Customer Ratings & Reviews

Great Solid build quality Includes carry strap Clean attractive design Straps attach very securely IP67 water rating Clear vocals Can be linked with other Sony speakers with party mode Can connect to a second Field 3 for stereo mode Surprisingly good as a speakerphone in calls Supports multipoint Bluetooth USB-C charging doesn’t require special cables Custom EQ option Battery care option extends battery lifespan Works well for resonating bass Works as a power bank to charge your phone Good battery life Not so great Occasional Bluetooth stability issues when using Prioritize Sound Quality Sound can be a bit boxy Attractive white design also shows dirt easier No stereo jack EQ doesn’t offer as much bass as Ult Mode Straps are hard to remove once attached Turning off ULT mode seems to turn off all bass The Sony ULT Field 3 has a simple, clean design. The finish of white textured cloth looks elegant, but over time it will likely collect dirt quicker than darker colors. In the box are the speaker, carry strap, and USB-C charging cable. The speaker feels solid and well built. It has a slight heft to it but is not excessively heavy. The included carry strap almost feels overbuilt and includes metal clips on the ends to attach to the straps on the speaker. The strap attaches via straps hidden behind rubber plugs on the speaker. The clips are easy to install and stay secure very well. However, removing the strap is more challenging due to barbs on the clips. While difficult, it does mean they are unlikely to ever come loose accidentally. There is a USB-C charging port and battery mode button behind a rubberized door on the back of the speaker. The battery button is for changing battery care mode and checking battery charge status. When care mode is enabled, it stops charging the battery at 90% to extend the lifespan of the battery at the cost of some runtime. There is no stereo jack, and playback is only via Bluetooth. The speaker supports party mode where it can be connected to other compatible Sony speakers. I do not have another to try this feature out. For setup you can connect as a standard Bluetooth speaker without the app. However, the core features of editing Bluetooth connection profiles and creating custom EQs will not be available. You also lose the DJ function. For Android phones you can pair via a quick tap on the speaker. If you have a second Field 3 you can connect them as a Stereo pair. You can also connect it to other compatible Sony speakers with Party Connect. First, with the ULT mode off it sounds as if the speaker has no bass at all. It can save battery life but would drastically reduce the quality of music. One place where it could be useful is if you are listening to podcasts or other speech as the bass doesn’t matter. In ULT mode the speaker is surprisingly good at producing resonating bass such as what is produced by a bass guitar. No surprise that it struggles to reproduce punchy bass with its small woofers. The overall sound is clean and precise even at high volume with no perceivable distortion. Vocals are crisp and clear, slightly bright, but not harsh. The sound is also slightly boxy but not over the top. The sound is very directional and you can tell exactly where the music comes from. From a distance, it sounds more like you are standing in front of a stage with the performer versus being in an auditorium. If you are thinking of using custom EQ to try to tweak out the boxy quality, you will find it comes at the cost of bass. While Custom EQ does offer 7 bands, it seems as though Sony has opted to limit the maximum bass to the preset ULT setting. It’s a bit of a shame as it would be nice to have the extra tunability. That said, most people would like the standard ULT profile as it makes the music feel lively and lets the vocal stand out without being offensive. Periodically while using the speaker, it would start to have issues with having a solid connection to my phone while playing music causing stutters. This is the Bluetooth profile that favors audio quality. While I could have changed Sony Connect to use the profile that prefers connection stability over audio quality the issue was not very common. It might seem strange for a Bluetooth speaker to offer speakerphone capability, but it comes in handy. If someone calls while you are listening to music, you don’t have to worry about stopping the music or disconnecting from the speaker. You can answer the call straight from the speaker and the music is paused automatically. Audio quality from the person speaking was clean and clear and people reported the echo cancelling mics sounded good. They said it sounded like a good quality speakerphone. It did pick up some background noise but not enough to interfere with the call and it made talking on speakerphone feel more natural than on the phone itself. Part of the reason is the voice of the person you are speaking to sounds far higher quality than the little speaker built into the cellphone. It seemed like a gimmick at first. It may not be required but it is surprisingly nice to have. Overall, the Sony ULT Field 3 is a solid small portable speaker and the departure from the flashy speakers from the past is appreciated. If you are looking for a small to midsize portable speaker the Field 3 is worth considering.

Sounds great! The carry strap is convenient and heavy duty. Got it for the beach and it outperforms all my expectations. Super good charge also.

Excellent purchase. Great beats and sounds. Entertaining especially when you go away on vacation.

