seal • Acceptable operating temperature range: 41 – 95 degrees F • Dimensions: 8.2 inch height, 3.7 inch depth, 3.5 inch width; Weight: 1.7 pounds • Includes USB-C cable, carrying strap, quick start guide, full instructions • One year warranty on parts and labor After extensive testing of the Sony XE200 speaker in a wide variety of applications my conclusion is that this very compact unit has a superb combination of features, power and sound quality which surpass the vast majority of its competitors in its price range. The XE200 differs in a few respects from the older XB generation of Bluetooth speakers. The most prominent change is the vertical (vs. horizontal) orientation. Sony is utilizing a new technology – a line shape diffuser with X-balanced speakers. It is slightly larger and the exterior has a fabric grill surface over the front speaker area. The speaker has a pentagonal shape which reflects the X-balanced speakers inside. The speaker is designed to be placed in a vertical position with the line shape diffuser projecting sound out in a semi-circle from the front of the speaker. You can switch the speaker from mono mode to stereo mode using the Sony Music Center app, if you want to use it in a horizontal position. But if you do so, the stereo separation isn’t that pronounced and you will lose some of the benefits of the line diffuser. The sound produced by this speaker is distortion-free and steady at both low and very high volumes. The twin speakers are larger than their predecessors and use the passive radiators to produce substantial bass power. Within the Music Center app are equalizer controls for bass, mid-range and treble enhancement. However, the default Sony settings really seemed to produce the best result for most music, especially vocals, jazz and rock. You will not get studio reference sound from this compact speaker (the lack of clarity in its highs notes confirms its stated 100 – 10,000 Hz speaker range) but it is clearly on a par with other compact portable Bluetooth speakers at its price point. What you will get is that expected Sony quality and reliability, plus nice bonus features like durability, long battery life, strong bass response and the ability to connect to other Sony speakers. The 5.2 Bluetooth connection process was effortless and solid from every device I tried (phone, tablet, laptop). The connection was very stable up to about 45 feet from my music source. One nice bonus feature is the ability to connect a chain of multiple Sony speakers which can extend your music throughout a large home or provide multiple sound sources in the same room. If you add a second XE200 you can use the Music Center to define them as left and right stereo outputs and greatly enhance the effective sound stage. Another use for the speaker is to create a high quality speaker phone by linking it to your phone – much better sound than using your phone’s tiny speakers for conversations. The built-in microphone was very effective for this purpose and has echo-cancelling capability to improve the audio quality. You can feel very comfortable taking this sturdy speaker to the beach or any outdoor activity. It has a rating of IXP67 which means that it is completely dustproof and waterproof for up to 30 minutes in three feet of water. It has also been designed to resist damage from drops of up to 4 feet. The carrying strap is a nice length for hooking it onto your bike, backpack or just looping it over your arm. I mentioned that this speaker is one of a set of three new speakers from Sony. Which one should you buy? Well, if you are willing to spend the price of the XE300, consider buying two of these XE200 speakers instead, for just slightly more. You will then have a much richer auditory environment by placing two of these speakers in your room or in your outdoor venue than you would have from a single XE300. The sound quality will be about the same but having a pair of XE200 speakers gives you many more options. The bottom line on this sturdy, waterproof speaker is that is provides excellent sound quality from a very compact body at a very affordable price. I endorse it without reservation!

