JBL Boombox 4 VS Sony ULT Field 5

The JBL Boombox 4 and Sony ULT Field 5 have notable differences in their design specifications. Starting with ingress protection, the JBL Boombox 4 has an IP68 rating, meaning it is fully dustproof and can withstand submersion in water. In contrast, the Sony ULT Field 5 has a slightly lower IP66 rating, offering protection against dust and water jets but not submersion.

In terms of size and weight, the JBL Boombox 4 is significantly larger and heavier. It has a volume of 28,343.92 cm³ and weighs 5,890 g, making it more substantial in both dimensions and weight. The Sony ULT Field 5, on the other hand, has a much smaller volume of 5,760 cm³ and weighs 3,300 g, making it a more portable option.

Both products feature a control panel placed directly on the device, but the JBL Boombox 4 has a detachable cable, while the Sony ULT Field 5 does not. The Sony model also includes RGB lighting, which the JBL Boombox 4 lacks. Neither product includes a travel bag, has a touch screen, or comes with a remote control. Additionally, the JBL Boombox 4 is slightly taller (262.9 mm) and wider (506.4 mm), whereas the Sony ULT Field 5 is shorter (144 mm) and narrower (320 mm). Both models are not neckband speakers, and only the JBL Boombox 4 is waterproof, while the Sony ULT Field 5 is simply water-resistant.

The JBL Boombox 4 and Sony ULT Field 5 have some differences in their sound quality features. The JBL Boombox 4 is equipped with a subwoofer, which is not present in the Sony ULT Field 5. This could result in deeper bass for the JBL model. Both speakers have a passive radiator, which helps enhance bass response, so they share this feature.

In terms of frequency range, the JBL Boombox 4 has a lowest frequency of 37 Hz, allowing it to produce slightly deeper bass tones compared to the Sony ULT Field 5, which has a lowest frequency of 20 Hz. However, both speakers are capable of reaching the same highest frequency of 20,000 Hz, meaning their ability to produce high-pitched sounds is identical.

Overall, while both speakers offer solid sound quality with passive radiators and the ability to handle high frequencies, the JBL Boombox 4 stands out with its subwoofer and slightly lower bass frequency range, making it more focused on providing richer low-end audio.

When comparing the power specifications of the JBL Boombox 4 and Sony ULT Field 5, there are some key differences. The JBL Boombox 4 offers a longer battery life, lasting up to 34 hours, whereas the Sony ULT Field 5 provides 25 hours of battery life. This gives the JBL model a clear edge in terms of runtime.

Both speakers feature a battery level indicator, a rechargeable battery, and lack a removable battery. Neither product supports wireless charging, so both require traditional charging methods.

In summary, while both products share several power-related features, the JBL Boombox 4 stands out with its longer battery life, making it better suited for extended use compared to the Sony ULT Field 5.

In terms of connectivity, the JBL Boombox 4 and Sony ULT Field 5 offer similar features, with a few key differences. Both products support Bluetooth, with the JBL Boombox 4 using Bluetooth version 5.4 and the Sony ULT Field 5 using Bluetooth version 5.3. The Bluetooth range for both is the same, at 10 meters. Neither product supports Bluetooth pairing via NFC, and neither includes a 3.5mm audio jack socket or a microphone input.

The JBL Boombox 4 has a unique feature with Auracast, which is not available on the Sony ULT Field 5. On the other hand, the Sony ULT Field 5 supports LDAC, which is absent in the JBL Boombox 4. Both products have USB Type-C ports and one USB port, and neither supports Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Additionally, both lack external memory slots and AirPlay or Chromecast built-in.

Overall, the JBL Boombox 4 stands out with its Auracast feature, while the Sony ULT Field 5 offers LDAC support, catering to slightly different connectivity preferences.

Both the JBL Boombox 4 and Sony ULT Field 5 share a number of features, particularly in their usability. Both can be used wirelessly and support remote smartphone control. Neither product has fast pairing or voice commands, and neither includes a radio or a mute function. However, both products offer voice prompts and a sleep timer, making them similar in terms of usability.

There are no differences between the two products in this group—both offer the same set of features related to wireless use, smartphone control, voice prompts, and the sleep timer function.

Overall, the JBL Boombox 4 and Sony ULT Field 5 are virtually identical in terms of features, with no significant distinctions in their capabilities here.

The JBL Boombox 4 and Sony ULT Field 5 differ in their ability to pair for stereo sound. The JBL Boombox 4 does not support pairing for stereo sound, while the Sony ULT Field 5 does. This means the Sony model can be paired with another compatible speaker for stereo audio output, providing a wider soundstage.

Aside from this difference, both products are otherwise similar in their miscellaneous features with no further unique specifications in this category.

In summary, the Sony ULT Field 5 offers stereo sound pairing, a feature not available on the JBL Boombox 4.