Short answer: the Bose S1 Pro+ for battery power and real mixing, the Sony ULT Tower Max for venue-scale coverage. The Max’s nine drivers, three 11-inch woofers, Sound Field Optimization and wheels suit a fixed large room, but it is AC-only with no battery at all. The Bose runs on battery, costs less at $699 and adds a 3-channel mixer with per-channel OLED displays and Auto EQ in a 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) cabinet.
This pits Sony’s Tower Max, a 360-degree consumer party speaker, against the Bose S1 Pro+, a performer-focused battery PA. The Tower Max offers nine drivers including three 11-inch woofers, 360-degree sound, 10-band EQ with Sound Field Optimization, wheels, and RCA/XLR/USB-C/mic I/O, though it is AC-only with no battery at all. The Bose S1 Pro+ offers a 3-channel mixer with per-channel OLED displays for quick EQ/reverb adjustment, Auto EQ that adapts to cabinet orientation, and multiple angled placement positions, all at just 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg).
Choose the Tower Max for wheels for easier transport and immersive 360-degree party sound: Its wheels also make it easier to roll between rooms or events. Its 360-degree drivers and ULT1/ULT2/EQ modes suit a living-room-to-backyard party speaker better than a performer-focused PA cabinet.
Choose the Bose S1 Pro+ for true multi-channel mixing in the lightest cabinet here: It also runs on battery power at all, where the Tower Max is AC-only. Its independent-channel mixer with dedicated gain/EQ per input suits a performer or DJ better than the Tower Max’s single mic/line jack. At $699 it also costs less.
Buy the Sony ULT Tower Max at $1,198 for a large party speaker, or the Bose S1 Pro+ at $699 for a battery-powered PA speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings and PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
A very loud party speaker, with three big woofers for huge bass at large events.
A compact, light battery PA speaker that is very loud for its size, with a three channel mixer and Auto EQ for any placement.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower Max | Bose S1 Pro+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,198.00 | $699.00 |
| Ranked | #1 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #6 of 17 in Battery-Powered PA Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) | Yes |
| Aux Input | RCA input | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery | 11 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | 21” x 41.8” x 18.6” (534 x 1062 x 472 mm) | 13.1” x 9.4” x 11” (332.7 x 238.8 x 279.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 9 drivers: 3x 11” woofer (2 front, 1 rear), 2x 4.7” midrange, 2x 1” tweeter, 2x 1.6” rear tweeter | 1x 6” (152mm) woofer + 3x 2.25” (57mm) tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat / Live) | Yes |
| Guitar Input | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | Splashproof top surface | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (6.3mm) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes (360 degree Party Sound) | No |
| Amplifier Power | 2,150W (manufacturer specified) | 150W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Chain) | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB charging) | No |
| Power Input | AC 120-240V, 50/60Hz | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | No | - |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A) | No |
| Weight | 124.1 lbs (56.3 kg) | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No | - |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Wheels | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| Passive | - | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 55Hz |
| Charging Time | - | 5 hours |
| Inputs | - | 2x XLR/6.3mm combo (mic/line/instrument), 6.3mm line, 3.5mm stereo, Bluetooth |
| XLR Input | - | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | - | 109dB |
| Configuration | - | Battery-powered 2-way active PA |
| Cabinet Material | - | Polypropylene |
| Rigging | - | 35mm pole mount; multi-position cabinet |
| DSP | - | 3-channel mixer with EQ, reverb and Auto EQ |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 62Hz |
| Coverage | - | 120° H x 50° V |
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