As one of the best-known Japanese technology brands in the world, Sony’s vast product portfolio encompasses all sorts of highly-renowned electronics from top-of-the-line TVs to $20 corded headphones. It comes as no surprise that Sony was among the earliest to market with bluetooth-compatible boomboxes, later evolving into the ubiquitous bluetooth speakers we see everywhere today. The SRSXE200 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is their latest offering in the segment, acting as the entry level item among multiple new bluetooth speakers in the X-Series range. Despite its diminutive size, the SRSXE200 brings room-filling audio and power that’s as at home on the nightstand as it is next to the pool. As with any review of audio equipment, my impressions of sound quality will be subjective. I’ve tried to present them as objectively as possible, but in any case, I highly recommend demoing the speaker in-person at your nearest Best Buy prior to purchase. - Unboxing and Setup Shipped in recycled cardboard with a cloth covering on the speaker and instruction pamphlets kept to a minimum, I applaud Sony’s choice of eco-conscious packaging here. All items are recyclable, which is a welcome sight to see. The SRSXE200 is covered in soft-touch rubber and a cloth mesh, with the only opening being a small door that covers the USB-C charging port. This helps ensure it survives splashes or brief jaunts into the water, meeting the IP67 water-resistance rating. The speaker is pretty weighty at about 2 pounds - it’s far from the lightest speaker I’ve used but it feels very solid as a result. Buttons are clearly labeled and integrated into the soft-touch rubber - there’s a premium feel to the device overall. Setup is as straightforward as can be - hold the Bluetooth button to pair and locate the speaker from your device’s bluetooth menu. The speaker allows for multiple active pairings, letting you seamlessly switch between devices as you go. It won’t allow for simultaneous playback, however - the most recent play command will take control of the speaker. The speaker also includes a microphone for conference calls, which is very handy. The only thing missing I could possibly ask for is a 3.5mm microphone port for legacy devices, but these are becoming fewer in number, and having an exposed port would likely compromise the speaker’s water resistance rating. - Sound Quality Sony has once again worked its engineering magic to deliver a shocking amount of volume and clarity from such a small device. Optimized for as grand a sound stage as possible to fill a room or patio with audio, the SRSXE200 brings serious audio power to any situation. Dual passive radiators are a major selling point for delivering a surprising amount of bass across a good distance. Overall, the sound profile leans away from deep, boomy bass and compensates with strong response further up the band. Up close, the bass doesn’t get particularly deep and does take on a little bit of muddiness, but at a distance of more than a few feet it becomes clear that punchy bass was the goal. Bass notes are audible and clear at a long distance, which was particularly impressive at a small party. Even as we cranked the volume the audio didn’t distort, though as expected the bass response did fall off a little as the speakers, while strong, just aren’t big enough to deliver heavy bass at high volume. Mids and treble are crisp and clear at any distance, seemingly neutral on frequency response. Of course, one thing you won’t get with a speaker this small is a wide soundstage. While multiple speakers are present, it’s unlikely you’ll experience any sort of stereo effect as there’s little space to recreate decent stereo separation. Again, Sony aimed for room-filling audio from the single device and they’ve done a good job at that. You can, however, pair two identical Sony bluetooth speakers together in “Stereo Pair” to allow the speakers to act as left and right channels independently. The built-in microphone for voice calls works well enough. It doesn’t pick up from a far distance - you’ll need to be within a couple feet of the speaker to be heard clearly - but my callers said my voice was otherwise clear and conversation carried on normally without me raising my voice for the speaker to pickup. No complaints here. - Connectivity and Battery Life The Bluetooth range on the SRSXE200 is quite strong. I didn’t experience a disconnect from my phone until I was nearly past my neighbors’ house, over 100 feet away and through insulating walls. I never experienced a connection drop anywhere in my house or garage as I toted the speaker around with its carrying strap. All my devices with audio support had no issue finding or pairing with the speaker. Battery life and charge times are excellent. 2-3 hours charging on USB-C will yield a full charge, which Sony quotes at 16 hours for this speaker. I haven’t run the battery down fully yet to verify the claim, but with a full weekend of standby and a few hours of audio playback I only dipped to approximately 60% charge (pressing the BATT button will announce current charge state in 20% increments). I can certainly see this going the full 16 hours of playback and then some - in my experience Sony does somewhat underrate their battery life. Sony offers a feature called “Party Connect” which allows compatible speakers to synchronize their audio playback, creating a network of up to 100 speakers that can output the audio from a single device. I wasn’t able to test this as I don’t own any other compatible devices, but the prospect of having these spread about the house or patio for gatherings is a compelling feature I might embrace in the future. - Bottom Line The Sony SRSXE200 Portable Bluetooth Speaker delivers strong audio suitable for any environment. While bass response is on the weaker side, the volume and power on tap bring room-filling audio from a surprisingly compact device. An all-day battery and ubiquitous USB-C charging help keep the music going for hours on end, and the ability to connect multiple devices to the speaker and network said speakers with others for more grand audio setups is a huge boon. At $129 MSRP, Sony’s latest bluetooth speaker offering is priced right and fits pretty much anywhere. Recommended!

