Bluetooth Speaker Showdown 2025: JBL Charge 6 vs UE Epicboom vs Sony XG500 – Which Portable Powerhouse Rules?

Introduction: Three Portable Titans, One Winner?

Looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers monster sound on the go? In 2025, three heavy hitters lead the pack: JBL’s new Charge 6, Ultimate Ears’ Epicboom, and Sony’s SRS-XG500. These speakers promise big bass, all-weather toughness, and marathon battery life for your outdoor parties and beach trips. But how do they stack up against each other in audio performance, durability, battery life, features, and value? In this in-depth comparison, we pit the JBL Charge 6, UE Epicboom, and Sony XG500 against each other to see which one deserves to blast your tunes all summer long. (Spoiler: They’re all impressive, but each has unique strengths!)

First, here’s a quick spec comparison of these three portable titans:

(Table Notes: Auracast™ is a new Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast feature; none of these speakers have Wi-Fi or voice assistant built-in. All can be controlled via smartphone apps.)

Now let’s break down each aspect in detail – from sound quality and ruggedness to battery stamina, smart features, and pricing – and see what experts and users are saying about the Charge 6, Epicboom, and XG500.

Audio Performance: Bass, Volume & Sound Quality

JBL Charge 6: Don’t be fooled by its mid-sized frame – the Charge 6 packs a powerful, precise sound signature that’s loud, detailed, and rich for its size t3.com. Reviewers note it produces punchy mid-bass and clear treble, making vocals and instruments sound accurate and lively rtings.com. Compared to the previous Charge 5, the new model is clearer and more detailed – a “terrific evolution” with an “infectiously energetic” sound whathifi.com whathifi.com. Bass response has been improved with an upgraded woofer, so you get a deeper thump than before soundguys.com. While it won’t shake the room with sub-bass (physics still apply to a small speaker) rtings.com, users and experts find the low-end satisfying for most music. Even outdoors, the Charge 6 can fill an average patio or campsite with sound and gets plenty loud for personal or small group listening rtings.com. Importantly, JBL’s new AI Sound Boost DSP actively prevents distortion – you can crank it to max volume without hearing it crackle or fuzz news.jbl.com. That said, like many portables, it will introduce some compression at 100% volume, slightly reducing dynamic impact on drums and bass when pushed to the limit rtings.com rtings.com. The solution? Keep it just below max for the punchiest sound, or tweak the robust 7-band EQ in the JBL app to your liking soundguys.com soundguys.com. Overall, the Charge 6 punches above its weight: “powerful, punchy sound… great clarity” and one of the best-balanced audio profiles in this class whathifi.com whathifi.com. It’s a crowd-pleaser across genres, though serious bass-heads who want earth-shaking sub-bass may eventually crave a bigger speaker.

Ultimate Ears Epicboom: The Epicboom lives up to its name in volume – this thing can get seriously loud for a portable. With a large 4.7-inch woofer and 360° design, it pumps out sound in every direction, making it ideal for open outdoor spaces or parties. TechRadar praises it as “one of the best party speakers for sound” they’d heard in a while techradar.com. The bass is hefty – Ultimate Ears tunes their speakers for a fun, bass-forward sound, and the Epicboom delivers a “meaty and prominent” low-end that can easily power a dance track techradar.com. In fact, one user tested it in the middle of a 3-acre field and was “astounded by how loud this little speaker would go,” noting it remained clear and undistorted even at max volume with Outdoor Mode on bestbuy.com bestbuy.com. The Outdoor Boost button instantly adds a volume and bass lift tailored for wide-open spaces theverge.com – great for tailgates or beach use, though it does disable some EQ nuance while active bestbuy.com. Indoors, the Epicboom offers room-filling 360° sound, but some experts found the audio profile a bit “boomy and ill-defined” on certain tracks theverge.com. The large woofer can overwhelm the mids at times, so vocals might not have the razor-sharp detail of, say, a Sonos Move 2 (which costs more and isn’t as rugged) theverge.com. Highs and treble are decent, but again, not the most refined – the focus is on robust, warm sound rather than analytical precision. At maximum volume indoors, extreme bass can cause slight crackling/compression theverge.com, indicating the limits of the single-woofer design when pushed with deep bass content. For everyday listening at moderate volumes, though, users report “ultimate” sound quality – loud without noise, near-perfect to the ear” bestbuy.com. UE’s adaptive EQ is supposed to auto-tune the sound based on environment, but reviewers found it subtle in practice theverge.com. Thankfully, you can manually EQ in the app (or choose presets like Bass Boost or “Game/Cinema” mode) to fine-tune the sound ultimateears.com ultimateears.com. Bottom line: Epicboom is tuned to impress at parties, with powerful bass and full 360° coverage. It may not satisfy an audiophile’s demand for perfect neutrality or detail, but it “sounds pretty nice… dependable and loud”, excelling at what UE speakers are known for – fun, “lifeproof” sound for any adventure theverge.com.

Sony SRS-XG500: If the Charge 6 is a sporty sedan and the Epicboom an SUV, the Sony XG500 is a full-on monster truck of portable speakers. With dual woofers, dual tweeters, and Sony’s X-Balanced design (rectangular drivers for more cone area), the XG500 is built to deliver big, bold sound with chest-thumping bass. It’s essentially a modern boom-box: reviewers have dubbed it “a small PA system” for its ability to project music loudly without strain stereoguide.com stereoguide.com. In StereoGuide’s tests, the XG500 earned high marks for “rich, deep and clean basses” and “huge level reserves” – meaning it can go very loud with minimal distortion stereoguide.com. This speaker wants you to throw a party. With MEGA BASS mode engaged, the low frequencies get an extra boost; however, some note that Mega Bass can “inflate” the bass unnaturally and cost some precision in the sound stereoguide.com. Depending on taste, you might actually prefer leaving Mega Bass off or moderate, especially indoors, to avoid muddiness. Even so, the XG500’s default tuning (with Sony’s ClearAudio+ processing) is a tad “boomy” out-of-the-box rtings.com rtings.com, and it rolls off true sub-bass – extremely deep notes won’t be as pronounced rtings.com. The midrange and treble are tuned more for a smooth, easy listen; some critics say higher-pitched vocals and instruments can sound “veiled” or slightly dull due to under-emphasized treble rtings.com rtings.com. Luckily, the Sony Music Center app includes a full graphic EQ and presets, so you can dial up the treble or mids to your liking rtings.com. Once tweaked, the XG500 produces very satisfying sound: clear vocals, ample bass punch, and the ability to stay composed at high volume. At max volume, there is a bit of compression (as with the others) and the highest volumes are really overkill for small spaces – this thing can entertain a backyard easily. One reviewer described it as “absolute headbangers… sound is incredible and one of the best we have seen from any portable speaker from the brand” gadgetbridge.com. Another highlighted that with XG500, “older R&B, Pop, and Rock…makes you want to hear all your old favorites again!”, suggesting it has a pleasing tone for nostalgic listening walmart.com. Importantly, the XG500 produces a stereo image (the tweeters are spaced far apart on the front), but due to its size you’ll mainly hear it as one big source unless you’re positioned just right. It’s not 360°; it’s meant to fire sound forward, and directivity is middling – it sounds best when you’re in front of it rtings.com. For pure power and bass for the buck, the XG500 stands tall in this trio. Just be ready to tweak settings for optimal clarity, and don’t expect it to be “polite” – it’s a bass-forward party speaker at heart.

Audio Summary: All three speakers impress in their own way. For balanced, refined sound in a compact package, the JBL Charge 6 sets a high bar – it’s “powerful, energetic and clear” whathifi.com, perfect for casual listening and small gatherings. For maximum 360° volume and a bass kick in a rugged shell, the UE Epicboom brings the boom (literally), great for outdoors and UE fans who want that signature “Big UE” sound, albeit at a premium price. And for those who prioritize loudness, bass and party features, the Sony XG500 is almost a category of its own – it’s less portable, but delivers a “huge” sound that smaller speakers simply can’t match stereoguide.com. Keep in mind the environment: in a living room, the Charge 6 or Epicboom might sound tighter, while at a large outdoor BBQ the Epicboom or XG500 will project further. None of these speakers have a built-in microphone or smart assistant, so their sole job is to play music loud and proud – and in that, they all succeed with flying colors.

