Short answer: the JBL Xtreme 3 if sound quality is the priority, the Sony ULT Field 5 if price and battery life are. The Xtreme 3 ranks #18 of 120 large portable speakers at $269.95, while the ULT Field 5 ranks #59 at $348, a gap of $78.05.
The Xtreme 3’s sound is the more consistently praised of the two. Its notes describe better treble and deeper bass than its predecessor, the Xtreme 2, and a more balanced signature than the newer Xtreme 4, with only boosted bass as its stated tradeoff. The ULT Field 5, by contrast, has its own notes calling its sound quality “just okay” and its bass not as deep as others in its category.
Battery life flips decisively in Sony’s favor. The ULT Field 5 is rated for 25 hours against the Xtreme 3’s 15 hours, a real difference for anyone using it away from an outlet all day. Sony also includes AAC and LDAC codec support plus an app with 10-band EQ, while the Xtreme 3 is SBC only with no EQ or app at all.
The JBL counters with more raw power and better water resistance. It puts out 100W against the Sony’s 27W, and while both speakers carry an IP rating, the Xtreme 3’s older Bluetooth 4.1 is offset by dual USB-A and USB-C power bank output, against the ULT Field 5’s single USB-C port.
Buy the JBL Xtreme 3 if sound quality and raw output matter most, and 15 hours of battery is enough for how you use it.
Buy the Sony ULT Field 5 if all-day battery life, app-based EQ, and a lower price matter more to you than best-in-class sound.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A loud, waterproof stereo speaker with deep bass, balanced sound and a power bank for charging devices.
A tough, waterproof party speaker with loud, bass focused output, an aux input, a power bank and a long battery.
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 Xtreme 3 | Sony ULT Field 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.95 | $348.00 |
| Ranked | #18 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #59 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 133ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 105dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.83 kg) | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (App + ULT button) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 11.7” x 5.4” x 5.3” (298 x 136 x 134 mm) | 12.6” x 5.7” x 4.9” (320 x 144 x 125 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 46mm tweeters + 1x 79mm x 107mm woofer |
| Frequency Response | 53.5Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | 27W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
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