Looking for a portable speaker in 2024? Let's dive into a detailed comparison of two popular options: the new Soundcore BOOM 2 ($129.99) and the established Sony XE200 ($110.99).
Portable Bluetooth speakers have come a long way in recent years. They're no longer just simple battery-powered units with mediocre sound - modern speakers pack impressive audio technology, long battery life, and features that were unthinkable just a few years ago.
The Sony XE200 was released in 2022, while the Soundcore BOOM 2 just debuted at CES 2024. This timing difference is significant because it reflects different generations of Bluetooth technology and audio processing capabilities.
The BOOM 2 features Bluetooth 5.3, the latest version, which provides better range (up to 100 meters), more stable connections, and lower power consumption compared to the XE200's Bluetooth 5.2. While both are excellent, the newer Bluetooth version gives the BOOM 2 a slight edge in connectivity performance.
The BOOM 2's 80W output (with BassUp 2.0 engaged) significantly outperforms the XE200 in raw power. What does this mean in real-world use? The BOOM 2 can fill larger spaces and outdoor areas more effectively, making it better suited for parties and gatherings.
The BOOM 2 employs a 2.1 channel system with:
The XE200 uses:
In practical terms, the BOOM 2 delivers more impactful bass and higher maximum volume, while the XE200 offers more balanced, refined sound that some listeners might prefer for personal use.
Battery technology has improved significantly in recent years, and both speakers showcase this:
The BOOM 2's larger 4900mAh battery not only provides longer playback but also doubles as a power bank for charging your phone - a genuinely useful feature during long outings.
Both speakers offer water protection, but there's an important distinction:
The extra dust protection of the XE200 might be crucial if you frequent beaches or dusty environments.
Having tested both speakers, here's how they perform in different scenarios:
The BOOM 2 excels outdoors thanks to its higher power output and stronger bass. Its extra battery life and power bank feature make it ideal for day-long events.
The XE200 shines in indoor settings where its balanced sound signature and wider sound distribution create a more pleasant listening experience, especially at moderate volumes.
The BOOM 2's additional power, light show feature, and ability to connect multiple speakers make it the clear winner for parties.
The XE200's more refined sound and compact design make it better suited for personal use and travel.
While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, they can serve as temporary solutions:
The XE200's Line-Shape Diffuser technology creates a wider soundstage that works well for movie dialogue and general TV audio. However, the BOOM 2's higher power output and stronger bass make it more suitable for action movies and content where impact is desired.
For either speaker, placement is crucial - position them at ear level and slightly angled toward the listening position for best results.
At $129.99, the BOOM 2 offers:
At $110.99, the XE200 provides:
Both speakers represent excellent value in their respective niches. The BOOM 2 is the clear choice for party-focused users who need maximum volume and features, while the XE200 better serves those prioritizing sound quality and portability for personal use.
The decision ultimately comes down to your primary use case. For large gatherings and outdoor events, the BOOM 2's extra power and features justify its higher price. For personal use and travel, the XE200's balanced performance and lower price make it a compelling choice.
Consider your typical listening environment, volume needs, and whether additional features like LED lights or power bank functionality would be useful in your specific situation. Either way, both speakers represent significant improvements over previous generations and offer impressive performance for their price points.
| Soundcore BOOM 2 | Sony XE200 |
|---|---|
| Power Output - Determines maximum volume and sound coverage | |
| 80W with BassUp 2.0 (excellent for outdoor use) | ~30W (suitable for personal/small room use) |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended portable use | |
| 24 hours (at moderate volume) | 16 hours (at moderate volume) |
| Water/Dust Protection - Important for outdoor durability | |
| IPX7 (waterproof only) | IP67 (waterproof and dustproof) |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection range and stability | |
| 5.3 (latest version, 100m range) | 5.2 (older but still capable, 98ft range) |
| Additional Features - Extra functionality beyond basic audio | |
| LED light show, power bank, PartyCast 2.0 | ClearAudio+, LDAC codec support, Multipoint connection |
| Speaker Configuration - Impacts sound quality and balance | |
| 2x tweeters + 1x subwoofer + dual passive radiators | Line-Shape Diffuser + X-Balanced units + dual passive radiators |
| Multi-Speaker Support - Useful for larger spaces | |
| Up to 100+ speakers (PartyCast 2.0) | Up to 100 speakers (Party Connect) |
| Charging Capabilities - Affects convenience | |
| 5.5 hours to full charge + power bank feature | Quick charge (70 min playback from 10 min charge) |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $129.99 (higher price but more features) | $110.99 (better value for basic use) |
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability | |
| Larger form factor with handle | Compact design (3.54 x 8.19 x 3.7 inches, 28.22 oz) |
The Soundcore BOOM 2 ($129.99) is better for home theater use due to its higher 80W power output and stronger bass response. While neither is a dedicated home theater speaker, the BOOM 2's 2.1 channel system provides better audio dynamics for movies and TV shows compared to the Sony XE200 ($110.99).
The Soundcore BOOM 2 offers 24 hours of playback, while the Sony XE200 provides 16 hours. This significant difference makes the BOOM 2 more suitable for extended viewing sessions without needing to recharge.
Both speakers can connect to TVs via Bluetooth if your TV supports it. The Soundcore BOOM 2 has newer Bluetooth 5.3 technology with better range and stability, while the Sony XE200 uses Bluetooth 5.2.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 is significantly louder with its 80W output compared to the Sony XE200. This makes the BOOM 2 better for larger rooms and home theater applications where volume is important.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 performs better for movies due to its dedicated subwoofer and dual tweeters, providing clearer dialogue and better bass response for action scenes compared to the Sony XE200.
Both speakers support multi-speaker connectivity. The Soundcore BOOM 2 uses PartyCast 2.0 to connect 100+ speakers, while the Sony XE200 uses Party Connect for similar functionality. However, neither provides true surround sound processing.
The Sony XE200 has superior durability with IP67 rating (waterproof and dustproof), while the Soundcore BOOM 2 has IPX7 rating (waterproof only). Both are suitable for home use, but the XE200 offers better protection.
The Sony XE200 features Line-Shape Diffuser technology that provides clearer dialogue reproduction, though the Soundcore BOOM 2 compensates with higher volume capability and dedicated tweeters.
While both can improve TV audio, neither fully replaces a dedicated soundbar. The Soundcore BOOM 2 comes closer due to its higher power output and 2.1 channel system, but both are better as supplementary speakers.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 features newer Bluetooth 5.3 with better range, while the Sony XE200 offers LDAC codec support for higher quality audio with compatible devices. Both work well for home theater, but connection quality varies by TV model.
The Sony XE200 is more compact and lighter, making it easier to move between rooms. The Soundcore BOOM 2 is larger but includes a handle for easier carrying.
At $129.99, the Soundcore BOOM 2 offers better value for home theater use due to its higher power output and better bass response. The Sony XE200 at $110.99 is more suited for general-purpose use but less optimal for home theater applications.
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 - sony.com - gymcaddy.net - sony.co.uk - bestbuy.com - sony.com - bhphotovideo.com - youtube.com - sony.com - helpguide.sony.net - soundguys.com - sony.com - sonylatvija.com