Durability & Ruggedness: Built for the Elements

If you’re spending a few hundred on a portable speaker, you want to know it can survive pools, parks, and the occasional tumble. Here’s how our trio holds up:

• JBL Charge 6: JBL practically invented the “rugged Bluetooth speaker” concept, and the Charge 6 continues that legacy. It’s IP68-certified, which means it is fully dust-proof and can be submerged in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes without damage news.jbl.com. In real terms, this speaker laughs off pool parties and beach days – sand can’t get in, and if it falls in the pool, just fish it out and keep jamming. New to this model is official drop-proofing: JBL beefed up the design with thicker rubber bumpers on each end (protecting the passive bass radiators) and a more stable rubber base soundguys.com. It’s rated to survive drops from 1m (3.3 ft) onto concrete news.jbl.com, which covers most “oops off the table” moments. Users of the previous Charge loved its toughness, and the Charge 6 is even sturdier – it’s wrapped in JBL’s tough fabric mesh and now has fewer small rubber strips that could peel (JBL opted for two broad rubber feet on the bottom for stability) soundguys.com soundguys.com. One reviewer who frequently took the Charge camping appreciated the added grip: “as someone who’s had their Charge 5 roll off a camp table… I’m a fan of this new, more stable design”, they noted soundguys.com. So rain or shine, the Charge 6 is built to endure. Its included strap can be clipped on securely for carrying or even tied to a bike or backpack, adding to its outdoor utility soundguys.com. Overall, JBL has “increased durability” in all the right ways soundguys.com – so you can throw it in a bag, bring it on a hike, or rinse off the mud and it’ll keep playing.
• Ultimate Ears Epicboom: UE also has a strong reputation for rugged speakers, and the Epicboom is no exception. It carries an IP67 rating – meaning it’s fully dustproof and can be submerged in up to 1m of water for 30 minutes ultimateears.com. UE even designed it to float if you drop it in a pool or lake ultimateears.com, a handy feature for retrieval (and a party trick watching it bob around playing music). The construction feels rock-solid: a seamless fabric mesh wraps the speaker, and a thick rubberized bottom base provides grip and impact absorption theverge.com theverge.com. UE claims it’s drop-tested from 1m as well, similar to JBL ultimateears.com. The oversized volume buttons on the front are durable rubber, and all ports (just the USB-C) are sealed with a tight waterproof flap theverge.com. The carrying strap on the Epicboom is a short wrist-strap style that magnetically sticks to the back when not needed theverge.com. It’s not long enough to sling over your shoulder, but enough to grab or loop around your hand. Some reviewers found this strap placement odd (near the top-back of the unit) given the speaker’s weight – one joked that unless you have a “Hulk-sized” palm, you probably won’t dangle 2kg on your wrist for long techradar.com techradar.com. But the strap is still useful for carrying the speaker like a small bag or securing it to a hook. Beyond that, the Epicboom is simply tough as nails: it’s designed for camping, festivals, and rough use. “It’s as rugged as you’d want,” says Gear Patrol, noting the IP67 protection and sturdy build are on par with UE’s best gearpatrol.com gearpatrol.com. Additionally, UE built it with sustainability in mind – the fabric is 100% recycled polyester and at least 59% of the plastic parts are recycled ultimateears.com ultimateears.com. So it’s green and mean. The only caution: the light-colored “Cotton White” version, while stylish, can show dirt more easily on the fabric. The Verge pointed out that the white fabric can get dirty with heavy use theverge.com – so if you’ll be in muddy or dusty environments, the black model might be more forgiving. All said, the Epicboom is a lifeproof unit – rain, dust, drops, and dunks won’t stop it from booming epically.
• Sony SRS-XG500: The Sony XG500 takes a slightly different approach. Its rating is IP66, which means it is dust-tight and resistant to high-pressure water jets, but not full submersion mynavyexchange.com. In practical terms, the XG500 is absolutely fine in a rainstorm, by the poolside (even if splashed), or on a dusty trail – but you shouldn’t throw it into a pool or fully immerse it. The reason is likely the design: the XG500 has more open areas (like its large woofers and ports) that aren’t meant to be underwater. However, IP66 is quite rugged – think of it as “splashproof and sandproof”. It will handle spilled drinks, beach sand, and hose-downs (with moderate pressure water). Sony gave it a tough exterior casing all around and integrated a robust carry handle that is part of the frame, so there are no moving parts to break off during transit mynavyexchange.com. The speaker’s ends have passive radiator “woofers” that are covered by sturdy grilles, each encircled by LED rings. The entire build feels solid; it’s meant to be lugged around. As one reviewer put it, “with almost 6 kilos of combat weight, [the XG500 is not a delicate device]. It competes as a party performer with all sorts of gadgets” stereoguide.com. The device can definitely survive outdoor party life: dusty music festivals, picnics, and even some light rain won’t faze it rtings.com. Just avoid throwing it into water. The upside of not being fully sealed like the others is that the XG500 has some extra features (like passive radiator lights and open ports for aux and mic inputs). And practically, how often do you dunk a 12-pound speaker in the pool? Most likely, IP66 is sufficient for typical use. Users have praised the build quality: “durable exterior… your ultimate outdoor party companion!” one promo exclaimed m.facebook.com. It’s also worth noting that the XG500 has rubber caps and covers on its ports to keep water out, and you should keep those sealed when around water. Overall, Sony built the XG500 to last – it might not be fully submersible, but it’s extremely robust for outdoor use, and its sheer size makes it less likely someone will accidentally drop it in a pool anyway. Consider it weather-resistant and hard-wearing, if not completely waterproof.

In summary, all three speakers score high for durability, with JBL and UE offering complete waterproofing (IP68/IP67) and proven drop protection – ideal if you plan on kayaking with your speaker or having it next to the pool in the pool. The Sony XG500’s IP66 is slightly less waterproof, but still more than enough for rugged use, and its build quality is top-notch (it’s arguably the most physically robust, just by heft and design). If you need a speaker to take literally anywhere without worry, the Charge 6 and Epicboom inspire the most confidence for water-related mishaps, while the XG500 inspires confidence in surviving the party scene with its solid frame and design.

Battery Life & Charging: All-Day Playback?

JBL Charge 6: True to its name, the Charge series has always doubled as a power bank, and the Charge 6 continues that tradition while extending playtime. JBL advertises 24 hours of playback on a full charge (up from 20 hours in the Charge 5) t3.com, with a special mode called Playtime Boost to squeeze out up to 28 hours soundguys.com. That Playtime Boost essentially lowers bass output and shifts the EQ for efficiency soundguys.com – think of it like an “energy saver” mode. In practice, SoundGuys found that 28h is a stretch unless you use that mode at low volume, but a solid 20+ hours is achievable at moderate volume soundguys.com. In standardized testing (continuous music at ~80dB), the Charge 6 ran 13 hours 15 minutes before dying soundguys.com – which is still plenty for a daytime outing. The good news is fast charging: a quick 10-minute top-up provides about 2.5 hours of extra play soundguys.com. Fully charging the unit via USB-C takes around 4 hours (typical for ~7500mAh battery size). The Charge 6 uses USB-C for charging and also for audio input (more on that later) soundguys.com. Notably, JBL did not include a charger or even a USB-C cable in the box t3.com whathifi.com – a minor annoyance mentioned by multiple reviewers. So you’ll need to use your own phone charger (recommended 5V/3A, 15W or higher for fastest charge). Once charged, you can use the Charge 6’s battery to charge your phone or gadgets via its USB-C port (it supports two-way charging) soundguys.com. This powerbank feature is clutch when you’re outdoors without outlets. In short, the Charge 6 offers enough battery for all-day listening, and if you’re only using it on-and-off, you might go several days between charges. Just keep in mind that blasting at max volume will reduce the total hours (as with any speaker). Still, 20+ hours puts it among the best in its size class, and the fast-charge capability means even a short pit stop can juice it up for the next leg of the party.

Ultimate Ears Epicboom: The Epicboom’s battery is rated at 17 hours techradar.com. Compared to the JBL and Sony, that number is a bit more modest – likely a trade-off for its more compact size than the Sony and its powerful amplifier driving that large woofer. In practical use, 17 hours should cover a full day at the park or a long evening party. Keep in mind: if you run the Epicboom at very high volume (especially with Outdoor Boost on), the battery will drain faster. Also, unlike the JBL, the Epicboom doesn’t have a secondary mode to extend playtime – it’s just one standard mode. The Verge noted the battery life is “acceptable rather than excellent” techradar.com; it’s fine for most uses but not a standout feature. On the plus side, the Epicboom charges via USB-C and UE finally moved away from the old micro-USB on their speakers theverge.com. That means you can charge it with the same cable as your phone or laptop. UE didn’t publish fast-charge specifics, but typically their speakers get a decent chunk of battery with an hour plugged in. One upside: since the Epicboom lacks extra frills like lights, all its battery goes toward music (and perhaps the adaptive EQ, which is minimal). Another plus: battery status can be checked via the app or by pressing a button combination, so you know when to recharge. The Epicboom does not have a powerbank feature – that USB-C port is for charging the speaker only (no charging out, no audio input) theverge.com. This is one area it lags behind the JBL and Sony, which can charge phones. That said, 17 hours is still quite good – for context, the smaller UE Megaboom 3 had ~20h and the huge Hyperboom ~24h, so Epicboom sits in between. Unless you regularly need multi-day playback or to top up other devices, the Epicboom’s battery should suffice for most outings. Just remember to charge it beforehand; unlike the Sony, it doesn’t have a dedicated AC input to play while charging (though you can play it while it’s plugged into USB-C, of course).

