I've tested dozens of Bluetooth speakers, so when the holidays roll around, a lot of people ask me for my recommendations for gifts. I usually steer them toward my list of the best Bluetooth speakers, but I also make sure to call out noteworthy new releases -- and this year, Sony's ULT Field 5 speaker is a clear standout. It's one of the best-sounding Bluetooth speakers I've tested in its size class, with big volume, thumping bass and a great design. It's easily one my favorite portable Bluetooth speakers of 2025.
A CNET Editors' Choice award winner, the ULT Field 5 is usually $350, but right now you can grab it for $195 on Amazon. That's a 44% drop in price, making it significantly more affordable, and it's perfect time to cross some names off your holiday shopping list.
ULT is short for ultimate or, as Sony says, "The ultimate step into the evolution of its portable audio products." Power represents "dynamic sound pressure and deep bass." Sound translates to "as if you were in the front row at a concert."
In the past, I thought Sony's Bluetooth speakers were decent enough but not great. With the ULT series, Sony has significantly improved the sound quality of its Bluetooth speakers, which include the smaller ULT Feld 1 ($87) and ULT Field 3 ($178), as well as the larger boombox-style ULT Field 7 ($448). All of them are fully water-, dust- and rust-proof, with an IP67 certification, and you can stand them up vertically or lie them down horizontally.
Enlarge Image The Sony ULT Field 5 (left) compared to the ULT Field 3 (right). Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
Both the ULT Field 5 and ULT Field 3 include a new removable shoulder strap, which I ended up using more with the heftier ULT Field 5 than the lighter ULT Field 3. The ULT Field 5 weighs 7.27 pounds, while the ULT Field 3 weighs 2.65 pounds. (Read my hands-on first take on both ULT speakers.)
Enlarge Image The ULT Field 5 with its removable shoulder strap attached. David Carnoy/CNET
The ULT Field 3 delivers more bass and volume than you'd expect, given its relatively compact size (and it offers better clarity and bass performance than its predecessor, the SRS-XE300). But the ULT Field 5's soundstage is noticeably wider, and the speaker plays louder with noticeably fuller, richer sound. It also has built-in party lighting with a USB-C charge in-out port so the speaker can be used as a power bank to charge your devices. Battery life is rated at up to 25 hours at moderate volume levels or 10 hours with the party lighting activated.
Read more: Best Bluetooth Speakers of 2025
Don't expect real stereo separation from either the ULT Field 5 or ULT Field 3. To get true stereo separation, you'll need to link two of them together, creating a stereo pair (Sony has made it easier to link its ULT speakers in both Party Connect mode and stereo mode). Not everybody can afford one of these speakers, let alone two, but it helps that they're now on sale.
... continue reading