Bluetooth Speakers Review
Sony ULT Field 1 Review: Rugged, Bassy, But Mono
Our verdict
The Sony ULT Field 1 is a tough, IP67-rated speaker with a bass-boost button and a mic for calls, but it sounds thin with ULT off, compresses at full volume and plays in mono, so buy it on discount.
Buy it if
- Outdoor trips where drops, rain and dust are likely
- Bass-heavy Bollywood and Punjabi playlists at moderate volume
- Laptop video calls on a speaker
Skip it if
- You want stereo from a single speaker
- You need loud, clean bass for a larger gathering
What we like
- IP67 plus shock and rust resistance, per Sony
- ULT button adds noticeable low-end
- SoundGuys recorded 28 hours 45 minutes with ULT off
- Built-in microphone for calls
What we don’t
- Thin sound with ULT off, according to SoundGuys
- Mono on its own; stereo needs a second unit
- Compression at maximum volume, per RTINGS
- Only SBC and AAC, and the app's EQ is basic
- Light-coloured fabric gets dirty quickly
Score breakdown
- Sound
- 6.2
- Battery life
- 7.8
- Build quality
- 8.4
- Features
- 6.0
- Design
- 7.4
- Value for money
- 6.8
The Sony ULT Field 1 is for people who want a rugged speaker they can throw in a bag for picnics, treks and terrace evenings, and who like bass-heavy music at moderate volume. The trade-off is sound quality for the money: it plays in mono, sounds thin without its bass mode and strains at full volume.
How does it sound with and without ULT?
The ULT button is the point of this speaker. SoundGuys found it sounds thin with ULT off, and switching ULT on raised its sound-quality score noticeably. 91mobiles, which scored it 8 out of 10, called it a speaker for people who prefer bass-heavy songs. At high volume, SoundGuys found it struggles with heavy bass, and RTINGS noted more compression at maximum volume than larger ULT models. SoundGuys gave it 6.1 out of 10 overall.
How long does the battery last?
Sony rates it at 12 hours, a figure that assumes ULT is on. SoundGuys recorded 28 hours 45 minutes with ULT off at its test volume, so a weekend trip is realistic if you keep the bass mode for when it matters. RTINGS was less impressed with battery performance in its own test. Sony says a 10-minute charge gives about 3 hours.
Will it survive outdoor use?
This is its strongest point. Sony rates it IP67 for dust and water and describes it as shockproof and rustproof, which suits monsoon outings and beach sand. The detachable strap makes it easy to hang from a backpack. SoundGuys warns that the white fabric gets dirty quickly, so a darker colour is more practical in dusty conditions.
Can I take calls on it?
Yes. It has a built-in microphone, and SoundGuys found it handy for video calls when connected to a laptop.
Is it stereo, and can I pair two?
On its own it is mono. Two units can be paired as a stereo set through Sony’s app. SoundGuys found the app lacklustre, with a basic 3-band EQ that cannot match the ULT preset’s low end.
What we could not verify
We could not access RTINGS’ full measurements, so we cannot give its battery or loudness figures. We found no Indian owner data on long-term reliability, and Sony India’s warranty term for this model was not stated in the sources we used.
Is it worth buying?
At its launch price, rivals offer more sound for the money. The ULT Field 1 makes more sense at the lower street prices it has sold at in India, for buyers who value toughness, a mic and bass over stereo and clarity.
How we researched
We have not used the ULT Field 1. This review draws on Sony's specifications and India launch details reported by Business Standard, SoundGuys' review, RTINGS' review summary, 91mobiles' and Businessworld's Indian reviews, and Indian price tracking on Smartprix.
We have not tested this product ourselves. This review is based on published specifications, the manual, other publications’ tests and owner feedback.
How does the Sony ULT Field 1 Wireless Portable Speaker compare?
-
JBL Go 5 Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker B− 7.2
The JBL Go 5 is much smaller, IP68 and sounds clear for its size, but has no mic and is rated for only 8 hours. The Sony is heavier, has more bass with ULT on and recorded far longer battery life in SoundGuys' test.
-
Marshall Emberton III Portable Bluetooth Speaker B 7.9
Both are rugged IP67 speakers with a mic. Reviewers find the Marshall fuller and louder, and Tom's Guide recorded about 31 hours of battery, but it costs noticeably more than the Sony on the street.
Key specs
| Battery (Sony rating) | Up to 12 hours |
|---|---|
| Quick charge | 10 minutes for about 3 hours (Sony claim, via SoundGuys) |
| Water and dust | IP67, shockproof, rustproof |
| Bluetooth / codecs | 5.3; SBC, AAC |
| Weight | About 650 g |
| Dimensions | 206 x 76 x 76 mm |
| Microphone | Yes, for hands-free calls |
| Colours (India) | Black, White, Orange, Forest Gray |
Questions buyers ask
How long does the Sony ULT Field 1 battery last?
Sony rates the ULT Field 1 at up to 12 hours. SoundGuys recorded 28 hours 45 minutes with the ULT bass mode off, so real life depends heavily on volume and ULT use.
Is the Sony ULT Field 1 stereo?
No. The Sony ULT Field 1 plays in mono on its own. Two units can be paired as a stereo set through Sony's app.
Is the Sony ULT Field 1 waterproof?
Yes. The Sony ULT Field 1 is rated IP67 for water and dust, and Sony also describes it as shockproof and rustproof.
What does the ULT button on the Sony ULT Field 1 do?
The ULT button on the Sony ULT Field 1 boosts bass. SoundGuys found it makes the speaker sound much fuller, while the default mode sounds thin.
Also consider
- JBL
Bluetooth Speakers
JBL Go 5 Review: Tiny, Tough Speaker for One
The JBL Go 5 is a palm-sized, IP68-rated speaker that sounds clear for its size and pairs easily for stereo, but its bass and volume suit one person or a small room, it has no mic, and battery life is modest.
- Marshall
Bluetooth Speakers
Marshall Emberton III Review: 30-Hour Battery, Big Sound
The Marshall Emberton III is a compact, IP67 speaker with punchy sound for its size and battery life that reviewers measured at around 30 hours, though its mids are recessed and it costs more than rivals.