Sony SRS-XG500: The XG500 boasts the longest battery here, rated up to 30 hours on a full charge electronics.sony.com. That’s with Mega Bass off and at moderate volume. Realistically, if you crank it with Mega Bass and lights on, you’ll get less – but still likely 20+ hours in many cases. Sony’s large size allowed them to include a big battery (around 9800 mAh, given the 79 Wh spec) comparisontabl.es, which pays off for endurance. A big advantage: the XG500 can be used while plugged in to AC power, effectively giving unlimited playtime if near an outlet. It ships with an AC adapter (barrel plug style) for charging, which fully charges the speaker in ~3 hours comparisontabl.es. If you’re in a rush, Sony advertises that 10 minutes of charging yields about 3 hours of play helpguide.sony.net – slightly better than JBL’s claim, likely due to the high current the AC adapter can push. This quick-charge is great considering the battery size. The XG500 also has a Stamina Mode available via the app which can slightly extend battery by limiting maximum volume and bass (if you truly need to stretch life at the expense of loudness). Additionally, because the XG500 has two USB-A ports, you can plug in devices to charge from its battery (like a giant power bank) mynavyexchange.com. You could even charge two phones simultaneously from it, though naturally that will cut into music playback time. Users love that the XG500 can be the centerpiece of a weekend camping trip: you can blast tunes and also charge everyone’s phones overnight from the speaker’s huge battery. One user review mentioned running it for hours each day and only needing to charge every few days, impressed with its stamina. Essentially, the Sony is built for marathon parties and events – if you need the longest playtime, it’s your pick. Just note the weight: you won’t likely be carrying it for 30 hours straight, but you can park it and let it run all day and night.

Battery Bottom Line: In terms of sheer longevity, the Sony XG500 leads with up to 30 hours (and flexible AC + powerbank abilities), followed by the JBL Charge 6’s solid 20-24 hours (with quick-charge and powerbank features), and then the UE Epicboom’s decent 17 hours (simple and sufficient for day trips, but no extra frills). If you frequently go off-grid for a weekend or host multi-day tailgates, the Sony’s extra capacity is a boon. For most day-to-day uses – an afternoon picnic, an evening party – all three have more than enough juice. Fast-charge support on JBL and Sony means even if you forget to charge, a short plug-in can save the day. One note: all three use modern batteries, so it’s wise to keep them topped off and avoid extreme heat to prolong battery health over the years. None have user-replaceable batteries, so treat them well. But overall, battery life won’t be a limiting factor with any of these, unless you truly push them at max volume constantly (in which case, expect roughly half the advertised life – e.g. ~10-15 hours – which is still not too shabby).

Portability: Size, Weight, and Carrying Convenience

While all three are “portable” in the sense of running on batteries, there’s a spectrum: from toss-in-your-backpack compact to shoulder-slingable to lug-with-handle heft. Let’s size them up:

• JBL Charge 6: This is the most compact and travel-friendly of the bunch. Shaped like a thick can (cylinder ~9 inches long, ~3.5 inches in diameter), it’s small enough to fit in a backpack pocket or even some cup holders. Weighing just 988 g (2.17 lbs) soundguys.com, it’s no burden to carry around. In fact, JBL added a detachable strap for the first time on the Charge: two sturdy metal clips on top let you attach the included strap, turning it into a mini bag or allowing you to hang it on hooks and tree branches soundguys.com t3.com. The strap can be configured as a short handle or a longer loop – reviews note you can use it traditionally or as a carrying loop to secure around things soundguys.com. With the strap off, the Charge 6 is a neat little bundle you can grab one-handed. It’s about the size of a thermos and slips into many laptop bags or picnic baskets easily. T3 highlighted that at 1.37 kg (they gave a higher figure, but official weight is ~1 kg) it “won’t weigh you down, and it even fits into a backpack” nicely t3.com t3.com. Indeed, compared to its bigger rivals here, the Charge is truly portable in the grab-and-go sense – you could bike with it in a bag, toss it in your carry-on luggage, or carry it all day without fatigue. If portability is a top priority (hiking, travel, etc.), the Charge 6 is the clear winner. It’s basically the largest speaker you can get that still feels easy to carry anywhere. Despite that, JBL managed to keep it powerful; so you’re not sacrificing much output for the convenience. It’s the best choice if you want big sound in a small package you can take on every outing.
• Ultimate Ears Epicboom: The Epicboom sits in the middle on portability. It’s significantly larger and heavier than the Charge, but much smaller than the Sony. Its shape is more like a thick brick/oval (roughly 24 cm tall, 16 cm long, 12 cm deep). Weight is about 2.0 kg (4.4 lbs) techradar.com – about double the Charge 6. It’s portable in that you can definitely carry it to your car, a friend’s house, or around the yard without issue. But you’ll notice its weight if you try to carry it in-hand for a long time. UE provides an integrated wrist strap on the back, which helps for short moves – you can slip your hand through it for a secure hold, or use it to clip the speaker to a hook. However, as noted, dangling it from your wrist for a hike would get tiring; it’s more for grabbing the speaker and having some extra security against dropping it. The design is quite sleek and modern, but also a bit awkward to grab (no handle on top). Many users simply carry it from the bottom or sides like a small handbag or “a plant pot” as one reviewer humorously described techradar.com. It’s not huge – you can still fit the Epicboom in a tote bag or backpack, but it will take up a fair chunk of space in there. It’s comparable in size to something like a Sonos Move or a gallon of milk, but shorter. For portability scenarios: taking it from house to patio – easy. Bringing it in the car for a road trip – easy (just put it in the backseat or trunk). Taking it on foot for a long distance – you might prefer something lighter, unless you don’t mind the arm workout. On the plus side, it’s sturdy and self-contained; no external cables (beyond the short strap) to snag. It also stands upright securely on its base or can lie on its back. If you’re comparing to older UE models: it’s bigger than the Megaboom 3, but much smaller than the giant Hyperboom. TechRadar mentions the Epicboom “bridges the size gap” between those – smaller than Hyperboom, much bigger than Megaboom techradar.com techradar.com. So think of it as a mid-large portable speaker. In summary, the Epicboom is portable enough for most uses (it’s certainly easier to move than the Sony), but it’s at the upper end of what you’d casually throw in a backpack. This is the price for its bigger sound. For home-to-garden or car-camping use, it’s great; for ultralight travel, it might be a bit hefty.
• Sony SRS-XG500: The XG500 is big – this is a “pick up with a handle and put in your car” type of portable, rather than something you’d carry in a bag. Physically, it’s shaped like a miniature guitar amp or boombox, complete with a built-in rigid handle spanning the top. It measures about 46 cm (18 inches) wide and 25 cm (10 inches) tall, and weighs 5.6 kg (12.3 lbs) comparisontabl.es. That’s roughly the weight of a bowling ball or a small dumbbell. You definitely notice when you lift it – it’s not unbearably heavy, but it’s the kind of item you carry with one arm braced or just use the handle with one hand for short moves. The handle is well-designed and comfortable to grip, so carrying it from the car to the beach or around a venue is straightforward. But walking long distance with 12 lbs can get tiring – you might swap hands or set it down occasionally. You cannot realistically fit the XG500 in a backpack (unless it’s an enormous duffel and even then, why?). It’s more akin to carrying a small cooler or a large toolbox. The term “luggable” might be appropriate – portable in the sense you don’t need an outlet, but not something you’d casually bring on a hike. Sony also offers a shoulder strap accessory for it in some markets (and the successor ULT series includes straps for similar sized models), but the XG500 itself doesn’t include one out of the box. Most will just use the top handle. The speaker’s bulk does allow it to pump out more sound and include that huge battery, so the trade-off is performance vs. portability. Users who bought the XG500 knew they were getting a party speaker – one commented that it’s “not too far off from a classic boombox in size” newsweek.com, so they treat it like a modern boombox: carry it to the party spot, set it down, and let it rock. The XG500 also likely spends more time stationed in one place (like the backyard or living room) and less time traveling than the JBL or UE might. If you need to haul it around frequently and distance, you might consider smaller siblings (Sony’s XG300 is a more backpack-friendly option). But if you want maximum audio output and can handle a 12 lb speaker, the XG500’s portability is acceptable. It’s still easier to move around than any plug-in PA or large party speaker. And that’s Sony’s goal – to give you “powerful party sound… anywhere” within reason mynavyexchange.com.

To sum up portability: JBL Charge 6 is ultra-portable, ideal for travel, tossing in bags, and on-the-go lifestyles. UE Epicboom is semi-portable – fine for home and local outings, but a bit heavy for long treks on foot. Sony XG500 is portable in the boombox sense – great for tailgates, car camping, and moving from room to yard, but it’s the least convenient to carry far. Consider how you plan to use the speaker: if you need something for adventures and mobility, the Charge 6 shines. If you primarily move your speaker short distances (house to patio, car to picnic table) and value a bit more sound, the Epicboom is a solid middle ground. If your idea of “portable” is just “not plugged into a wall” and you want that big boombox energy, the XG500 will be your trusty (if hefty) companion.

