Compare Sony ULT Field 5 Speaker vs Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Speaker

One review found the app mostly well-designed, while another found the setup and update flow frustrating.

Most reviews report there is no companion app support for Wonderboom 4, limiting control to on-device buttons and preset modes. One YouTube review claims UE Boom app support and more features, making app expectations inconsistent across sources.

Party Connect compatibility extends to older Sony portable speakers, making expansion inside Sony’s ecosystem easier.

Backward pairing behavior is reported inconsistently: some sources state pairing with Wonderboom 3 is supported, while at least one review claims stereo pairing only works with another Wonderboom 4.

Reviews repeatedly cite roughly 25 hours in lighter-use conditions, with shorter runtime implied once output and extras increase.

Battery life is consistently strong for the size, with many reviews citing about 14 hours and some reporting it can meet or slightly exceed that under typical use. One long-use test reports closer to 12 to 13 hours at moderate volume.

Bluetooth support for SBC, AAC, and LDAC is consistently called out across reviews.

Codec support is characterized as basic, with at least one detailed review stating it is SBC-only and lacking higher-bitrate options typical of more premium speakers.

The speaker emphasizes stable Bluetooth behavior, with a stability-first mode and positive comments about reliable connection behavior.

Bluetooth stability is generally described as reliable and lag-free in several reviews, but one test reports audio cutouts on a Samsung phone, suggesting some device-dependent variability.

Range is generally described as good, though one reviewer warns LDAC does not carry as far as AAC/SBC.

Range is repeatedly described as excellent for the size, with mentions around 40m or roughly 131 feet and general praise for long-distance stability in open spaces.

Quick charging is a real strength, with reviewers repeatedly citing about 100 minutes of playback from a 10-minute charge.

Charge time is typically described as a few hours to full, with specific mentions around 2.5 to 2.6 hours. One review notes no fast charging and that topping up can take a while.

One review describes the overall sound as consistent and cohesive even if it is not the most resolving.

Controls cover the basics well, but the dedicated ULT button feels better than the softer rubberized keys.

Physical button controls are repeatedly described as simple and easy to use, with a layout that reduces accidental presses and supports quick playback and volume adjustments.

The design is rugged and clean but visually plain to some reviewers, with finish and lighting doing much of the personality work.

Design is consistently described as fun, rugged, and compact with distinctive oversized volume buttons and multiple color options, balancing durability with a playful look.

Fine detail is not a strength here, and upper-register elements can get lost in the mix.

Detail and separation are frequently praised at moderate volumes, especially considering the size. At louder settings, multiple reviews note reduced detail and more aggressive DSP behavior.

Reviews generally say it stays controlled at high output, with little obvious distortion even when bass boost is active.

Several reviews report quality loss at high volume, including bass roll-off, harsher upper mids or treble, and general collapse in fidelity when pushed hard. Some reviewers found it stays fairly clean for its size, but the overall trend is a sweet-spot below maximum.

One reviewer explicitly says the speaker still looked good after bumps and knocks, reinforcing the rugged-build theme.

Drop durability is consistently positioned as strong, with multiple reviews referencing drop testing around 1.5m or 5 feet and an overall rugged build.

Dust resistance is a clear strength, with direct IP67-style outdoor protection references.

Dust resistance is repeatedly cited as part of the IP67 rating, making it well suited for beaches, camping, and outdoor environments.

It gets loud, but review evidence also points to compression and reduced openness once volume is pushed harder.

One reviewer specifically criticized the party lighting for poor power efficiency.

The app provides a 10-band EQ, though reviewers note it cannot fully replace or match the built-in ULT presets.

EQ control is mostly limited to preset modes such as Outdoor Boost and Podcast mode, and several reviewers found these modes of limited usefulness. A minority source claims full app-based EQ options, but the broader set of reviews does not support that experience.

Review evidence frames the speaker as practical for regular indoor/outdoor use, not just occasional parties.

Float behavior is generally positive, but multiple sources mention practical caveats: audio may not play while floating, sound can change when wet, and it may tip over in the water so the sound does not project as expected.

The tuning is engaging but not neutral, with bass emphasis often overshadowing mids and highs even though some heard a fairly balanced baseline.

Tuning is often described as balanced for the size, with punchy bass that does not overwhelm mids and highs at reasonable volumes. Several reviewers also note bass reduction or a thinner presentation when using outdoor-style EQ modes or pushing volume very high.

