7.8.2020

This speaker comes in a nice box, and gives a good initial impression as you open it. It is made of premium feeling rubberised plastic on the edges wrapped with a fabric material around the centre.Given the dimensions of this, approx 23cm x 10cm x 10cm and weighing around 1kg, I really wasn't expecting too much - wrong!First at the back, behind the rubberised panel, there's a USB-C port to charge up the device, and a USB port to charge.Bluetooth pairing was pretty simple, and it can switch seamlessly between up to 2 different bluetooth devices (playing which ever most recently plays music). You can have more than 2 devices pair,but it seems to only automatically flick between the last 2 paired devices.There's also a mobile app which you can install on your phone which can configure further settings.So onto the most important aspect - sound quality: This is very impressive definitely a surprise to me. At low and mid levels, the sound was very warm and had decent clarity. Bass was amazing for the size of the device (remember it's a 1kg device you can rest on the palm of your hand!) Even at loudest setting, there wasn't much distortion and there was still really good clarity. It definitely holds up against other £200-300 speakers I've tried it against.Another feature I didn't think I'd like but really do are the lights which flash with the music. Though if you want to be subtle, you can turn those off either via the app, or a long press of the battery button on the back of the device.In terms of battery life, I used the Extra Bass mode and ran for about 4 hours with variation of loud and quiet. From the remaining battery I'd extrapolate around 13-14 hours of overall battery use which seems to match up more or less against the manufacturers claims. (The 24 hour claim is on stamina mode, which I didn't try).The speaker claims to be waterproof, and the appropriate seals on the back panel does give you the impression it might be. It got caught out in a bit of sudden rain yesterday and it still happily worked still after that, but I haven't dunked it in the bath, and nor would I suggest it. I'd say should definitely survive accidentally being left in the rain for a short while, but really wouldn't want to test it beyond that.There is also the ability to link multiple speakers together, though only having one, I didn't get to try those features - but assuming they work, they sound like they sould be brilliant in a larger setting such as a garden party.I've attached a video, note this was taken using my phone and it's built-in mic so the sound quality is absolutely nothing like the actual sound and video in no way conveys the actual clarity of the sound.Pros- Very impressive sound quality for the money with really good bass and goes loud for the size- Looks a very good premium product- Great battery life- I like the light effects (though you can switch them off)- USB port to charge your phone- Waterproof- Can work in conjunction with multiple speakersCons- Only takes bluetooth sound - would have been nice to have a 3.5mm Stereo jack audio input or allow audio in via one of the USB portsSummary: For the price £150 at time of review, I'm pretty amazed with the quality of the sound you get from such a small device. The only real thing I would have liked is perhaps some sort of aux input to be able to plug a computer or even an old school ipad nano into...Despite that minor quibble, this is definitely one of my favourite devices I've come across recently!Update 26 Oct 2020: I've recently bought a 4th Gen Amazon Echo. Despite the 4th Gen's improvement over the 3rd Gen, I can say that the sound quality of this is superior to that on the latest Echo. Admittedly, given this costs more you'd expect this to be the case.

12.8.2020

The speaker arrived in a lift top Sony branded box with the speaker tightly packed and secured with a protective bag covering it, it comes with a USB to USC-C lead and a stack of booklets covering a multitude of languages along with a quick start/easy setup guide which is simple and very easy to follow, I would say you could get on perfectly fine just reading the quick guide, following the instructions and installing the Sony music center application and only reading the other included manuals if needed.First impressions: this feels a really solid speaker and I like the way the light bands follow the line of the ends, it stands well on two rubber feet but can also stand on either end and play fine,the button layout is simple rubber with tiny LED lights to indicate power and Bluetooth connection, the Bluetooth button is a standalone single function but the Pause/Play button can also be used with a long press to activate Siri or Google assist dependant on the device you are using along with answering calls which allow a two way conversation through the speaker, the Volume up/down buttons double as track forward or back with long press, the rubber stopper seal on the back opens up to a USB-C charging port, a USB-A port for external charging of a device such as a phone, a light control and battery button which gives an audio of remaining battery power, a party connect button (which should be noted is not backwardly compatible so only works with the XB23, XB33 and XB43 speakers) and a stereo pair button for linking to another XB33.The XB33 has rating of IP67 the six meaning it is dust tight and the seven rating meaning it is protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water between 15cm and 1m up to duration of thirty minutes without suffering any effects of water damage, the speaker is also shockproof and is sturdy enough to be dropped without sustaining damage.After I had unpacked everything I put the speaker on charge and once it was charged linked it to the Sony Music Center application, the speaker needed a firmware update and the speaker needs to be plugged into power while this is applied and it takes around 10 minutes, after it was charged I tested out some music. The Sony Music Center application is good and has fine adjustment for the speaker or you can set it to clear audio plus giving the Sony recommended settings, I put the Fiestable application on and had a play with it, it’s very good and fun just not really for me or to be fair probably not aimed at anyone over 35. The sound quality really is impressive and the extra bass really gives it a deep solid sound, I wound it up to full volume and it certainly fills the room.The battery claim is 24 hours but that really is top end no lights; I managed to get 12 hours with lights on flashing and around 70 percent volume which is still good and not unlike every other manufacturer of speakers the quote is top end no frills battery life so I won’t knock them for that and I still thought it was impressive.Overall a good solid great sounding bass orientated speaker with a nice and versatile application to back it up, the lights are fun and customisable along with a multitude of other settings, it’s waterproof and shockproof so ideal to take out and about, I really can’t find fault with it so have given top marks.

