Short answer: the Sonos Roam for better sound quality, the Sony ULT Field 1 for the lower price. The Sonos Roam ranks #72 of 136 medium speakers at $175. The Sony ULT Field 1 ranks #76 at $78, $97 cheaper.
What the Sonos Roam gets right: Very neutral. The catch: Bass extension isn’t very good.
The case for the Sony ULT Field 1: IP67 rated, survives drops and 1m submersion. The tradeoff: Upper midrange peak, rolled off treble.
Buy the Sonos Roam if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Sony ULT Field 1 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sonos Roam | Sony ULT Field 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $175.00 | $78.00 |
| Ranked | #72 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #76 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 63Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | 95dB | - |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs / 429 g | 1.4 lbs / 650 g |
| Wifi | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 2.4" x 6.6" x 2.4" (62 x 168 x 60 mm) | 8.1" x 3" x 3" (206 x 77 x 76 mm) |
| App | Sonos S2 App | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | AAC, SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (via app, limited in Bluetooth mode) | Yes |
| Drivers | Dual full-range drivers + passive radiators | 83mm x 42mm woofer, 16mm tweeter + passive radiator |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IP67 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | - | No |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Power Input | - | USB-C |
| TWS | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sonos Roam: $175.00 Amazon
Pros: Very neutral. IP67 rated at ~1 lb. Wireless (Qi) charging - rare for a portable speaker. Works with Alexa/Sonos Voice Control and the wider Sonos ecosystem over Wi-Fi.
Cons: Bass extension isn’t very good. Not stereo. Gets distorted if you turn up the bass.
Full Sonos Roam review and specifications →
| App | Sonos S2 App |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.4" x 6.6" x 2.4" (62 x 168 x 60 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual full-range drivers + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (via app, limited in Bluetooth mode) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Max Volume | 95dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs / 429 g |
| Wifi | Yes |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sony ULT Field 1: $78.00 Amazon
Pros: IP67 rated, survives drops and 1m submersion. Real-world battery around 28+ hours with ULT (bass boost) mode off. Stereo-pairs with a second ULT Field 1.
Cons: Upper midrange peak, rolled off treble
Full Sony ULT Field 1 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.1" x 3" x 3" (206 x 77 x 76 mm) |
| Drivers | 83mm x 42mm woofer, 16mm tweeter + passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs / 650 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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