Compare Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker, 2nd Gen vs Sony ULT Field 5 Speaker

Power evidence was mixed: one review cited a low 27-watt consumption rating limiting headroom, while another noted a 20-watt adapter was needed for a plugged-in boost.

The Sound Connect app was described as useful and generally easy by some reviewers, but one reviewer found permissions, license screens, and update requirements frustrating.

Audio format support is supported by SBC, AAC, aptX and higher-quality Android streaming references.

Reviewers consistently confirmed broad Bluetooth audio format support through SBC, AAC, and LDAC, with LDAC framed as the higher-resolution option.

Backward compatibility is weak because multiple reviewers state the second-generation model cannot stereo-pair with the original Flex.

Backward-style ecosystem compatibility was supported through Party Connect mentions that included older Sony models such as XG500, XG300, XE-series, XP-series, and other ULT speakers.

Battery life is adequate but not a highlight, with reviewers citing up to 12 hours and much shorter runtime at high volume or in tests.

Battery life was widely described as strong, with many reviews citing up to 25 hours, though heavy volume and lights substantially reduce runtime.

Codec support is a meaningful Gen 2 upgrade, with reviewers citing Snapdragon Sound, aptX, SBC and AAC support.

Codec support was a clear strength, with repeated confirmation of SBC, AAC, and LDAC support across written and video reviews.

Bluetooth connection stability is praised by several reviewers, with notes on Bluetooth 5.3, Snapdragon Sound, no hiccups and no disconnections.

Bluetooth reliability was generally positive, including a stable-connection mode in the app and one reviewer calling Bluetooth 5.3 rock solid with good range.

Bluetooth range is only lightly covered, with one spec citing 30 feet and another reviewer saying they could walk a good distance before issues.

Range impressions were positive for Bluetooth 5.3 in general, but LDAC was noted as needing closer proximity than AAC or SBC.

Cabinet construction is praised through metal or steel grille references plus rubberized, silicone or aluminum casing materials.

Build quality was repeatedly praised for solid construction, durable fabric or mesh, rugged feel, and a robust cabinet suited to outdoor use.

Charging is a recurring weakness: reviewers repeatedly cite about four hours to recharge, which some call slow or disappointing.

Charging was viewed positively because multiple reviews cited fast top-ups, especially about 100 minutes of playback from a 10-minute charge.

Cohesive presentation is strong overall, with reviewers describing the sound as balanced, full, clear or unexpectedly capable for the size.

Cohesion depended on mode and material: several reviewers found lively or consistent presentation, while others noted crowding, limited separation, or bass dominance.

Controls are mixed: some found them easy, but SoundGuys called the buttons mushy and Android Police found touch operation confusing.

Button feel was mixed, with one review disliking the rubbery controls and another praising solid clicky controls.

Design and aesthetics are a major consensus strength, with repeated praise for the premium feel, colors, slim body and attractive grille.

Design impressions were mostly positive for the sturdy modern look and lighting personality, though some reviewers found the rectangular body plain.

Detail retrieval is a strength for the size, with reviewers hearing crisp detail, nuance and separated musical layers.

Detail retrieval was a recurring weakness, with reviewers noting lost cymbals, reduced sparkle, and small details disappearing in the mix.

High-volume behavior is mixed: some reviewers say Bose processing keeps distortion controlled, while others heard clarity drop or distortion at higher volumes.

Distortion control was generally good; reviewers more often heard compression or tonal limits than obvious distortion at higher levels.

Durability is strong, with reviewers citing rugged construction, drop-proof claims, solid feel and protection against outdoor abuse.

Durability evidence included direct references to standing up to bumps and scrapes, but no transcript included formal drop testing.

Dust resistance is strongly supported by repeated IP67 and dustproof references across the reviews.

Dust protection was strongly supported by repeated IP67/IP66-IP67 and dustproof references.

Dynamic headroom is supported by TechRadar's bass comments, though the broader evidence suggests dynamics are good for size rather than huge.

Dynamic headroom was a tradeoff: ULT modes gave punch, loudness, and volume reserves, but one reviewer heard compression when pushed past moderate levels.

Energy efficiency is only lightly supported, with one reviewer noting effective sleep behavior that avoids unnecessary battery drain.

Energy efficiency depended heavily on settings, with lighting called out as a notable drain and one reviewer criticizing the party lighting efficiency.

EQ customization is one of the clearest upgrades, but reviewers generally describe it as useful while limited to basic bands or presets.

EQ customization was widely supported through 10-band EQ and app controls, though reviewers said custom EQ could not fully match the built-in ULT modes.

Everyday usability is strong for desks, bedrooms, travel, poolside use and small gatherings thanks to the compact design and easy operation.

Everyday usability was positive for outdoor use, parties, fast charging, power bank function, and app/device controls, with size and weight as caveats.

Float capability is directly praised by multiple reviewers, who note the speaker floats if dropped in water.

Most reviewers describe the sound as balanced, clear or full, with punchy bass for the size but not true party-speaker low end.

The tonal balance leaned bass-forward; some reviewers found it balanced or open, while others heard muddy bass, recessed mids, or thin highs.

Google support was limited but clear where mentioned: reviewers cited Google Fast Pair for Android-friendly setup.

The fabric loop or strap is useful for bags and hooks, though one reviewer wanted a more flexible loop or included carabiner.

The strap was generally useful and well built, with praise for ease of carrying, hidden loops, and metal buckles, though some found attachment fiddly.

Home theater integration is limited but present through Bose SimpleSync with compatible Bose smart speakers or soundbars.

TV and home-theater fit was limited; the speaker can technically connect through Bluetooth or AUX, but one review explicitly said it is not designed for TV.

