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For most everyday buyers, the JBL Charge 5 is the better all-rounder. Its published battery rating is up to 20 hours, compared with up to 12 hours for Sony’s ULT FIELD 1, and JBL explicitly positions the Charge 5 as a phone-charging power bank. Choose the Sony when a lighter, strap-friendly design and its ULT sound presentation matter more than maximum runtime and charging utility.
This is a comparison of the Sony ULT FIELD 1 and JBL Charge 5, not every “Sony portable speaker.” Sony also sells models such as the SRS-XB100, while JBL’s newer Charge 6 has been identified as the successor to Charge 5. Check the exact model and generation sold in your country before buying.
The short answer
The Charge 5 wins the practical everyday comparison because its claimed 20-hour battery lasts eight hours longer than the ULT FIELD 1’s claimed 12 hours. That difference is large enough to reduce charging on commutes, day trips and outdoor gatherings. Its power-bank function is also useful when a phone needs a top-up.
The ULT FIELD 1 is the better fit if carrying comfort is your priority. Sony gives it a multi-way strap, making it easier to grab, hang or carry with one hand. It is the more portability-focused choice, while the Charge 5 is the utility-focused choice.
#1 Best Overall
- [Immersive Sound Experience & Dual Connectivity] Experience unparalleled sound quality with this wireless Bluetooth speaker's 2 drivers and advanced technology that delivers powerful, well-balanced sound with minimal distortion. Connect two speakers together to create an immersive stereo sound experience and fill any room with powerful sound. Perfect for gaming, music, and movie playback
- [Tough & Weather-Resistant] Engineered to handle rough use and adverse weather conditions, this speaker features a durable design and an IPX5 rating for protection against water splashes and spills. It's an ideal choice for outdoor events, and is perfect for use at parties, at the pool, on the beach, while camping or hiking, and more
- [Long-lasting Playtime & Extended Bluetooth Connectivity] Experience extended playtime with up to 24 hours(50% Vol and light off) per charge and extended wireless range with Bluetooth 5.3, reaching up to 100 feet from your device. The multicolor lights on the speaker can also be turned off with a simple button press to save the battery and adapt to your needs. Keep in mind that the actual playtime can vary depending on volume level, audio content, and usage
- [Vibrant Light Effects] Bring a new level of excitement to your party with the dynamic multi-color light show that syncs to the beat of the music, you can easily customize the light effects to suit your preference by simply pressing the Light button. Make any gathering more memorable with these visually stunning light effects that will elevate the atmosphere
- [Everything You Need] The package includes 1 waterproof Bluetooth speaker (Item Dimensions D x W x H: 7.87"D x 2.76"W x 2.81"H, Weight: 1.28lb), 1 Type-C charging cable, and a quick start guide, all backed by lifetime technical support. The built-in microphone allows for hands-free phone calls and you can also play music from other devices using the AUX jack (not included). It's a perfect gift for men and women. It is also suitable as white elephant gifts for adult, stocking stuffers for men and women, Christmas gifts,birthday gifts, mothers day gifts,fathers day gifts,Valentine's Day,mens gifts,and various anniversary gifts for him.
Neither speaker should be declared universally “better sounding” from the published specifications. Bass impact, vocal balance, maximum loudness and tonal preference require listening, and the official information cited here does not provide a controlled, independent sound-quality test between these models.
Which models are actually being compared?
Sony ULT FIELD 1
The ULT FIELD 1 is Sony’s compact ULT-branded portable Bluetooth speaker. Sony Electronics listed it in 2024 with an IP67 water- and dust-resistance rating, a multi-way strap and up to 12 hours of playback per charge.
JBL Charge 5
The Charge 5 is JBL’s larger portable speaker in the Charge line. JBL/Harman lists up to 20 hours of battery life, IP67 water and dust protection and power-bank positioning. The 20-hour figure is a manufacturer claim, not a guaranteed runtime at every volume or with every use pattern.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhy “Sony portable speaker” is too broad
Sony’s range includes different sizes and feature sets. For example, Sony UK support documentation lists the SRS-XB100 as an IP67 wireless speaker. An XB100, ULT FIELD 1 or another Sony model can differ in size, battery capacity, controls and sound, so a general Sony-versus-JBL conclusion is not fair unless the exact model numbers are named.