Smart Features & Connectivity: Bluetooth, Apps, and Extras

Modern Bluetooth speakers are more than just dumb radios – they often come with apps, pairing modes, and even voice assistant integration. Let’s see what each model offers in terms of connectivity and smart features:

• JBL Charge 6: JBL gave the Charge 6 a tech upgrade under the hood. It uses Bluetooth 5.4, one of the very latest versions of Bluetooth soundguys.com. This brings benefits like improved power efficiency and support for the upcoming Bluetooth LE Audio (including Auracast). The Charge 6 indeed supports Auracast™ multi-speaker pairing soundguys.com. Auracast is essentially the new way to broadcast audio to multiple devices in sync, a future-proof replacement for JBL’s older PartyBoost feature. In practical terms, a Charge 6 can wirelessly link with other JBL speakers that have Auracast (for example, the new JBL Flip 7, Xtreme 4, etc.) soundguys.com soundguys.com. This allows either stereo pairing of two units or party mode with many units. However – and this is important – Auracast is not backward compatible with PartyBoost soundguys.com. So you cannot pair a Charge 6 to a Charge 5 (which used PartyBoost). It’s a new ecosystem. The good news: going forward, JBL is using Auracast on new models (as of 2024-2025), so your Charge 6 will play nicely with future JBL speakers and others supporting standard Auracast. Connectivity strength is great – BT 5.4 means a stable link and likely up to ~40+ feet of range reliably (in open air, even more). One very welcome addition: the Charge 6 can connect to two source devices simultaneously (multipoint) rtings.com rtings.com. This means you and a friend can both have your phones paired, and take turns playing DJ without re-pairing each time. Multipoint is something a lot of older speakers lacked; it’s clutch for parties. In terms of smart features: the Charge 6 does not have a microphone, so it can’t be used as a speakerphone and doesn’t natively integrate voice assistants (no Alexa/Google Assistant on board) t3.com. You can still trigger your phone’s assistant by pressing play/pause (if configured in the JBL Portable app), but the speaker itself won’t listen. Speaking of the JBL Portable app: this is a key part of the Charge 6’s feature set. Through the app, you get firmware updates (ensuring you have the latest improvements), the 7-band equalizer (huge for customizing sound) soundguys.com, toggle for “AI Sound Boost” if you want it on/off, control of the Party/Auracast mode (called “PartyTogether” in-app) soundguys.com, and other settings like the LED light brightness (for power/Bluetooth indicators). The app is straightforward and adds value – for example, you can pair two Charge 6s as a stereo left-right pair easily there soundguys.com. In terms of wired connectivity, the Charge 6 did something unusual: it supports audio input via the USB-C port (no 3.5mm aux jack, though) soundguys.com. If you hold the Play button while plugging a device into USB-C, it will play audio from your phone/computer digitally (and even in high-res quality) soundguys.com. This is a neat trick for audiophiles who want lossless sound or for scenarios where Bluetooth latency must be zero (like watching a movie on a laptop). Lastly, the powerbank feature – via USB-C, you can charge other devices soundguys.com – is part of connectivity too. It means the Charge 6 can act like a USB battery pack for your phone in a pinch. To summarize, JBL packed the Charge 6 with up-to-date wireless tech and app smarts: Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint, an app with EQ and updates, and a modern multi-speaker mode (Auracast). The only thing “missing” would be voice assistant or a mic, but in this size category, few have that, and JBL intentionally left it out to focus on sound (their older models had speakerphones, but since Charge 5 they dropped it, presumably due to waterproof design priorities).
• Ultimate Ears Epicboom: The Epicboom keeps things simpler. It runs on Bluetooth 5.3 techradar.com, providing a strong connection and good range (UE advertises up to 55m / 180 ft range, which is quite high and likely in ideal conditions) ultimateears.com. It does not have any Wi-Fi or smart assistant capability; UE’s portable line has always been Bluetooth-only (their older Blast/Megablast had Alexa, but Epicboom is pure Bluetooth speaker). The UE Boom app (for iOS/Android) is the main hub for features. Through the app, you can power the speaker on/off remotely, adjust a 5-band EQ or use presets (Signature, Bass Boost, etc.) ultimateears.com, toggle the Outdoor Mode, and importantly, use the Party Up feature. PartyUp lets you connect the Epicboom with other Ultimate Ears speakers in a group. According to UE, you can chain up to 150 speakers (Booms, Megabooms, Hyperboom, Epicboom) in party mode techradar.com. In reality, you’ll rarely have that many, but even linking a few for whole-house or multi-point sound is fun. One catch: PartyUp is not compatible with certain older models (notably the Wonderboom series or Blast series) techradar.com. But all Boom/Megaboom models from Boom 1 through Boom 3, Megaboom 3, Hyperboom, and now Epicboom can join together techradar.com. You can also stereo pair two Epicbooms via the app for dedicated left-right channels theverge.com. The Epicboom also supports NFC tap-to-pair on Android devices ultimateears.com – just tapping your NFC-enabled phone to the speaker can pair it, a convenience feature that JBL and Sony don’t have. Like the JBL, the Epicboom has no aux input (UE has been moving away from aux on their portable line; Hyperboom had one, but smaller ones don’t). Also no USB playback or anything – just Bluetooth audio. It also can’t act as a powerbank (the USB-C port is charge-in only) theverge.com. One unique new feature: via a firmware update in 2024, Ultimate Ears added a “Megaphone” mode to their speakers theverge.com. This allows you, through the app, to speak into your phone’s mic and have your voice project through the speaker, effectively turning it into a PA megaphone theverge.com. It’s a niche trick (calling people to the dance floor or making announcements), but a fun addition that shows UE is still updating the software with new abilities. A downside noted by The Verge was the lack of other connectivity: at Epicboom’s price, one might expect things like AirPlay, Chromecast, or Wi-Fi multiroom, or voice assistant integration theverge.com theverge.com – but UE intentionally kept it simple. Their philosophy here is “just Bluetooth, made really well.” So, the Epicboom’s smart features are largely about multi-speaker chaining and EQ customization. It’s reliable and easy: you pair via Bluetooth like any speaker (with helpful tones and a LED feedback), and it remembers up to 2 devices (not sure if it does true multipoint; UE hasn’t advertised multipoint, so likely it connects one at a time). Switching devices requires the usual Bluetooth re-connect process. All in all, UE delivers robust party connectivity (PartyUp) and a user-friendly app, without venturing into voice assistant or hi-fi connectivity territory. It’s a speaker for playing from your phone, plain and simple – just with the ability to expand the party by linking a bunch more speakers if you have them.
• Sony SRS-XG500: Sony’s XG500, being from 2021, has slightly older connectivity but still a rich feature set. It uses Bluetooth 5.0 comparisontabl.es. While not the newest version, BT5.0 still offers good range and stable connection; practically, users haven’t reported issues with dropouts – it’s solid through walls at typical home distances (30-40 ft). One pleasant surprise: the XG500 supports multipoint Bluetooth (two devices at once) rtings.com, so like the JBL, two people can connect and alternate music or you can have your laptop and phone paired together. Sony doesn’t loudly advertise this, but Rtings confirmed it and it’s a feature in many recent Sony speakers. For party expansion, Sony has Party Connect. This allows linking up to 100 compatible Sony speakers (Sony loves big numbers) in sync mynavyexchange.com. The XG500 can connect with other XG500s, or other models like the Sony XG300, XE300, XP700, etc., as long as they support Party Connect. If you link just two XG500s, you can set them as an L/R stereo pair. If it’s more, they all play mono sync. Party Connect is a bit finicky to set up (involves pressing buttons in sequence), but it works once done. One limitation: Party Connect only works with Bluetooth codec SBC (standard quality) and disables LDAC (if you were using Sony’s hi-res Bluetooth codec, which the XG500 supports in single-speaker mode). Speaking of codecs, the XG500 supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs. LDAC is Sony’s proprietary codec for higher quality (near-lossless) Bluetooth audio when used with compatible devices (mostly Android phones or Sony Walkmans). This means if you’re an audiophile, the XG500 can actually receive higher-than-normal bitrate audio over BT (the JBL and UE likely stick to SBC/AAC). Now, the Sony Music Center app is your control hub. From the app, you can adjust a 3-band EQ or choose presets, turn Mega Bass on/off, enable “Live Sound” mode (which adds a sound dispersion effect), and control the lighting effects (the LED ring lights have different patterns and colors you can set or turn off) mynavyexchange.com. The app also integrates with Fiestable (a separate app for DJ effects and karaoke features). Yes, the XG500 has some fun extras: through Fiestable, you can use the speaker’s lights as a strobe, add DJ sound effects, or do karaoke like vocal faders, etc. mynavyexchange.com. Why karaoke? Because the XG500 uniquely has a 1/4-inch microphone/guitar input on the back mynavyexchange.com. You can plug in a mic and use the speaker as a PA, or plug a guitar and use it as an amp/speaker for your instrument. There’s even a knob to control the mic/guitar input volume independently. Neither JBL nor UE has this capability – it’s a differentiator that makes the Sony double as a small performance speaker for a beach jam or outdoor open-mic. As for voice assistants: the XG500 does not have a built-in assistant (no far-field mics for Alexa, etc.), but if your phone is connected, you can press play/pause to trigger Siri/Google on your phone as a remote control. The XG500 also includes a 3.5mm AUX input, something the others lack comparisontabl.es. If you want to connect an old iPod or a laptop via cable, you can – a nice fallback when wireless isn’t desired. And of course, it has those USB ports: one can play music from a USB thumb drive (MP3, WMA, and maybe WAV files – typical support) stereoguide.com, essentially making it a standalone music player, and both can charge devices. So Sony really loaded the XG500 with connectivity options: Bluetooth (with LDAC and multipoint), stereo pairing and huge party mode, aux in, USB playback, mic/guitar in, plus fancy lighting and app goodies. It’s the most feature-packed of the three. The only knock is that its Bluetooth version is older, but realistically that doesn’t hinder much except maybe slightly shorter range or a hair more latency than BLE-based 5.4 might achieve. It’s still low latency enough that many report it’s fine for watching videos (and if not, the aux or USB input can be used to eliminate lag).

