The entry-level Sony SRS-XB23 boasts a new design that moves the passive radiators to the top and bottom of the speaker with promising results. It doesn’t have the best sound quality in its class, but despite that it seems like an affordable outdoor speaker that most people will love.

Good sound quality..; Competitive price, Stereo pairing and Party Mode

...but not the absolute best; Lower peak volume; Unclear battery level alerts

Sony's $100 SRS-XB23 speaker delivers solid audio for its size and price in an outdoor-friendly, waterproof design.

Powerful bass depth and crisp highs in a compact design; Can switch from mono to stereo playback; Rugged; waterproof build

Not for those seeking serious bass depth

Sony’s punchy new XB23 EXTRA BASS portable Bluetooth (BT) sound tube is a worthy competitor in the jungle of similar products, and at about $100, it is priced right.

Sony is one of the heaviest hitters in the portable Bluetooth speaker realm, and it's been busy updating its outdoor-friendly lineup for the summer. The SRS-XB23 is the least expensive of the company's three new waterproof models, and at $99.99, it delivers relatively powerful audio. Those seeking huge bass will likely want to move up in size and price to Sony's $250 SRS-XB43, but if you're looking to cap your spending at $100, the SRS-XB23 is a good, no-nonsense option with a rugged build and adjustable EQ.Design The cylindrical SRS-XB23 measures 3.0 by 8.6 inches (HW) and is available in black, blue, green, red, or white. Beneath the wraparound cloth grille, dual full-range drivers deliver a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. Both ends of the speaker house passive radiators to help pump out extra bass response, and one end of the speaker has a loop with a lanyard tied to it for hanging the speaker from anything that can support its 1.3-pound weight. The SRS-XB23's IP67 rating ...

Sony's $100 SRS-XB23 speaker delivers solid audio for its size and price in an outdoor-friendly, waterproof design.

Powerful bass depth and crisp highs in a compact design; Can switch from mono to stereo playback; Rugged, waterproof build

Not for those seeking serious bass depth

Thinking buying a second one to have all round sound on Sunday.

Replaced my last 2012 original Sony SRS which lasted 7 years. Got this on a flash sale online and bought in store. Great surround sound, extra bass which gives it flair but not always for every song. Bought for $148, other competitor wanted $198 so again I have saved money going to Good Guys.

I use it in a caravan and volume and sound quality is very good in this environment.

Easy to connect to from an Android phone, easy to charge. Really easy to place and manuvere. Sound quality is great. Highly recommended.

Own an earlier model sony speaker which sounds flat and to much bass this new model has a nice balanced sound and a nice amount of bass you can download the sony app and tweak the sound if you like but I have found it good straight out of the box very good speaker with decent battery life as well.

The cylindrical SRS-XB23 is smaller and more convenient than its big brothers. But it lacks a bit of sound.

With a little adjustment, the sound is quite engaging, with a rich bass that does not dominate too much.

Slow charging. The speaker requires sound tuning to sound good.