Short answer: the Sony ULT Field 5 for better sound quality, the JBL Xtreme 2 for the lower price. The Sony ULT Field 5 ranks #41 of 77 large speakers at $198. The JBL Xtreme 2 ranks #44 at $149.99, $48.01 cheaper.
What the Sony ULT Field 5 offers: IP67 rated, dustproof and water resistant. Watch for: Bass not as deep as others in the category, and sound quality overall is just okay.
On the JBL Xtreme 2 side: Four drivers with refined bass balance, closer to studio monitors than typical portables. Set against that: External AC power brick for charging.
Buy the Sony ULT Field 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Xtreme 2 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 15 hours for the JBL Xtreme 2.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Field 5 | JBL Xtreme 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $198 | $149.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #41 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #44 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 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) | 11.3" x 5.4" x 4.2" (287 x 137 x 107 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 46mm tweeters + 1x 79mm x 107mm woofer | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (App + ULT button) | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| 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 | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg |
| Output Power | 27W | 40W RMS |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 54Hz |
| Max Volume | - | 98dB |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 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
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- See all 34 comparisons
JBL Xtreme 2: $149.99 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Four drivers with refined bass balance, closer to studio monitors than typical portables. IPX7 water-resistant. Amazing real-world battery: ~20 hours at 75dB (vs 15hr claim). USB-A port charges other devices. Optional carry strap.
Cons: External AC power brick for charging. Boosted bass. Treble harsh at high volumes. Discontinued.
Full JBL Xtreme 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3" x 5.4" x 4.2" (287 x 137 x 107 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 98dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 40W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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