Sony ULT Field 5 Review: Discover the all-new Sony ULT Field 5 Bluetooth speaker, a portable waterproof speaker with LDAC audio, party lights, and dual-device pairing. Enjoy premium sound quality, ULT modes, and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity in a rugged, travel-ready design.
Table of Contents
Sony ULT Field 5 Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 with stable, low-latency connectivity |
| Audio Codecs | Supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC high-resolution audio |
| ULT Modes | ULT 1 (bass boost) and ULT 2 (clarity enhancement) |
| Water & Dust Resistance | IP66 and IP67 rated for full dust and water protection |
| Battery Life | Up to 25 hours (lower with party lights and high volume) |
| Charging | USB-C PD fast charging; 10 min = 100 min playback |
| Reverse Charging | Can charge smartphones or devices via USB-C port |
| Dual Device Pairing | Connect two devices at the same time for shared DJ control |
| Party Lighting | Customizable LED lights synced to music via app |
| App Control | Sony Sound Connect app for lighting, EQ, and firmware updates |
| Carry Strap | Detachable, with hidden hooks for portability |
| Party Connect | Link up to 100 compatible Sony speakers |
Sony ULT Field 5 Detailed Review
Sony is back with another addition to its audio lineup, the Sony ULT Field 5 Bluetooth speaker, a part of its ULT POWER SOUND series. With promises of deep bass, party lights, portable durability, and multi-device connectivity, this Bluetooth speaker aims to satisfy both casual listeners and audiophiles alike.
But is the ULT Field 5 really worth the hype? Or is it just another overpriced portable speaker with flashy features? Let’s take a deep dive into everything this wireless speaker offers—from design, connectivity, sound quality, to battery life—and see if it lives up to its bold claims.
Design and Build Quality
Portability and Size
The Sony ULT Field 5 is about the size of a loaf of bread and weighs just over 7 pounds, making it a portable speaker that balances compactness with power. Its design includes an attachable carrying strap, with hidden hooks for convenience, allowing easy transport to beaches, parks, or backyard parties.
Materials and Aesthetic Appeal
Wrapped in mesh fabric with matte plastic accents, the ULT Field 5 delivers a rugged, premium feel. It comes in Black and Off-White color variants, both of which complement the built-in party lights. The physical design is clearly tailored for outdoor use and aesthetic versatility.
Durability and Resistance Ratings (IP66/IP67)
One of its biggest strengths is its IP66/IP67 water and dust resistance rating, making it dustproof and waterproof—even submersible in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This makes it ideal for use in pools, rain, or dusty environments.
Features and Controls
Buttons and Their Functions
The top panel of the speaker features physical buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, volume control, track navigation, and the signature ULT Mode. There’s also a Party Connect button to sync with other compatible Sony speakers.
Built-in ULT Modes and Their Impact
The speaker includes ULT 1 and ULT 2 modes:
- ULT 1 enhances bass for genres like hip-hop and EDM.
- ULT 2 sharpens vocals and instrumental clarity, ideal for acoustic and pop music.
Switching between these modes changes the speaker’s audio profile with a simple press, providing flexibility based on your listening preference.
LED Party Lighting Customization
As the most affordable model in the ULT lineup to include LED party lights, the Field 5 offers full lighting synchronization with music. Using Sony’s new Sound Connect app, users can customize light colors and effects, enhancing the party vibe.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Bluetooth 5.3 and Codec Support (SBC, AAC, LDAC)
The Sony ULT Field 5 features Bluetooth 5.3, providing a stable connection, low latency, and energy efficiency. It supports the SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs. For those who stream high-resolution audio, LDAC support delivers near-lossless sound quality from supported Android devices.
Dual-Device Pairing and Party Connect
A standout feature is dual-device pairing, allowing users to connect two smartphones simultaneously—perfect for DJ sharing or group control. The Party Connect feature lets you sync up to 100 compatible Sony speakers, making it a great option for larger gatherings or multi-room setups.
Integration with Sony’s Sound Connect App
The new Sound Connect App, available for iOS and Android, is your control hub. You can:
- Manage EQ settings with a 10-band equalizer
- Control party lights
- Switch ULT modes
- Update firmware
- Check battery levels
Even if you’re not a techy person, the app simplifies the experience and adds a lot of value.
Sound Performance
Driver Configuration and Stereo Separation
The speaker houses a woofer, two tweeters, and dual passive radiators, all front-firing. The setup provides good stereo separation for its size, delivering a more immersive listening experience than many compact speakers.
Volume Levels and Compression Issues
At around 50% volume, the sound is crisp, with well-balanced bass, mids, and highs—especially in ULT mode. However, pushing the speaker beyond 60% volume introduces compression, particularly in bass-heavy tracks, which can dull the experience. This is likely due to its 27-watt power output, which, while decent, limits the speaker’s headroom at higher volumes.