This Sony ULT Field 3 portable bluetooth speaker has amazing sound, long battery life, convenient features and is rugged enough to keep you entertained at the beach, by the pool when washing your car or anywhere else where it might get wet or dirty. Highlights: * Easy power button- tap on, tap off. * Amazing sound for its size. * Great battery life (up to 24 hours) and quick charging (10 minutes for 2 hours). * Completely dust-proof and splash/water-proof. * USB-C charging. * Convenient detachable shoulder strap. * Useful features in the app. * Can synchronize multiple speakers for larger, wider sound. Room for Improvement: * ULT button is backlit when on but its iridescent label looks on when off, too. * Have to open a sealed door to charge. * An additional shorter strap would be nice for hand-carrying or hanging. * Battery status should be announced when turning on of off - currently have to open the sealed door and press the button to hear the battery level. Setup: Like most speakers of this type, setup is basically two steps; charge it up and then pair it via your device’s bluetooth settings. Unlike many other BT devices, the power button is a simple tap on, tap off versus having to hold it to turn on or off, which is both different and more convenient. You can optionally install the free Sony Connect app to see live battery status, adjust various settings, use a DJ mode to apply sound effects on top of the music and update the speaker’s firmware when available. Usage: Once charged and paired, it works like any other similar device. The bass radiators are either side and the main speakers fire out of the front, so you can position it on its bottom (sound forward and wide), on its back (sound up) or on either side (sound forward but tall). In addition to the dedicated power button, there are distinct buttons for volume up, volume down, play/pause/answer/end, Bluetooth/Sync pairing, connecting to other compatible speakers, and turning the ULT sound tuning on/off. There is audio feedback when turning the speaker on or off, but there is no battery level display. To see how much power is left, you have to either connect it to the app or open the charge door on the back and press the Battery button to have it speak the battery level. I think a useful improvement might be to speak the power level every time you turn the speaker on or off. That way, you always know how much power is left without having to do other stuff. There is a small LED above the power button (to indicate when the speaker is on), above the Bluetooth button (to indicate when the speaker is connected or pairing), above the Connect button (to indicate when it is connected to other compatible speakers to sync the music), and the ULT button (for when the ULT sound tuning is on). Unlike all the other buttons, the ULT button is flat, shiny and has the ULT logo in an iridescent color that almost looks on even when off. There is an optional setting to have the speaker remain in standby so that when your phone (or other supported music device) starts playback, the speaker will “wake up” and start playing the music. Otherwise, you have to turn on the speaker first. This optional feature is convenient but it does reduce the overall battery life of the speaker. The included carrying strap has substantial metal buckles that fit into looks on the top. The loops are behind a cool tab that is normally flat and unobtrusive but can be rotated to allow a loop out that connects with the strap’s buckles. The strap is long enough to carry the speaker on your shoulder or hang it from something like a tree, but I’d also like a shorter strap (this one doesn’t get very short even when adjusted) to carry the speaker by hand more easily. By the way, the buckles do come off if you need to remove the strap for cleaning or anything else, but it is a tad tricky to get them off (by design, I’m sure). The optional app shows the current battery level, allows for firmware updates when available, and has various other settings. There is a setting to either prioritize sound quality or bluetooth stability. When prioritizing sound quality, the sound is really epic, but you really need to keep your source device close. I had mine about 10 feet away with some metal in between and the audio kept cutting out. Even when set to prioritize Bluetooth stability, the sound is truly amazing so you can’t go wrong either way. There’s even this interesting “DJ” feature in the app where you can use your phone’s touchscreen to add sound effects on top of the music that’s playing. Scratches, voices, various sounds, etc…. Not sure I’d use it often, but it was fun to play with for a bit. With the built-in microphone, you can accept speakerphone calls on this and they really sound amazing. Great for a group of people to get on the call! The entire speaker is IP67 rated. This means that with the battery flap closed, it is essentially impervious to sand, dust and dirt. Still with that door closed, you can submerge the speaker in water up to 3 feet deep for up to 30 minutes. Get it dirty or wet with saltwater? Just hose it off and let it dry. I tried some electronic music, classical, jazz, R&B and Americana music - all sounded nuanced and clear with emphasized bass that didn’t overwhelm. Overall: This speaker truly sounds amazing, has great build quality, useful features, and is rugged enough to use just about anywhere.

