Sony portable Bluetooth speaker ULT Field 1

A portable speaker is less useful when it’s awkward to carry or you worry about taking it outside. The Sony ULT Field 1 combines a compact design with a detachable strap for moving music along.

Its IP67 rating covers waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and rustproof protection, making it suited to more than careful indoor listening.

The ULT button adds a bass boost, while the built-in microphone supports hands-free calls. Without having tried it, those are the features that stand out for everyday carry.

Getting the most from it

Clip on the detachable multi-way strap when you want to carry the speaker between rooms or bring it along outdoors. For example, you could move it from a kitchen counter to the patio without needing to find a shelf or keep it plugged in, the listed battery life is up to 12 hours. Actual listening time may vary, and the product details don’t specify conditions for that figure.

Use the ULT button when you want more emphasis on bass, then switch back to regular playback when that boost isn’t what the music needs. The sound diffusion processor uses DSP technology to spread sound through a space, so the appeal is broader than simply having a speaker close at hand. If you add another speaker, the two can be paired for stereo sound. The built-in mic and echo-canceling technology also make this more useful for calls than a speaker designed only for music.

Why it’s worth it

The practical draw is a combination of portable design, protection, and a few useful extras rather than a long list of audio settings. IP67-rated protection is relevant if the speaker may encounter water, dust, bumps, or rust-prone conditions. It doesn’t remove the need to treat electronics sensibly, but it makes this a more convincing carry-along choice than a speaker intended mainly for a protected spot indoors.

You’ll appreciate it if you want a compact speaker with a carry strap, a bass-boost button, and hands-free calling in the same device. If you prioritize taking music from place to place, those touches are more useful than a stationary setup, if you prefer a dedicated stereo arrangement, the pairing feature gives you a way to add another speaker. It may not suit you if your main requirement is a stated battery runtime beyond its listed up-to-12-hour figure, or if you need detailed sound specifications to compare before buying, those details aren’t provided here.

At a glance

• Model: ULT Field 1
• Type: Portable Bluetooth speaker
• Battery life: Up to 12 hours
• Protection: IP67-rated waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and rustproof
• Carry and calls: Detachable strap and built-in microphone with echo-canceling technology
• Color: Orange

Buying verdict

Choose the Sony ULT Field 1 if you want a portable Bluetooth speaker that’s built for being carried around, with protection for rougher conditions and a simple way to boost bass. It also makes sense if hands-free calls or the option to pair a second speaker matter to you. Look elsewhere if you need more battery life than the stated maximum, or want detailed audio specifications to guide a more demanding sound-focused purchase.