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 it delivers relatively powerful audio. Those seeking huge bass will like the SRS-XB23. 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 is quite good for a portable speaker. The 6 means it’s highly dust-resistant and the 7 means it can withstand splashes, heavy rain, and can even be submerged up to a meter for 30 minutes. Thus, it can be rinsed off under a faucet without issue, so long as the snap-shut cover for the cable connection is fully closed. Furthermore, Sony claims the speaker is even saltwater-resistant, so the speaker is certainly beach-friendly.