Short answer: the Sony ULT Field 1. It ranks #99 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.1/5, at $138; the LG Xboom Go PL5 ranks #149, rated 2.4/5, and costs $289, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Sony ULT Field 1 is the better-sounding, tougher choice. A tough, waterproof small speaker that survives drops, with long real world battery life and stereo pairing. It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the LG Xboom Go PL5. The tradeoff: Upper midrange peak, rolled off treble.
The case for the LG Xboom Go PL5: A water resistant speaker with music synced LED lights, USB-C charging and Party Link for many speakers. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Sony ULT Field 1 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Sony ULT Field 1. Watch for: Barely any bass.
Buy the Sony ULT Field 1. It is rated higher for sound quality than the LG Xboom Go PL5 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Field 1 | LG Xboom Go PL5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $138.00 | $289.00 |
| Ranked | #99 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #149 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (LG XBOOM App) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (via app) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Wireless Party Link, up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs (650 g) | 1.4 lbs (640 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 8.1” x 3” x 3” (206 x 77 x 76 mm) | 7.9” x 3.1” x 3.1” (201 x 79 x 79 mm) |
| Drivers | 83mm x 42mm woofer, 16mm tweeter + passive radiator | 2x 1.75-inch woofers + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 71Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 20W |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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