Sony ULT Field 3 Review: The Speaker That Refuses to Die

Sony sent over their new ULT Field 3 portable Bluetooth speaker and, after a solid week of living with it, I can safely say this isn’t just another mid-range box that pumps out sound and hopes for the best. It’s the sort of speaker you throw into a backpack without a second thought, confident it will survive a weekend of pool splashes, sand, and more than a few accidental drops.

From its marathon battery life to the almost comical waterproofing, the ULT Field 3 manages to feel both premium and indestructible. 

Design and Build : Minimalism with character

The ULT Field 3 is designed to look as good as it sounds. Sony offers it in three finishes: an understated off-white, a deep forest grey, and a classic black. Each one is wrapped in a smooth, tactile mesh that gives it a refined look while also shrugging off dirt and fingerprints.

At a glance the design is minimalist, but small touches keep it interesting. The translucent Sony badge catches the light without screaming for attention, and the strap system is both practical and stylish. 

It’s worth noting that the ULT Field 3 isn’t the most compact speaker you’ll find. My only gripe is that it’s a bit long, so it will take up some space in a bag. That said, it’s lightweight enough that it’s easy to carry, and the thoughtful design means you won’t mind making room for it.

You can stand the speaker vertically or lay it horizontally, and the side passive radiators are neatly integrated so the whole thing still looks balanced. Even the charging ports are cleverly hidden behind a snug flap, keeping the clean lines intact while adding to its dustproof and waterproof credentials.

Battery Life : You’ll get tired long before it does

Sony claims up to 24 hours of playtime. I tried my best to drain the battery, and ten hours in (six of those with the bass-boosting ULT mode on), it had only lost 20 per cent. You’ll get tired long before it does. That’s remarkable efficiency, especially when you consider that the ULT mode draws extra power to drive those lower frequencies.

Charging is straightforward via USB-C, and the speaker can double as a power bank for your phone if you’re caught short. The Sony “Sound Connect” app makes it easy to check the exact battery percentage at a glance, or you can set it to announce the remaining charge every time you power it on.

Sound Quality and Features : Sounds far bigger than it looks

The ULT Field 3 sounds far bigger than it looks. Sony’s two-way active driver design; complete with a dedicated woofer, tweeter, and those side-firing passive radiators, gives it a richness that’s unusual for a speaker you can sling over your shoulder. Straight out of the box the balance is impressive: tight bass, crisp highs, and a clear midrange that keeps vocals and

acoustic instruments from getting lost.

Tap the ULT button and things get lively. This mode adds a satisfying thump without muddying the mix. Even at higher volumes it stays composed, with none of the harsh distortion that occurs with many portable speakers.

Pairing is painless. Standard Bluetooth works instantly, or you can use Google Fast Pair on Android for a near-instant connection. The speaker can connect to two devices at once, and Sony’s “Party Connect” lets you link multiple ULT Field 3 units (or other compatible Sony speakers) for proper surround-sound.

There’s more tech quietly working in the background. Sound Field Optimisation automatically tweaks output to suit noisy environments, while built-in echo cancellation means you can take calls without sounding like you’re in a tunnel. And if your phone is running low, the USB-C port doubles as a charger.

Practically Indestructible: Really waterproof

The ULT Field 3 carries an IP67 rating, which means it’s officially waterproof, dustproof, rustproof, and even shockproof. Many brands toss around “waterproof” when they really mean “splash-resistant”. I went further: I dunked the speaker under water and theatrically poured a full glass over it, twice, and it kept thumping like nothing had happened.

Saltwater is often a different story for electronics, but this speaker shrugged that off as well. The soft mesh dries quickly and the hidden ports stay sealed. In practice, that means you can leave it out during an unexpected downpour or bring it to the beach without a second thought. 

Price and Verdict: Worth every rand

BUY ULT FIELD SPEAKER

At R4 000, the ULT Field 3 isn’t cheap for a portable speaker, but it earns every rand the moment you start talking about durability. A speaker isn’t something you buy every year, it has to last. And how could the ULT Field 3 not last when it’s literally waterproof, dustproof, rustproof, and shockproof?

Beyond toughness, it delivers on everything else that matters: marathon battery life, versatile connectivity, and sound quality that punches well above its size.

All things considered, the ULT Field 3 stands out as a speaker I can recommend with absolute confidence. Tough, versatile, and great-sounding, it’s one to get if you want a portable speaker that truly delivers on all fronts.