Which sounds better, the SoundLink Max or the ULT Field 1?

The Bose SoundLink Max. Its three transducers and passive radiators reach down to 52.6 Hz and it plays louder, which suits larger rooms and outdoor gatherings. The Sony is fine at close range but has less low end.

Which is better for travel and the beach?

The Sony ULT Field 1. At 650 g and 206 mm wide it packs easily, and it is rated shockproof on top of waterproof and dustproof. The Bose is IP67 too but weighs 4.9 lb.

Is the Bose worth about $140 more than the Sony?

Only if you want the extra bass, volume and 20-hour battery with phone charging. At $138.00 at Best Buy the Sony covers the basics for half the money.

How long does the battery last?

Bose rates the SoundLink Max at up to 20 hours. Sony does not state a battery figure in the listed specs for the ULT Field 1, so check before a long trip.

Can I take calls on either speaker?

Both are Bluetooth speakers with built-in mics for speakerphone use. The Bose adds Google Fast Pair; the Sony works with Google Assistant and Alexa through its app.

Which one holds its price better?

The Bose moves more. It hit $249.00 on October 31, 2026 and $399.00 on November 4, 2026, so waiting can pay off. The Sony ranged from $108.00 to $129.99 over the same window.

Bose SoundLink Max vs Sony ULT Field 1

Buy the Sony ULT Field 1 if you want a light, tough speaker for under $140 and don't need big-room volume. Buy the Bose SoundLink Max if you want deeper bass, higher output and a removable handle, and can pay roughly double. As of November 4, 2026, the best new price is $138.00 at Best Buy for the Sony and $279.99 at eBay for the Bose. The Bose has sold as low as $249.00 on October 31, 2026, so its price moves more.

Today the Sony ULT Field 1 costs $121.97 less at its best price.

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Bose SoundLink Max

4.8

$259.97at eBayVerified

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Choose the SoundLink Max if you want the loudest, bass-heaviest sound of the two, a 20-hour battery that can charge your phone, and a removable handle for carrying.

Pros

Deep bass and stereo sound from three transducers and passive radiators.
Up to 20 hours of playtime and a USB-C port that charges your phone.
IP67 rating handles dust and full water immersion.
Removable handle makes it easy to carry to a patio or party.

What separates them

	Bose SoundLink Max	Sony ULT Field 1
Price (best new, November 4, 2026)	$279.99 at eBay	$138.00 at Best Buy
Weight	4.9 lb	650 g (about 1.4 lb)
Size	4.73 in tall, 4.13 in deep boombox	206 mm wide, 7.7 cm tall
Durability rating	IP67 waterproof and dustproof	Waterproof, dustproof and shockproof
Rated power	15 W RMS, 20 W max input	30 W RMS
Bass and low end	Three transducers plus passive radiators, low-frequency extension to 52.6 Hz	Woofer plus 16 mm tweeter, two passive radiators
Battery	Up to 20 hours, doubles as a phone charger	Not stated in the listed specs

Price history

$399.00$108.00

Oct 29Nov 4

Bose SoundLink Max: lowest $249.00 on Oct 31 at Bose; $399.00 on Nov 4.
Sony ULT Field 1: lowest $108.00 on Oct 31 at Best Buy; $129.99 on Nov 4.

Prices at every store

Bose SoundLink Max

Best BuyNew
In stock
$399.00Free shippingObserved at 6:32 AM
Visit store
WalmartNew
In stock
$399.00Free shippingObserved at 6:32 AM
Visit store
Macy'sNew
In stock
$399.00Free shippingObserved at 6:32 AM
Visit store
eBayNew
Availability unknownSold by mscherm3 (99.9% positive, 2,800 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
$259.97+ $15.83 shippingVerified
Visit store

Also available at

eBayCheck price at eBay
Fishpond.comCheck price at Fishpond.com
BrandsMart USACheck price at BrandsMart USA

Specs compared

Spec	Bose SoundLink Max	Sony ULT Field 1
Outdoor	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth	Yes	Yes
Connectivity Technology	Bluetooth	Bluetooth, Wireless
Ports And Interfaces	USB-C	USB-C charging port
Wi-Fi	No	No
Assistant Support	Google Fast Pair	Google Assistant, Alexa
Smart Functions	SimpleSync compatibility	Sound Connect App Compatible
Speaker Placement	Portable	Portable
Design Highlights	Portable	Portable
Material	Silicone, Nylon, Plastic	Plastic

What reviewers say

Bose SoundLink Max

With 4.8 out of 5 from about 3,500 ratings, owners largely praise the sound and build. Complaints tend to focus on weight and price.

