Short answer: the Sony ULT Field 5 for better sound quality, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 for the lower price. The Sony ULT Field 5 ranks #41 of 77 large speakers at $198. The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 ranks #47 at $100, $98 cheaper.
What the Sony ULT Field 5 gets right: IP67 rated, dustproof and water resistant. The catch: Bass not as deep as others in the category, and sound quality overall is just okay.
The case for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4: Balanced sound quality with deep resonant bass and crisp treble, large dynamic range. The tradeoff: 8 hour battery at medium volume.
Buy the Sony ULT Field 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Sony ULT Field 5 is rated for 25 hours versus 8 hours for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4.
If water resistance matters to you, the Sony ULT Field 5 at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Field 5 | Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $198 | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #41 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #47 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (HK Connect) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 12.6" x 5.7" x 4.9" (320 x 144 x 125 mm) | 11.4" x 11.4" x 5.1" (290 x 290 x 130 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 46mm tweeters + 1x 79mm x 107mm woofer | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (App + ULT button) | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg | 4.5 lbs / 2.06 kg |
| Output Power | 27W | 60W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony ULT Field 5: $198 Amazon
Pros: IP67 rated, dustproof and water resistant. 25 hour battery life. App with 10-band EQ. Party Connect with up to 100 speakers. USB-C in/out for charging your phone.
Cons: Bass not as deep as others in the category, and sound quality overall is just okay. ULT button makes a really loud tone when pressed. Just an okay speaker.
Full Sony ULT Field 5 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12.6" x 5.7" x 4.9" (320 x 144 x 125 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 46mm tweeters + 1x 79mm x 107mm woofer |
| EQ | Yes (App + ULT button) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 27W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Danny Pops: Don’t TOUCH that ULT Button! Sony ULT Field 5 Review
- Mark Ellis Reviews: Sony just changed summer sound 🤨 | Sony ULT Field 5 & 3 Review
- Dominik Reviews: Sony ULT Field 5 vs JBL Xtreme 4 - Outdoor Sound Test - Sony shines or not?
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Sony ULT Field 5 vs Anker SoundCore Boom 2 - listening test
- Reddit Search for Sony ULT Field 5 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sony ULT Field 5 vs Sony SRS-XB43
- Sony ULT Field 5 vs JBL Xtreme 2
- Sony ULT Field 5 vs JBL Xtreme 4
- Sony ULT Field 5 vs Marshall Kilburn II
- Sony ULT Field 5 vs Zealot S97
- Sony ULT Field 5 vs Mifa WildCamping
- Sony ULT Field 5 vs Ultimate Ears Everboom
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Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4: $100 Discontinued
Pros: Balanced sound quality with deep resonant bass and crisp treble, large dynamic range. Multi-host Bluetooth connectivity for 2 phones, daisy chaining up to 100 speakers. Elegant modern design with smooth curves and premium materials.
Cons: 8 hour battery at medium volume. Not at loud as others. Not as deep of bass as the newer Onyx. External AC power brick for charging. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (HK Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.4" x 11.4" x 5.1" (290 x 290 x 130 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs / 2.06 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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