Check Out Sony’s Compact New Bluetooth Speaker, the SRS-XB100
Wireless Bluetooth speakers come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes these days. Sony’s latest offerings illustrate this fact. Sony today officially unveiled two new speakers to its Bluetooth speaker lineup: a compact SRS-XB100 ($59) and the powerful SRS-XV800 ($649.99). At the press conference in Manhattan, we were able to see both speakers in action. The little guy can be paired with a twin to listen to stereo sound, but on his own he produces a loud sound.
The SRS-XB100 is cylindrical, 3 inches in diameter, about 3 3/4 inches high, and weighs about 10 ounces. The XB100 is the only Sony Bluetooth speaker that doesn’t use the Sony Music Center mobile app to sync or adjust audio. To be honest, it doesn’t need an app to do what it does: play audio from a Bluetooth source like a phone or tablet.
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Pairing a speaker with a second one for listening in stereo is done with a few button presses on the speaker itself. The XB100 also has a built-in microphone, so it can be used as a speakerphone for voice calls or video conferences. It even includes a “multi-way strap” so you can safely wear it with a wrist strap or tie it to your parachute while skydiving. May I suggest “Free Fallin'” by Tom Petty for this particular playlist?
At $59 a piece, or $118 a pair, it’s hard to go wrong with the SRS-XB100. When I turned it on and pressed the Bluetooth button, a pairing message popped up on my Android phone almost immediately and the pairing process completed within a few seconds. If you turn it on, it can definitely get loud, with an upward-facing driver that emits sound in 360 degrees. Vocals sound clear and bass is surprisingly crisp considering its compact size. Battery life is rated between 5 and 16 hours, depending on volume, and a full charge takes about 4.5 hours using the included USB-A to USB-C cable.
The matte finish has a nice texture that makes it easier to grip and less likely to fall. But if he eludes you, don’t be discouraged. Its IP67 rating means it will withstand an occasional ocean (or bath) immersion. The speaker is available in black, light grey, light blue and orange.
The SRS-XB100 is available for pre-order from authorized Sony retailers starting today, with shipments expected to begin later this month (May 2023).
> Learn more or order the Sony SRS-XB100 on Amazon.com
