Sony ULT Field 5 Review

Discover the Sony ULT Field 5 review: deep bass, 25‑hr battery, IP67 durability, 360° Party Light, and more. Is it worth $329.99? Find out now!

The Sony ULT Field 5 stakes its claim as the ultimate mid‑sized portable party speaker, blending dual woofers, ULT Power Sound modes, and a 360° Party Light into a rugged, IP67‑rated chassis.

In this in‑depth Sony ULT Field 5 review, we’ll dissect its design, audio performance, battery life, connectivity, practicality, and value, then deliver a final verdict plus FAQs.

Whether you’re camping, tailgating, or hosting backyard soirées, read on to see if the Sony ULT Field 5 deserves a spot in your gear line-up.

Related: Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers 2025

Design & Build Quality

The Sony ULT Field 5 exudes rugged portability with its IP67‑rated, dustproof, waterproof, and rustproof enclosure, making it ideal for beach days or poolside parties.

Weighing 3.3 kg (7.27 lbs), it strikes a balance between heft for robust acoustics and manageable carryability, especially when using the included adjustable shoulder strap. The boxy silhouette marks a departure from cylindrical speakers, giving it a modern, utilitarian aesthetic that stands out in any setting.

Sony’s material choices feel premium: a steel mesh grill guards the drivers, while the polymer shell resists knocks and scuffs. The control panel on top features tactile buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, ULT mode toggle, and EQ presets, each with satisfying feedback.

Rubberized flaps cover the USB-C charging port, AUX‑in, and USB‑out for device charging, preserving the speaker’s ingress protection. Overall, the Sony ULT Field 5’s build quality ensures it can handle outdoor adventures without compromising style or durability.

Display & Lighting Features

One of the show‑stoppers is the Sony ULT Field 5’s 360° Party Light, which wraps around the cylinder’s midsection. You can cycle through multiple light patterns—pulse, strobe, or smooth fade—directly on the speaker or via the Sony Music Center app.

At high volumes, the synced light show transforms any gathering into a mini‑festival, although heavy light use does shave battery life (more on that below).

The front panel houses a small LED indicator for battery status and Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring you know when to recharge or reconnect. While not a “display” in the traditional sense, these LEDs are bright and clear, even in direct sunlight.

The lighting adds both ambiance and visual feedback, reinforcing the Sony ULT Field 5’s party‑ready persona.

Performance & Sound Quality

The heart of the Sony ULT Field 5 experience lies in its ULT Power Sound. Two bass modes—ULT 1 for boosted punch and ULT 2 for deeper resonance—are accessible via the dedicated ULT button.

Engaging ULT 2 mode unleashes robust low‑end heft that belies the speaker’s size, making EDM drops and hip‑hop beats truly thump.

Behind the grill, the driver array consists of 2x woofers and 2x tweeters, delivering a stereo soundstage with crisp highs and solid mids. Vocals remain intelligible at maximum volume, and distortion is minimal. While immersiveness dips slightly at extreme volumes, the speaker still outperforms many portable rivals in its class.

EQ customization is handled through the Sony Music Center app, which offers a 10‑band EQ to tailor frequencies, plus presets for genres like Rock, Jazz, and Vocal. Though convenient, the app’s interface can be sluggish, and EQ changes apply with a brief lag.

Nevertheless, the combination of hardware bass modes and software EQ ensures the Sony ULT Field 5 can adapt to diverse musical tastes and environments.

Battery Life & Charging

Sony rates the ULT Field 5 for up to 25 hours of playback on a single charge (in standard mode), edging out the smaller ULT Field 3 by an hour. In real‑world use at moderate volumes with lighting off, you can expect around 23 hours—impressive for a speaker with such potent output. However, cranking ULT 2 bass mode or firing up the 360° Party Light cuts endurance to around 15 hours, so plan accordingly for all‑night events.

Rapid charging is a highlight: a 10‑minute quick charge yields 100 minutes of playback, ideal for last‑minute emergencies. The USB‑C port doubles as a power bank outlet, letting you charge smartphones or tablets on the go.

Full recharge from zero takes roughly 4 hours, matching competitors in this tier. Overall, the Sony ULT Field 5’s battery performance ensures worry‑free outdoor fun, though heavy light and bass use will require more frequent top‑ups.

Connectivity & Software

Pairing the Sony ULT Field 5 is straightforward via Bluetooth 5.3, offering stable range up to 30 feet. Multipoint connection lets you switch between two devices—a boon for party hosts sharing control. There’s also a 3.5 mm AUX‑in for legacy sources and a USB‑C In/Out port that supports audio input and device charging.

The Sony Music Center app (iOS/Android) unlocks advanced features: 10‑band EQ, customizable light patterns, and firmware updates. An intuitive dashboard displays battery level, current EQ curve, and active ULT mode.

However, occasional Bluetooth dropouts can occur when moving behind obstacles. The ability to chain two ULT Field 5 speakers via Party Connect enhances stereo separation, though latency can be audible if not perfectly synced.

User Experience & Practicality

Transporting the Sony ULT Field 5 is aided by its retractable shoulder strap, which clips onto sturdy metal loops—though some users find clipping/unclipping slightly fiddly. The top-mounted controls are logically laid out and responsive, but lack backlighting, making nighttime adjustments a bit of a hunt. The speaker’s rubber feet provide stability on uneven ground, and its flat profile prevents rolling.

Daily usability is high: the speaker wakes from standby almost instantly, and reconnects to the last paired device automatically. The built‑in microphone supports hands‑free calls, though voice quality is average—suitable for occasional chats but not as a conference speaker. Cleaning is simple; a quick rinse removes dust or sand without harming performance. Overall, the Sony ULT Field 5 excels as a go‑anywhere party companion.

Pricing & Value for Money

At an MSRP of $329.99, the Sony ULT Field 5 sits between budget portables and premium party speakers. Alternatives like the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus ($249.99) offer strong bass and lights but lack IP67 durability and ULT modes. The EarFun UBOOM X ($159.99) delivers value but is heavier and less refined in audio tuning.

Considering its robust build, versatile sound customization, long battery life, and water/dust resistance, the Sony ULT Field 5 represents fair value for serious outdoor enthusiasts. For audiophiles on a budget, there are cheaper options, but few match its blend of portability, power, and party features. Seasonal sales often drop its street price to around $299, further sweetening the deal.

Final Verdict

The Sony ULT Field 5 stands out as a near‑ideal portable party speaker, boldly combining deep, tunable bass (ULT 2 mode), 10‑band EQ, and dazzling 360° Party Light within a rugged IP67 shell. Its 25‑hour battery, quick‑charge capability, and multipoint Bluetooth make it versatile for extended outdoor use.

Minor quibbles include average call quality, unlit controls, and slightly finicky strap clips. At $329.99, it occupies a competitive niche: pricier than budget models but justified by premium features. If you want a speaker that can survive dust, water, and the occasional bump while pumping out serious bass, the Sony ULT Field 5 earns our recommendation.

FAQs