Short answer: the JBL Flip Essential for the aux input, the Sony ULT Field 3 for IP67 protection. Both have clear faults: the Flip Essential has less bass than a Flip 5, and the ULT Field 3 sounds a bit hollow and a bit boosted in the treble, so neither is a clear winner on sound. The JBL Flip Essential is discontinued; its replacement is the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE.
Buy the Sony ULT Field 3. It is rated higher for sound quality; the JBL Flip Essential is no longer sold new.
Battery life favors the Sony ULT Field 3: rated for 24 hours against 10 hours for the JBL Flip Essential.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A light, simple waterproof speaker with an aux input, good for travel and casual listening.
A rugged waterproof stereo speaker with long battery life, a detailed app EQ, a shoulder strap and a phone charging port.
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip Essential | Sony ULT Field 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 Discontinued | $208.00 |
| Ranked | #89 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #71 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes (App + ULT button) |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Weight | / 1 lbs (471 g) | 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.2 |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange | 1x 20mm tweeter + 1x 86mm x 46mm woofer |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 2.5” x 2.5” (169 x 64 x 64 mm) | 10.1” x 4.4” x 3.1” (256 x 113 x 79 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS | 27W |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-C, 5V/1.5A) |
| Strap | - | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Sony ULT Field 3: