Short answer: the Sony XB23 ranks #64 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $100; the Sony ULT Field 1 ranks #76 at $98. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
What the Sony XB23 offers: Reasonably neutral. IP67 rated with a strap hook for backpacks. USB-C charging; up to 12 hour battery life. Watch for: Bass drops off a ton at high levels. Reduces its own volume over time when turned to max
What the Sony ULT Field 1 offers: IP67 rated, survives drops and 1m submersion. Real-world battery around 28+ hours with ULT (bass boost) mode off. Stereo-pairs with a second ULT Field 1. Watch for: Upper midrange peak, rolled off treble
Buy the Sony XB23 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Sony ULT Field 1 when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the Sony ULT Field 1 at IP67 (brief submersion) against the Sony XB23, which has IPX4 (splashing).
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony XB23 | Sony ULT Field 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 | $98.00 |
| Ranked | #64 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #76 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | 95dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 580 g | 1.4 lbs / 650 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 3" x 8.6" x 3" (76 x 218 x 76 mm) | 8.1" x 3" x 3" (206 x 77 x 76 mm) |
| Output Power | 8W RMS | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | AAC, SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3-band: bass, mid, treble) | Yes |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 42x51mm X-Balanced racetrack drivers + 2x passive radiators | 83mm x 42mm woofer, 16mm tweeter + passive radiator |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IP67 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Aux Input | - | No |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Power Input | - | USB-C |
| Stereo | - | No |
| TWS | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 27, 2026 at 10:09 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony XB23: $100 eBay
Pros: Reasonably neutral. IP67 rated with a strap hook for backpacks. USB-C charging; up to 12 hour battery life.
Cons: Bass drops off a ton at high levels. Reduces its own volume over time when turned to max
Full Sony XB23 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3" x 8.6" x 3" (76 x 218 x 76 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 42x51mm X-Balanced racetrack drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (3-band: bass, mid, treble) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 95dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 8W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 580 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sony ULT Field 1: $98.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: IP67 rated, survives drops and 1m submersion. Real-world battery around 28+ hours with ULT (bass boost) mode off. Stereo-pairs with a second ULT Field 1.
Cons: Upper midrange peak, rolled off treble
Full Sony ULT Field 1 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.1" x 3" x 3" (206 x 77 x 76 mm) |
| Drivers | 83mm x 42mm woofer, 16mm tweeter + passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs / 650 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons