Short answer: the Tower Max for a 360-degree party system, the Soundboks 4 for output and weatherproofing. The Max offers nine drivers, wheels and RCA/XLR/USB-C/mic I/O, but no battery at all. The Soundboks 4 is rated to 126dB max SPL, carries IP65 weatherproofing and a removable 40-hour battery, and at $1,199 costs less.
This pits Sony’s Tower Max, a 360-degree consumer party speaker, against the Soundboks 4, 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 Soundboks 4 offers dual 10-inch woofers rated to 126dB max SPL, a removable 40-hour battery, IP65 weatherproofing, and XLR/instrument combo inputs.
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 Soundboks 4 for higher peak output and full weatherproofing: It also runs on battery power at all, where the Tower Max is AC-only. At $1,199 it also costs less.
Buy the Sony ULT Tower Max at $1,498 for a large party speaker, or the Soundboks 4 at $1,199 for 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 very loud battery party speaker with two 10 inch woofers and a removable 40 hour battery for big outdoor gatherings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower Max | Soundboks 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,498.00 | $1199 |
| Ranked | #1 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #10 of 17 in Battery-Powered PA Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) | Yes |
| Aux Input | RCA input | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | 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) | 25.6” x 17” x 13” (650.2 x 431.8 x 330.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 9 drivers: 3x 11” woofer (2 front, 1 rear), 2x 4.7” midrange, 2x 1” tweeter, 2x 1.6” rear tweeter | 2x 10” woofers, 1” compression driver |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat / Live) | Yes |
| Guitar Input | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | Splashproof top surface | IP65 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (6.3mm) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes (360 degree Party Sound) | No |
| Amplifier Power | 2,150W (manufacturer specified) | 216W (3x 72W) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Chain) | Yes (TeamUp, up to 5 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB charging) | No |
| Power Input | AC 120-240V, 50/60Hz | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | No | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A) | No |
| Weight | 124.1 lbs (56.3 kg) | 34 lbs (15.4 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No | - |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Wheels | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| Passive | - | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 52Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | - | 2x XLR/6.3mm combo (mic/instrument), 3.5mm stereo, Bluetooth |
| Maximum SPL | - | 126dB |
| XLR Input | - | Yes (2x combo) |
| SKAA | - | Yes |
| Configuration | - | Battery-powered 3-way active PA |
| Cabinet Material | - | Poplar plywood |
| DSP | - | App EQ |
| Rigging | - | 35mm pole mount socket |
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