The ULT Field 1 was 80 percent charged right out of the box and paired very easily so I was able to start using it right away. The Sony Music Center app is not required for play, but I highly recommend it to help keep the speaker’s software up to date and for the additional performance and control functions. With the app, you can equalize the output to your liking, let it serve as ‘one-stop’ access for your music and music apps, and control the speaker remotely. This speaker does get quite loud, but I’d mostly use it in small to medium sized rooms with ceilings no taller than 12 feet, and intimate outside areas. The sound quality isn’t as loud at its loudest settings in larger rooms or too wide of an outside range, but that’s what I’d expect from what I consider a personal speaker. With its signature Sony bass, sharp midi-tones and clear treble, if you paired two of these speakers together, then that’d be a whole other story! When depressed to on, the “ULT” button definitely gives you that bass that you can really feel, especially with certain genres of music. As for battery life, I left the speaker playing music overnight starting around 7pm and at 8:30am the next morning, it was at 20 percent. I didn’t start with a full charge, so I’d say Sony’s 12-hour claim is a valid one. Standing vertically, the Sony ULT Field 1 is the same height as my 24-ounce insulated water bottle and just barely wider so I can hold it in my hand easily. In its horizontal position, it’s no wider than the width of a standard letter envelope and no taller than the average bottle of nail polish. The included adjustable (and removable) nylon cord is thick, sturdy and securely knotted so there’s no worry that it’ll wear thin or snap anytime soon. And it supports the speaker’s weight without stretching whether it’s being used as a carrying strap or hanging from a hook. Though I’d have preferred the Field 1 in black, the forest gray color looks very nice with the speaker’s design. The construction seems very durable with solid endcaps and a rubberized material protecting the radiators, the USB-C charging port, and the control buttons that I believe helps the claim that the speaker is waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof. Final verdict: I think the ULT Field 1 is a great portable speaker that’s aesthetically pleasing and well-constructed with a more than decent battery life. And the best part for me is that Sony didn’t skimp on the Bass!

I absolutely love this speaker it is small compact and portable. Perfect for a day at the beach or sitting by the pool. I don’t travel without this speaker.

My first impression was that this speaker is built like a tank. The rubber sides make it seem bigger than it actually is, and I wondered how portable it would be. Actually, it is slightly bigger than my 16oz coffee tumbler and fits in my bookbag’s water bottle pocket, albeit a bit tight. The adjustable string allows for carrying in one hand and can be hanged virtually on any peg. I was a bit afraid to get it wet, but I tested it and am happy to report that it is safe to do so. The tactile controls are easy to figure out and the covered USB-C charging port is well protected. My Android phone immediately recognized it and was ready to go. Using the Sony app, which I strongly suggest downloading, adds more options and features, in addition to controlling the speaker remotely. Initially, the sound is pleasant and full. The speaker can get quite loud, and at its highest may lose some fidelity. I found that 40-60% is good enough for small-medium rooms. I wouldn’t recommend it for a large park gathering, but in an intimate setting, it’s great. The speaker can be placed horizontally or vertically, and this does not seem to affect sound quality much. On default, the bass has some impact, the mids are sharp, and the treble clear without being harsh. Now, this being from the “ULT” series, which I assume means “ultimate bass”, once the button is pressed, the bass becomes deeper and has that subwoofer feel. It certainly makes certain genres like hip-pop, R&B, and pop rock much more exciting. However, it does drown some tracks a bit which may require clarity such as classical, live, and ballads. In these situations, simply deactivate “ULT” and it becomes much more enjoyable. The speaker does not provide stereo sound on its own. However, you can pair two of them if stereo is needed. The battery life is pretty good. I’ve been using this for a few days and haven’t had the need to charge it. Sony says 12 hours, and I am inclined to believe it. In the end, I am very pleased with this portable speaker as it provides enough punch for small, casual outdoor and indoor settings. In addition, it is very well priced in my opinion.

This Sony ULT Field 3 Portable Speaker is more than just an ordinary portable speaker. This speaker is indeed an awesome little portable party wherever you take it. I am extremely impressed with this little portable party. In the box: You get the Sony ULT Field 3 Portable Speaker (black, grey, or white), shoulder strap, cable, documents Setup: Setup was extremely easy. I downloaded the Sound Connect application and connected to Bluetooth. I take full responsibility Features: The ULT button is cool. It turns on the Bass boost. On a standard sound meter, the dB went up by about 10 with the ULT button on. That varied with the song of course, but that is an average. Party Connect allows you to connect a maximum of 100 compatible speakers together for synchronized sound. I connected 4 speakers together and it’s truly amazing! Stereo Pair allows you to connect a second Sony ULT Field 3 for true stereo sound. This sounds amazing. I did this and love listening this way. The shoulder strap is a big plus. It allows one to carry the speaker around regardless of how you travel, be it on foot, bike, skateboard, scooter, etc., it just makes it easier to carry. IP67 rating broken down – the 6 means dust protection and the 7 means protection against water immersion up to 1 meter or 3.37 feet for up to 30 minutes without damage. This Sony ULT Field 3 is dust proof, sand proof, rust proof, and shock proof. So, if you accidentally knock it up against something as you are walking, you will not have to worry. Battery Life and Quick Charge are amazing. Sony ramped up its game on this one. The battery life is up to 24 hours on a full charge. You can also get 120 minutes or 2 hours on a 10-minute quick charge. 7-band equalizer is completely customizable in the Sony Sound Connect application. Phone calls are great on this too. You can clearly hear the other party and they can hear you clearly too. I had no issues at all with call clarity. Sound Connect Application has a DJ mode that is pretty awesome. I played around with it and was able to add some really cool DJ effects to my playlist. Adding robot sounds, scratching, and intros. It’s something you have to try even if you don’t DJ. Summary: I will get a lot of use out of this Sony ULT Field 3 speaker. The sound is great and I love the application and all you can do with it.

