Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Boombox 3 ranks #27 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $349.95; the Sony ULT Field 5 ranks #59 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $348.
What the JBL Boombox 3 does well: A loud, fully waterproof boombox with a dedicated subwoofer, a 24 hour battery and power bank charging. The tradeoff: Dips in mid bass range which makes the bass sound undefined, bass boosted, peaky at 700Hz, not quite as good mids and treble as the Blast.
The Sony ULT Field 5 is the lighter option. A tough, waterproof party speaker with loud, bass focused output, an aux input, a power bank and a long battery. At 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Boombox 3 at 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg). It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Boombox 3 lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Boombox 3 lacks. The catch: It prioritizes bass and loudness over fidelity: reviews find the upper mids and highs subdued, with limited stereo separation and soundstage depth.
Buy the JBL Boombox 3 at $349.95 for a boombox speaker, or the Sony ULT Field 5 at $348 for a large speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 11, 2026 at 3:26 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox 3 | Sony ULT Field 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.95 | $348.00 |
| Ranked | #27 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #59 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 25ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg) | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| App | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (App + ULT button) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-C) |
| USB Playback | No | - |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 180W AC / 136W battery | 27W |
| Dimensions | 19” x 10.1” x 7.9” (482 x 257 x 200 mm) | 12.6” x 5.7” x 4.9” (320 x 144 x 125 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 189mm subwoofer + 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 46mm tweeters + 1x 79mm x 107mm woofer |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to JBL Boombox 3: