The Logitech X300 packs almost similar features. Though not as small as the SRS XB10, this one is also known to produce good audio and is perfect for both indoors and outdoors. However, the X300 costs $25 which is almost half as the SRS XB10. That price difference makes us wonder if upgrading the SRS XB10 is worth the money or is the Logitech X300 good enough? Well, that’s what we are going to find out in this comparison today. Let’s begin.
Design and Build
The SRS XB10 appears like a mini can, while the Logitech X300 seems like biscuit packet. It measures about six inches long and is about three inches thick. However, it’s light and weighs around 335 grams. That’s about 100 grams more than the OnePlus 7 Pro. Such a small profile means you can easily fit it into your backpack or in your tote bag without any issues. The body is made of a rubberized plastic, and the best thing about is that the back gently tapers down. That conical shape makes it easy to keep your speaker either horizontally or vertically. The volume control buttons and the power button sit at the top along with a pairing button. Like most Bluetooth speakers, you’ll find a 3.5mm jack to connect the AUX cable. For its price, the X300 has excellent build quality. It looks great and feels sturdy. Interestingly, the SRS XB10 is small and comes with a detachable strap. You can use that strap which you can attach to showers, beach rails or the handle of your bike. Cool, right? Apart from that, the SRS XB10 packs a rubberized body and base which keeps the body protected, and at the same time keeps the base steady. The unique feature about this speaker is its base. There are tiny neat vents at the bottom for air to escape. In a way, it acts as a passive bass radiator. The key feature here is EXTRA BASS, which is a Sony’s proprietary one. It gives a gentle boost to the overall audio output. Other than that, this speaker is IPX5-certified and lightweight.
Battery and Connectivity
An outdoor speaker ought to have good battery life. Logitech claims that the X300 delivers a 5-hour battery life. Some users agree in their reviews that the speaker does live up to its claim. Also, there’s a micro USB port to juice up the battery. Keep in mind that the battery life can depend on a number of factors. Generally, playing continuously in high volume will cause the battery to die out faster. The Sony SRS-XB10 has more than twice the battery life of the X300. It can last up to 16 hours before running out of juice. Many reviewers echo that it lives up to the expectations. When it comes to connectivity, the SRS XB10 also packs a 3.5-mm audio jack to connect it to your phone or laptop. Plus, pairing is easy and barely takes time. And thankfully, the same can be said about the X300.
Sound Quality
One of the primary features of any outdoor speaker is its sound. It should be loud, and yet the audio shouldn’t distort at high volumes. When it comes to the X300, it offers a reasonable amount of bass for its size and price. Plus, the sound output is clear and well-balanced. Note that it comes with two drivers and a passive subwoofer. These combine to give a quality sound output to fill a room. The audio output of the SRS XB10 is good enough to fill a room at moderate and high volume levels. Plus, the bass-heavy sound signature is the icing on the cake for the basshead in you. The folks at PCMag checked out the SRS XB10 and think that it delivers a solid deep bass.
Verdict
How do you define an excellent wireless speaker? Should it just have a long battery life with a good Bluetooth range? Or does the weight and size also matter along with the audio performance? The Sony SRS XB10 has a perfect size and also produces decent sound. And the 16-hour battery life makes it desirable to many. Also, you get the option of NFC connectivity, making it easy to connect or disconnect with just a single tap. On top of that, the Sony SRS XB10 wireless speaker is IPX5-rated. Yep, it can take on a few splashes of water. The Logitech X300 also checks off all the right boxes. It doesn’t weigh much and has a balanced audio output. However, the 5-hour battery life can be a deterrent, especially if you want to take it on trips with limited charging options. Plus, it doesn’t have an IP-rating so you can’t take it to the pool parties. It costs half of the SRS XB10. However, the Sony product is a safe bet if you’re looking to buy a quality entry-level Bluetooth speaker and the extra bucks are worth it.