Pros

Loud, full sound with strong bass
Rugged, waterproof build
Long battery life
Easy pairing and carrying

Cons

Heavy to carry far
Costs more than rival boomboxes
Bluetooth-only connectivity

Sony ULT Field 1

Owners rate it 4.8 out of 5 across about 3,100 ratings, with most praise going to its loudness and toughness for the size. Complaints center on bass quality at high volume and the plastic finish.

Pros

Loud, clear sound for a pocketable speaker

Questions and answers

Which sounds better, the SoundLink Max or the ULT Field 1?: The Bose SoundLink Max. Its three transducers and passive radiators reach down to 52.6 Hz and it plays louder, which suits larger rooms and outdoor gatherings. The Sony is fine at close range but has less low end.
Which is better for travel and the beach?: The Sony ULT Field 1. At 650 g and 206 mm wide it packs easily, and it is rated shockproof on top of waterproof and dustproof. The Bose is IP67 too but weighs 4.9 lb.
Is the Bose worth about $140 more than the Sony?: Only if you want the extra bass, volume and 20-hour battery with phone charging. At $138.00 at Best Buy the Sony covers the basics for half the money.
How long does the battery last?: Bose rates the SoundLink Max at up to 20 hours. Sony does not state a battery figure in the listed specs for the ULT Field 1, so check before a long trip.
Can I take calls on either speaker?: Both are Bluetooth speakers with built-in mics for speakerphone use. The Bose adds Google Fast Pair; the Sony works with Google Assistant and Alexa through its app.
Which one holds its price better?: The Bose moves more. It hit $249.00 on October 31, 2026 and $399.00 on November 4, 2026, so waiting can pay off. The Sony ranged from $108.00 to $129.99 over the same window.

Buying guides that pick them

Bose SoundLink Max vs Sony ULT Field 1

Today the Sony ULT Field 1 costs $121.97 less at its best price.

Ask our shopping agent

Bose SoundLink Max

4.8

$259.97at eBayVerified

Visit store

Choose the SoundLink Max if you want the loudest, bass-heaviest sound of the two, a 20-hour battery that can charge your phone, and a removable handle for carrying.

Pros

Deep bass and stereo sound from three transducers and passive radiators.
Up to 20 hours of playtime and a USB-C port that charges your phone.
IP67 rating handles dust and full water immersion.
Removable handle makes it easy to carry to a patio or party.

What separates them

	Bose SoundLink Max	Sony ULT Field 1
Price (best new, November 4, 2026)	$279.99 at eBay	$138.00 at Best Buy
Weight	4.9 lb	650 g (about 1.4 lb)
Size	4.73 in tall, 4.13 in deep boombox	206 mm wide, 7.7 cm tall
Durability rating	IP67 waterproof and dustproof	Waterproof, dustproof and shockproof
Rated power	15 W RMS, 20 W max input	30 W RMS
Bass and low end	Three transducers plus passive radiators, low-frequency extension to 52.6 Hz	Woofer plus 16 mm tweeter, two passive radiators
Battery	Up to 20 hours, doubles as a phone charger	Not stated in the listed specs

Price history

$399.00$108.00

Oct 29Nov 4

Bose SoundLink Max: lowest $249.00 on Oct 31 at Bose; $399.00 on Nov 4.
Sony ULT Field 1: lowest $108.00 on Oct 31 at Best Buy; $129.99 on Nov 4.

