This single Sony speaker replaced all my other portable audio gear – here’s why

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Sony ULT Field is available for $330 in Off White and Black.
• It offers a lively bass response and an enjoyable overall sound.
• However, its exaggerated bass and limited EQ settings in some sound modes could make it unsuitable for some.

more buying choices

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

The Sony ULT Field 5 was launched in April alongside the ULT Field 3 and ULT Tower speakers. It joins the ULT Field 1 and ULT Field 7 in the growing ULT lineup of Sony’s bass-focused audio products. I didn’t like the ULT Wear headphones because the bass response sounded overly exaggerated. But after using the Sony ULT Field 5 on and off for the past few weeks, I think I can give the ULT range another chance.

Also: Sony’s most portable speaker yet also fills up the room with powerful sound

The Sony ULT Field 5 offers a rugged build, extra bass, and improved overall audio clarity. I didn’t expect to enjoy carrying around a 3.3kg (7.2 lb) device, but this Sony speaker has grown on me. It is built for those who want more power than a typical portable speaker but don’t want to go for a big full-size party speaker. But there are a few things you should keep in mind before purchasing this product. 

The ULT Field 5 is rugged and functional — yet elegant

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET

The Sony ULT Field 5 features a rugged design that might seem heavy on paper, but Sony includes an optional adjustable shoulder strap for portability that makes it easier to carry around. This is not one of those speakers you’d fit in a backpack. Instead, you can carry it like a cross-shoulder bag. 

The Sony ULT Field 5 retains some design cues from its predecessor, the Sony SRS-XG300, including the LED lights. The lights are built into its dual passive radiators, which sit inside the plastic end cups. Most of its body is covered in durable fabric and is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance. 

Also: These wireless speakers deliver gloriously smooth sound for any style of music – and they’re $200 off

I’ve been using the White variant, but it also comes in Black. I recommend purchasing the latter if you plan on using this speaker outdoors, though the white looks classier. In fact, it is one of the most elegant-looking rugged white speakers, in my opinion.

The ULT Field 5 sports plenty of buttons. On top, you get the power button and controls for Bluetooth, volume, play/pause, ULT mode, and a Connect button to pair your Field 5 with other Sony ULT speakers. 

There’s a flap on the back, which houses a 3.5mm audio jack, a USB-C port for charging (both in/out, so it can be used as a power bank), and two more buttons. First is the Battery Care button that caps charging at 90% to help preserve long-term battery health, and second is a Light button to adjust the intensity of LED lighting. You can also press the latter to turn off the lights completely.

Bringing the party vibes

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET

The new ULT Field 5 Bluetooth speaker features a woofer, two passive bass radiators, and two tweeters. It supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs, and iOS and Android users can customize settings via the Sony Sound Connect app. You can also toggle between ULT1 Mode (deep frequencies) and ULT2 Mode (powerful sound) or customize your sound through the 10-band EQ. It also houses a built-in microphone if you want to take calls over Bluetooth.

The Sony ULT Field 5 delivers a bigger sound than its size might indicate. It offers a wide soundstage and, unlike the ULT Wear headphones, its bass is only boosted once the ULT mode is triggered. 

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET

The ULT2 mode offers a pleasant bass response — one that’s enjoyable in indoor get-togethers or medium-sized outdoor events. It not only boosts the bass so you get more lively beats, but also lifts the treble to improve vocal clarity. I listened to most of my music in the ULT2 mode because it encouraged clarity and detail across genres. 

Also: Marshall’s latest soundbars bring serious competition to Bose and Sonos – and I heard them live

The ULT1 preset isn’t bad, but it is not as enjoyable and lively as the ULT2 mode. Unfortunately, neither of these presets is customizable, but you can still adjust the tunes with the 10-band custom EQ. 

According to Sony, the ULT Field 5 can last up to 25 hours without lights and up to 10 hours with lights on. That’s a big dip, but I think 10 hours should be enough for a night-long party. I have no complaints with the battery life, as it lasted me up to five hours (lights on) with 60% of battery left. It also features quick charge, which offers 100 minutes of music playback with a 10-minute charge.

ZDNET’s buying advice

The Sony ULT Field 5 is a solid option for people who want a rugged speaker that is still stylish, or a party-ready speaker that isn’t exceptionally large. It offers a full suite of physical button controls without any major compromise, so it’s also ideal for solo jam sessions around the house, picnics, or days by the pool. 

The ULT Field 5 is not for those who fine-tune their sound. That said, Sony’s ULT2 mode delivers a lively bass response and an overall enjoyable sound, while the lights bring the party alive. The Sony ULT Field 5 isn’t just loud; it is rugged, elegant, and surprisingly fun.