I'd like to say that I'm using this new Sony SRS-XE300 for myself - but my Daughter is a Senior on the school dance team and has commandeered the unit to practice dance! Definitely big sounds come from this small package - and she's loving it. It was extremely easy to pair to her iPhone, provide a great deal of sound, battery last forever (up to 24 hours) and since it's rugged and waterproof - you really can't go wrong! She charges it overnight about once a week. The size is great for her duffle bag and light to carry around with no effort at all. When it's at home and charging - she uses it as a speaker phone at her desk. It provide pretty good quality voice audio and appears to cancel and echo of the incoming speaker. The mute button is easy to access in case you need to put yourself on mute quick (like due to the dog, UPS man, etc). Overall - I recommend this bluetooth speaker if you're looking for a rugged and portable device. Download the Sony apps to gain access to addition special effects and sounds too! Lastly - although I only have one - if your friends buy one as well, you can use Party Connect to link up to 100 of these devices together. That would be mind blowing!

I wanted to like this speaker, but the sound quality is just lousy. Size is well enough. Looks slightly more stylish than the competition. But man, that's where yhe compliments end. Downloaded the Sony Music app, updated the software. Only has a 3-slider EQ. Can move bass up, but then everything else gets washed out. Theres no balance. When you lower mids the music sounds underwater. When highs are bumped up, it makes everything sound shrill. This speaker manages to mangle music into noise. It might work for others, but it just sounds hollow. Mediocre effort.

The Sony SRS-XE200 Portable Bluetooth speaker is the smallest in the new line of Sony’s Bluetooth category. There are some new technologies that make this XE200 a real winner. It is more than capable holding its own with a small size and technical advances in Bluetooth digital music. General Information It comes in 4 colors to suite your personality: Orange, Blue, Black and Light Grey (I have the black color version). The Sony SRS-XE200 has a carry strap, great surface grip; a quick charging battery can answer phone calls. A 10-minute charge gave me 70-minutes of play time. When the XE200 is fully you charged up you get an astounding 16 hours! I only charged the XE200 every other day. It is nice not to be tied to battery capacity. Receiving phone calls are not a problem, but the issue for me is the mic. You can hear the person on the other side, but for them to hear you, I had to take the XE200 put up against my face! That seemed to be the only way I was able to communicate via the calling feature. Water is not a problem. The SonyXE200 is splash proof with a rating of IP67. This means that you should not dunk it in the water, but a splash of water won’t bother the speaker. The next feature for the XE200 is the fact it is dust proof! When the XE200 is at the beach, don’t worry about sand. The XE200 will take care of your overall performance from any sand getting into the unit. Line-Shape Diffuser The “Line-Shape Diffuser” allows the listener to get the same first row sound, but from the sides of the XE200 Bluetooth speaker. While it’s not a full 180-degree angle of front row sound, it’s pretty close. Turning the speaker slowly around in a circle, you will be able to hear the difference. I thought this was interesting and just a great idea because everyone wants to hear the quality music as best as possible. I found that this tech really spread the music around a broader area, rounding out the front part of the XE200 speaker. It is for real and is ideal for a small group setting for background listening enjoyment. It is just the right size not to take over a group but to blend in the surroundings providing a soundtrack for whatever you are doing; hanging out, games, fire pit gatherings, or even just wanting to hear music together. The XE200 does a beautiful job of this. X-Balanced The “X-Balanced” speaker tech also allows for a more enjoyable sound because of its “Non-Circular Diaphragm.” Most Bluetooth speakers are round. The XE200 speakers are not circular, they are more of an oblong shape. What does this mean? The pressure created works as hard as it can to produce a larger sound from a smaller speaker “without distortion.” I thought the “X-Balanced “(even the speaker has a cloth material surrounding it in the shape of an X) worked really well in aiding with more output and greater sound from a smaller footprint Bluetooth speaker. Dual passive radiators don’t hurt the sound either! They use the pressure inside the speaker to move the passive radiators making the sound scope of the XE200 deeper and wider. Sony App (pt I) You will want to download the accompanying “Sony Music App.” Why? It’s a cinch to do it and it provides a customizable EQ for the high/mid/low levels. I loved this feature. With different music I adjusted the EQ for maximum quality sound depending on the genre. In the App, this enabled the option to choose the preset “Clear Audio +”. It is simply a preprogrammed EQ from the App. The App also allows for connecting to other Sony speakers (certain speakers listed in the App) for true stereo sound. I listened to songs from Pop, Rock, Metal, Alt, Jazz, Blues, Rockabilly and Classical music genres through the XE200. I found that the XE200 performed its best with music associated with mid to high bandwidth. Jazz, Classical, some pop & rock and blues sounded really well rounded in the mid to high music. Low pitched volume is just not in the cards for the XE200 because of its size. It is also important to note, that you can crank up the volume with “no distortion”! The XE200 definitely got louder not necessarily more dynamic, but hey, it’s a smaller size Bluetooth speaker. It did still sound great! Sony App (pt II) Along with the Sony Music App’s customizable EQ, there is a Spotify choice for your music or a selection from a source on your phone, computer or laptop that has MP3 files on it. You can also choose from several types of “Connection types.” There were several to choose from, but I chose the “sound quality” option which made a difference in the way the XE200 showcased music. Another unique and very helpful guide to the XE200 Bluetooth speaker was the “voice.’ It spoke when I paired the XE200, battery life or turning it on/off. I also choose the “Stand by” feature that turns off the XE200 when there is no activity for 15 minutes. Just the “right” size It is on the cusp of being just a little bit bigger and weighing a little than some micro speakers, but I still enjoyed the XE200 on my morning walks. I found the size, weight, grip material, carrying strap and overall sound to work very well. It is a tough speaker (shock proof actually), because when I dropped it - nothing broke or was damaged in any way! Perfect! I had no issues (weighs only a 1 lb) and was pleased to have some music with me when I walked 2-3 miles every day (I always kept the volume low - as not to disturb other people). I also liked to listen to the XE200 at night. I had the volume turned down to a low setting, kept the speaker close and bothered no one. I do that about every night! The size of the XE200 is great because it leaves a small footprint but offers a robust sound. Sometimes I go in my bedroom and the speaker is on, but I cannot tell where the sound is coming from. What a great use of tech to build such a ‘wide sound stage”. Take your music with you or listen to it at home. Fine tune it with the App wherever you go. The Sony SRS-XE200 portable Bluetooth speaker checks all the right boxes for quality, features, durability and most importantly sound.