Best Listening Environment and Sweet Spot
The Field 5 excels in small to mid-sized rooms, balconies, or intimate gatherings. It’s not meant to replace a full-fledged party speaker, but for personal listening, indoor use, and casual outdoor parties, it’s more than capable.
Battery Life and Charging
Official Battery Claims vs. Real-World Performance
Sony advertises the ULT Field 5 as offering up to 25 hours of battery life. However, those numbers are based on optimal settings: 36% volume, ULT Mode on, and party lights off. In real-world usage, those conditions are rare. Once you turn on the party lighting and increase the volume to a more enjoyable level, battery performance drops significantly.
Here’s what you can realistically expect:
- With ULT mode on and party lights off at moderate volume: Around 15–18 hours
- With ULT mode on, lights on, and 75% volume: About 6 hours
- At maximum volume with full lights and ULT mode: Around 2.5–3 hours
So yes, the battery is solid for casual use, but it’s important to know that LED lights and high volume will drain it fast.
Quick Charging Capabilities
The speaker supports USB-C Power Delivery charging. From 0 to 100%, it takes about 3.5 hours using a 27W charger. And if you’re in a rush, a 10-minute charge can give you up to 100 minutes of playback time.
This makes it incredibly convenient for those spontaneous moments—just plug it in briefly before heading out and you’re good to go.
Battery Care and Reverse Charging
If you’re planning to use this speaker often, you’ll love Battery Care Mode. It caps the charge at 90% to prolong battery health, a feature that’s perfect for those who plan to use the speaker daily or weekly for years.
On top of that, the ULT Field 5 can act as a power bank thanks to its reverse charging capability via USB-C. If your smartphone or wireless earbuds are low on juice, plug them into the speaker and get an emergency charge on the go.
Value for Money
Competitive Analysis with Similar Speakers
When you stack the Sony ULT Field 5 against other Bluetooth speakers in the same price range—like the JBL Xtreme 3, Bose SoundLink Flex, or even Sony’s own Field 3 or 7—the Field 5 stands out with a few unique perks:
- LDAC codec support (rare in this price range)
- Customizable party lights
- Stereo separation with individual tweeters
- Waterproof & dustproof design (IP66/IP67)
However, where it falls a bit short is in volume output and battery efficiency with lights on. The audio compression at higher volumes is a limitation, especially when compared to the JBL Xtreme, which performs better when pushed to max levels.
Who Should Buy the ULT Field 5?
The Sony ULT Field 5 is perfect for:
- Casual listeners who want rich sound at moderate volumes
- Party hosts who appreciate lighting effects and multi-device DJing
- Outdoor adventurers looking for a rugged, waterproof speaker
- Sony ecosystem users with other Party Connect-compatible devices
On the flip side, if you’re looking for a booming, distortion-free experience at max volume or a speaker that can last all night at full blast, you might want to explore more powerful (and expensive) options.
Final Verdict: Sony ULT Field 5 Review
The Sony ULT Field 5 Bluetooth speaker checks a lot of boxes: it looks great, feels rugged, sounds good at moderate volumes, and has some unique features like LDAC, party lighting, and dual-device pairing. It’s clearly designed for those who value portability, style, and flexibility over raw power.
However, it’s not without its flaws. The audio compression at higher volumes and the battery drain from lighting features mean this isn’t the speaker for every occasion. It’s best suited for smaller gatherings, solo listening, or as part of a multi-speaker Party Connect setup.
If you can accept its limitations and use it in the right settings, the Sony ULT Field 5 might just be the perfect balance of style, sound, and portability—especially for fans of the Sony audio ecosystem.
FAQs: Sony ULT Field 5 Review
How waterproof is the Sony ULT Field 5?
The Field 5 is IP66 and IP67 rated, which means it’s dustproof and can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Perfect for beach trips, pool parties, or unexpected rain.
Can I use it as a power bank?
Yes, the Field 5 supports reverse charging via its USB-C port, allowing you to charge your smartphone, tablet, or wireless earbuds.
Is the audio latency low enough for video watching?
With Bluetooth 5.3 and LDAC/AAC support, latency is quite low. While it might not match wired audio, it’s more than fine for YouTube, Netflix, and casual mobile gaming.
Are the ULT modes good for all music types?
Yes! ULT 1 is great for bass-heavy music like EDM, hip-hop, and dance, while ULT 2 brings clarity to vocals, pop, and acoustic tracks.
Does it support multi-room audio?
Not in the traditional sense, but you can use Sony Party Connect to link up to 100 speakers for a multi-speaker audio setup, great for parties and events.
Please don’t forget to leave a review.
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