Short answer: the Sony ULT Field 3. It ranks #71 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.4/5, at $208. The Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 ranks #177, rated 2.0/5, at $62.99, $145.01 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Sony ULT Field 3 is the better-sounding option. A rugged waterproof stereo speaker with long battery life, a detailed app EQ, a shoulder strap and a phone charging port. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The catch: Sounds a bit hollow, a bit boosted in the treble.
The case for the Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2: A nearly indestructible waterproof speaker that doubles as a power bank, with a clip for bikes, kayaks or backpacks. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Sony ULT Field 3 lacks. The catch: Barely any bass, “pathetic sounding” said Jay’s Reviews of the line generally.
Buy the Sony ULT Field 3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $145.01 with the Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Field 3 | Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $208.00 | $62.99 |
| Ranked | #71 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #177 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | - |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 10.1” x 4.4” x 3.1” (256 x 113 x 79 mm) | 8.6” x 4.2” x 4.6” (218 x 107 x 117 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 20mm tweeter + 1x 86mm x 46mm woofer | 4.5” (114mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (App + ULT button) | - |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/1.5A) | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) | 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 27W | 10W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | Yes (mounting clip) |
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