Sony never ceases to amaze me with their audio tech. This latest XE300 bluetooth speaker is no different. First listen and be blown away. Pros: *Big sound in a little package *Competitively priced in this premium segment *Full featured *Battery protect mode that only lets you charge to 90% Cons: *Must use phone app for most of the features *No rubber feet to prevent marring *Limited buttons Don’t be caught off guard at the small-ish form factor. It’s not comically small and not enormously cumbersome. I would consider this to be the best size for both portability and stationary bluetooth speaker. Even with the small-ish form factor, it weighs in at a respectable 3lbs. Out of the box, the speaker came pre-charged for immediate use. Comes with just a USB-C cable. To fully unlock all the features, you will need to download and use the app. It came with a flat EQ and mono. After tinkering around with the semi-intuitive app, tuning your EQ to your liking and enabling “stereo” should be the first two things you do after pairing. What this speaker does well is the sound and connectivity. It pairs with my iphone 13 pro almost immediately and rarely without hiccup. After fine tuning the EQ to my liking, the bass is very respectable for the size and nearly zero distortion on full volume. Full volume is loud for inside the house but can be lacking outside if you’re 20+ feet away. The speaker touts its ability to be water and dust proof. That insinuates that it’s a “go anywhere” speaker but the fit and finish is more for indoor use than outdoors. The soft touch plastics can easily get marred and especially when it doesn’t come with little rubber feet to keep the sides from making contact. The speaker can be placed either vertical or horizontal. The unique shaped woofers lead to a very wide soundstage. This innovative design works great and I hope future iterations include the design. Do note that with a vertical orientation, the side buttons are very hard to press without two hands. The speaker does sound slightly better horizontally. In summary, I do recommend this speaker to anyone in the market for a mid sized bluetooth speaker that sounds and looks great. The long battery life is enough to satisfy most needs but why advertise water and dust proof if the speaker doesn’t have “feet” to keep your speaker looking pristine? I guess just place it on tables and grass and not on concrete or uneven rocks.

