Sony bursts onto the portable Bluetooth speaker scene with a bang. The Japanese brand is launching its new “Ult” line to directly compete with market leaders. We have the Sony Ult Field 3, an alternative to the famous JBL Charge, and its bigger sibling, the Sony Ult Field 5, which has even greater ambitions. After intensive use, especially outdoors, here is our detailed analysis of these two promising new products.
Price and Availability: A Strategic Alignment
Sony is positioning its new speakers very competitively, aligning its prices with its main rivals. The Ult Field 3 is offered at a launch price of €199. However, promotional offers have already made it available for €179. This is a very aggressive and attractive pricing strategy.
As for its bigger sibling, the Ult Field 5, its base price is set at €299. Similarly, it benefits from a promotion that lowers its cost to €279. Sony is making its premium products accessible right from their release.

Design and Finish: The Promise of a Premium Product
From the very first touch, both speakers inspire confidence. The watchword is clearly perceived quality. Sony has invested in robust materials and a meticulous finish.
The Sony Ult Field 3: Compact and Robust
The Ult Field 3 features an elegant and functional design. A durable fabric envelops the speaker’s body, ensuring a good grip. Solid plastic end caps effectively protect the side passive radiators. Additionally, Sony includes a practical carrying strap. You can attach it to discreet hooks, and if you don’t use it, the attachment points can be hidden for a sleek design.
At the back, a sealed flap protects the USB Type-C charging port. Importantly, Sony certifies the speaker as shock-resistant, capable of withstanding drops from around 1.2 meters.
On the top surface, the buttons are easily accessible. You’ll find the power, Bluetooth pairing, and volume controls. A “Connect” button allows you to link multiple speakers. Finally, the famous “ULT” button activates the bass boost.

The Sony Ult Field 5: Imposing and Luminous
The Ult Field 5 shares the same robust and premium construction. However, it is much larger and heavier, weighing 3.3 kg compared to just 1.2 kg for the Field 3. Its dimensions are also more generous: 32 cm long versus 25.6 cm for its smaller counterpart.
The major difference lies in its 360-degree ambient lighting. This indirect light syncs with the music. It’s a stylish addition that you can disable to conserve battery life. At the back, it features a USB-C port and a jack input, which is absent on the Field 3.

Audio Quality: The Heart of the Experience
Now for the crucial element: the sound. Sony highlights its “ULT” technology for an immersive audio experience, promising massive bass worthy of a live concert.
The “ULT” Button: A Sound Signature
This feature is the main selling point of the range. On the Ult Field 3, a single press activates a mode that enhances the bass. The sound immediately becomes more dynamic and powerful. Activating this mode is almost essential to fully enjoy the speaker.
On the Ult Field 5, you have two options. The “ULT 1” mode adds depth to low-frequency bass. The “ULT 2” mode, named “Attack Bass,” increases sound pressure for punchy and energetic bass. This second mode is particularly impressive.
The Sound of the Ult Field 3: Balance and Clarity
The Ult Field 3 operates in mono. It is equipped with a woofer, a tweeter, and two passive radiators. The result is a full sound with excellent vocal clarity. Even at high volumes, distortion remains very well-contained, a strong point compared to many competitors. For a 40 m² room, its power is more than sufficient. Its overall balance even surpasses that of some benchmark speakers.
The Sound of the Ult Field 5: Power and Immersion
The Ult Field 5 steps up to stereo. It packs a larger woofer and two tweeters, ensuring true separation of the left and right channels. The sound is massive, powerful, and offers great spatialization. With the “ULT 2” mode, the bass is deep and impactful.
This speaker can effortlessly fill a 100 m² room or a large terrace with sound. Its power is such that it could even suit the atmosphere of a bar or restaurant. However, a slight drawback appears at very high volumes: the highs can become a bit too prominent, slightly masking the depth of the bass.

Sony Song Connect App: Control and Customization
The Sony Song Connect app centralizes the management of your Sony audio devices. Although its interface has been modernized, it can still feel a bit unintuitive at times. Nevertheless, it offers a comprehensive set of controls.
You can check the battery life, manage multi-device connections, or choose the audio source. The app also features a customizable equalizer (7 bands for the Field 3). DJ effects and lighting controls (for the Field 5) are also available. A function optimizes the sound based on ambient noise, and you can choose to prioritize sound quality or connection stability.
Battery Life: Endurance That Passes Any Test
Battery life is a critical factor for a portable speaker, and Sony does not disappoint. The Ult Field 3 promises up to 24 hours of listening time. The Ult Field 5 claims up to 25 hours.
Note that the performance of the Field 5 is achieved without the light show, as activating the lights significantly reduces endurance. In practice, both speakers live up to their promises. You can easily go for a weekend without needing to recharge them.

Which Sony Ult Speaker Should You Choose?
Sony has successfully met the challenge. These two speakers are excellent alternatives in a very competitive market. They exude quality and deliver top-tier sound performance. One small flaw was noted: a micro-latency can sometimes be perceived when connecting the two speakers together.
Our top pick is undoubtedly the Sony Ult Field 3. It represents a nearly perfect balance. It is portable, robust, has great battery life, and delivers impressive sound for its size. It’s the ultimate rugged, go-anywhere speaker.
The Ult Field 5 is also excellent but is intended for a different use case. More powerful but less portable, it is better suited for home use—a living room speaker that you can occasionally move.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your needs. But one thing is certain: whether you choose one or the other, you will not be disappointed.