Google Fast Pair support is explicitly mentioned.

Google-related integration is specifically mentioned as Google Fast Pair support in at least one review, making initial setup faster on compatible Android devices.

The included strap is useful and solid, but attachment convenience is mixed depending on the reviewer.

The integrated loop is useful for clipping or carrying, but multiple reviews criticize it as cheap or not very functional compared with a sturdier strap or carabiner-style solution.

Stereo pairing and large-scale Party Connect support are recurring strengths for bigger setups.

Pairing a second speaker is commonly supported for louder playback or true stereo. However, reviewers disagree on cross-generation pairing and many note a lack of broader multi-speaker party modes compared with app-driven ecosystems.

LED effects are bright and customizable, adding obvious party appeal.

The lighting is designed to pulse with the music and reinforce the speaker’s party identity.

High output is one of the clearest strengths, with multiple reviewers emphasizing how loud and party-ready it gets.

Maximum volume is widely described as impressive for the speaker size and capable of filling small to medium spaces. A recurring theme is that the best listening is below max volume, where quality holds together more reliably.

At low listening levels, one reviewer still found the sound full and satisfying at close range.

Low-volume performance is positively noted in at least one review, highlighting that it can play quietly without losing usability, supporting flexible use in smaller indoor spaces.

The speaker includes microphones for calls, but the reviews do not go deep on call quality.

One reviewer explicitly describes Party Connect as more stable and easier to use than a competing multi-speaker system.

No summary yet.

Two-device multipoint pairing is repeatedly called out across reviews.

Multipoint support is mentioned as available by some reviewers, enabling easy switching between two connected devices for shared DJ duties.

One reviewer specifically notes that this is not a 360-degree or omnidirectional speaker.

360-degree, omnidirectional output is a defining feature and is repeatedly praised for being consistent around the speaker and useful for small group listening.

The on-speaker controls cover the main actions clearly and are easy to access.

On-device controls cover core needs such as power, pairing, play and pause, track skipping, mode switching, and often a battery check shortcut using the volume buttons.

The USB-C port can charge external devices, and multiple reviews present that as a meaningful convenience feature.

Direct value comments are favorable, describing the speaker as well-priced or affordable for what it offers.

One reviewer specifically praised the lack of smart-speaker creep from a privacy/security angle.

Basic pairing is described as quick and uncomplicated.

Setup is widely reported as quick and painless, with easy Bluetooth pairing and, in one case, near-instant connection aided by Google Fast Pair.

One reviewer explicitly says it is not a smart speaker, so assistant integration is essentially absent.

Lighting control, EQ, DJ tools, and sound field optimization give it a robust feature set for a portable speaker.

Multiple sources confirm there is no built-in microphone, so it cannot be used for phone calls or speakerphone use.

The speaker provides direct battery-status feedback, which adds convenience in daily use.

Status indication is generally handled via indicator lights for pairing and battery-related feedback, with at least one review calling out helpful battery-level visibility.

It offers some stereo capability, but several reviewers say separation and stereo effect remain limited.

True stereo imaging depends on using two speakers in a paired configuration; multiple reviews say this makes a meaningful difference, with better scale and clearer production details than single-speaker playback.

Sustainability efforts are noted via recycled materials and more eco-oriented construction and packaging in at least two reviews, adding a modest environmental upside for buyers who care about materials sourcing.

USB-C charging is explicitly mentioned for recharging the speaker.

USB-C charging is widely praised as a key quality-of-life improvement over prior generations and is consistently present across reviews.

Value looks more mixed at varying street prices, with one review calling it overpriced and another calling it not too expensive.

Value is generally seen as strong given the sound and ruggedness, but multiple reviews emphasize it is an iterative upgrade and that discounted Wonderboom 3 pricing can undercut Wonderboom 4 on pure value.

Vocal clarity is serviceable but inconsistent, with some reviewers hearing good cut-through and others hearing roughness or masked mids.

Water resistance is a core strength, with repeated IP67 or IP66/IP67-style mentions for outdoor use.

Water resistance is a major strength, repeatedly cited as IP67 and suitable for showers, poolside use, and accidental submersion within the rating limits.

Multiple reviews flag the weight as noticeable, bulky, or less bag-friendly than smaller portable speakers.

No summary yet.

A 3.5 mm analog/AUX input is repeatedly cited as a useful advantage.

Multiple reviews explicitly note there is no wired AUX input, so listening is Bluetooth-only.