The Sony ULT Field 1 is meant to replace my Taotronics TT-SK06 that has lasted me seven years (and still going strong). Naturally, a product released seven years later will be better, right? For the most part it is though I do have to take price in consideration and do think the ULT Field 1 could be better in some aspects. Both of these speakers are comparable especially when they're both rated at 10 watts. First of all, design wise the Ult Field is incredibly portable with how light and small it is. It has a rope handle so you can hang it off of various objects. Buttons are responsive with no issues and most of them are backlit. The ULT is the most prominent as it provides extra bass, without it on the sound lacks that extra "oomph." Rated IP67, this speaker is said to be dustproof and waterproof. I do get the sense that this speaker is durable from its build quality. Battery life is said to be 12 hours in ULT mode though you can go longer with ULT off (practically doubled). So how does it sound? In relations to the Taotronics I had previously, a bit better in terms of clarity. However in terms of bass, it's not a substantial upgrade, but still enough that I say it's better. A appreciated feature is that you can answer calls with the speaker for better audio quality compared to what you hear over the phone. You can fine tune the EQ of the speaker using the Sony Music Center app though you don't have much options other than bass, middle, and treble. Keep in mind you cannot modify the EQ for the ULT mode. Some disappointments for me: no stereo sound (the Taotronics I owned had stereo sound) and you cannot use this as a wired speaker (something the Taotronics speaker could do). When compared to other Bluetooth portable speakers at this price point, you would think it can offer higher watts for its output too. At a MSRP of $130, it's a good speaker overall though I do think you can find similarly comparable features and sound at a somewhat lesser price. That said, its build and durability do appear to be topnotch.

This is hands down the best portable Bluetooth speaker I have ever had. I have some high end speakers in my collection, but this one checks all the boxes, and more! The speaker itself is very small, very light, and ultra portable. I have at least 6 hours playtime on it since setting it up, and it still has plenty of battery. The bass is amazing for such a small device, but you can dramatically reduce this by turning ULT off. The real reason you would want to turn ULT off is if you are using this as a phone or a conference speaker, at which point you would not want the bass amplified. I appears from the app that you can connect multiple of these speakers together to get a synced sound across the house or outside. I can’t tell if this option would run in stereo or not, but stereo would be a huge plus. One of the biggest perks is that it’s specifically rated for sand, saltwater and salt air. I live on the coast, and my speakers easily get destroyed if I accidentally leave them outside. This speaker gives me the peace of mind that my speaker isn’t going to ruin or rust outside. The design is really smart, you can place it on its side and, or, you can stand it straight up. There are bass speakers on both ends of the speaker, but, if you stand it upright, the bass is projected through the vents on the side touching the ground. In some ways, it almost amplifies the bass.

Sony has yet again amazed me with their latest offering - the ULT Power Sound Speaker. This small but mighty wireless speaker is capable of packing a punch and taking the party wherever you go! Upon unboxing, I was delighted to find that it paired effortlessly with any device and was easy to set up. For those who love customizing their audio experience, the Music Center app is available for download, allowing you to personalize the EQ settings and pair compatible speakers. However, I was more than satisfied with the speaker's default settings, as the sound quality was already phenomenal. The ULT button on the speaker adds an exquisite bass touch to the sound, making it richer and crisper. This speaker is also built to last, with waterproof, dustproof, rustproof, and shockproof features, ensuring durability for a long time to come. As a music lover who enjoys listening to tunes in the shower, this speaker is perfect for me. Not only is the speaker lightweight, but it also comes with a built-in strap, making it easy to carry it anywhere. The speaker can be positioned vertically or horizontally without hindering the sound quality, giving you the flexibility to enjoy your music the way you desire.

