Short answer: the Sony ULT Tower 5. It ranks #5 of 51 party speakers by sound quality (rated 4.5/5) at $348 and is still sold new; the Soundcore Rave ranks #45 (rated 2.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Soundcore Rave’s replacement, the Soundcore Rave 3S, is rated 3.8/5 at $299.99.
The Sony ULT Tower 5 is the better-sounding, tougher 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 IPX4, while the Soundcore Rave has no water resistance. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the Soundcore Rave lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Soundcore Rave lacks. The tradeoff: 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 is the lighter choice. A party speaker with a long battery, wireless mics, vocal removal for karaoke, and colorful light shows. 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: Pretty big lack of deep bass, treble rolled off.
Buy the Sony ULT Tower 5. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Soundcore Rave is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A powerful party tower with deep bass, a removable long battery, and mic and XLR inputs for karaoke or DJ use.
A party speaker with a long battery, wireless mics, vocal removal for karaoke, and colorful light shows.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower 5 | Soundcore Rave | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $348.00 | $220 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #5 of 51 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #45 of 51 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) | No |
| Aux Input | RCA input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 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” x 12.7” x 12.2” (552 x 322 x 310 mm) |
| Drivers | 3 drivers: 1x 9” woofer, 2x 2.4” tweeter | 60W: Multiple drivers + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat) | No |
| Guitar Input | No | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 300W | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C charging) | Yes |
| Power Input | AC power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~60Hz |
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