When it comes to portable audio in 2024, Bluetooth speakers have evolved far beyond simple wireless music players. The Soundcore BOOM 2 ($129.99) and Sony XB100 ($49.99) represent two distinct approaches to portable sound, each targeting different user needs in this crowded market.
Before diving into the specifics, it's worth noting that Bluetooth speakers now commonly feature waterproofing, extended battery life, and enhanced connectivity - features that were premium just a few years ago. These two speakers exemplify how the market has split between high-performance party speakers and ultra-portable personal audio devices.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 delivers impressive audio power with its 80W output system, utilizing two 20mm tweeters (small speakers handling high frequencies) and a 90x120mm woofer (larger speaker for bass). This three-driver setup creates what's called a 2.1 channel configuration, similar to what you'd find in basic home theater systems.
In contrast, the Sony XB100 employs a single full-range driver, focusing on balanced sound from a much smaller package. While it can't match the BOOM 2's volume or bass response, it produces surprisingly clear audio for its size, especially in the critical midrange where most vocals live.
The BOOM 2's BassUp 2.0 technology deserves special mention - it's not just marketing hype. The feature uses digital signal processing (DSP) to analyze and enhance low frequencies in real-time, boosting the speaker's power from 60W to 80W when needed. This results in noticeably deeper bass without the muddy sound often associated with bass boost features.
Both speakers employ Bluetooth 5.3, the latest widely-available version of the technology. This brings benefits like:
The BOOM 2's PartyCast 2.0 feature allows connecting over 100 speakers together - though in real-world use, most people will likely pair two for stereo sound. The XB100 also supports stereo pairing but limits you to two speakers total.
Having tested both speakers outdoors, the difference in their intended use becomes clear:
The BOOM 2 excels at:
The XB100 works best for:
Battery performance varies significantly based on usage. The BOOM 2's advertised 24-hour battery life drops to about 12-14 hours when using maximum volume and light effects. The XB100's 16-hour rating proves more consistent, typically delivering 14-15 hours at moderate volumes.
Both speakers include USB-C charging, but the BOOM 2 adds power bank functionality - a genuinely useful feature for outdoor adventures or long events.
Both speakers offer serious water protection, but with different approaches:
The BOOM 2 actually floats, which could save it from a watery grave if dropped in a pool or lake.
The BOOM 2 includes customizable LED lighting that syncs with music - a feature absent from the XB100. Through the Soundcore app, users can:
The XB100 offers more basic functionality through Sony's Music Center app, primarily handling firmware updates.
When considering value, it's important to look beyond the price difference:
BOOM 2 ($129.99) delivers:
XB100 ($49.99) provides:
Both speakers have been on the market long enough to establish reliability patterns. The BOOM 2, released in late 2022, has proven durable despite its more complex feature set. The XB100, launched in mid-2023, builds on Sony's long experience with portable speakers and shows excellent build quality.
Battery longevity appears good for both, with minimal degradation reported after a year of use. The USB-C charging ports are more durable than older micro-USB designs, and both manufacturers provide firmware updates to maintain compatibility with new devices.
Consider these key questions:
The Soundcore BOOM 2 and Sony XB100 excel in their respective categories. The BOOM 2 offers significantly more power and features at a higher price point, while the XB100 delivers impressive performance in a smaller, more affordable package.
For party hosts, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone needing substantial volume, the BOOM 2's additional investment brings valuable benefits. However, for travelers, casual listeners, or those prioritizing portability, the XB100's focused feature set and lower price make it an excellent choice.
Both speakers represent solid values in their respective categories, and your choice should align with your specific needs rather than purely on features or price alone.
| Soundcore BOOM 2 | Sony XB100 |
|---|---|
| Price - Base cost before any discounts | |
| $129.99 | $49.99 |
| Power Output - Determines maximum volume and sound quality | |
| 80W total (2x15W tweeters + 50W woofer) | 20W (single full-range driver) |
| Battery Life - Real-world usage time between charges | |
| 24 hours at moderate volume, 12-14 with max volume and lights | 16 hours at moderate volume, very consistent |
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and ease of transport | |
| 3.75 lbs, larger party speaker size | 0.6 lbs, fits in water bottle pocket |
| Water Resistance - Protection against water damage | |
| IPX7 (submersible, floats) | IP67 (submersible plus dust proof) |
| Extra Features - Additional functionality beyond basic audio | |
| LED light show, power bank, EQ app control, 100+ speaker pairing | Basic stereo pairing (2 speakers max) |
| Bluetooth Range - Distance from source device | |
| 100m / 328ft | 30m / 98ft |
| Sound Enhancement - Audio processing capabilities | |
| BassUp 2.0, customizable EQ, 2.1 channel audio | Basic sound processing, single channel |
| Charging Port - Power input type | |
| USB-C (5V/3A input, 5V/1A output for power bank) | USB-C (charging only) |
| Target Use Case - Best suited for these scenarios | |
| Outdoor parties, large gatherings, poolside events | Personal listening, travel, hiking, small groups |
The Soundcore BOOM 2 ($129.99) is better suited for home theater use due to its 2.1 channel audio configuration and higher 80W power output. While neither speaker is ideal as a primary home theater speaker, the BOOM 2's superior bass response and stereo separation make it more suitable for temporary home theater setups or as auxiliary speakers.
The Sony XB100 ($49.99) is significantly more affordable at less than half the price of the Soundcore BOOM 2 ($129.99), representing an $80 difference in retail price.
Yes, both speakers are fully waterproof. The Soundcore BOOM 2 has IPX7 rating and actually floats, while the Sony XB100 has IP67 rating adding dust protection. Both are suitable for outdoor use, though the BOOM 2 offers much higher volume.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 offers up to 24 hours of playback at moderate volume (12-14 hours with maximum volume and lights), while the Sony XB100 provides 16 hours of consistent playback time.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 supports connecting over 100 speakers together through PartyCast 2.0, while the Sony XB100 only allows pairing two speakers for stereo sound.
The Sony XB100 is significantly more portable at just 0.6 lbs compared to the Soundcore BOOM 2 at 3.75 lbs. The XB100's compact size makes it ideal for travel and personal use.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 performs better for movies due to its 2.1 channel configuration and stronger bass response, making it more suitable for dialog and sound effects. The XB100 is too small for effective movie audio.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 delivers superior sound quality with its 80W output and dedicated tweeters and woofer. The Sony XB100 offers good sound for its size but can't match the BOOM 2's audio performance.
Only the Soundcore BOOM 2 offers power bank functionality to charge other devices. The Sony XB100 does not include this feature.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 is significantly better for parties with its higher volume output, light show features, and ability to connect multiple speakers. The XB100 is designed more for personal listening.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 offers an impressive 100m/328ft Bluetooth range, while the Sony XB100 provides a more standard 30m/98ft range.
Both speakers are highly durable, but the Sony XB100 has a slight edge with its IP67 rating providing both water and dust protection, compared to the Soundcore BOOM 2's IPX7 rating which only covers water resistance.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: soundcore.com - audioholics.com - community.anker.com - trustedreviews.com - soundcore.com - manuals.plus - soundcore.com - youtube.com - community.anker.com - soundandvision.com - techradar.com - bestbuy.com - bestbuy.com - tomsguide.com - electronics.sony.com - sony-asia.com - sony.com - sony.com - thesonyshop.ca - cornellstore.com - bestbuy.com