Like my favorite food, I can never have enough Bluetooth speakers. More than a dozen are strategically placed throughout the house, from a pint size one to a giant 1200-watt party speaker and every size in between. Here comes the Sony ULT Field 3 to the family, and I can’t help but love it for its nearly perfect size and impressive sound quality. At 10 inches wide, a little over 4 inches tall, 3 inches deep and weighing about 2 and half pounds, the Sony ULT Field 3 comes close to the ideal portable speaker. First, it feels well built with smooth rounded lines that exude Sony quality, and so is the texture of the enclosure. It looks rugged and modern and, thanks to its small size, it can be placed almost anywhere. Connecting it was an easy process through Sony’s Sound Connect app. It’s a simple and easy to use app, with the ability to connect multiple speakers at a time. Several modes and features are available through the app to customize the speaker. I tried several of them but one of the most useful ones, the Bluetooth Standby mode did not work for me. This gives you the ability to turn on the speaker directly from the app after turning it off. It turns off from the app but won’t turn on. I own another bigger ULT Field speaker and that feature works flawlessly. I’m positive a future update can correct this issue. Now for the sound. Sony ULT Field speakers are known for their powerful bass, and this small guy doesn’t disappoint. For its size, the bass delivery is impressive. From Hip Hop, Country, Jazz, Latin and Afro Beats music the bass never lets you down. The mids and highs are good enough to keep up with those dynamic lows. It can also play loud enough to fill up a sizable room. The battery life is a welcome benefit of the ULT Field 3. Sony claims up to 24-hour battery life. I believe it’s possible, however you have to switch to Stamina mode that removes most of the lows and trims the highs a bit. The sound quality suffers. On the ULT sound mode and at a generous volume, I easily played continuously over 4 hours without a hitch with plenty of charge left. You can customize the sound with a manual equalizer but I quickly ran back to the ULT mode which made everything else sound a bit underwhelming. A feature that adds to the ULT Field 3’s portability is its dust and waterproof ratings. With an IP67 rating, it will resist dust and water effortlessly. You can take it practically anywhere and the addition of a stylish shoulder strap is a great enhancement. A day at the beach, this speaker played all day in the sun, sitting in the sand, and handled the occasional splashes of water with ease. I’m truly impressed with Sony’s ULT Field 3. I wasn’t expecting such a good performance. With the thoughtful addition of the shoulder strap, it’s small enough to carry around and powerful enough to deliver hours of entertainment with quality sound. It comes close to being the perfect portable Bluetooth speaker.

I received the white Sony Ult Power Sound Speaker. Set up was a breeze. I turned on the Speaker and it immediately began a search. And it displayed the color of the speaker with the words Ult Field 3 and showed it attempting to connect. I followed the prompts and was good to go. I began testing the speaker with watching videos and movies online. The sound was pretty good. I could hear the bass. On certain songs, the bass was slightly muffled. However, the majority of the songs, I played could hear the base very well. I watch many videos and the sound clarity came in good. I tested it indoors as well as outdoors. When indoors I went to the living room, kitchen, den, dining area, bedrooms, and no matter the space, the speaker provided could sound. I love the fact the speaker has a strap that can be carried on your shoulder. The majority of the speakers I own, they come with strap, but don't have the connivence of the shoulder strap. Thank you for having the strap! The speaker lasted me over 24 hours. Your able to connect it to other sony's. I will test this if I every own more than one. I was happy to test this product. This will definitely be following me to the park, on outings', the beach, desert areas, mountains, etc. Thanks! Pros: The Strap! Great Sound Portable Water resistant Dustproof Cons: None at the Moment

Good not Great. The ULT bass feature drowns out the highs at higher volumes. I’m using indoors though and it might better outside.

## Design The Sony ULT FIELD 1 speaker, with its rugged design, makes for a great outdoor companion. Most of the speaker is covered in a soft, water-resistant fabric while the rest of the exterior is a rubbery plastic to help protect the unit bumps. I was also surprised at how lightweight the speaker is as it only weighs about 1.5 pounds. The lack of weight almost makes it feel cheap (but the sound does not sound cheap at all). The built-in hand strap makes it easy to hang from a tree or from your backpack, although the large size might make it feel awkward if you don't tie it down to prevent it from bouncing around. On the back, you'll find the USB-C charging port covered by a rubber flap. It has an IP67 water, dust, and rust-resistant rating, which would require you to keep the charging flap securely closed to prevent water from getting inside. Across the top/side of the speaker, you will find the controls: power, Bluetooth, play/pause, volume, and the new ULT button. The ULT lights up purple (or yellow if viewing from the side) when it is active, which enables the bass-boosting function. ## Performance Sony has focused on bass performance on the UTL FIELD 1 with the dedicated "ULT" button. And I can say that this speaker definitely has bass! As expected, it is not as strong as is found on Sony's larger speakers, but it is more than I was expecting from a speaker this size. It sounds great either on its side or standing upright. Bass is somewhat reduced when it is hanging and not against a solid surface, but it is definitely still there. The bass is also well balanced so it doesn't overpower the mids and highs. Vocals still come through clearly and they don't sound muddy. Turning off the ULT feature makes the music sound weaker, so you'll likely only want to turn it off if you're listening to spoken content, like a podcast or an audiobook. Sound can be adjusted through Sony's Music Center app with a custom EQ. The app also allows you to check the battery level, and adjust the auto power-off and Bluetooth priority settings. If you're wondering how many watts this speaker has, you'll likely have to keep wondering. Sony typically doesn't release the exact wattage of their speakers, as it doesn't always correlate to how loud the speaker can get or how well it sounds. I would say it gets loud enough to fill a medium or even large size room, but probably not an auditorium. At around 75% volume (according to my iPhone's volume slide), distortion begins to occur. I tested some voice recordings with the speaker's built-in microphone and it sounds about how you would expect a speakerphone to sound: a little distant, a little echo-y, but it gets the job done. There is no multipoint connection on this speaker, so you can not connect it two devices simultaneously. ## Battery Life The speaker can last up to 12 hours on a single charge at around 25% volume. It uses a standard USB-C connection for recharging. As is typical with pretty much everything now, there is no AC adapter included in the box (although a USB-A to USB-C cable is included). You can use the AC adapter from your phone or tablet and it should work fine to charge this speaker. ## Summary Overall, the Sony ULT FIELD 1 speaker is great for both listening at home or listening outside while camping, tailgating, or celebrating! The bass is nice a boomy and the sound quality is great. The speaker features long battery life and is light enough to carry on your adventures.

