Sony ULT Field 5 Review: Compact, fun, and surprisingly powerful

sony ult field 5

If you’ve been looking for a speaker that’s easy to move around but doesn’t compromise on sound, the Sony ULT Field 5 is worth your attention. It’s a mid-sized Bluetooth speaker, but once you actually start listening, it surprises you with how full and rich the sound can feel. I spent a couple of days testing it with a mix of English pop, acoustic tracks, and Hindi songs, and here’s a detailed take on how it performs.

Design & build

The first thing you notice is how clean and classy it looks. The ULT Field 5 comes in off-white and black colour variants, and both colors feel premium without being flashy. I got the white variant for review. At around 32 cm wide, 14 cm tall, and 12.5 cm deep, it’s compact enough to sit on a shelf or a study table, yet large enough to look substantial. Weighing about 3.31 kg, it’s not exactly something you’ll sling over your shoulder for a long hike, but the included strap makes it easy to move around the house, balcony, or even a small backyard party.

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One of my favorite things about this speaker is the 360 degree party lights. The lights change colors and pulse in sync with the music, which instantly makes the listening experience more engaging. Play a track like Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” and the lights sync beautifully with the beat, or switch to Arijit Singh’s “Kesariya” and the softer, romantic tones are matched by gentle, flowing light effects. It really adds a mood to the music. You can customize the lights using the Sony Music Center app, changing colors or intensity to match your mood or the vibe of a small gathering. I found myself just staring at the lights during slower songs, almost meditating along with the beat.

The speaker feels solid in your hands and is IP66/IP67 rated, so you don’t have to worry about accidental splashes or dust. It’s the kind of speaker that can sit near your kitchen or poolside without stress. The USB Type-C port is versatile, letting you charge the speaker quickly, and even power your phone in a pinch—handy during long listening sessions or outdoor trips.

Sound quality

Sound is, of course, the heart of any speaker, and the ULT Field 5 performs admirably for its size. It uses two tweeters and one X-Balanced woofer, combined with two ULT Power Sound modes—ULT1 and ULT2—to offer slightly different profiles depending on your mood or music style.

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Bass: The bass is tight and controlled, not the kind of chest-shaking lows you get from massive party speakers, but strong enough to make pop songs fun. Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” and Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” felt lively and punchy, and the beats didn’t drown out the mids. On Hindi tracks, Arijit Singh’s “Kesariya” had a pleasant warmth in the lows, giving the song a romantic depth without sounding muffled. Even during more upbeat tracks like Shreya Ghoshal’s “Chaka Chak”, the bass enhanced the rhythm subtly, keeping everything lively but balanced.

Mids and Vocals: This is the area where the ULT Field 5 really shines. Vocals are clear and detailed. Adele’s “Easy On Me” felt close, almost as if she were singing right next to me. Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” retained all its acoustic richness, and Hindi tracks like Arijit Singh’s “Tum Hi Ho” were just as emotional as on a larger setup. For anyone who loves singing along or just appreciating vocal nuances, this speaker delivers.

Highs and Treble: The tweeters handle highs well without being harsh. Cymbals, hi-hats, and acoustic plucks shimmer nicely. Coldplay’s “Adventure of a Lifetime” revealed subtle layers I hadn’t noticed on cheaper speakers.

ULT1 vs. ULT2: I toggled between the two modes depending on what I was listening to. ULT1 is more neutral, great for acoustic, jazz, or vocal-heavy tracks. ULT2 adds extra punch to bass-heavy music or party playlists. Both are impressive, and switching between them is quick and intuitive.

Connectivity and everyday use

Pairing is simple thanks to Bluetooth 5.3. I tested it with an iPhone and an Android phone, and both worked smoothly within a 10-meter range. You can also pair two ULT Field 5s for stereo output, or link multiple Sony speakers using Party Connect, which is a fun option for small get-togethers.

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The speaker’s 25-hour battery life is generous. I used it at moderate to high volume for a full day, including some outdoor music sessions, and still had plenty of charge left. Charging via USB Type-C is fast, and the added ability to charge your phone makes it practical for longer use.

Durability and portability

The IP66/IP67 rating gives confidence for outdoor use. A poolside evening, a small beach trip, or even a balcony hangout—this speaker can handle it. At 7.3 pounds, it’s not ultra-light, but the shoulder strap helps. For me, it became more like a portable home speaker than a pocketable device, which is fine for backyard parties or moving it around indoors.

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Who should buy it?

The ULT Field 5 is ideal for anyone who wants a versatile speaker that can work in a living room, a balcony, or a small gathering. Music lovers who care about clear vocals, balanced mids, and punchy but controlled bass will appreciate it. If you want a tiny ultra-portable speaker for hiking or extreme bass, this isn’t for you. But for most users, it strikes a great balance between size, sound, and fun features like lighting.

At around Rs 35,990, it’s in the premium compact category, but you get good value such as strong build, dynamic lighting, solid sound, long battery, and versatile connectivity.

In short, the Sony ULT Field 5 isn’t trying to be a bass monster or a pocket-sized speaker. It’s a compact, well-rounded device that delivers clear, lively sound and immersive lights. Whether you’re chilling alone, hosting a small party, or enjoying music outdoors, it does the job impressively.