Short answer: the Sony ULT Tower 5 for portability, the ULT Tower Max for venue-scale output. The Tower 5 is a 28 lbs (12.7 kg) battery-powered 300W speaker with a 20-hour claim that one person can carry. The Tower Max is a 124.1 lbs (56.3 kg) AC-powered flagship with three 11-inch woofers and 2,150W specified output that measured 110.6dBC at about 6m outdoors in AudioTribe’s test, so it only makes sense for large mains-powered events.
These models are for very different scales of party. The Tower 5 is a 28 lbs (12.7 kg), battery-powered 300W speaker with a 20-hour claim. The Tower Max is a 124.1 lbs (56.3 kg) AC-powered flagship with three 11-inch woofers, 2,150W specified output and event-oriented XLR/RCA connections.
Choose the Tower 5 for portability: It is dramatically smaller, runs from a removable battery and is appropriate when a single person needs to carry the speaker.
Choose the Tower Max for venue-scale output: It measured 110.6dBC at about 6m outdoors in AudioTribe’s test and has the capacity, connections and bass system for large AC-powered events.
Buy the Sony ULT Tower 5 at $348 if you want a party speaker. Buy the Sony ULT Tower Max at $1,198 if you want a large party speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A powerful party tower with deep bass, a removable long battery, and mic and XLR inputs for karaoke or DJ use.
A very loud party speaker, with three big woofers for huge bass at large events.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower 5 | Sony ULT Tower Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $348.00 | $1,198.00 |
| Ranked | #5 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #1 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) |
| Aux Input | RCA input | RCA input |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (manufacturer specified) | No Battery |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Dimensions | 14.1” x 21.1” x 11.1” (358 x 536 x 282 mm) | 21” x 41.8” x 18.6” (534 x 1062 x 472 mm) |
| Drivers | 3 drivers: 1x 9” woofer, 2x 2.4” tweeter | 9 drivers: 3x 11” woofer (2 front, 1 rear), 2x 4.7” midrange, 2x 1” tweeter, 2x 1.6” rear tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat) | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat / Live) |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | Splashproof top surface |
| Microphone Input | Yes | Yes (6.3mm) |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes (360 degree Party Sound) |
| Amplifier Power | 300W | 2,150W (manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Party Chain) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C charging) | Yes (USB charging) |
| Power Input | AC power cord | AC 120-240V, 50/60Hz |
| Removable Battery | Yes | No |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) | Yes (Stereo Pair) |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A and USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Weight | 28 lbs (12.7 kg) | 124.1 lbs (56.3 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
| Wheels | - | Yes |
Watch Them Compared
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