Specifications at a glance
| Specification or feature | Sony ULT FIELD 1 | JBL Charge 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Published battery claim | Up to 12 hours of playback per charge (Sony Electronics, 2024) | Up to 20 hours (JBL/Harman, 2021) |
| Water and dust rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Carry design | Multi-way strap | Larger Charge-series speaker format; no comparable strap claim in the supplied specifications |
| Phone charging | Not stated in the supplied specifications | Power-bank functionality is explicitly marketed; confirm charging behavior on the exact regional revision |
| Successor or generation note | Model-specific ULT FIELD 1 listing | What Hi-Fi? identifies Charge 6 as the successor to Charge 5 |
| Published price | Not stated; varies by country, retailer and date | Not stated; varies by country, retailer, date and whether Charge 5 or Charge 6 is offered |
Battery life: JBL has the clear numerical advantage
JBL’s published claim is up to 20 hours, while Sony’s is up to 12 hours. On paper, that gives the Charge 5 an eight-hour advantage, or roughly two-thirds more claimed playback than the ULT FIELD 1.
“Up to” is important. Actual time changes with volume, music content, wireless conditions, temperature, battery age and other operating factors. Treat both figures as maximum-style manufacturer claims rather than promises for every listening session. A speaker played loudly outdoors will generally use more energy than one played quietly in a room.
Rank #2
- Outdoor-Proof Speaker: Portable design with IPX7 waterproof protection to safeguard against splashes, waves, and water vapor. Get incredible sounds at home, on camping trips, or for outdoor adventures.
- 24H Non-Stop Music: With Anker's world-renowned power management technology and a 5,200mAh Li-ion battery, the soundcore 2 speaker delivers a full day of great sound.
- Powerful Sound: The speaker features 12W power with enhanced bass from dual neodymium drivers. An advanced digital signal processor ensures pounding bass and zero distortion at any volume.
- Intense Bass: Our exclusive BassUp technology and a patented spiral bass port boost low-end frequencies to make the beats hit even harder. The soundcore 2 speaker delivers vibrant audio for home theater nights, beach parties, and sitting around a campfire.
- Grab, Go, Listen: A classic design refined with simple controls and effortless portability. Easy to use and take anywhere, and supports wireless stereo pairing.
When the extra hours matter
- Workdays and commuting: The Charge 5 is less likely to need a midday recharge when used for several hours.
- Day trips: Twenty claimed hours gives more margin when there is no convenient outlet.
- Overnight or weekend use: The Charge 5’s longer claim reduces the need to pack a charger, although you should still charge before leaving.
- Occasional short sessions: If you listen for an hour or two at a time and recharge routinely, the ULT FIELD 1’s 12-hour claim may be sufficient.
Water and dust resistance: a tie, with important limits
Both the ULT FIELD 1 and Charge 5 publish an IP67 rating. That means the named models are rated for protection against dust ingress and temporary immersion under the conditions defined by the IP test. It does not make either speaker indestructible or suitable for every water situation.
What IP67 does not guarantee
- It does not mean the speaker can be used indefinitely underwater.
- It does not cover damage from drops, crushed housings, damaged seals or a port cover left open.
- It does not make salt water, chlorinated water, mud or drinks harmless to the speaker.
- It does not remove the need to dry the speaker and close its covers before charging.
For a beach, poolside or rainy walk, both models start from the same published protection rating. Handle them as water-resistant electronics, not as underwater equipment. Rinse or wipe off contaminants according to the manufacturer’s care instructions and inspect covers and seals after rough use.
Portability: Sony is easier to carry; JBL is the larger utility option
Sony emphasizes the ULT FIELD 1’s multi-way strap. That feature directly addresses the awkward part of carrying a speaker: moving it between a desk, a bag, a campsite and an outdoor seating area. A strap can also make a quick grab easier than lifting a speaker by its body.
The Charge 5 is presented as a larger Charge-series speaker with power-bank utility. Its form favors a self-contained listening and charging device for day trips rather than the most strap-oriented carry experience. The supplied specifications do not establish a direct weight comparison, so do not assume one is lighter without checking the regional product sheets.
Choose the ULT FIELD 1 for these carrying patterns
- You move the speaker frequently between rooms or locations.
- You want a strap for one-handed carrying or hanging the speaker temporarily.
