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The Sony ULT TOWER 5 (SRS-ULT500) is a 28-pound party speaker built around powerful bass, flexible wired connections and party-focused features. Tom’s Guide’s reviewer found its low end deep and physical while vocals and treble remained engaging. Sony’s US suggested launch price was $449.99, so “affordable” is relative: it costs less than Sony’s larger ULT TOWER 7 and ULT TOWER MAX, but it is still a substantial purchase. Whether it fits depends on how much you value bass and karaoke or DJ connections—and whether you can live with its weight and splash-only protection.
What is the Sony ULT TOWER 5?
The ULT TOWER 5 is a wireless party speaker from Sony’s ULT POWER SOUND range, identified on Sony’s US product page by model number SRS-ULT500. Sony announced it on September 1, 2026, positioning it for smaller gatherings and easier transport than its larger party speakers. It combines Bluetooth playback with wired connections for microphones, instruments and other audio gear.
Sony says the speaker uses a newly developed circular woofer and a specially selected amplifier. The official US product page lists ULT1, ULT2, FLAT and LIVE sound modes; LIVE is available through the Sony Sound Connect app. Sony’s product page also advertises “360° party sound,” but its launch announcement specifically attributes the named “360° Party Sound” feature to the Tower MAX and Tower 7. Those descriptions should not be treated as interchangeable.
Recommended Free Tools
How does it sound?
In Tom’s Guide’s September 26, 2026 review, the reviewer describes the bass as deep and physical, with a strong, tactile low end. The reviewer also reports that vocals and treble stayed engaging during listening, including with the FLAT profile. These are listening impressions from that review, not independently measured performance results.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Tom’s Guide reports a 300 W total output rating, one 9-inch woofer, two mid-range drivers and two 2.3-inch tweeters. The speaker’s bass-first character makes it a natural fit for parties and music where low-end impact matters. The review’s positive comments about vocals and treble suggest it is not limited to bass-heavy material, though the evidence here does not establish how it compares with competing speakers in controlled, like-for-like testing.
What connections and party features does it offer?
The feature set is more versatile than a Bluetooth-only speaker. Tom’s Guide reports Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC and LDAC support, multipoint pairing for two devices, USB-C and USB-A playback, and several wired audio connections:
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- A 6.3 mm jack for a microphone or instrument.
- RCA line input.
- Balanced XLR input and output.
That range makes the Tower 5 more practical for karaoke or connecting audio equipment than a speaker that relies only on wireless playback. Sony says its ULT MIC 1 microphone is sold separately; check current availability and compatibility before buying an accessory.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Tom’s Guide also reports Party Chain support for linking up to 100 compatible speakers. That maximum is a claim from the review; it was not independently confirmed against Sony documentation here. The official product page lists the Sound Connect app for controls and the LIVE sound mode.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How portable is it, and can it handle water?
Tom’s Guide lists the Tower 5 at 21 × 14.1 × 11 inches and 28 lb, with four carry handles. The handles help with repositioning, but this is not a lightweight speaker for frequent carrying over long distances. It is better thought of as movable between rooms or gathering spots than as an easy take-anywhere option.
Sony advertises IPX4 water resistance when the speaker is upright and its ports and covers are closed. IPX4 indicates splash resistance; it does not establish protection against submersion, and the rating does not provide a dust-resistance classification. Keep the connection covers shut when using the speaker in conditions where splashes are possible.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
How long does the battery last?
Sony advertises up to 20 hours of battery life. “Up to” is a best-case manufacturer claim, not a guarantee of runtime at party volume: volume, lighting, temperature, music and settings can all affect battery duration. If a gathering depends on long playback, plan around a shorter runtime than the headline maximum unless your use conditions are similar to Sony’s test conditions.
Is the ULT TOWER 5 affordable?
Sony’s September 1, 2026 announcement gave the Tower 5 a US suggested retail price of $449.99 and said it would be available from September 2026 through Sony.com, Best Buy, Amazon and authorized dealers. That is launch pricing, not a guarantee of today’s street price; check the live listing before buying. In Canada, Sony announced a suggested price of $599.99 CAD.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
| Sony model | US suggested launch price | Canadian suggested price | Sony’s stated positioning |
|---|---|---|---|
| ULT TOWER 5 | $449.99 USD | $599.99 CAD | Smaller gatherings and easier transport |
| ULT TOWER 7 | $649.99 USD | $799.99 CAD | Part of the same bass-powered party-speaker launch |
| ULT TOWER MAX | $1,499.99 USD | $2,099 CAD | Part of the same bass-powered party-speaker launch |
Prices are Sony’s suggested prices announced September 1, 2026, not current retail quotes. The Tower 5 is the least expensive of these three models, but that comparison alone does not make it inexpensive across the wider party-speaker market. The available evidence does not establish a current, like-for-like comparison with competing brands.
Who should buy it?
It makes sense if you want
- Strong, physical bass for gatherings.
- More than Bluetooth: the microphone/instrument jack, RCA input and balanced XLR connections support a broader range of setups.
- Party-focused lighting and modes, plus app controls.
- A large speaker you can move occasionally using its handles, rather than carry around regularly.
Look elsewhere if you need
- A lightweight speaker for frequent transport; the Tower 5 weighs 28 lb.
- Protection for immersion or a stated dust-resistance rating; its IPX4 rating covers splash resistance under Sony’s specified conditions.
- A purchase that clearly qualifies as low-cost without checking current prices against a specific alternative set.
- Guaranteed all-day playback at high volume; Sony’s 20-hour figure is an “up to” claim and real runtime varies with use.
Verdict
Tom’s Guide’s listening impressions support the ULT TOWER 5 as a compelling bass-forward party speaker, with vocals and treble that the reviewer found engaging and connections that suit karaoke or audio gear as well as wireless playback. Its appeal is clearest for buyers who will use those party features and accept a 28-pound cabinet, IPX4 splash resistance and a $449.99 US suggested launch price. It is affordable relative to Sony’s more expensive Tower 7 and Tower MAX—not automatically a bargain against the whole market.
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.
