Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen. It ranks #19 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $399. The Sony ULT Field 3 ranks #71, rated 3.4/5, at $208, $191 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the Sony ULT Field 3: A rugged waterproof stereo speaker with long battery life, a detailed app EQ, a shoulder strap and a phone charging port. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen. The catch: Sounds a bit hollow, a bit boosted in the treble.
The B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen is the better-sounding, lighter choice. A premium waterproof puck speaker with good sound, a long battery, and a battery you can swap, built to last. At 1.2 lbs (558 g) it weighs much less than the Sony ULT Field 3 at 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg). Watch for: Distorts easier than the 2nd gen with deeper bass.
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $191 you would save on the Sony ULT Field 3 does not close the 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 good sound, a long battery, and a battery you can swap, built to last.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Field 3 | B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $208.00 | $399.00 |
| Ranked | #71 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #19 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 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” x 1.8” x 5.2” (133 x 46 x 133 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 20mm tweeter + 1x 86mm x 46mm woofer | 82.5mm woofer, 15mm 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 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | Yes (built-in strap) |
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