Short answer: it depends whether you perform or party. The Tower Max is a nine-driver, 360-degree party speaker with wheels and ULT1/ULT2 modes, but it is AC-only with no battery. The Thump Go is the performer’s pick, with a two-channel mixer, XLR/TRS combo inputs, an 8-inch woofer and a swappable 12-hour battery in an 17.6 lbs (8 kg) cabinet.
This pits Sony’s Tower Max, a 360-degree consumer party speaker, against the Mackie Thump Go, 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 Mackie Thump Go offers a built-in 2-channel mixer with XLR/TRS combo inputs, an 8-inch woofer, a swappable 12-hour battery, and just 17.6 lbs (8 kg) of weight.
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 Mackie Thump Go for true multi-channel mixing at the lowest price 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 $396 it also costs less.
Buy the Sony ULT Tower Max at $1,498 if you want a large party speaker. Buy the Mackie Thump Go at $396 if you want a battery-powered PA speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings and PA & Live Sound rankings.
A very loud party speaker, with three big woofers for huge bass at large events.
A light battery PA speaker with a built in mixer and swappable battery, built for loud small gigs.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower Max | Mackie Thump Go | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,498.00 | $396.00 |
| Ranked | #1 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #8 of 17 in Battery-Powered PA Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) | Yes |
| Aux Input | RCA input | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | 21” x 41.8” x 18.6” (534 x 1062 x 472 mm) | 18” x 9.1” x 11.2” (457 x 230 x 285 mm) |
| Drivers | 9 drivers: 3x 11” woofer (2 front, 1 rear), 2x 4.7” midrange, 2x 1” tweeter, 2x 1.6” rear tweeter | 8” woofer, 1” compression driver |
| 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) | 200W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Chain) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB charging) | No |
| Power Input | AC 120-240V, 50/60Hz | - |
| Removable Battery | No | - |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) | No |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A) | No |
| Weight | 124.1 lbs (56.3 kg) | 17.6 lbs (8 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No | - |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Wheels | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| Passive | - | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 50Hz |
| Inputs | - | 2x XLR/TRS combo (mic/line), 3.5mm stereo, Bluetooth |
| XLR Input | - | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | - | 115dB |
| Configuration | - | Battery-powered 2-way active PA |
| Cabinet Material | - | Polypropylene |
| Rigging | - | 35mm pole mount; monitor wedge |
| Coverage | - | 90° H x 60° V |
| DSP | - | Feedback eliminator, Music Duck and voicing modes |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 57Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 57Hz - 20kHz (-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
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