Connectivity Verdict: If you want a simple, straightforward speaker with just Bluetooth and an app, UE Epicboom fits that bill – no wires, no mics, just robust multi-speaker capabilities and easy pairing (even NFC). If you desire the latest Bluetooth tech and future-proofing, JBL Charge 6 brings Auracast and BT 5.4, plus a useful app with advanced EQ. It’s a smart balance of simplicity and modern features (minus any voice assistant frills). If you crave maximum versatility, the Sony XG500 is king – it’s practically a portable sound system, with every port and feature you might use (from guitar jamming to charging your phone to light shows). The trade-off is complexity and size, but for tech enthusiasts, the XG500 leaves little to be desired in features. None of these have built-in Alexa/Google or Wi-Fi, so if you wanted a smart speaker for the home, these aren’t it – they’re focused on portable use. But you can always pair them to a phone that’s using a voice assistant. In short: JBL and Sony stand out with multipoint pairing (great for party convenience), UE and Sony stand out with huge party chaining (bring on the speaker armies), and Sony stands alone with physical I/O (aux, mic) and light-up fun. Choose what matters to you – chances are, one of these covers your needs.

Price & Availability: What Do They Cost, and Where?

All three speakers occupy a premium portable speaker tier, but there are differences in pricing:

• JBL Charge 6: Price – $199 (USD) at launch soundguys.com soundguys.com. In the UK it’s £170, in Europe around €199, and in Australia about AU$200 (some sources said AU$199) amazon.co.uk t3.com. Essentially, JBL kept the price only slightly above the previous Charge 5 (which was $179) – a small bump that reviewers found reasonable in light of the new features and inflation t3.com whathifi.com. As of mid-2025, the Charge 6 is widely available: you can buy it on JBL’s official site, Amazon, Best Buy, and many retailers. It comes in seven colors (black, blue, white, red, camo, pink, and purple) news.jbl.com, so users love the variety. Retailers often have it around the $180-$199 mark; there might be occasional sales (e.g., it could dip to ~$150-$170 on sale events, given the Charge 5 often went on discount). So far, being a new model, it’s mostly holding at $199. Considering its robust performance, What Hi-Fi called it “a fairly reasonable outlay for such a robust and entertaining speaker” t3.com whathifi.com. The Charge 6 launched April 2025, so it’s a brand-new model – you’re getting the latest from JBL. One thing to note: since it’s new, if you already own a Charge 5, you might find the Charge 5 now discounted heavily (sometimes around $120), which could be a cheaper alternative if you don’t need the new features. But if you want the best mid-sized speaker JBL offers, the Charge 6 is it, at that ~$200 price. Availability is excellent globally due to JBL’s wide distribution. And JBL has a good track record of supporting their products with app updates and such.
• Ultimate Ears Epicboom: Price – launched at $349.99 (USD) techradar.com, £340 (UK), AU$499 (Australia) techradar.com. By mid-2024, UE positioned it at $299.99 in their lineup theverge.com theverge.com – possibly a price drop or just the current street price. Indeed, The Verge reported it as the “$299.99 Epicboom” in June 2024 theverge.com, and in Ultimate Ears’ own lineup it sits below the $399 Hyperboom theverge.com. That suggests either a price cut or that $349 was the MSRP but it’s commonly sold for ~$300 now. In fact, as of 2025, you’ll often find the Epicboom for around $299 at retailers (and sometimes on sale for ~$250-280). It comes in two styles: Charcoal Black with lime accents and Cotton White with coral accents techradar.com. Availability: it’s sold via Ultimate Ears (Logitech) website, Amazon, Best Buy, etc. Because it launched in late 2023, it’s still relatively new and in stock at major stores. That said, it is the most expensive of the three on paper. Part of that is UE historically priced their top portable models high (e.g., Megabooms were pricey too). The question many have is: is it worth $300? Some experts felt it was a bit steep given it “just” offers Bluetooth sound without extras theverge.com theverge.com. The Verge bluntly titled their review “epic price for an ordinary speaker” theverge.com, feeling that at $349 it was too much compared to features like voice assistant or Wi-Fi speakers in that range. However, other reviewers focusing on sound and durability thought it justified if you specifically want the UE sound and build. User opinions seem divided – some say “more than worth its price” for the sound quality delivered bestbuy.com, while others balk at spending over $300 for a Bluetooth-only speaker. It often competes with Sonos Move 2 ($449), Bose Portable Smart Speaker (~$399), etc., which have Wi-Fi or voice assistant. But those aren’t as rugged or long-lasting battery. So it’s a bit niche. If you find it at $299 or less, it becomes more compelling. Regionally, in Europe it’s around €349 (though price might have dropped closer to €300), and in the UK ~£300 (since £340 initial might have come down to ~£299 street). The existence of new UE models (Boom 4, Everboom) at lower price points suggests Epicboom might see discounts to stay competitive. Keep an eye out for Logitech/UE sales events, especially around holidays – sometimes they do 20% off.
• Sony SRS-XG500: Price – launched at $449.99 (USD) (and £379 in UK, €429 in Europe) forbes.com. Being a 2021 model, its price trajectory is interesting. Initially, it was quite pricey (around the cost of JBL’s larger Boombox 2). However, over time, Sony has discounted it significantly. As of 2025, the official Sony US site often lists it on sale for $199-$249 (with an MSRP crossed out at $349) electronics.sony.com. In fact, one search result indicated Sony’s site had it for $199.99 on sale (from $349.99) electronics.sony.com, which is a huge cut – possibly a clearance price as they introduce new models. Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy have been seen selling it around $300-$399 historically, but these days it’s not uncommon to find it near $250. In Europe, similarly, prices have dropped (some saw it at €279 where Boombox 2 was €400+). The reason likely is that Sony has released or is releasing new X-series or ULT-series speakers (the search we did showed a new “ULT Field 5” at $329 that likely replaces this). So XG500 might be phased out or on clearance in late 2024/2025. This is actually an opportunity: you might get a fantastic deal on it while it’s still available. At ~$200-$250, the XG500 is a steal for what it offers, considering a smaller JBL Xtreme 3 was $350 at launch. But availability might start to wane if it’s replaced. It’s still easy to find now, but if Sony ULT series fully supersedes it, stock might dwindle. Colors: only black (with subtle LEDs). It doesn’t have the fun color options of JBL/UE. But it does have that “X-Series” modern boombox look. Considering inflation and time, the current pricing positions it potentially as cheaper than the Epicboom (if on sale), which is interesting because it’s a much larger speaker. However, remember to factor in if you need that size. If you were cross-shopping, say, JBL Boombox 3 (which is $499), the Sony XG500 on sale presents a value alternative. Also consider any bundles: sometimes retailers include a mic or a case with the XG500. Warranty-wise, JBL and UE generally give 1-year limited, Sony does the same (sometimes 1 year, region dependent).

Value Perspective: At full retail, JBL Charge 6 is the most affordable at $199 and offers tremendous value – it’s been lauded for essentially setting the standard in its class whathifi.com. UE Epicboom at ~$300 is priciest per size; you’re paying a premium for UE’s brand, design and that middle size range (cheaper than Hyperboom, but pricier than smaller portables). Sony XG500 had a high initial price but now can be the cheapest of the three if you catch a sale – making it a potential bargain for those wanting big sound and features (though originally it was meant to compete above the $300 range). If budget is tight or you want the best bang for buck, keep an eye on XG500 deals or consider if a smaller JBL (Flip or older Charge) might do. If you want the latest and greatest with assured long-term support, Charge 6 being newest is a safe bet and not too expensive. If you love UE’s style and ecosystem, Epicboom is the cost to pay for it.