3.12.2020

This is an amazing little speaker which really does have outstanding sound quality and volume for its size.I was surprised at how portable this is, I expected it to be bigger for some reason, it’s really well made and the quality you’d expect from Sony, the attention to detail is really fantastic.My favourite part of this aesthetically is the strips of lighting on each end which change colour and it also inside lights up too so in the dark if you’re using this in the garden etc or for a party with the lighting dimmed it really looks fantastic and you can even use the app to change these or have them off completely to save battery.My favourite feature of this is the Party Connect,

7.8.2020

I’m so impressed with this Sony SRS-XB33 speaker! I used to own a JBL speaker and after using this speaker for just over a week, Im going to disown it. This speaker is elegant and packs a serious punch!Let’s start of by addressing the lights. The lights can sync with the Fiestable app (which works perfectly fine on my iPhone XR) and are super vibrant! They can sync to the beat of your song which is super satisfying (or you can just play around with it on the app using their colour wheel option). If you’re worried about it being distracting, you can always turn it off via the back of the speaker so you can vibe and stay focused! :)Another feature I love is the LIVE sound!

6.8.2020

It is an amazing speaker, beats every other portable speaker I ever had by miles. As expected from a product on this price a built quality feels amazing. Feels sturdy and rugged in hands. As well it is not too heavy as to be expected from a good portable speaker. One of amazing feature of this speaker is the lights which moves to the beat ( as well it is possible to customise these colours in Sony music centre app as well as bass and power options ). Thes feature makes it possible to have a party anywhere where you bring a speaker. Moreover, it is waterproof which came in handy at the beach. Didn’t had any problems after water got on it, even cleaned under water to remove sand from it. Other,

7.6.2019

Open the box, lift the solidly built SRS-XB32 out, turn it on ( no, not like THAT ! ), scan for it on your phone using Bluetooth ( Or use NFC if that's your thing ) , connect & play some music ... it lights up like a Christmas tree and plays your music with all the functionality that Sony can muster ! Download Sony's music control app & / or their Fiestable app and you can have fun altering the sound settings, the light pulses or colour, the odd, but strangely fun function where you can tap the speaker and make it sound like a range of percussion instruments, or, if need be, turn the lights completely off and just indulge yourself in the significant volume ( both solid Bass and clear Treble /

26.4.2020

You get what you pay for when buying a Bluetooth speaker. The XB32 is woth every penny of the above average price tag.Why spend the extra? Sound quality, end of. In fact its so good that i choose not to take it traveling as the bass is bigger than other hotel guests might like.Sony do not quote the wattage of this series of speakers unlike the cheapo ones that make all sorts of claims. The bass is quite something else for something its size which gives a great overall sound. Even better with Sony speakers is using the Music center APP when playing via Bluetooth. This app works as a music player and allows the tone to be adjusted as well as the funky lights ( if you choose to use them )

8.7.2019

The Sony SRS-XB32 is a portable wireless speaker that is waterproof (IP67), dustproof, sand proof and mud proof. It has a powerful bass and an inbuilt light show.This is certainly not a speaker for audio buffs but it most certainly is a speaker for anyone who loves to party and likes their music loud and bassy.This speaker comes in a choice of colours, I received the black version for reviewing purposes. It measures 23.8cm in width x 8.3cm in depth x 8.3cm in height, the perfect size for a portable speaker that packs a powerful sound.This speaker is just the thing for a beach party or in fact any outdoor party, it produces a bright and colourful light show that is sure to please the younger generation (they were a bit too much for us oldies).

