Latest news with #SonyULTField5
CNET
7 days ago
- Business
- CNET
The Best-Sounding Sony Bluetooth Speaker I've Tested Is at an All-Time Low Price for Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day sale: The Sony ULT Field 5 Bluetooth speaker is available for $198 as part of Amazon's Prime Day sale event. That's equivalent to 40% off. We named this model the best midrange Bluetooth speaker available, and it's now at the best price we've seen since it launched. If you were to ask me what my favorite new portable Bluetooth speaker of 2025 is so far, I'd have to say Sony's ULT Field 5 speaker. When it launched back in April, I called it one of the best-sounding Bluetooth speakers I've tested in its size class. However, it cost $330, which is pretty pricey, though I suspected we'd see it discounted in due time. Well, that time is now. The speaker has been marked down a couple of times since launch, first for Memorial Day and again now for Amazon Prime Day. Read more: Best Bluetooth speakers of 2025 In fact, a few other Sony Bluetooth speakers are on sale for good prices, including the new ULT Field 3 ($148 or $52 off) and the compact ULT Field 1 ($83 or $47 off). They're all good portable speakers, but the ULT Field 5 has the best sound of the bunch and is arguably the best overall. ULT is short for ultimate or, as Sony says, "The ultimate step into the evolution of its portable audio products." Power represents "dynamic sound pressure and deep bass." Sound translates to "as if you were in the front row at a concert." Enlarge Image The Sony ULT Field 5 (left) compared to the ULT Field 3 (right). Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET In the past, I thought Sony's Bluetooth speakers were decent enough but not great. However, with the ULT series, Sony's significantly improved the sound quality of its Bluetooth speakers. I also like the new designs of the ULT Field 3 and ULT Field 5, which can stand vertically or lay horizontally. Both speakers are fully waterproof, dust-proof, and rust-proof, with an IP67 certification. Both include a new removable shoulder strap, which I ended up using more with the heftier ULT Field 5 than the lighter ULT Field 3. The ULT Field 5 weights 7.27 pounds while the ULT Field 3 weighs 2.65 pounds -- a big difference. (Read my hands-on first take review of both speakers). Enlarge Image The ULT Field 5 with its removable shoulder strap attached. David Carnoy/CNET The ULT Field 3 delivers more bass and volume than you'd expect, given its relatively compact size (and it offers better clarity and bass performance than its predecessor, the SRS-XE300). But the ULT Field 5's soundstage is noticeably wider and the speaker plays louder with noticeably fuller, richer sound. It also has built-in party lighting with a USB-C charge in-out port so the speaker can be used as a power bank to charge your devices. Battery life is rated at up to 25 hours at moderate volume levels or 10 hours with the party lighting activated. Read more: Best Bluetooth speakers of 2025 Don't expect real stereo separation from either the ULT Field 5 or ULT Field 3. To get true stereo separation, you'll need to link two of them together, creating a stereo pair (Sony has made it easier to link its ULT speakers in both Party Connect mode and stereo mode). Of course, not everybody can afford one of these speakers, let alone two, but it helps that they're now on sale. ULT Field 5 key specs Weight: 7.27 pounds 7.27 pounds Drivers: 1 woofer, 2 passive bass radiators, 2 tweeters 1 woofer, 2 passive bass radiators, 2 tweeters EQ: ULT1 Mode (deep frequencies), ULT2 Mode (powerful sound), 10-Band EQ, Sound Field Optimization ULT1 Mode (deep frequencies), ULT2 Mode (powerful sound), 10-Band EQ, Sound Field Optimization App control: Sound Connect app (iOS and Android) Sound Connect app (iOS and Android) Price: $330 Colors: Available in black and off white Available in black and off white Predecessor: SRS-XG300 SRS-XG300 IP67 waterproof, dust-proof, rust-proof and shock-resistant Party lighting Removable shoulder strap Up to 25 hours of battery life (10 hours with lighting on) Speakerphone (built-in microphone) In-out USB-C charge, so the speaker can be used as a power bank 3.5mm audio input Link multiple speakers with Party Connect or stereo pair To see how this model compares to others, check out our list of the best Bluetooth speakers available now. And for more great discounts, see our roundup of the best deals we've found during the Amazon Prime Day sale event.
Tom's Guide
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Sony's monster ULT Field 5 speaker just got its first big discount in the Prime Day sales — save $120
You're not short of options if you're looking for a portable party speaker. There are plenty of options out there, but there's something about the Sony ULT Field 4 that sets it apart and makes it stand out. Perhaps it's the more subtle lighting to the more straightforward style, but it just feels more mature than your typical party speaker fare. There's also an unbeatable deal on the speaker at the moment. There's a $130 saving on the ULT Field 5, making the speaker just $198 at Amazon. That's the new lowest price for the speaker. The Sony ULT Field 5 is the goldilocks of the line. It's not too big, so you can easily move it around. It's not too small and sounds massive for outdoor gatherings. It's just right. The lights are cool, and the extra bass modes are a welcome addition. I scored it 4 stars in my review, thanks to its good battery life and solid sound. This saving is a monster, getting the speaker a new lowest price. When I reviewed the ULT Field 5, I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. After all, it's a large party speaker that would usually put bass and flashing lights at the top of the priorities list — something I'm generally not a massive fan of. But when it arrived, I found a more subdued party speaker. The lights weren't very in your face, and it didn't scream "LOOK AT ME, I'M FOR PARTIES" when I pulled it from its packaging. In use, I found a Bluetooth speaker that prioritizes sound quality over many other Bluetooth party speakers. There's loads of control to the bass, which is always welcome, and the ULT button enhances the low end beyond "make the low end louder." The rest of the package is excellent, too. It's built exceptionally well, doesn't weigh too much, and includes a carry strap to make it more portable. The Sony Music app is helpful, and the 24 hours of battery life on tap means it will last any party you might bring it to. Party mode, which connects to other ULT series speakers, is another welcome feature. It ranks alongside the best Bluetooth speakers available right now, and this deal makes it significantly more affordable than before.