Finally, one can’t forget regional pricing differences: For example in India or Asia, these models might have different availability; JBL and Sony have wide global reach, UE too under Logitech’s distribution. Always buy from authorized sellers to ensure warranty (especially for UE and JBL). And if none of these quite fit the budget, consider their smaller siblings (JBL Flip 7 ~$150, UE Boom 4 ~$150, Sony XG300 ~$200) – but of course, with lesser performance. For this showdown, assuming you’re willing to invest in a quality speaker, any of these three can be worth it – just align with your use-case to justify the price.

Expert Opinions & User Reviews: What People Are Saying

It helps to hear what reviewers and real users think after using these speakers. Here are some highlights and quotes:

JBL Charge 6: This speaker has been universally praised in early reviews. T3 gave it a Platinum Award, stating “the Charge 6 delivers powerful, precise sound… intelligent AI features optimize audio and battery life. Negatives are few and far between.” t3.com They loved its rugged design and long battery, only nitpicking the lack of a mic and an included cable. What Hi-Fi? also gave it a 5-star evaluation, calling it “the leader of the pack once more” and “a terrific evolution of JBL’s superb portable speaker” whathifi.com. They specifically noted the sound is more powerful and clearer than the previous model, with “infectiously energetic” character whathifi.com. SoundGuys rated it 8.4/10, concluding “JBL has done an excellent job pushing the Charge series forward”, with key upgrades in durability, sound customization, and connectivity soundguys.com. They highlighted the improved bass and IP68 toughness soundguys.com. One caveat they mentioned: the Playtime Boost mode hurts sound quality (thin bass) and the new Auracast system isn’t backward compatible soundguys.com – minor trade-offs for better battery and future-proofing. Rtings gave it a 6.7 (they have very stringent scoring) but commented the mid-range and treble are well-balanced for clear music, and that it’s one of the best small speakers for outdoor use rtings.com rtings.com. User feedback has been largely positive too. Many JBL fans upgrading from Charge 5 report noticeable improvements in sound and love the carrying strap addition. A common user remark: “robust build, great sound for the size, and battery goes on and on.” Some early adopters did complain that they couldn’t stereo pair it with their older JBL (due to PartyBoost vs Auracast issue), but those who bought two Charge 6s are thrilled with the stereo mode. Overall, experts and users agree the Charge 6 “sets the standard for portable speakers in 2025”, as one review headline put it t3.com. It’s considered a safe recommendation for anyone seeking a ~$200 speaker.

Ultimate Ears Epicboom: The Epicboom has received mixed feedback. On one hand, audio reviewers like TechRadar enjoyed it – they noted it’s been “worth the wait” for UE to release a big new speaker, praising its bold sound and rugged build techradar.com techradar.com. They even said it could be among the best Bluetooth speakers for sound if you want loud, outdoor-capable audio techradar.com. They gave it 4 out of 5, liking the Outdoor Boost and the bass, while acknowledging the price and limited connectivity as downsides techradar.com techradar.com. Gear Patrol called it “the brand’s best portable speaker” with top-notch ruggedness and loudness gearpatrol.com gearpatrol.com. TrustedReviews and others praised its “immersive 360 sound and tough design” trustedreviews.com. However, some outlets were more critical. The Verge’s Chris Welch rated it 6/10, arguing “if UE is going to charge this much, there needs to be more than just Bluetooth” theverge.com. He pointed out the lack of Wi-Fi or voice assistant features given the $349 price, and noted that while the sound is good, it’s “not next-level good” for that cost theverge.com. His bottom line: “The Epicboom delivers on classic UE strengths… sounds pretty nice. But until a substantial price cut comes, the value…is anything but epic.” theverge.com. This encapsulates a lot of pro reviews: great speaker, arguably overpriced. User reviews on Best Buy and Amazon skew positive: it holds around a 4.5/5 star rating. Many users highlight the excellent sound quality and volume for its size – one user wrote “It can become loud without producing noise… you can hear instruments meticulously. More than worth its price.” bestbuy.com. Another appreciated the build, saying “design is simplistic and beautiful… you can tell it’s high quality. And the sound blew me away for a speaker this size.” A few users were disappointed with battery not lasting as long as hoped at high volumes (dropping nearer to 10-12h). Some also wished it had a microphone for voice calls or assistant (since older UE Megabooms had optional voice integration via the app). As for comparisons: those who own other UE speakers feel Epicboom outshines Boom 3 and Megaboom in sound (as it should) and nearly rivals the huge Hyperboom (while being more portable), which actually justifies it for UE loyalists. On the other hand, some buyers comparing to non-UE options felt it expensive – for instance, one might consider a JBL Boombox 3 on sale for similar price with even bigger sound, or a Sonos Move 2 with Wi-Fi smarts (if not needing waterproofing). So the Epicboom is often praised by those who value its specific combo of features (360 sound, UE ecosystem, floating waterproof build) and questioned by those purely looking at spec-to-dollar ratio. Summing up: experts agree it’s powerful and rugged, but your wallet needs to accept the UE tax. If you find it at $300 or less, the narrative changes to a more favorable one.

Sony SRS-XG500: Initially, the XG500 flew a bit under the radar in mainstream press, but it has its share of reviews. Rtings scored it 6.8, noting it’s great for outdoor parties with loud sound and customizable EQ, but penalizing it for compression at max volume and not the deepest bass extension rtings.com rtings.com. They did praise its build and features like mic input. Newsweek did a review and said it’s “a boombox perfect for… who wants loud outdoor sound” but also pointed out at $450 it’s targeting a niche willing to pay for size and power newsweek.com. Many tech YouTubers (like Gymcaddy, et al.) gave it positive reviews, often comparing it favorably to the JBL Boombox series. A sentiment often heard: “Sony ain’t playing around – amazing sound!” and that it “makes you want to rediscover your music with its bass”*. StereoGuide (Germany) gave it a strong 88% (Top Performer), applauding its “rich, deep bass” and “huge level reserves” as we mentioned stereoguide.com. They also liked the clear vocals and gave it high marks in connectivity for all the extra features stereoguide.com stereoguide.com. On the downside, they pointed out Mega Bass can bloat the sound and that it’s not exactly compact – so not ideal as a daily carry. User reviews for XG500 are very positive, especially now that many got it on sale. It’s averaging around 4.7/5 stars on retailer sites. Owners frequently mention: “the sound fills my backyard easily”, “bass is fantastic but also clear highs”, “build quality is superb”. A user on Reddit comparing it to JBL Boombox said: “objectively, JBL is better on some fronts, BUT the Sony costs much less here and still delivers great sound – I’m very happy”. Another on Best Buy wrote: “This speaker exceeded my expectations. The LED lights and mic input made our family gathering a hit. It’s like a party in a box!”. The only common complaints: some wished it were a bit lighter (but then acknowledge physics), and a few had trouble initially figuring out the app or pairing multiple units (Party Connect can be tricky at first). Also, a small subset mention that at very low volumes the sound is flat (Mega Bass kicks in more at mid volumes), which is something others noticed too – it’s tuned to sound best at moderate to loud volume. With the introduction of Sony’s new “ULT” series in 2025, some early adopters ask if XG500 is now outdated – but realistically, sound hasn’t radically changed, so XG500 is still a top performer, just with older Bluetooth version. Many are grabbing them at discount and raving at the value: “For $250, you can’t beat this – it outperforms anything else near that price.” All considered, experts see the XG500 as a fantastic party speaker with lots of functionality, only held back by its bulk and initial high price. Now that the price is often lower, it’s getting a second wind of appreciation.

Overall Opinion Round-up: If we distill it: JBL Charge 6 – widely regarded as a class leader, best all-around for its size/price; UE Epicboom – well-liked for its performance but some question its price-to-features ratio; Sony XG500 – seen as a powerhouse, loved by those who want its boom and features, especially now at lower cost, but obviously not as portable. Each has a fan base: JBL fans praise the Charge 6’s improvements (“the best just got better” is a theme) soundguys.com, UE fans love the Epicboom’s return to form for UE (some felt UE was quiet for years and this is a strong comeback in big speakers), and Sony fans or converts enjoy the XG500’s throwback boombox vibe with modern tech.

It’s worth noting none of these are poorly reviewed – they’re all quite good at what they do. The differentiation comes in preferences and use cases, which we’ve outlined.

Comparisons with Previous Models & Upgrade Worthiness

Technology moves fast – so should you upgrade to these new models? And how do they compare to their predecessors or siblings?

