Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen. It ranks #11 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $395. The Sony ULT Field 3 ranks #71, rated 3.4/5, at $208, $187 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Sony ULT Field 3 is the longer-running choice. A rugged waterproof stereo speaker with long battery life, a detailed app EQ, a shoulder strap and a phone charging port. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 18 for the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen. Watch for: Sounds a bit hollow, a bit boosted in the treble.
The B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen is the better-sounding, lighter choice. A premium waterproof puck speaker with balanced sound, a built in strap, and a long battery for travel. At 1.2 lbs (558 g) it weighs much less than the Sony ULT Field 3 at 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg).
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $187 with the Sony ULT Field 3 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A rugged waterproof stereo speaker with long battery life, a detailed app EQ, a shoulder strap and a phone charging port.
A premium waterproof puck speaker with balanced sound, a built in strap, and a long battery for travel.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Field 3 | B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $208.00 | $395.00 |
| Ranked | #71 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #11 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 10.1” x 4.4” x 3.1” (256 x 113 x 79 mm) | 5.2”W x 5.2”D x 1.8”H (133 x 133 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 20mm tweeter + 1x 86mm x 46mm woofer | 3.5mm aluminium driver + 0.75 inch silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (App + ULT button) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/1.5A) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) | 1.2 lbs (558 g) |
| Amplifier Power | 27W | 60W total (2x 30W Class D) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | Yes (built-in strap) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 58Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 90ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 93dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
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