I love this speaker. Going in, I thought I would like it, but as I’ve used it, it just hits so many positive notes. Like the many Sony bluetooth speakers that have come before, this offers a great sound and plenty of bass in a small package, but it’s the design that really rounds it out. ** Design: At first sight, I wasn’t fully sold on the design language, its slightly concave sides felt unnecessary, but I was very wrong. In person, those subtle curves feel, well, more subtle than marketing images and help keep the speaker off dirty or wet surfaces - resting instead at the side edges. This is true whether you stand it upright, hang it from its strap, or lay it horizontally. The weave on the speaker grills is clearly designed for its everything-proof goals, and it shows. It remains a nice tactile fabric, but it’s locked in place and easy to rinse and dries quickly. The other thing you’ll notice are the visible, rubber subwoofer covers inset at the sides, which really get moving while playing music, especially when the bass is boosted via the ULT button. This button has a nice iridescence to it, which is an appreciated aesthetic touch that shines in bright sun or is complemented when back-lit. The multi-use rope is nice, and I’ve found myself using it both to hang it vertically in the shower and just for added support while carrying with my hand through the loop, with the rope resting at the back of my hand. In my ideal world, it would be just a bit shorter. Either way, it’s never really in the way and I like it. ** Sound: But how does it sound? - Great. As you’d expect, Sony did a great job getting big, quality sound out of this small-ish speaker. It feels really well rounded. The real test for me is whether I’m excited to hear a song on the speaker over my headphones, and this one does that to me all the time. It’s just more exciting to hear it from a quality source, improving the impact of listening. When compared next to my (much-much larger) Sony party speaker, it holds up well. Similar quality, slightly less Oomf, but that’s the power difference, and at normal volume levels the difference is surprisingly less obvious. I came away feeling that both provided really great sound. Surprisingly, I didn’t find the sound any better or worse when placed vertically or horizontally, but when used in a shower, sound is best when the speaker is not placed within a shower niche (i.e. echoes) - I found the rope useful to hang on an existing shower hook, and also found success by just placing the speaker on the shower seat. It got wet, but sound remained great and it also rinsed/dried easily. ** App: I’m not unfamiliar with the Sony Music Center app, and it serves well here too. Not a ton of settings to mess with, but everything you’d want. ** Other Features: I have not had a need for echo-cancelling that this touts, should you receive a call on it, but it’s nice that it’s there. Similarly, I only have one speaker, so I have not tried the stereo-pair option, but again, nice feature to have if you were to set up a few of these at a campsite or similar. Overall, I’m impressed. I already have access to so many bluetooth speakers, but this one excels far beyond all of them and is my top choice. From the design and the feel in the hand, to its quality sound, It’s a real winner.

