Short answer: the Sony ULT Tower 5. It ranks #5 of 51 party speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $348. The Soundcore Rave 3S ranks #19, rated 3.8/5, at $299.99, $48.01 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Sony ULT Tower 5 is the better-sounding, longer-running option. A powerful party tower with deep bass, a removable long battery, and mic and XLR inputs for karaoke or DJ use. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the Soundcore Rave 3S. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the Soundcore Rave 3S lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Soundcore Rave 3S. The catch: It has a shorter 20-hour battery claim than the Sony ULT Tower 7’s 30 hours, no wheels, and only IPX4 splash resistance.
The Soundcore Rave 3S is the lighter pick. A big party speaker with two wireless microphones, a remote, and a vocal removal feature for karaoke nights. At 21.6 lbs (9.8 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Sony ULT Tower 5 at 28 lbs (12.7 kg). The tradeoff: Some upper bass and upper mids boost.
Buy the Sony ULT Tower 5. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $48.01 you would save on the Soundcore Rave 3S does not close the gap.
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 big party speaker with two wireless microphones, a remote, and a vocal removal feature for karaoke nights.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower 5 | Soundcore Rave 3S | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $348.00 | $299.99 |
| Ranked | #5 of 51 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #19 of 51 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) | Yes |
| Aux Input | RCA input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Dimensions | 14.1” x 21.1” x 11.1” (358 x 536 x 282 mm) | 21.7”H x 11.1”W x 12”D (550 x 283 x 306 mm) |
| Drivers | 3 drivers: 1x 9” woofer, 2x 2.4” tweeter | 1x 6.5” (165mm) woofer + 3x 2.5” (63mm) full-range drivers |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat) | Yes |
| Guitar Input | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes | Yes (Karaoke mode with reverb effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 300W | 200W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C charging) | No |
| Power Input | AC power cord | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) | No |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A and USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 28 lbs (12.7 kg) | 21.6 lbs (9.8 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No | - |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
| Wireless Microphones | - | Yes 2 Included |
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