Inter-speaker connectivity is supported through Bose speaker linking, stereo mode and party mode, but compatibility limits reduce flexibility.

Inter-speaker connectivity was a major feature, with reviewers repeatedly citing stereo pairing and Party Connect support for large Sony speaker groups.

Latency is mostly described positively for video and streaming, though one reviewer still noticed a minor amount of video latency.

Latency evidence was favorable but narrow, with one review stating video-watching latency was not an issue.

LED lighting was a prominent strength, with reviewers describing RGB or party lights that sync with music and are customizable in the app.

Lighting effects were widely discussed as customizable and party-oriented, with music-sync behavior, color changes, and app control.

Reviewers say the Flex 2 gets loud enough for rooms, yards and small outdoor groups, but several note it is not the loudest or best for large spaces.

Maximum output was consistently praised; reviewers described room-filling, very loud, bassy sound suited to parties and outdoor spaces.

Low-volume performance is only lightly supported, but TechRadar specifically heard clearer vocals at lower volume levels.

Low-volume evidence was limited but positive, with reviewers saying 20% volume was enough nearby and room-volume mids/treble were satisfying.

The built-in microphone is confirmed for calls and assistant access, though call quality evidence is limited.

Microphone evidence was mixed: some reviews confirmed mics for calls, while another noted there is no built-in microphone for voice assistant use.

Pairing reliability is generally positive when using compatible Bose speakers, though the ecosystem is limited and not backward-compatible with the original Flex.

Multi-speaker pairing was supported through Party Connect and stereo pairing; one reviewer specifically found Sony Party Connect more stable and easier than Auracast.

Multipoint is repeatedly confirmed, letting the speaker connect to two devices or manage multiple sources through the Bose app.

Multipoint was consistently confirmed, with several reviewers noting two devices can stay connected at once.

Omnidirectional sound is a weakness; Tom's Guide specifically describes strong directionality and a narrow soundstage.

Omnidirectional sound scored poorly because one reviewer explicitly wanted 360 sound and noted the forward-firing behavior.

On-device controls are generally useful and complete, but touch-finding and button feel vary by reviewer.

On-device controls were viewed as complete and accessible, with power, pairing, playback, volume, connect, light, battery, and ULT buttons mentioned.

Power-bank support is absent; reviewers explicitly say it cannot charge a phone or other devices.

The power bank function was a clear advantage, with repeated mentions of USB-C output or reverse charging for phones and other devices.

Value opinions are mixed: several reviewers say the quality justifies the price or sales help, while others call it expensive or a Bose tax.

Price/value reactions were mixed to positive: several reviewers called it a good deal or reasonably priced, while a few thought it was steep or overpriced.

Privacy/data evidence was mixed: one reviewer disliked app access-right prompts, while another liked the lack of smart-speaker creep from a privacy standpoint.

Setup receives direct positive support from one reviewer who called it easy to set up and easy to use.

Setup evidence was straightforward, with reviewers describing the normal Bluetooth pairing steps and Google Fast Pair support.

The shortcut button can access a phone voice assistant, but reviewers frame this as basic phone-assistant access rather than a full built-in assistant.

Smart assistant integration was weak because one review explicitly said it is not a smart speaker and lacks a built-in microphone for voice assistant use.

Smart features are limited: reviewers mention app controls, shortcuts, Spotify options and voice-assistant access, but repeatedly describe the feature set as lean.

Smart features were broad for a Bluetooth speaker, including app tools, room/sound optimization, DJ controls, lighting controls, Party Connect, and battery care.

Speakerphone quality is only lightly supported, with one reviewer saying the microphone works fine for quick calls but does not sound amazing.

Speakerphone capability was confirmed, but reviewers gave little detail about call quality beyond taking calls through the built-in mic.

Status indicators are only lightly covered, with SoundGuys noting a status light above the shortcut button.

Status feedback was useful where mentioned, especially battery buttons or readouts that report remaining charge.

Stereo and imaging evidence is mixed: two-unit stereo mode can add separation, but the single speaker is directional and not especially wide.

Stereo imaging was mixed: the speaker has stereo hardware and some stage width, but reviewers often found separation limited or subtle.

Subwoofer-like performance was limited; reviewers praised thump but noted it does not reach true subwoofer-level rumble or deepest bass.

Surround-like presentation was limited but positive in one review, which described a stage extending beyond the speaker like what some competitors call surround.

USB-C charging is consistently confirmed, though reviewers also note the port does not provide wired audio or power-bank output.

USB-C charging was strongly supported, with reviewers noting USB-C power input, included cables, and charging/reverse-charging use.

Value for money is mixed but generally acceptable: reviewers praise quality for the price while noting cheaper rivals exist.

Value for money was generally favorable when discounted or feature context was considered, though some reviewers still saw a premium price.

Vocals are consistently described as clear, easy to hear or delicate, supporting strong voice clarity for music and spoken content.

Voice and vocal clarity was context-dependent: vocals could be warm or cut through, but bass, volume, or recessed mids sometimes reduced clarity.

Water resistance is a major strength: reviewers repeatedly cite IP67 protection or water immersion suitability.

Water resistance was a strong point, with repeated IP67 or IP66/IP67 references and submersion or splash protection discussed.

The speaker is widely praised as slim, light and bag-friendly, with reviewers repeatedly saying it is easy to carry or pack.

Weight convenience was one of the biggest tradeoffs: the speaker is portable with a strap, but many reviewers called it heavy or bulky.

Wired playback is a clear weakness: reviewers repeatedly state there is no 3.5mm jack and USB-C is for charging, not audio.

Wired input was consistently confirmed through a 3.5mm AUX/audio-in port.