Sony ULT FIELD 3 Wireless Portable. I think SONY has been reintroducing an improved, more featured, more capable version of this style speaker every few years. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. I loved my older Sony Bluetooth speakers in this size and format so much that they have found their way to thrilled family members. This newest small-medium portable comes equipped with a strap, although it is already quite comfortable to carry. It also is ready for camping or the beach with its IP67 ratings, 24-hour battery life with quick charge as well a tough case that’s shockproof and rustproof. The build quality is exceptional with all ports well protected behind tight-fitting siliconized covers. And there’s more … APP FEATURES: Sony has also continued to update (4/8, 4/10) its Headphones Connect App so it is now Sound Connect App when you open the App on your phone or tablet. After the App is updated it appears to then update any compatible speakers (and probably headphones. The features that become available through Sound Connect when using the UlLT FIELD 3 speaker are in the DJ Control menu. Selecting the ISOLATER tab pulls you into the music by handing you a large set of sounds you can insert into any musical track currently playing. First choose a sound and then begin tapping on your phone screen (it works nicely on my iPhone 14). The sounds or emphasis range from Robot, Drums, Scratch, Audience, Voice, Phaser, Reggaehorn and Rhythm. If this is a bit over-the-top for you, you might instead open the CUSTOM EQ tab and modify the levels using the 7 Band equalizer. You are now able to adjust the musical tones in a way that sounds balanced and natural to your ears. Want even more bass? Hit the ULT button. PERFORMANCE: I played an extensive range of music, although it is unlikely to match your tastes. Pop like “Dreaming” “Everlong” “Somebody Desperate” “Rain On Me” tests the ULT Field 3’s handling of male, female, and small groups accompanied by a variety instrumental arrangement. Vocals always stayed out in front, despite what at times could be thunderous bass. And, no, Billie Eilish’s bass torture in “Bad Guy” couldn’t upset the SONY, with or without the ULT button enabled. Normani’s “Wild Side” efforts to bust a bass driver were also frustrated by the SONY’s well engineered speakers. I even tried Amy Winehouse’s “He Can Only Hold Her” to see if that brass ensemble was able to stay relevant. No problem at all and even Lady Gaga’s Disco beats in “Rain On Me” couldn’t obscure the backing singers who are layered right between her soaring voice and the synth bottom end. More moody ballads like Morgan Wallen’s “Lies …” aren’t changed, and his rich voice is perfectly reproduced with the guitar strings delivering detail like you’d hear on my significantly more powerful home theater setup. Finishing up with a set of ’60s folk rock showed the SONY’s more nuanced side and ULT bass emphasis filled in a lower range that those recordings often suppressed. And no voices or guitar picking was harmed in the process. It was all very well done. SUMMARY: That first connection of a Sony bluetooth speaker to my phone brings me back to those classic boom boxes of a different time. Well, almost. This half-gallon sized ULT Field 3 music system is smaller (10” x 4.5” x 3”) while sounding so much better. And no wires are needed; this is Ver. 5.2 Bluetooth. It is hard to imagine how, but SONY has a way to get more and more music, with quality, serious bass, clarity and functionality. Add another SONY speaker with similar features to listen in stereo or you can link up to a total of 100 compatible speakers.The SONY sounds great, travels well, and is loaded with useful features.

Arrived nicely boxed with a premium quality look. Opening the box there is a little “quick start” with a QR code to download the manual. Inside the box included is a USB C charging cable, an excellent carry strap, and owners pamphlet which has another QR code for the Sony sound app. The overall construction, look and feel of the speaker is excellent. Again, a very good looking premium product. It appears to be very ruggedly built, being waterproof, dustproof, rustproof, and shockproof. The downloadable manual is extensive, all 96 pages of it. It covers everything as far as I can see – from the basic charging, paring, calls, using stereo / party mode with multiple speakers, on and on... Downloading and using the Sony “Sound Connect” app adds versatility and customizing abilities. The speaker functions – including a custom EQ - can be controlled as well as playback, playlists, etc. The speaker can be paired to Android phones and tablets, Windows, and iPhone / iPod. I paired with Android phone first using the Sound Connect app. Pairing went perfectly. I also paired to a Windows computer, and again, paired perfectly. I found the sound and playback using the Sound Connect app, and the computer media player were comparable in all respects. Now to the sound quality and operation of the speaker. I will say, for such a compact size, it does a remarkable job. It can certainly fill a room with sound. The midrange and treble are bright and clear. The bass has some “thump” and for being so small, does pack a bit of punch. The “ULT” button adds a noticeable bass boost. But don't expect the lowest bass octaves to be reproduced - the frequency roll off at 100Hz, and size of the speaker limits the lowest frequency output. The stated frequency response is 100Hz to 10Khz. The battery charged in a couple hours, and is stated to achieve a maximum of 24 hours at lower volumes. Although a bit pricey, I was surprised by the performance of the speaker, and it could be a nice addition for evening gatherings on the patio, pool party, in home gathering, etc. Easy paring, ability to use multiple speakers and sources offers lots of options. And, it will be heard.....

Like most of us nowadays, we have gone through several portable Bluetooth speakers over the years and finding something new and innovative that actually stands out in the saturated market of portable speakers can be somewhat difficult. And like many of us, the market can also be trial and error for whatever situation you might be in at that moment such as finding something that is loud and can fill a large space to finding a decent portable speaker that can be shoved in a backpack for travel at any given time. At this stage in the game I feel like we have mounds of portable speakers, some that have lasted years and some that ended up as paperweights because they just weren't up to the task whether that be because they no longer charge, didn't stand the test of time, the sound can be embarrassing for someone that has been an audiophile, like myself, their whole lives and many other reasons. As it has been over a year now since the last time we looked into a portable speaker refresh, I was excited to hear about what Sony had in mind for their latest speaker drop since they have been one of the leaders in the industry since I was a kid back in the early '80s. In my case, I wasn't looking for something large or overpowering but more in the realm of something I could grab and take out by the pool or shove into a backpack. The speaker that stood out the most for what I was in the market for was it the Sony ULT Field 3 because it reminded me of an old school boombox, you know the type that '80s kids used to put on their shoulders and walk around blasting music with their shades on and hats backwards, plus I’m a sucker for anything even somewhat retro 80s. I also knew that if it was anything like how Sony’s headphones sound, which are my go to headphones, I knew I would be in for a treat. Out of the box, the ULT Field 3 speaker is what you would expect from Sony; it is durable, well crafted, easy to set up and use and huge with sound and depth. The included strap was easy to install and can also be removed just as easily. It’s also very convenient to use and tote around instead of holding onto just a speaker which can be somewhat clumsy. After an initial charge, I was easily able to sync the ULT Three via Bluetooth and the Sony Sound Connect smartphone application. According to the specs, the battery can last up to 24 hours which is a great feature not available in many other small portable speakers. There was a update that needed to be downloaded and installed and after that I was able to start rocking! As expected, the sound was incredible with the option for Sony’s bass boost technology using the ULT button on the top of the speaker. It may not be as crystal clear as some other portable speakers I have used in the past but those also sacrificed the deep bass sound for more clear highs. The ULT Field 3 powers bass out both sides and, thanks to the two way active driver design, you can see the side passive radiators pounding in and out to every beat which is something you don’t see in smaller speakers. It has an IP67 water and dust proof rating meaning you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged near the pool or on the beach. Through the Sony app, you can also pair the ULT Field 3 to play in sync with other speakers using Party Connect or Stereo Pair. Overall, the ULT Field 3 ended up being the perfect fit and option for what I was looking for. Its sound is impressive and, combined with its size and style, is sure to stand out in a crowd of other portable speaker competitors and I would recommend it to anyone in the market for a speaker of this size.

As a music-loving household, we are constantly playing music outdoors, whether doing yardwork, cleaning the garage, or just relaxing outside, music is never missing. The ULT Field 3 simplifies the task to carrying a speaker outside every day and there’s the option to just strap it on and carry it around too. What blew me out of the water was the volume, I did not expect it to get as loud as it did. You would think it was a much larger speaker if you didn’t see it. Even at the highest volume, the sound integrity is never lost. *Build* The speaker is made of high-quality materials and is designed to be IPX7 waterproof, IP6X dustproof, rustproof, and even shockproof. The detachable strap is thick, sturdy, and adjustable. It has a sealed flap that covers and protects the charging port and battery care button, which can be activated to extend the battery life of the speaker. It is extremely lightweight and feels like a purse when I carry it around my shoulder. *Ease of Use* The ULT Field 3 turns on and off with a quick click of the power button, there is no need to press and hold and no lag time like with other speakers. Pairing is extremely efficient and takes just a few seconds. Again, just a quick click of the Bluetooth button puts it in pairing mode. I paired it to various phones within a short span of time as my family members each wanted a turn to play their own music during a dance party and had no issues. I do suggest disconnecting the previous device as the speaker will automatically switch over if music is activated. *Sound Quality* The sound quality is superb! It has crystal clear clarity and wonderful balance between the tweeter and woofer. Along with this is has sound field optimization to detect and adjust to environmental noise. The ULT settings adds massive punchy bass. The speaker still adjusts the mid and treble to balance out the overall sound, so the bass doesn’t overpower and drown out the rest of the sound. *Volume* As previously stated, there is no loss of quality with the volume maxed out. The sound fills a large room nicely, and it can still be heard clearly on the other side of my house, 30 feet away. *App* The SoundConnect app is simple and to-the-point, allowing remote changes to ULT and other sound setting, toggling between connected devices, and unpairing previously paired devices. It also shows the current battery life. *Battery* Battery is stated to go up to 24hours and a quick 10-minute charge can add two hours. I have been using it daily, and thus far have only used up 20% of the battery. I tested out the quick charge promise, and indeed I got the 20% back within five minutes of charging. *Overall* This is an amazing portable speaker and a great addition by Sony to their ULT collection. It lives up to expectations and is incredibly versatile. The size makes it great for outings and the volume makes it great for gatherings. As an avid camper, I am definitely taking this on the road with me. Its small profile is perfect as it does not become cumbersome when packing and its waterproof and dustproof rating makes the dusty campgrounds and lakeside a nonissue. I definitely recommend this to my fellow audiophiles to enjoy at home and on-the-go.