It sounds okay, but not as good as the sales person said

The Sony XE200 is one of Sony’s latest Bluetooth portable speakers. This speaker boasts a “line shaped diffuser and X-balanced speakers” to provide a wide sound stage. In addition, this speaker keeps the IP67 rating that many of Sony’s portage speaker provide. After using this speaker, it leaves much to be desired. In The Box: - XE200 Speaker - USB to USB-C Charging Cable - Manuals/Quick Start Guide Setup: Out of the box setup is a breeze if you already have the Sony Music Center App. Open this up with the speaker powered on and the app finds the speaker immediately. Once you go through the few screens to register your speaker, it’s ready to go! If you want to pair this via Bluetooth, you can do this too by going through your devices Bluetooth settings and finding the XE200. Either method is very simple. Since this speaker supports BT 5.2, this allows you to enable faster connecting/pairing with supported devices. I would recommend using the Sony app so you can get the most out of this speaker in terms of setting, EQ, and power options. The speaker has dedicated buttons on the side for most tasks but this doesn’t allow EQ adjustment. Speaking of the buttons, they are very tactile and are easy to read/use. You’ll find buttons for power On/Off, BT Pairing, Play/Pause/Phone, Volume Up/Down, and Battery Saver? and Mute Mic. The speaker design is fairly nice with a flap on the back for USB-C charging. The cloth strap feels robust and the overall build quality seems up to Sony standards. Here is where the disappointment starts. Sound Quality: Given I have had MANY encounters with Sony portable speakers over the years along with headphones of all types, I had an expectation with this speaker. Well, this is the first time that expectation was not met and actually I would go as far to say this has a disappointing sound quality. Now let me preface this with the fact that I understand this is not part of their XB series speakers which offer Extra Bass but even given this fact, the speaker sounds extra flat. I have tried EQ adjustments and different streaming methods with no avail. The speaker holds pretty true to Sony’s claims of very little distortion but as the volume exceeds that 60% threshold or so the speaker loses what little bass it has. The speaker volume is acceptable although I would say it’s not overly loud but because this is their entry level X series product it more than acceptable in that department. Because sound quality did not meet my expectations (and is the primary function of speaker like this) I would highly recommend looking at Sony’s XB series. The XB33 is right around the same price and should offer sound just like my XB31 which is far superior sounding. The only downside is it might be missing a few features this speaker has but offers others that this one doesn’t have. It’s a tradeoff. Features: The XE200 has enhanced microphone technology called “Echo Cancelling Technology”. This allows two people to talk at the same time without cutting one of them off. It also has multipoint connection to allow two devices to connect at the same time. The microphones seemed to perform fine in my testing with the device. The speaker features quick charging capabilities and battery care. There is a setting to limit charging to 90% of capacity in hopes of the battery lasting longer. I turned this on because 90% of the 16hr claimed battery life is plenty for me as I always charge up before 0%. The quick charge gives you 70 minutes of playback in just 10 minutes of charging. The IP67 rating means this speaker is dust and water proof and offers shock resistance. The carrying strap should help with transportation as does the small size. Overall: This was the first Sony product I can recall in many years to not meet my expectations in sound quality. Even though this is the entry level speaker in this lineup, it doesn’t compare to the similarly priced XB33 in terms of sound quality. When you compare those two speakers, the size, weight, and price are so close that I would happily loose one or two features for better low end sound quality. Hopefully this helps anyone looking into the XE200 that might want some low end tones in their portable speaker. The XE200 just doesn’t offer that like the XB series even in the same size speaker. Pros: - Compact, light - Design, Build Quality - Buttons, Carrying Strap - IP67 Rating - Microphones - BT 5.2 Connectivity Cons: - Sounds Extremely Flat (Even for it’s size) - No Reverse Charging (Powerbank function)

The XE200 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker By Sony is a very compact little sound powerhouse. It can provide up to 16 hours of audio entertainment when paired to your android or iPhone. Like some other speakers it can be daisy chained to other compatible speakers to play music through all of them in complete synchronization to provide a genuine party like environment for you and your friends at nearly any type of gathering. The XE200 has a Line-Shape Diffuser speaker system that will pump out music to a full 180 degrees giving full sound even to the sides of the speaker, not just to listeners directly in front of the speaker or speakers as the case may be. And its dual passive radiators at the ends of the speaker add a degree of depth to the bass reproduction you can feel in your bones.! It is very lightweight and easy to take along nearly anywhere.! Don't worry about if you should pack it along on camping trips, hiking expeditions or a day by water. Its IP67 waterproof, dustproof and shockproof design gives it the versatility of coming along on nearly any adventure you have planned. I do wish it had the ability to be used to charge other devices when out and about like some others but it doesn't do that.

This is my third Sony portable Bluetooth speaker, and I am always impressed. I got a slightly larger version than my previous one. This does come with a rubber type grip so you have hold it when wet or when your hands are greasy from sunscreen etc. I did not throw this in the water, but I believe Sony when they say it is IP67. There is a flap on the back for the power cord, close this of course. Sony suggests their Music Center app and Fiestable. If you have multiples of these you will need the app to sync them. If you have older versions, they will not sync even with the app. If you just have 1 speaker, you can probably skip the apps. I could just sync mine like I would any Bluetooth speaker.There are no longer LED lights to sync to the music. The sound is very good, I liked the bass. It was not overkill. You can direct the sound, lay the speaker flat or have it stand upright. I tossed it in my backpack and took it to the park. It was pretty good and people liked it. It is large but not too heavy to carry around.

This Sony portable speaker is a winner. It easily connects to bluetooth after charging with a USB-C charger. Once it is turned on the quality of the sound is noticeable immediately. Full Bass, clear sound quality are evident. Sony calls it "X-Balanced Technology". I call it supreme clear sound quality. I am no audio expert, but I own other portable speakers and can tell you this one has the best sound quality. You can stand the unit vertically or horizontally. The unit has a solid hand strap. The outer layer case has a solid feel. The coating has a rubber feel. The speaker is waterproof and can accept phone calls as well. The microphone seems to work very well as I tested it. The full charge lasts and lasts. I used it a good part of 2 and a half days before recharging it. They say charge can last up to 24 hours. The unit has a quick charge function that can give you about an hour of use on a 10min charge. The charging technology keeps the charge just under 100% to keep a longer battety life. Again, all great features that Sony put into this speaker. The speaker is also waterproof. If this were not enough the Sony app works great with the speaker. An app is not necessary to use this speaker, but it is another added feature that enhances your listening experience with many features built into the app. Sony did a great job in this product build. I am sure that I will get many years of great use from it.

This is a very nice Bluetooth speaker. I will start out by saying I really thought Sony marketing the Line-Shape Diffuser design would be a gimmick but it turns out that’s it’s best feature. It’s similar to most others in this range sound wise. It definitely is very balanced and I couldn’t detect any distortion even at full volume. The clarity is excellent and the design really does spread out the sound and allows the speaker to be positioned and stable in any position. Bass is adequate for it’s size and portability. They make larger models if you want to thump around. I plan on picking up the SRS-XE300 also for those times where I want something larger with more bump. The case has excellent grip also. It’s a soft plastic and of course there is also a strap. The app is nice to manually adjust the sound and for future software updates but otherwise it really isn’t necessary or anything you will likely use much. I ran it 7 hours and 3/4 volume and it used about 40% battery so Sony’s estimates seem to be right on at 16 hours. I also like that none of the speakers are exposed. Makes for a cool look but more susceptible to damage. This thing looks and feels rock solid. This is a winner but I would recommend purchasing the bigger one if you need more kick. Live life loud out there.

As someone who has had a lot of experience with Sony products across the technology board, including many speakers, headphones, and AVRs, I have to admit, my expectations were not met with the XE200 as far as sound quality OUT OF THE BOX. I say out of the box, because with a little tweaking and knowledge, you can get a better quality, albeit not up to my personal standards but plug and play is barely good. That said, it’s important to remember what this speaker is; the entry level of a series with a rugged, portable, IP67 party speaker design. This isn’t marketed as your high quality full range home speaker, (Sony makes those too and I highly recommend them!) but this speaker is aimed at being a quick grab, easy set up and long lasting pool/beach side speaker. And it’s worth noting it does that very well. The IP67 rating means water or dust doesn’t stand a chance and you can enjoy music on the go in almost any environment. With a very easy pairing setup, you are technically ready to go. But this is where I start to nitpick and have some issues. SETUP The fact that it is advertised and easy on the go means most people won’t bother to do any fine tuning and therefore won’t get the best quality of audio. I myself was actually about to write a more critical review before I realized the Sony app Sony suggests you use IS actually useful. Once I was able to make some EQ adjustments and quality control options, I did notice a better overall sound. However, I still could hear the issues I noticed out of the box. SOUND The sound quality is just too muddy for my taste. Again, some EQ adjustments help here, but overall it sounds like a small speaker they tried hard to get as much low end out of that they could, resulting in a muddy mid range and lack of clarity. One other way to combat this is to actually turn it up, helping the smaller speakers to crank out the mids and highs more and balance out the sound. But it doesn’t change the fact that I opened a Sony branded speaker and had a very specific Sony quality in mind and was disappointed with what I heard. I actually walked away from it for a day because it was so disappointing. But then I saw Sony’s suggestion to use the app and take more control of the sound and it got me past buyers remorse and closer to “this will work in a pinch.” And like I said, I think that’s Sony’s goal here; for a little cheaper price, you can get a darn good speaker, built for any occasion; but it won’t blow away a picky audio ear. (check out their larger XG300 for some serious upgrade in quality …and price) Another note on audio quality that’s a bit odd to me, the speaker is very directional. I assumed it was designed to be placed in a corner of a room and have equal quality sound throughout, but it is definitely most clear sounding right in front but gets more muddy to the sides. This is more noticeable listening up close, if you turn it up and place it in a corner and step back, it does fill the room pretty equal, but that also means don’t expect this to be a great speaker at low levels and close proximity to the listener. OVERALL In the end, like any audio device, my opinion is subjective based on how I prefer my audio to sound. If you really want to know, head to a local best buy and give it a demo listen to know for sure its the quality for you. What I CAN say in this review is that it is very strong build quality, has a convenient carrying strap, easy to set up, an accompanying app that actually is useful, and IP67 rating to last in the elements and battery life to keep the party going. What it lacks in audio quality it gains in build quality. No matter what you’re looking for, Sony has the right one for you, hit up a best buy and give them all a listen. As far as this speaker goes, I would recommend it to my friends I know don’t have as trained an ear as me, but I would not recommend it to friends I know have audio demands like me. In the end, I’m still happy with the speaker and will love using it while working outside or in the garage.

