Sony ULT Field 5 specifications and in-depth review

Sony ULT Field 5

Manufacturer: Sony

The Sony ULT Field 5 is a large-format portable speaker built for extended outdoor use, combining solid weather protection with a broad feature set. Weighing 3,300 g and measuring 320 mm wide, it is clearly designed for stationary setups rather than on-the-go carrying. One of its more practical additions is that it functions as a power bank, allowing users to charge external devices directly from the speaker. RGB lighting and a control panel mounted on the unit round out the physical feature set.

On the connectivity side, the ULT Field 5 runs Bluetooth 5.3 with a maximum wireless range of 10 m and supports LDAC for higher-quality audio transmission. An AUX input provides a wired alternative, and a USB Type-C port handles charging duties. The speaker carries an IP66 rating, meaning it is protected against dust ingress and strong water jets. Battery life is rated at 25 hours, with a built-in indicator to track remaining charge. It also supports stereo pairing with a compatible second unit and includes a sleep timer among its onboard features.

Pros
  • IP66 rating provides full dust protection and resistance to strong water jets, making it suitable for outdoor use in demanding conditions
  • 25-hour battery life allows for extended use between charges, with an indicator to monitor remaining power
  • Doubles as a power bank, enabling users to charge other devices directly from the speaker
  • LDAC support enables higher-quality audio transmission over Bluetooth compared to standard codecs
  • Stereo pairing lets two units be linked for a dedicated two-channel stereo setup
  • AUX input offers a wired audio source alternative when Bluetooth is not preferred
Cons
  • Bluetooth range is limited to 10 m, which may restrict placement flexibility in larger spaces
  • At 3,300 g, the unit is quite heavy, making it less practical to carry frequently or over long distances
  • No wireless charging support means the speaker must always be tethered for recharging
  • No travel bag is included despite the unit's size, leaving users to source their own carrying solution
  • Fast pairing is not available, which can slow down the initial connection process
  • No 3.5 mm headphone jack socket, limiting direct wired connection options to AUX input only
Who is this for?

This speaker is well-suited to users who prioritize outdoor durability, given its IP66 rating that handles dust and strong water jets without issue. With a 25-hour battery life and the ability to function as a power bank, it works well for all-day outdoor gatherings, camping trips, or events where access to power is limited. Users who want higher-quality wireless audio transmission will also appreciate the inclusion of LDAC, and those with a second compatible unit can take advantage of stereo pairing for a wider soundstage.

Who is this NOT for?

At 3,300 g and with no included travel bag, this speaker is poorly suited to users who need something easy to carry on the move, such as hikers or commuters. The Bluetooth range capped at 10 m makes it a weak fit for larger venues or open spaces where the source device may be at a distance. Additionally, users who rely on a broad wireless ecosystem — including Wi-Fi streaming, AirPlay, Chromecast, or Auracast — will find the connectivity options here insufficient for those workflows.

Design:

Ingress Protection (IP) rating IP66
volume 5760 cm³
drivers count 2
has a neodymium magnet
control panel placed on a device
water resistance Water resistant
travel bag is included
has a touch screen
has RGB lighting
has a detachable cable
is a neckband speaker
has a remote control
weight 3300 g
height 144 mm
width 320 mm
thickness 125 mm

The Sony ULT Field 5 has a fairly substantial physical footprint, measuring 320 mm wide, 144 mm tall, and 125 mm thick, with a total volume of 5,760 cm³ and a weight of 3,300 g. It houses two drivers and carries an IP66 rating, making it fully dustproof and protected against powerful water jets — a step above basic splash resistance. The unit features RGB lighting and a control panel mounted directly on the device, giving users hands-on access to its functions without needing a separate remote, which is not included. A travel bag is also not part of the package, and the speaker does not use neodymium magnets, a touch screen, or a detachable cable in its construction.

Sound quality:

has a subwoofer
highest frequency 20000 Hz
lowest frequency 20 Hz
Has a passive radiator

The Sony ULT Field 5 covers a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, spanning the full extent of the standard audible spectrum. It includes a passive radiator, which assists in extending low-frequency output without the need for an active subwoofer — and indeed, no dedicated subwoofer is present in this configuration.

Power:

Battery life 25 hours
has a battery level indicator
has a rechargeable battery
has a removable battery
has wireless charging

The Sony ULT Field 5 is equipped with a built-in rechargeable battery rated at 25 hours of use, providing a solid runtime for extended sessions. A battery level indicator is included, letting users keep track of remaining charge at a glance. The battery is not removable, and the speaker does not support wireless charging, so recharging must be done via a wired connection.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth version 5.3
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
has an AUX input
has aptX Lossless
has LDAC
has aptX Adaptive
has aptX HD
has aptX
has aptX Low Latency
has AAC
has AirPlay
has Chromecast built-in
has Auracast
has Bluetooth LE Audio
maximum Bluetooth range 10 m
supports Wi-Fi
USB ports 1
Has USB Type-C
has a 3.5mm male connector
has an external memory slot
is DLNA-certified
supports Ethernet
has a microphone input

The Sony ULT Field 5 connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3 with a maximum range of 10 m, and supports LDAC for higher-resolution audio transmission over Bluetooth — though aptX in all its variants, AAC, and LE Audio are not supported. NFC pairing is absent, and the speaker does not offer Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Chromecast, Auracast, Ethernet, or DLNA connectivity. For wired audio input, an AUX input is available, while a single USB Type-C port handles charging; there is no 3.5 mm audio jack socket, no 3.5 mm male connector, no external memory slot, and no microphone input.

Features:

Can be used wirelessly
supports a remote smartphone
has fast pairing
has voice commands
Has a radio
Has voice prompts
has a mute function
works as a power bank
has a sleep timer

The Sony ULT Field 5 can be used wirelessly and supports smartphone remote control, allowing playback management from a connected device. It includes voice prompts to guide users through operations, a sleep timer for automatic shutoff, and notably functions as a power bank to charge external devices. Fast pairing is not available, and the speaker does not offer voice commands, a built-in radio, or a mute function.

Miscellaneous:

supports pairing for stereo sound

The Sony ULT Field 5 supports stereo pairing, allowing two compatible units to be linked together for a dedicated left and right channel stereo setup.

Final Verdict

The Sony ULT Field 5 is a rugged, high-capacity portable speaker built around endurance and outdoor resilience. Its IP66 rating combined with a 25-hour battery life makes it a dependable option for extended outdoor use, and practical additions like power bank functionality and LDAC support add genuine everyday utility. That said, its considerable weight and limited Bluetooth range mean it suits stationary outdoor setups far better than on-the-go use. For users who need a durable, feature-equipped speaker for outdoor gatherings and do not require broad wireless ecosystem support, the ULT Field 5 delivers a coherent and well-specified package.

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