- You value a compact, portability-first design over maximum battery capacity.
Choose the Charge 5 for these carrying patterns
- You normally carry a small day bag and want the speaker to double as an emergency phone battery.
- You prefer fewer charging stops during long outdoor sessions.
- You are comfortable with a larger speaker format in exchange for runtime and utility.
Can the JBL Charge 5 charge your phone?
JBL/Harman explicitly markets the Charge 5 with power-bank functionality, so it is the stronger choice when phone charging is part of the requirement. The supplied material does not establish the exact output behavior, cable requirement or charging speed for every market revision. Confirm those details on the label or manual for the unit sold in your country.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Do not assume the ULT FIELD 1 provides the same feature: phone-charging capability is not stated in the supplied Sony specifications. If your decision depends on charging a phone, treat the Charge 5’s power-bank function as a deciding feature and verify the connector and operating instructions before purchase.
Rank #3
- Wireless Bluetooth streaming
- 12 hours of playtime
- IPX7 waterproof
- Pair multiple speakers with party boost
- Premium JBL sound quality
Sound: decide by taste, not by the battery table
The ULT FIELD 1 carries Sony’s ULT presentation, while the Charge 5 belongs to JBL’s Charge line. Those names indicate each company’s intended tuning and product positioning, but they do not prove which speaker will sound better to you.
Perceived bass, vocal clarity, treble brightness, stereo image and loudness depend on the room, listening distance, music and volume. A bass-forward presentation can be enjoyable outdoors but may sound less balanced for spoken content in a small room; a more restrained presentation can suit podcasts and acoustic music but feel less dramatic at a party. The official pages cited for these models do not publish a controlled head-to-head measurement, so a definitive sound-quality winner would overstate the evidence.
How to make a sound decision
- Use the same playlist on both speakers, including speech, bass-heavy music and vocals.
- Match listening volume as closely as possible; the louder speaker can seem better simply because it is louder.
- Listen from the distance and environment where you will normally use the speaker.
- Pay attention to whether voices remain clear, bass stays controlled and the sound remains comfortable after several minutes.
If you cannot audition both, use the non-sound differences as your decision rule: Charge 5 for runtime and phone charging, ULT FIELD 1 for the strap and Sony’s ULT character.
Everyday-use scenarios
At home
Either model can suit casual room-to-room listening. The ULT FIELD 1’s strap is useful when the speaker moves from a kitchen counter to a balcony. The Charge 5’s longer claimed runtime matters less if it stays near a charger, but its power-bank function can still be useful during a power interruption or when a phone is running low.
Travel and commuting
The ULT FIELD 1 is the more natural fit when luggage space and carrying convenience dominate. Its multi-way strap gives you another way to handle the speaker without gripping the enclosure. The Charge 5 is preferable when the trip includes long periods away from outlets and you want one device that can provide music and emergency phone power.
Beach, pool and outdoor use
Both models publish IP67, so neither has a rating advantage on paper. The Charge 5’s 20-hour claim favors a long day outside, while the ULT FIELD 1’s strap favors moving around a site. Keep either speaker away from direct impact, close all covers and avoid charging until it is dry.
Rank #4
- Compact and Powerful Design: Engineered with premium craftsmanship, this portable speaker features a space-saving form measuring a mere 2.99 inches (7.6 cm) in width and length, and 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) in height. Ultra-lightweight at just 0.582 lbs (264g), it slips effortlessly into any bag. Driven by a robust 20W peak power, it delivers immersive audio with punchy bass and crisp highs, while its 15W continuous output ensures crystal-clear sound for indoor relaxation or outdoor adventures
- 【IPX5 Waterproof – Beach, Pool & Outdoor Adventures】Built for everyday outdoor fun, this portable Bluetooth speaker features IPX5 waterproof protection to handle splashes, light rain, and wet environments. Take it to the beach, pool, campsite, backyard, patio, or shower for music wherever you go. A reliable companion for travel, camping, outdoor gatherings, and weekend adventures
- 【Portable Companion – Travel, Camping & Everyday Use】At just 0.58 lbs, this compact wireless speaker easily fits into a backpack, tote, suitcase, or travel bag. The built-in lanyard makes it easy to carry or hang from a backpack, bike, hook, or shower caddy. Great for road trips, beach days, camping trips, dorm rooms, home offices, and relaxing at home
- 【Dynamic Lights – Create the Right Mood Anywhere】Dynamic LED lights add colorful visual effects to your favorite music, bringing extra energy to parties, gatherings, and everyday listening. Use it in the bedroom, dorm, backyard, patio, campsite, or party space. A fun choice for Halloween music, movie nights, sleepovers, game nights, and outdoor hangouts
- 【15W HD Sound & 15H Playtime – Music for Every Moment】Powerful 15W HD sound delivers clear, enjoyable audio for music, podcasts, games, and more. With up to 15 hours of playtime, enjoy your playlist during travel, beach trips, camping, pool days, backyard gatherings, or a relaxing night at home. Keep the music going without frequent recharging
Work calls and spoken audio
Battery and portability are easier to establish than microphone or voice-processing performance from the supplied specifications. If calls are important, verify the exact hands-free features and test voice clarity before relying on either speaker for meetings. For music and podcasts, choose the tonal balance you find easiest to follow rather than assuming the brand name determines clarity.
