Speakers
in depth review of the sony srs xg500 (updated march 10 2025)
By Amelia Hernandez
Published: 10 Mar 2025
My Unexpected Bluetooth Speaker Journey
Let me paint a picture for you. It's a Friday night, I'm finally unwinding after a crazy week, and I'm desperate for some good music. My old, trusty speaker? Dead. Completely kaput. I needed a replacement, and fast! After some frantic online searching (let's be honest, fueled by caffeine and despair), I stumbled upon the Sony SRS-XG500. Reviews were good, mostly. So, I took a leap of faith. Little did I know, this wasn't just going to be another Bluetooth speaker; it was about to become my new best friend.
Person relaxing at home listening to music on a bluetooth speaker | Image: Supplied
First Impressions: Size Matters (and so does Sound)
Unboxing the Sony SRS-XG500, the first thing that struck me was its sheer size. It's not a tiny little thing; it's a substantial speaker. I was initially worried it might be too bulky, but honestly, the size contributes to its impressive sound quality. The build quality is amazing. It feels solid, durable. I wouldn’t be scared to accidentally drop this thing while I'm partying. It’s reassuring! After I connected it to my phone via bluetooth, it fired up my playlist and blew me away.
Sony SRS-XG500 unboxing and close-up | Image: Supplied
Sound Quality: A Deep Dive
Okay, let’s get to the heart of the matter: how does it sound? In a word: incredible. The bass is deep and rich, without being overpowering. Mids and highs are clear and crisp. I've tested it with various genres—from classic rock to electronic music to even some really intense opera—and it handled everything flawlessly. There's a good balance, it really sounds lifelike and clear, and that's why I love it. The sound dispersion is also impressive; I can hear it clearly, even from across my apartment. My neighbors may not agree, however. Kidding (mostly).
Sound waves illustration | Image: Supplied
Features: Beyond the Basics
The Sony SRS-XG500 isn’t just a pretty face (or, rather, a pretty speaker). It packs quite a few features. It has a long battery life, which is amazing. It lasted the whole weekend on a single charge when I was using it for a party, which impressed me! The built-in microphone is also a nice touch, perfect for impromptu calls while I was using it outdoors and taking calls from clients on a project.. There’s also a handy carry handle, making it easy to transport the speaker – and its heft – to parties or outdoor adventures. There's even an LED light show on the speaker; yes, its cool and fun for parties. I'm not a party animal but its still fun!. But if you're like me and prefer a quieter night, there's an option to disable it entirely.
Sony SRS-XG500 features highlighted | Image: Supplied
Comparing to Competitors
I've used a fair share of Bluetooth speakers in my time, and the Sony SRS-XG500 definitely stands out. Compared to similar speakers in its price range, I was most struck by the sound quality. Sure, some competitors might offer slightly longer battery life, or a more flashy design, but the sound quality of the Sony SRS-XG500 is superb. Some cheaper ones just can't compete. There are a lot of cheaper options but those typically sacrifice a lot in quality. Overall, I think this is a speaker that's really worth considering. For example, compared to my JBL that I’ve used for a couple of years, the clarity, and loudness were far better on this.
Comparison chart of bluetooth speakers | Image: Supplied
Final Verdict: A Must-Have?
So, would I recommend the Sony SRS-XG500? Absolutely! It's a fantastic speaker that delivers on its promises. The sound quality is top-notch, the features are practical, and the build quality is outstanding. Yes, it's a little pricey, but it's worth the investment, for me at least. I've really gotten my money's worth, especially since I use it very frequently. However, if you're on a strict budget, you may want to explore more budget-friendly options. This is a luxury item, after all. But hey, sometimes you deserve to splurge, right? What do you think?
Happy person using Sony SRS-XG500 outdoors | Image: Supplied
