These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The JBL Charge Essential 2 ranks #39 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $74.91; the Sony ULT Field 5 ranks #59 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $348.
The JBL Charge Essential 2 is the lighter option. A simpler, tough waterproof speaker with punchy sound, long battery life and a phone charging port, great when found on sale. At 2.1 lbs (930 g) it weighs much less than the Sony ULT Field 5 at 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg). The catch: It is a pared-back Charge: no app EQ, no PartyBoost/party mode and no stereo-pair option.
What the Sony ULT Field 5 does well: A tough, waterproof party speaker with loud, bass focused output, an aux input, a power bank and a long battery. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Charge Essential 2 lacks. It links with other speakers (Party Connect up to 100 speakers), which the JBL Charge Essential 2 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge Essential 2 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 Charge Essential 2 at $74.91 for a medium 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 7, 2026 at 7:34 PM 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential 2 | Sony ULT Field 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $74.91 | $348.00 |
| Ranked | #39 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #59 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes (App + ULT button) |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (930 g) | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) | 12.6” x 5.7” x 4.9” (320 x 144 x 125 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 2x 46mm tweeters + 1x 79mm x 107mm woofer |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 27W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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