• JBL Charge 6 vs Charge 5 (and others): The Charge 5 was already an award-winning speaker. The Charge 6 brings several notable upgrades t3.com t3.com: higher durability (IP68 vs IP67, plus drop-proof) t3.com t3.com, longer battery (24h vs 20h) t3.com, a better subwoofer for deeper bass t3.com, and new features like AI Sound Boost and Auracast t3.com t3.com. Also the design tweaks (strap, new button layout, better base) improve usability t3.com t3.com. Sound-wise, reviews say the Charge 6 is clearer and more detailed than the 5, and slightly louder/stronger in bass whathifi.com whathifi.com. If you already own a Charge 5 and are happy, you’re still in good shape – the 5 is great. But if you crave those new features, especially linking with newer JBL models (since JBL is shifting everything to Auracast) or the EQ customization, it may be worth upgrading. For new buyers, definitely get the Charge 6 over the 5 if budget allows that extra ~$20, for future-proofing. JBL also has larger speakers like the Xtreme 4 (new) and Boombox 3. The Boombox 3 is a beast (much larger, $500), so not a direct competitor here. The Charge 6 kind of hits the sweet spot between ultra-portable and large boombox. If you need smaller, JBL’s Flip 6 or Flip 7 are options at lower cost, but they won’t match Charge’s fullness (Flip 7 is actually brand-new too and has some similar upgrades). Another comparison: Charge 6 vs Sony XG300 (since XG300 is closer in size to Charge). The Sony XG300 is a smaller sibling of XG500, also portable with a handle, priced ~$199. However, the Charge 6 actually holds its own or outperforms XG300 in clarity and durability, and the XG300 doesn’t get as deep in bass (plus XG300 is only IP67 vs JBL’s IP68, and no powerbank feature). So many have pointed out JBL did such a good job that in the ~$200 bracket, Charge 6 is arguably the top pick in 2025 whathifi.com whathifi.com. If you have a Charge 4 (2018 model) or older, the jump to Charge 6 is huge – better sound, better waterproofing, USB-C, all the new tech. So yes, upgrades are largely worth it for JBL fans.
• UE Epicboom vs older UE (Boom/Megaboom/Hyperboom): The Epicboom basically filled a gap in UE’s lineup. If you have a Megaboom 3 (2018), the Epicboom is a noticeable upgrade in loudness and bass – reviews note it “handily outperforms the Boom 3 and Megaboom” theverge.com. It’s also got the strap and better dustproofing, etc. Versus the Hyperboom (2020) – the Hyperboom remains UE’s most powerful speaker (it’s larger, 13 lbs, with two woofers). The Epicboom is smaller and cheaper. Hyperboom is $399 and not very portable beyond house parties. Epicboom at $299-$349 is meant for those who found Hyperboom too big/expensive, but Megaboom not enough. If you own a Hyperboom and wanted another UE to pair, you could add an Epicboom for multi-room or multi-direction sound (they can PartyUp together). Is it worth upgrading from Hyperboom? Not really, Hyperboom still has deeper bass and an aux input that Epicboom lacks. But if you have a Hyperboom and want a more travel-friendly second speaker, Epicboom could complement it. For Boom 3 owners: note UE launched the Boom 4 and Megaboom 4 in 2024 with USB-C, etc. If you want to stay smaller, those are now updated. The Epicboom’s advantage is sheer volume and fullness that smaller Booms can’t match. If you are deciding between Epicboom and maybe getting two Megaboom 4s in stereo – two Megabooms might cost similar, but one Epicboom might deliver more bass than two smaller ones (though two would give stereo separation). Another perspective: People considering non-UE options – for ~$300, one might look at JBL Xtreme 3 (or Xtreme 4) or older JBL Boombox 2 refurb. The Epicboom stands up well against an Xtreme in ruggedness and likely out-basses it (Xtreme 3 is smaller than Epicboom). Versus JBL Boombox 2/3, those are bigger and more powerful but also more expensive and heavy. The Epicboom’s main competitor might actually be something like the Bose Portable Speaker or Sonos Move, but those emphasize smart features over ruggedness. So UE carved out a niche: If you want a fully waterproof, floating, loud party speaker that’s mid-sized, Epicboom is that niche. As for upgrading within UE: If you loved your old UE speakers and lamented they haven’t made a new one in years, Epicboom is a strong comeback. It’s worth it if you want their 360° design and have other Booms to connect. If you only care about sound-per-dollar, you might also consider the Hyperboom which sometimes goes on sale around $350-$400 – it’s bigger but not that much more money now. There’s also a rumor/hope for a Hyperboom 2 eventually, but nothing concrete yet. Ultimate Ears did release an Everboom ($249) in 2024 that sits below Epicboom in size. But Epicboom remains their top portable (non-AC) offering. So, upgrade if: you need something louder than a Megaboom and more portable than a Hyperboom, or if your older UE collection lacks oomph. Hold off if: price is a concern or you’re content with your current party speaker – you might wait for a sale or a potential Hyperboom refresh if you want the absolute UE best.
• Sony XG500 vs earlier Sony speakers: The XG500 replaced older Sony models like the XB60/XB90 (plug-in party speakers) and took the mantle from the GTK boombox line as a battery-powered party speaker. If you have a Sony XB40/XB41 or XB33 (those smaller “Extra Bass” speakers), the XG500 is a major step up in size and output. If you had the Sony XB90 (which was a big AC-powered speaker), the XG500 offers similar output but portable. Within the XG lineup, XG500 is the largest. There’s a mid-sized XG300 (~4 lbs, with retractable handle) and a smaller XE300 (vertical unit) etc. Upgrading from XG300 to XG500 gets you a lot more volume and bass, but you lose some convenience. Sony recently launched the “ULT Field” series (ULT Field 5 and 3) in 2025 which seem to be successors: the ULT Field 5 appears similar in concept to XG500 (shoulder strap, IP67, 25h battery, slightly smaller size) comparisontabl.es comparisontabl.es. If that’s the case, new buyers might consider those once available – they might have BT 5.3 and Auracast (the search snippet mentioned possibly Auracast via firmware) youtube.com. So one could argue: if you’re not in a rush, you could wait for Sony’s next-gen (ULT series) if you want the latest Sony tech. However, those might come at higher prices initially ($329 for ULT 5, $229 for ULT 3 as per some listings) videoandaudiocenter.com videoandaudiocenter.com. Meanwhile, the XG500 being discounted heavily is a great deal now. Upgrading from an older Sony like XB501G (if anyone had that Google Assistant speaker) or XB40 – absolutely XG500 is on another level. If you have a JBL Boombox 1 or 2 and are looking at XG500: they’re competitive, each with pros/cons (Boombox has slightly punchier bass, XG500 has lights and mic). Some who compared said Boombox edges it in sound quality, but given Boombox 3 is $500, many opted for XG500 at half the price. So it’s a value upgrade scenario. For existing XG500 owners: the question is maybe “should I upgrade to a new model or switch brands?”. If you’re happy, XG500 will continue to perform. Unless you really need Wi-Fi or something (in which case Sonos or JBL’s Authentics line might interest you), there’s not a clear reason to ditch XG500 for another current model – because not many portable speakers match its niche. Perhaps JBL Boombox 3 if you want even more bass and can spend more, or Soundcore Motion Boom Plus if you wanted a cheaper alternative. But truthfully, XG500 holds its ground. So we’d say: upgrade to XG500 if you find a good price and want a big portable sound system. If you already have one, no urgent need to upgrade until Sony’s new line proves significantly better.

In essence, all three models represent the latest iterations of their line (or in UE’s case, a new entry). If you have an older speaker that you love, these new ones generally offer incremental but meaningful improvements: better waterproofing, more connectivity, and refined sound. Whether the upgrade is “worth it” depends on your usage: If your old speaker still satisfies you and hasn’t fallen apart, you can enjoy it until it dies (most Bluetooth speakers last many years). But if you’re looking for better performance or your old one’s battery is fading, these are compelling upgrades.

Upcoming or Rumored Models:

Looking ahead, what’s on the horizon from these brands?

• JBL: Having just released the Charge 6 and Flip 7 in 2025, JBL’s portable lineup is up-to-date. The next logical update might be to the Xtreme series (Xtreme 4 launched in 2024) or the Boombox series (Boombox 3 came out in 2022). There are rumors of a Boombox 4, potentially with similar upgrades (Auracast, maybe even bigger battery), but nothing confirmed yet. JBL tends to announce products around CES or spring. Also, JBL might delve further into LE Audio tech – the Auracast adoption is one sign. Perhaps future models will have better stereo over BLE Audio and maybe even improved latency for videos. For now, if you get a Charge 6, you’re at the top of JBL’s mid-size tech. A PartyBox update (those huge party speakers) might come, but those are AC-powered mainly. In short, no known replacements for Charge 6 for at least a couple of years, so it’s a safe buy.
• Ultimate Ears: UE refreshed almost their entire line in 2024: Wonderboom 4, Boom 4, Megaboom 4, and introduced Everboom and Epicboom. This suggests UE probably won’t launch another big model immediately. The glaring gap is Hyperboom 2 – the original Hyperboom is now 3 years old. Perhaps we’ll see a Hyperboom 2 with updated Bluetooth and maybe even smart features or improved battery. If you need something larger than Epicboom, you either buy Hyperboom now or wait to see if a new one comes (no strong leaks yet, but given UE’s flurry of 2024 releases, maybe 2025 could bring a Hyperboom refresh). Another rumored thing: since UE is part of Logitech, they’ve been focusing on sustainability, so maybe future models could have user-replaceable batteries or more recycled material (just speculation, since they touted recycling in current ones). Everboom (6th speaker) was the surprise in 2024 – bridging a gap below Epicboom. It’s $249 and a bit smaller. That shows UE’s strategy to fill every niche from $100 to $400. So for 2025, I’d expect more of a focus on software features (like the megaphone mode they added, maybe more app features). So nothing immediate is needed to replace Epicboom; it should remain the go-to UE portable party speaker for a while.
• Sony: Sony appears to have a new lineup. As we saw, “ULT Field 5” and “ULT Field 3” launched in 2025 electronics.sony.com electronics.sony.com. The ULT Field 5 likely replaces the XG500 as the new large portable. It’s slightly smaller and lighter (3.3 kg vs 5.6 kg) with a shoulder strap, IP67, 25h battery, Bluetooth 5.3 comparisontabl.es comparisontabl.es. It has a different driver setup (two tweeters, one oval woofer) which might be a new design. It also mentions “ULT Button to boost your bass” (probably similar to Mega Bass) electronics.sony.com electronics.sony.com. This indicates Sony is updating their lineup with LE Audio/Auracast support, as one source hinted at firmware for Auracast youtube.com. Also, they might unify the app (the comparison said “Sony Sound Connect” app instead of Music Center for ULT Field, implying a new app) comparisontabl.es. So yes, Sony has new models arriving or already released quietly in some regions (the Sony website links suggest they might be rolling them out). If you want the newest Sony tech, maybe check out the Sony ULT Field series. However, those will be at full price ($329 for ULT 5 as listed) comparisontabl.es. The XG500, as mentioned, is deeply discounted. Sony also launched XV800 in 2023 (a big tower) and some other party speakers, but those aren’t battery portable. Also, expect Sony to continue with LED-laden party devices – maybe a smaller ULT Field 7 or something could come to replace bigger AC models, but not relevant here. If you already have an XG500, the ULT Field 5 might not be dramatically better in sound (we’ll see in reviews), but it’s certainly more compact and likely easier to carry. It might have slightly less output though (given smaller size). If portability was your gripe with XG500, the new one could appeal. On the other hand, XG500 is still a beast and now a bargain. So upcoming, keep eyes on Sony’s ULT series – likely to feature Auracast multi-connect too, which would then align them with JBL’s direction (there was a note that ULT Field 7 won’t support LE Audio, interestingly, but possibly Field 5 might? Not sure youtube.com).

In summary, in the near term (2025): JBL Charge 6 is the brand-new hotness from JBL; UE Epicboom is still fresh and won’t be outdone by UE until maybe a Hyperboom 2; Sony XG500 is being succeeded by ULT Field 5, but that actually might make the XG500 a value pick. So choose based on current offerings – none of these are outdated in performance yet, and each will likely serve you well for years.

Conclusion: Which Speaker Should You Choose?

All three of these Bluetooth speakers are excellent in their own right, but they cater to slightly different needs:

• JBL Charge 6 – The All-Rounder Champ: If you want a speaker that checks every box – great sound for its size, true all-day battery, super-rugged build, and easy portability – the Charge 6 is hard to beat. It’s the most affordable here and yet delivers big, balanced sound that impresses both reviewers and users whathifi.com. It’s perfect for travelers, beach-goers, backyard BBQs – basically anyone. Plus, with its new features (Auracast, EQ, powerbank), it’s a Swiss Army knife in a small package. As one review said, it “sets the standard for portable speakers in 2025” t3.com. Unless you specifically need earth-shaking volume or fancy extras like lights, the JBL Charge 6 offers the best blend of performance, durability, and value. It’s the safest recommendation for most people looking for a high-quality Bluetooth speaker.
• Ultimate Ears Epicboom – The 360° Party Starter (with a Premium): Choose the Epicboom if you love 360-degree sound and plan to entertain outdoors or in large spaces frequently. It’s built like a tank and pumps out bold, booming audio that can get a party moving. It especially shines for outdoor gatherings – camps, pool parties (it floats!), beach bonfires, etc., where its Outdoor Boost and wide sound dispersion make sure everyone hears the music. It also integrates into UE’s ecosystem: if you have friends with Booms or another Epicboom, you can create a wall of sound via PartyUp. The main caveat is price – at around $300, it’s pricier than similar-sized rivals. You’re paying for UE’s signature design and ruggedness. If those matter to you, and you desire a statement speaker that’s waterproof and unique, the Epicboom is a fantastic pick. As one user said, “It delivers sound and quality found in speakers that far exceed its own price point” bestbuy.com – high praise, suggesting it can compete above its class in audio. Just be sure you’re okay with the cost and the weight (it’s portable, but not purse-sized). For UE loyalists and style-conscious users who want that “Epic” sound experience, this is your go-to.
• Sony SRS-XG500 – The Boombox Reborn (Big Sound, Big Fun): If your priority is maximum volume, thumping bass, and a feature-packed party machine, the XG500 will put a grin on your face. It’s essentially a modern boombox: carry it by the handle, drop it down, and rock the whole block. It’s ideal for house parties, tailgates, DJs, and even small performances (with that mic/guitar input). The sound is powerful enough to serve as mini-PA, and the added bonuses – from karaoke features to light-up rings – make it a party centerpiece. It also lasts a marathon on battery, so it’ll out-party you. The trade-off is size: at ~12 lbs, you won’t casually throw it in a tote bag. It’s more for those who say, “I don’t mind a bigger unit as long as it’s portable enough to not need an outlet.” The XG500 also currently offers a great bang for buck (with recent discounts), so you might get more speaker for your dollar compared to others. As one reviewer put it: “The sound is incredible… one of the best we’ve seen from a portable speaker” gadgetbridge.com. Go for the Sony if you want that old-school party vibe with modern tech, and you have space for it. It will literally bring the bass and the party atmosphere with you. Just be ready for people to ask, “Wow, what speaker is that?!” when they see and hear it.

In closing, you can’t really go wrong with any of these top-tier speakers. Your choice should come down to how you’ll use it:

• Need something light and versatile for music anywhere? Grab the JBL Charge 6 – it’s the portable powerhouse and arguably the best choice for most people. Durability, battery, sound – 10/10 for its class t3.com.
• Want to impress a crowd outdoors and don’t mind paying a bit more? The UE Epicboom’s got you – it’s the rugged party-all-round with style, great for those who live loud and love the UE vibe (especially if you’ll use the multi-speaker PartyUp feature).
• Looking to turn it up to 11 and sing along? The Sony XG500 is your jam – it’s like having a club sound system you can carry, perfect for serious party enthusiasts, musicians, or anyone who wants a big sound statement.

Each speaker also reflects the ethos of its brand: JBL brings that pro-audio pedigree in a friendly form, UE delivers a fun-loving yet tough spirit, and Sony merges tech-rich features with throwback loudness.

Consider where and how you’ll pump up the music, and match the speaker to your lifestyle. Whichever you choose, you’ll be getting a high-quality device from a reputable brand, so get ready to enjoy your tunes with awesome sound. Happy listening (and partying)!

Sources:

• Official JBL Press Release – Flip 7 and Charge 6 launch news.jbl.com news.jbl.com
• T3 – JBL Charge 6 review (2025) t3.com t3.com
• What Hi-Fi – JBL Charge 6 verdict whathifi.com whathifi.com
• SoundGuys – JBL Charge 6 review soundguys.com soundguys.com
• TechRadar – UE Epicboom review techradar.com techradar.com
• The Verge – UE Epicboom critique theverge.com theverge.com
• TechRadar – Epicboom specs and release techradar.com techradar.com
• Ultimate Ears (Logitech) – Epicboom features ultimateears.com ultimateears.com
• SoundGuys – Charge 6 durability notes soundguys.com soundguys.com
• StereoGuide – Sony XG500 audio review stereoguide.com stereoguide.com
• Rtings – Sony XG500 sound characteristics rtings.com rtings.com
• Best Buy Customer Review – Epicboom user impression bestbuy.com bestbuy.com
• Best Buy Customer Review – Epicboom loud & clear outdoors bestbuy.com bestbuy.com
• Rtings – JBL Charge 6 sound profile rtings.com rtings.com
• JBL Newsroom – Charge 6 features (IP68, strap, lossless audio) news.jbl.com news.jbl.com
• Verge – List of Epicboom omissions (no Wi-Fi, no line-in, etc.) theverge.com theverge.com
• Sony Navy Exchange Listing – XG500 features list mynavyexchange.com mynavyexchange.com
• The Verge – UE lineup pricing (Epicboom at $299) theverge.com theverge.com
• What Hi-Fi – Charge 6 price comparison and value whathifi.com whathifi.com
• Reddit (r/JBL) – Charge 6 release info reddit.com (release date April 2025)