This is a very impressive speaker. Sound is surprisingly great in such a tiny package. Some cool things I like. Well for one the talk of the line shape diffuser, it is widely known to be used in professional concerts and I’m no music expert but the sound that comes out of this thing is surprising and very balanced. Both bass and tremble sound great. Distortion free. Battery: well it comes with a usb-C to charge and promised up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge although I have not tested battery life. I will say that the USB-C did charge this thing super fast. Portable: very light and has a strap or stray for carrying. This thing feels extremely durable and it can take a beating. It has a nice color to it matte black with some dark grey coloration on the speakers. IP67 water dust and shock proof which again adds some value to some that might beat up their toys. If you are gonna use this for an online meeting it has echo challenging technology which from my understanding will help not cut each other off. I do plan on using it for some zoom meetings (iPhone paired with the XE200. Just a very good sounding product

I’ve been using the Sony XE2000 for a few weeks now, and it has genuinely exceeded my expectations. For its compact size, the sound quality is surprisingly rich and powerful—clear vocals, punchy bass, and no noticeable distortion even at high volumes. The 360 Reality Audio and X-Balanced Speaker Unit make music feel immersive, especially when used in smaller rooms or outdoor settings. Build-wise, it's sturdy, lightweight, and easy to carry around. The IP67 rating for water and dust resistance makes it ideal for poolside or beach use. Plus, battery life is excellent—easily lasts 15–16 hours on a moderate volume setting, and the quick charge feature is a lifesaver. Bluetooth connectivity is seamless, and the Party Connect feature works flawlessly if you have other Sony speakers.