23.8.2020

Prior to testing this speaker, I have been loyal to another very famous brand running their second generation of their most highly acclaimed portable speaker. I can now honestly say that as far as portable speakers go, this Sony speaker is not only one of the finest, but sits comfortably on a class of its own beating my old single handedly. The design is flawless, battery life terrific, the colourful LED lighting dancing to beat is mesmerising and the sound is punchy, deep, and utterly joyous. At high sound levels, the sound is as clear as on the low levels and there is absolutely no distortion.This is a very solidly built speaker set to withstand the elements when used outdoors,

16.2.2021

I'm not someone who knows a lot about speakers but I do know that I have been underwhelmed by a lot of others.This speaker is extremely clear at seemingly any volume. The bass is something I was conscious of when buying it and it has been really pleasing listening to the bass come through. The lights are a little bonus - I have it on a steady colour which I prefer to flashing but that may be appropriate in different settings. They also function as a nice reminder that the speaker is still on!The app, while I don't use it a great deal, works nicely and allows more customisation so we'll worth downloading it. Just like most things that claim to be waterproof but wouldn't typically come into contact with water,

29.12.2019

I'm not a very big fan of Sony. Moreover, I've always found the sound of most of their devices rather plasticy, very fake to the ear...Well, I've had to eat my words with this speaker...The sound output is extraordinary, both in level and quality!Definitely one of the best Bluetooth speakers around.The RGB lights are of quality but not too over the top (can be switched off).The live function enhances the sound in such a cool 3D party level, not to mention the EXTRA BASS... WOW!I still haven't tried to party chain mine with others (can be connected to other 100 speakers for a mega sound party experience), but looking forward to as soon as I get the chance.Only negative notes are:- It's quite pricy,

23.8.2020

This Speaker is so much more than a speaker it’s a experience.The quality of the speaker is great it is durable and strong, yet still looks amazing.I definitely feel like it has been built to last and like the fact that it is made to stand knocks and bumps, and is fully waterproof and washable so it’s perfect for using at the beach and can even be washed.The speaker can be paired with other speakers which is great for a sound through multiple areas.It states 24 hours battery life but I do feel this isn’t correct and in full base it’s around 12 hours, and the speaker can be used for charging phone so that would cut the battery life down even more.As a family one of our favourite features is the

29.5.2019

First up.Easy to pair to my oneplus 6t, and quick to charge.Stuck vampire weekend on sporltify and hit play. Wow, this speaker is loud and proud. Don't expect subtle sounds but you get a massive bang for your buck. It's very loud, lots of bass and no distortion. I will give audiophiles nightmares but for a robust garden speaker it's brilliant.I turned the lights off immediately. Like a rubbish Chinese disco light set off ebay. But I reckon in the summer at night I'll have them on for the sheer fun of the the thing, definitely not for inside use.Add waterproof and dust proof and you really have a speaker you can take anywhere, very good battery life as well.The only downside is its weight,

31.1.2021

I spent ages reviewing all of the blue tooth speakers. I didn't want a speaker to take on my travels just in the house and garden. I decided I couldn't go too wrong with a Sony. This is my first blue tooth speaker! I played it for the first time and I absolutely love it. There is a really good bass sound - I know it says Extra Bass unit but it really is. There's a feature you can use to change the sound (to live) on it that I didn't realise when purchasing. I like the opportunity to use the lights which are great though I don't use them all of the time due to saving batter power. I bought the taupe colour - which is lovely and it was slightly cheaper. If you are unsure what to buy, with this one,

20.5.2019

I love this speaker, it is so good! The extra bass makes all the difference, the songs sound so much better and much more life-like. The speaker comes with a charging cable and instructions, and that's it. It is fairly straightforward to set up and it was simple to connect it to my phone. There is an extra USB socket in the back, which is for charging your phone, which is brilliant as you can use it as a back-up battery pack. The speaker has flashing and pulsing lights that synchronise to the music, which look quite cool (you can also switch them off). The volume is LOUD, it is really loud and I only had it up to half volume,

Sony SRS-XB33 - Reviews

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