Short answer: the Sony ULT Field 3. It ranks #71 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.4/5, at $208; the LG Xboom Go PL5 ranks #149, rated 2.4/5, and costs $289, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Sony ULT Field 3 is the better-sounding, longer-running option. 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 15 for the LG Xboom Go PL5. It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the LG Xboom Go PL5. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the LG Xboom Go PL5 lacks. The catch: Sounds a bit hollow, a bit boosted in the treble.
The LG Xboom Go PL5 is the lighter choice. A water resistant speaker with music synced LED lights, USB-C charging and Party Link for many speakers. At 1.4 lbs (640 g) it weighs much less than the Sony ULT Field 3 at 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg). It keeps a wired aux input, which the Sony ULT Field 3 lacks. Watch for: Barely any bass.
Buy the Sony ULT Field 3. 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.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Field 3 | LG Xboom Go PL5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $208.00 | $289.00 |
| Ranked | #71 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 | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC |
| 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) | 7.9” x 3.1” x 3.1” (201 x 79 x 79 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 20mm tweeter + 1x 86mm x 46mm woofer | 2x 1.75-inch woofers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (App + ULT button) | 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 | Yes (USB-C, 5V/1.5A) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) | 1.4 lbs (640 g) |
| Amplifier Power | 27W | 20W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 71Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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