There are many small, portable Bluetooth speakers that supposedly deliver powerful sound in a waterproof design. However, the Sony SRS-XB12 is the rare example that lives up to its claims. Priced at $59.99, it’s affordable, and its IP67 certification means it’s fully waterproof. In terms of sound, the SRS-XB12 really packs a punch for a speaker of its size. If you’re looking for really powerful sound, you’ll have to spend more money on a larger system, but if a small speaker is your main priority, the audio output here is really impressive and deserves our Editors’ Choice.
The cylindrical SRS-XB12 measures approximately 3.7 x 3.0 inches (HW) and weighs 8.6 ounces. Available in black, blue, gray, green or red, it’s small enough to fit in a pocket or even a large coat with deep pockets. The single 46mm driver shoots upward and is protected by a metal grille, while the rest of the speaker’s exterior features a matte rubber texture. Inside, the driver is supported by a passive radiator. Under a cover, there is a micro-USB port for the included charging cable, a reset button, and a 3.5 mm Aux input.
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo hide=price]On the bottom of the speaker is a control panel with buttons for power, volume control, play/pause, and an add button that lets you pair another Sony speaker and assign it as the left or right channel in a stereo pair. The bottom of the SRS-XB12 is rubberized, just like the rest of the case. However, the speaker produces so much bass vibration for its size that it definitely dances across the tabletop and may kick right in on certain tracks. As a result, the attached lanyard is a design element that we like and recommend using when you crank up the music.
The IP67 certification of the SRS-XB12 means that the device can certainly come into contact with water, as long as the port cover is closed. It can be submerged in water up to one meter deep for up to 30 minutes, so it can withstand rain or a splash at the pool and can be rinsed off under the tap. It is also dust resistant, making it a good choice for outdoor use. Sony estimates the SRS-XB12’s battery life at around 16 hours, but results will depend on volume.
For tracks with intense sub-bass, such as “Silent Shout” by The Knife, the SRS-XB12 delivers commendable bass depth, although a speaker of this size is obviously not capable of reproducing subwoofer-like bass. At medium to high volume, the track has some bass punch, with the DSP thinning out the bass a bit to avoid distortion. At maximum volume, the driver is slightly overpowered – it’s not necessarily outright distortion that we hear, but the DSP chugs and the driver sounds on the edge of distortion without ever really going there.