Recommended Free Tools
Small gatherings
The Charge 5’s longer runtime gives it an advantage for an event that runs all afternoon or evening. The ULT FIELD 1 can be the better social choice when people will carry it between spaces and the strap is more useful than a power bank. Neither published specification establishes a controlled loudness or coverage winner.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Charge 5 versus Charge 6: check the generation before buying
A current What Hi-Fi? buying guide identifies the JBL Charge 6 as the successor to the Charge 5 and lists 20-hour battery life, IP68 protection, USB-C charging and power-bank functionality for that newer model. This matters because a retailer may describe a product simply as “JBL Charge,” while the box, price and specifications belong to a different generation.
Before comparing prices or features, check:
- The full model name and number printed on the product page and box.
- The advertised IP rating, charging connector and battery claim.
- Whether the listing is for Charge 5, Charge 6 or another Charge variant.
- Your country’s stock and warranty terms, since availability differs by market.
Do not transfer Charge 6 specifications to a Charge 5 purchase. The comparison in this article uses Charge 5 figures unless a section explicitly discusses the newer generation.
How to choose in five steps
- Identify the exact Sony model. If a listing only says “Sony portable speaker,” find the model number. This article’s Sony recommendation applies to ULT FIELD 1, not automatically to SRS-XB100 or another model.
- Identify the JBL generation. Confirm whether you are looking at Charge 5 or Charge 6 before comparing features or price.
- Set your runtime requirement. Choose Charge 5 if the published 20-hour claim is materially more useful than Sony’s 12-hour claim for your routine.
- Decide whether phone charging matters. The Charge 5 is explicitly positioned as a power bank; Sony’s supplied ULT FIELD 1 specifications do not state that function.
- Choose the carrying style. Select ULT FIELD 1 when the multi-way strap and portability are worth more to you than the Charge 5’s longer claimed runtime.
Which speaker is better for specific buyers?
| Your priority | Better fit | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Longest published battery claim | JBL Charge 5 | Up to 20 hours versus up to 12 hours for ULT FIELD 1. |
| Phone charging from the speaker | JBL Charge 5 | Power-bank functionality is explicitly marketed; verify the exact regional revision. |
| Strap-based carrying | Sony ULT FIELD 1 | Multi-way strap is a named design feature. |
| Water and dust protection | Tie on published rating | Both named models list IP67. |
| Sony’s ULT presentation | Sony ULT FIELD 1 | It is the model built around Sony’s ULT branding; preference remains personal. |
| Future-proof model shopping | Check the exact JBL generation | Charge 6 is identified as the Charge 5 successor, so current listings may differ. |
Bottom line
Buy the JBL Charge 5 if “everyday use” means long sessions, outdoor days and the ability to recharge a phone. Its published 20-hour battery claim and power-bank positioning make it the more capable general-purpose tool.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Buy the Sony ULT FIELD 1 if you carry the speaker constantly and value the multi-way strap, a portability-first design and Sony’s ULT presentation. It gives up eight hours of published battery life compared with Charge 5, but that trade-off can be worthwhile when convenience in your hand or bag matters most.
Whichever you choose, verify the full model number, market-specific specifications and generation at the time of purchase. Sound remains a listening preference rather than a conclusion supported by the published specification sheets.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
