The best sounding Sony Bluetooth speaker I’ve tested is still $80
If my favorite new portable Bluetooth speaker of 2025 ever asks, I have to say, Sony’s Ultimate Field 5 speaker. When it was released in April, I called it One of Best Sound Bluetooth Speakers tested in size class. However, the $330 cost is quite expensive, but it appears to be a discount in time. The speakers are currently on sale for $250 or $80, so that’s when it’s the time. First was discounted anniversarybut it’s still on sale after the holidays.
read more: Best Bluetooth Speakers of 2025
In fact, several other Sony Bluetooth speakers are available for good prices, including new ones Ult Field 3 ($150 or $50 off) and compact Ult Field 1 ($88 or $42 off). They are all great portable speakers, but the Ult Field 5 has the best sound of a bunch and is definitely the best overall.
Ult stands for ultimate, or, as Sony says, “the ultimate step towards the evolution of portable audio products.” Power represents “dynamic sound pressure and deep bass.” The sound is translated into “as if you were in the front row at a concert.”
Sony Ult Field 5 (left) was compared to Ult Field 3 (right).
In the past, I thought Sony’s Bluetooth speakers were decent enough, but they weren’t great. However, with the ULT series, Sony has significantly improved the sound quality of its Bluetooth speakers.
I also like the new designs for Ult Field 3 and Ult Field 5. Both speakers are fully waterproof, dustproof and rustproof with IP67 certification. Both include a new removable shoulder strap. This was used further in ultfield 5, which is heavier than the lighter Ultifield 3. 2.65 lbs Ult Field 5 Weight 7.27 lbs – a big difference. (Read my practical first speaker review).
Ult Field 5 with removable shoulder strap attached.
The Ult Field 3 offers more bass and volume than expected given its relatively compact size (and offers better clarity and bass performance than its predecessor, the SRS-XE300). However, the sound stage of the Ult Field 5 is remarkably wide, with the speakers playing loudly with a remarkably rich and rich sound. There is also built-in party lighting with ports inside USB-C charging, allowing you to charge your device using the speaker as a power bank. Battery life is assessed for up to 25 hours at medium volume levels and 10 hours with party lighting activated.
read more: Best Bluetooth Speakers of 2025
Bluetooth speakers will be doing this week’s deal
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Don’t expect actual stereo separation from Ult Field 5 or Ult Field 3. To get true stereo separation, you need to link the two to create a stereo pair (Sony made it easier to link ULT speakers in both Party Connect and Stereo modes). Of course, not everyone can afford to buy one of these speakers, not to mention two, but it helps them to be on sale now.
Ult Field 5 Key Specifications
- Weight: 7.27 lbs
- driver: 1 woofer, 2 passive base radiators, 2 tweeters
- EQ: ult1 mode (deep frequency), ult2 mode (powerful sound), 10-band EQ, sound field optimization
- App Control: Sound Connect app (iOS and Android)
- price: $330 (Sold now for $250)
- color: Available in black and off-white
- Predecessor: SRS-XG300
- IP67 waterproof, dustproof, rustproof, shock resistant
- Party Lighting
- Removable shoulder strap
- Up to 25 hours of battery life (10 hours with lighting)
- Speakerphone (built-in microphone)
- In-Out USB-C charging, so the speaker can be used as a power bank
- 3.5mm audio input
- Link multiple speakers to a Party Connect or stereo pair