Reduced Sony Bluetooth speaker now available for £50 less, yet we find it difficult to endorse this product due to its perceived shortcomings.
The Sony ULT Field 3 Bluetooth speaker, despite its rugged design, may not fully capture the Bluetooth speaker formula. If you're in the market for a new portable speaker, there are several great alternatives worth considering.
One such alternative is the JBL Charge 6. This speaker offers a 7-band EQ for customizable sound, a rugged drop-proof build, and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. It's similarly priced to the ULT Field 3 and delivers robust performance.
Another option is the JBL Flip 7, which is noted for its rugged design, great sound clarity, and dynamic handling of music. It’s slightly cheaper and praised for its balance of portability and sound quality.
For a more premium choice, there's the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen). This speaker offers a refined, entertaining character with excellent portability and classy design, although it is a bit pricier.
Other alternatives worth considering from a broader Bluetooth speaker context include the Bose SoundLink Plus and the Soundcore Boom 2. The Bose SoundLink Plus offers similar sound quality but different audio characteristics, while the Soundcore Boom 2 provides powerful stereo sound on a budget, floats on water, and has beat-synced lights.
The JBL Flip 7 has earned five stars and is currently available at Amazon for £115 (originally £130), representing a £14 discount. The JBL Charge 5 is also available at a discount, priced at £93 (originally £160), a £67 savings. The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) is currently available for £158 (originally £199), representing a £41 discount.
While the Sony ULT Field 3 Bluetooth speaker's design is rugged and sturdy, its sound quality may not be as impressive as some of its competitors. Dynamics are not well-rendered, and the bass reproduction lacks clarity, punch, and proper texture. The speaker's sound is open, but it does not provide a truly immersive listening experience.
Sony is behind the curve when it comes to wireless speakers, and the ULT Field 3 Bluetooth speaker may not be the best option in the market. Despite the discount, we would not fully endorse the Sony ULT Field 3 Bluetooth speaker as the best choice for your portable speaker needs.
Instead, we recommend exploring the alternatives mentioned above. Each option varies by budget, feature set, and intended use, but they all stand out in the mid-sized Bluetooth speaker category. The JBL Charge 6 often emerges as the top all-around alternative for similar pricing and enhanced durability and customization.
- If you're seeking a new portable speaker, the JBL Charge 6 could be a great alternative, offering a 7-band EQ for customizable sound, a rugged build, and water resistance.
- Another worthy contender is the JBL Flip 7, praised for its great sound clarity, dynamic music handling, and portability at a slightly lower price point.
- For a premium choice with a refined character and excellent portability, consider the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen).
- In the broader Bluetooth speaker market, the Bose SoundLink Plus and Soundcore Boom 2 are also worth considering, each offering unique sound quality and features.
- The JBL Flip 7 currently has a £14 discount on Amazon, priced at £115, while the JBL Charge 5 and the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) also carry substantial discounts of £67 and £41, respectively. When it comes to the Sony ULT Field 3 Bluetooth speaker, its rugged design might not fully captivate the Bluetooth speaker formula, making other options like those mentioned above more appealing.