Last April, Sony released the first Bluetooth speakers in its new ULT Power Sound line, the ULT Field 1, ULT Field 7 and ULT Tower 10. With so many numbers unused in between, we figured new models were coming. Now Sony is filling out the line with the ULT Field 3 ($200), ULT Field 5 ($330) and ULT Tower 9 ($900), its latest jumbo party speaker that’s compatible with Sony’s new wireless ULT Mic ($150) for karaoke sessions and emceeing.
Read more: Best Bluetooth speakers of 2025
As a reminder, 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.”
I got a chance to hear all the new ULT speakers and recently received review samples of the ULT Field 3 and ULT Field 5, so I’ve spent more time listening to those smaller, more portable models (the ULT Tower 9 has new, bigger wheels and can be rolled around, but it’s a behemoth as Bluetooth speakers go). Like last year’s ULT speakers, these new models offer significantly improved sound over their predecessors, with more bass and better overall clarity.
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.
All three new speakers are equipped with a signature ULT button that boosts the bass and delivers a fuller sound (the ULT Tower 9 and ULT Field 5 have two ULT modes, while the smaller ULT Field 3 has just one). Unlike the ULT button on Sony’s ULT Wear headphones, which I thought boosted the bass too much, all Sony’s new ULT Bluetooth speakers sound like they don’t have enough bass unless you engage the ULT button.
As you might guess, the ULT Field 5 delivers a bigger sound with more bass than the ULT Field 3. It’s one of the best-sounding Bluetooth speakers I’ve tested in its size class, though I still have to do more A/B testing with competing models before posting my full review.
The ULT Field 3 also 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). The ULT Field 5’s soundstage is noticeably wider, but don’t expect real stereo separation from either speaker. To get true stereo separation, you’ll need to link two of them together, creating a stereo pair (but Sony has made it easier to link its ULT speakers in both Party Connect mode and stereo mode). Still, not everybody can afford one of these speakers, let alone two.
ULT Field 3 key specs
- Drivers: 1 woofer, 2 passive bass radiators, 1 tweeter
- EQ: ULT1 Mode, 7-Band EQ, Sound Field Optimization
- IP67 waterproof, dust-proof, rust-proof and shock-resistant
- Removable shoulder strap
- Up to 24-hour battery life (but only 5 hours at max volume)
- Speakerphone (built-in microphone)
- Link multiple speakers with Party Connect or stereo pair
- Price: $200
- Available in black, forest gray, off white
- Predecessor: SRS-XE300
ULT Field 5 key specs
- Drivers: 1 woofer, 2 passive bass radiators, 2 tweeters
- EQ: ULT1 Mode (deep frequencies), ULT2 Mode (powerful sound), 10-Band EQ, Sound Field Optimization
- 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)
- USB-C charge in/out (the speaker can be used as a power bank)
- 3.5mm audio input
- App control: Sound Connect app (iOS and Android)
- Link multiple speakers with Party Connect or stereo pair
- Price: $330
- Available in black, off white
- Predecessor: SRS-XG300
ULT Tower 9 key specs
- Drivers: 2 woofers, 2 midrange, 4 tweeters
- EQ: ULT1 Mode (deep frequencies), ULT2 Mode (powerful sound), 10-Band EQ, Sound Field Optimization
- Top panel is IPX4 splash-proof
- 360-degree party lighting (more LEDs than predecessor; 24 total LED elements)
- 3.5mm audio input, optical input
- USB-A charge out
- 394mm wheel tread (larger wheels)
- TV sound booster
- Up to 25 hours of battery life (10 hours with lighting on)
- App control: Sound Connect app (iOS and Android)
- Link multiple speakers with Party Connect or stereo pair
- Price: $900 ($700 for wired-only version)
- Available in black
- Compatible with new ULT Mic
- Predecessor: SRS-XV900
ULT Mic key specs
- Hand, breath and wind noise reduction
- Wireless dongle included
- Shockproof
- Battery life: Up to 20 hours
- Compatible speakers: ULT Field 7, ULT Tower 9, ULT Tower 10, XV900, XV800, XV500, XP700, XP500 (and any party speaker that supports a microphone jack and receiver)
- Volume adjustment: Duet Assist
- Price: $150
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