Short answer: the Tower Max, unless you specifically need battery-powered instrument inputs. The Max is a wheeled, nine-driver 360-degree party speaker with ULT1/ULT2 modes, though it is AC-only. The Rockster Air answers with a claimed 30-hour battery, 115dB max SPL and XLR mic/instrument inputs with daisy-chain linking, but it is discontinued and was only ever sold in Europe. The Teufel Rockster Air is discontinued; its replacement is the Teufel Rockster Air 2.
This pits Sony’s Tower Max, a 360-degree consumer party speaker, against the Teufel Rockster Air, 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 Teufel Rockster Air offers a claimed 30-hour battery, 115dB max SPL and XLR mic/instrument inputs with daisy-chain linking, though it is discontinued and was only ever sold in Europe.
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 Teufel Rockster Air for dedicated instrument inputs and daisy-chain linking: It also runs on battery power at all, where the Tower Max is AC-only. At $500 it also costs less. It is discontinued, so check current stock and condition before buying.
Buy the Sony ULT Tower Max for a large party speaker, or the Teufel Rockster Air 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 loud battery party speaker with a user replaceable long life battery, mic and guitar inputs, and wireless stereo pairing.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower Max | Teufel Rockster Air | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,198.00 | €500 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #1 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #11 of 17 in Battery-Powered PA Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) | No |
| Aux Input | RCA input | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | aptX, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | 21” x 41.8” x 18.6” (534 x 1062 x 472 mm) | 11.8” x 21.3” x 11” (300 x 540 x 280 mm) |
| Drivers | 9 drivers: 3x 11” woofer (2 front, 1 rear), 2x 4.7” midrange, 2x 1” tweeter, 2x 1.6” rear tweeter | 2x 40mm tweeters + 2x 50mm woofers + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat / Live) | No |
| 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) | 250W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Chain) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB charging) | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | AC 120-240V, 50/60Hz | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | No | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) | No |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A) | No |
| Weight | 124.1 lbs (56.3 kg) | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No | - |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Wheels | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| Passive | - | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~52Hz |
| Inputs | - | XLR microphone, 6.3mm instrument, 3.5mm stereo, Bluetooth |
| Maximum SPL | - | 115dB |
| Configuration | - | Battery-powered active PA |
| Rigging | - | 35mm pole mount |
| DSP | - | No |
| XLR Input | - | Yes |
| RCA Input | - | No |
| TRS Input | - | Yes |
| Optical Input | - | No |
| Coaxial Input | - | No |
| USB Input | - | No |
| HDMI Input | - | No |
| AES Input | - | No |
| Cabinet Material | - | Plastic and MDF |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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