For the second summer in the row, Sony has a wide selection of speakers to fit any occasion which they launched a few months ago. Since then, we have had the chance to rock with not one but two of their newest speakers with the one handed ULT Field 3 and the behemoth ULT Field 5. While they do look similar, they fit different purposes.
Style
Both the ULT Field 3 and ULT Field 5 are mostly covered in nylon mesh fabric. It makes it easier to grab and hold. Field 5 comes in two colors, Black and White while Field 3 has three consisting of Black, White, and Forest. Field 3 weighs 2.5lbs while the larger Field 5 more than triples its weigh at 7.3lbs. Each one has a button layout on top with Power, Bluetooth, Play/Pause, Volume, and the illuminated ULT. Next to this button layout are two notches that can be pulled and allow you to detach the included straps for each one. This allows for portability if you want to throw it over your shoulder and carry it like a mini boombox or just do not want to grasp it in your hand all the time. Quality is nice on the straps showing the ULT branding.
Both are rated IP67 for Water and Dustproof and if you flip over to the back there is a sealed rubber compartment you can open for USB-C charging and battery check. On ULT Field 5 there are also two extra portions with one for Audio In and the other for the lights.
Overall, the design on ULT Field 3 / 5 looks clean and not over complicated. Both have speakers on each side with the Field 5 model also utilizing theirs for light-up purposes.
Unboxing for the Sony ULT Field 3 and Field 5 on Instagram / TikTok.
Setup
Getting both speakers started just requires powering them on and then synchronizing them via Bluetooth. If you want to do any updates or access any additional features, you can do so through the Sony Connect app.
On Ult Field 3 you will get to see the usual options like battery life, audio codecs, what is playing and even dual pairing of devices. There is a “DJ Control” if you want to tinker with the equalizer and do certain presets. All these features I mentioned also work on Ult Field 5, but they go a bit further. As mentioned, the sides of the speaker light up but in the app, you can adjust the lighting with beat, wave, or mellow or just turn it off.
Sound / Experience
ULT 3 can be your speaker to take around the house, on a walk outside, or a sit in the park. ULT 5 on the other hand can easily fill a large room with music. I used it one day for my godson’s birthday party at a hall and you can hear it from end to end. Battery lasted for hours too continuously playing and with no hiccups. I even forgot to press the ULT button and add that extra bass and once I did you can tell the difference. I have played everything from 90s Janet Jackson to Disney’s Moana, and you can feel its presence. ULT 3 has some thump as well for casual usage.
Another fun aspect of the ULT speakers is the ability to pair them to play music at the same time. They don’t have to be the same model either. So getting a ULT 5 and ULT 3 to sync up is easy. It’s just holding buttons at the same time on each and they will group.
Verdict
Both speakers provide great audio sound mixed with nice durability and just look great overall. Even though they both come with straps if you are looking for something very lightweight and can toss it in your bag, check out the ULT Field 3. But if you want some more booming bass and want to be the life of the party check out the ULT Field 5.
ULT Field 3 is currently going for $199.99 while ULT Field 5 is retailing at $329.99. These can also be found on Amazon with the ULT Field 3 currently at $149.99 and Field 5 at $249.99