Wasn’t up to par like the others. The XS500 is the best byfar

I enjoy listening to music, usually with headphones, but sometimes on a speaker as well. I’m still rocking a bluetooth speaker from 2017, so when I got a chance to review the new Sony SRS-XE300 I got pretty excited. Keep reading to see my thoughts on it! Appearance: The XE300 looks kind of like a monolith. Yeah, the gray color I received it in makes it even a little more boring than it already looks, but let’s just say that this speaker isn’t going to turn any heads. There are no RGB lights or any other standout features, but it’s not exactly ugly either. Its sharp lines definitely make it look futuristic and I think it’ll blend in with just about any decor. Build Quality: Weighing about 3lbs, this speaker is almost twice as heavy as my last bluetooth speaker and built really solidly. I absolutely love how substantial it feels. The outer layer is a type of waterproof plastic and rubber. The speaker is IP67 rated for dust and is also waterproof. Sony has also drop tested the unit and says it’s really rugged. I will not be throwing my speaker on the floor voluntarily, so I’m going to take Sony’s word on this one. Sound/Microphone: This mid-size speaker pumps out some fantastic sound. Sony advertises that the XE-300 has a line-shape diffuser, X-Balanced speakers and dual passive radiators. So, what does that all mean you might ask? I have no idea, but what I can tell you is that the unit pumps out some very accurate and solid sound. This is not a 360 degree unit though, the sound definitely emits from the front of the unit only as that’s where the speakers are situated. I have a decent sized yard and it filled the entire backyard with my tunes. I didn’t notice any treble distortion when playing Rage Against the Machine or any weirdness with the bass when listening to the new Kendrik Lamar album. The sound at max isn’t quite as loud as I’d like it to be, but my hearing isn’t the best. This speaker will definitely fill most homes and backyards very well, but a big party might drown the music out and I would suggest a bigger speaker for large gatherings. Placing a call was easy and the other end said I sounded fine. Sony advertises that the unit has a noise canceling mic, which is a great addition in case you do need to take a call with this speaker. I’m not sure how many people would actually be using this unit in this way, but I had to test it out of curiosity. Connectivity/Ease of Use: Connecting to bluetooth works just like any other device you’ve ever connected to your phone or tablet. Sony does have its Music Center app that you can download in order to fine tune some of the speaker’s settings and equalizer, but you can totally use the speaker without ever downloading the app. The device supports 2 devices being paired at the same time, which is great as my wife and I don’t have to repair every time we want to use the device with our own phones. The app does allow you to configure some advanced sound settings and battery settings, but overall there’s nothing stopping you from using the unit without the app. You can adjust the volume, mic and change the battery mode right on the device itself. There is a stamina mode that adjusts settings to maximize battery life and a mode you can set on the app that stops the battery from charging to 100% in order to preserve the health of your battery as well. USB-C connectivity is nice as most of my devices are now using this as a standard. Finding new devices still using micro-USB is disappointing, so I’m glad Sony didn’t go that route. One complaint is that for a relatively expensive speaker that advertises the ability to quick-charge, you do not receive a quick charger in the box. This omission is unacceptable in my opinion because of its price. You do receive a USB-A to USB-C cable, but it’s up to you to find a charger that supports quick charging to take advantage of this advertised feature. Overall Impressions: Listening to music on the SRS-XE300 is a joy. It may not turn heads visually, but will definitely perk up some ears with its sound. You’re getting premium quality sound that will fill the majority of spaces with this speaker and I don’t think anyone will be disappointed with that. My only gripe is that Sony doesn’t include an actual charger with this premium unit that advertises quick-charging as a selling point.

First I must disclaim that I’m a long time Sony fan, particularly in video, and have owned multiple ES higher end sound systems over the past two plus decades. Their expertise has traditionally been electronics, and not particularly speaker design, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from this XE200 portable Bluetooth compact speaker. Unboxing and setting up was a breeze, enable and tether to Bluetooth and voila, up and running in minutes. There is guided tutorial in the Sony Music Center app with settings to optimize and EQ sound to taste. You can also add in Spotify, Tidal and YouTube music. Curious how Pandora didn’t make the cut, perhaps future upgrade or licensing dispute?? With Sony’s new line shape diffuser this speaker does not project sound in a 360 degree bubble as per say an Apple HomePod, but instead is very directional. Placed on the corner of the pool rim I noted slight modifications to the projected angle made a fairly impactful difference in the sweet spot. I really would have liked to test this in stereo mode for more even dispersion. At the far end of the 30 foot pool I still had good decent sound, however as my ear approached the unit, the sound was much louder, indicating a fairly steep decay over distance, likely more than typical -6db to my untrained ear. The directionality can be advantageous however since ppl behind the speaker typically don’t want to be blasted with sound. It’s also worth nothing that the Sony Music Center app has a setting for “priority on sound quality” that did seem to make a discernible difference in my testing. I tended to keep Dynamic Normalizer off, but did prefer the DSEE HX which upscales compressed or CD-quality to high-resolution audio. Pros + excellent sound for small form factor + bass output impressive + X-balanced line shape diffuser + dual-passive radiators + better audio than JBL Link Music + IP67 water-proof (rubber usb cap secured) + water-proof controls for wet hands operation + great to sit beside the pool without worry + Sony Music Center app imports Apple Music playlists Cons -lacks midrange and top end detail -less robust than Denon Home 150 -lacks HEOS or similar music service -lacks Apple AirPlay 2 (bluetooth only) Conclusion Perhaps I was a bit unfair to compare this “wireless” unit, to a more expensive Denon Home 150 “wired” device (that is NOT water-proof). Since I’m already ensconced in the HEOS ecosystem I had hoped to be able to position these around the 4 corners of the pool, and link into the same source. This product would really shine if starting a portable (or permanent) outdoor audio system, with the addition of the larger unit with more bass. The wide dispersion pattern would allow 4 of these to provide all coverage. Additionally as a “pool speaker” the inclusion of echo cancelling microphone means you can answer calls without racing to dry your hands and unlock your phone, something the more expensive Sonos systems do not offer. Verdict : Buy