Prices at every store

Bose SoundLink Max

Best BuyNew
In stock
$399.00Free shippingObserved at 6:32 AM
Visit store
WalmartNew
In stock
$399.00Free shippingObserved at 6:32 AM
Visit store
Macy'sNew
In stock
$399.00Free shippingObserved at 6:32 AM
Visit store
eBayNew
Availability unknownSold by mscherm3 (99.9% positive, 2,800 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
$259.97+ $15.83 shippingVerified
Visit store

Also available at

eBayCheck price at eBay
Fishpond.comCheck price at Fishpond.com
BrandsMart USACheck price at BrandsMart USA

Specs compared

Spec	Bose SoundLink Max	Sony ULT Field 1
Outdoor	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth	Yes	Yes
Connectivity Technology	Bluetooth	Bluetooth, Wireless
Ports And Interfaces	USB-C	USB-C charging port
Wi-Fi	No	No
Assistant Support	Google Fast Pair	Google Assistant, Alexa
Smart Functions	SimpleSync compatibility	Sound Connect App Compatible
Speaker Placement	Portable	Portable
Design Highlights	Portable	Portable
Material	Silicone, Nylon, Plastic	Plastic

What reviewers say

Bose SoundLink Max

With 4.8 out of 5 from about 3,500 ratings, owners largely praise the sound and build. Complaints tend to focus on weight and price.

Pros

Loud, full sound with strong bass
Rugged, waterproof build
Long battery life
Easy pairing and carrying

Cons

Heavy to carry far
Costs more than rival boomboxes
Bluetooth-only connectivity

Sony ULT Field 1

Owners rate it 4.8 out of 5 across about 3,100 ratings, with most praise going to its loudness and toughness for the size. Complaints center on bass quality at high volume and the plastic finish.

Pros

Loud, clear sound for a pocketable speaker

Questions and answers

Which sounds better, the SoundLink Max or the ULT Field 1?: The Bose SoundLink Max. Its three transducers and passive radiators reach down to 52.6 Hz and it plays louder, which suits larger rooms and outdoor gatherings. The Sony is fine at close range but has less low end.
Which is better for travel and the beach?: The Sony ULT Field 1. At 650 g and 206 mm wide it packs easily, and it is rated shockproof on top of waterproof and dustproof. The Bose is IP67 too but weighs 4.9 lb.
Is the Bose worth about $140 more than the Sony?: Only if you want the extra bass, volume and 20-hour battery with phone charging. At $138.00 at Best Buy the Sony covers the basics for half the money.
How long does the battery last?: Bose rates the SoundLink Max at up to 20 hours. Sony does not state a battery figure in the listed specs for the ULT Field 1, so check before a long trip.
Can I take calls on either speaker?: Both are Bluetooth speakers with built-in mics for speakerphone use. The Bose adds Google Fast Pair; the Sony works with Google Assistant and Alexa through its app.
Which one holds its price better?: The Bose moves more. It hit $249.00 on October 31, 2026 and $399.00 on November 4, 2026, so waiting can pay off. The Sony ranged from $108.00 to $129.99 over the same window.

Spec	Bose SoundLink Max	Sony ULT Field 1
Driver Configuration	Arranged across the front of the speaker	Front-facing
Driver Type	Passive radiators, Full Range Speakers, Transdu…	Woofer, Tweeter
Number Of Drivers	Three transducers	2 (passive radiators)
Max Output Power	6 Watts	30 Watts
Nominal Output Power	15 W (RMS Power)	30 W (RMS rated power)
Max Wattage	20W (accepted power)	7.5 watts
Weight	4.900 lb	650 g
Depth	4.13 in	7.6 cm
Height	4.73 in	7.7 cm
Frequency Response	Low-Frequency Extension: 52.6 Hz, High-Frequenc…	—
Output Level (SPL)	Higher output (suitable for larger spaces), Hig…	—
Nominal Impedance	—	4 Ohms
Width	—	206 mm
Actual Color	—	White
color	—	White
size	—	1

Ask our shopping agent

Bose SoundLink Max

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store

Bose SoundLink Max

Specs compared

What reviewers say

Bose SoundLink Max

Sony ULT Field 1

Questions and answers

More comparisons

Buying guides that pick them

Ask our shopping agent

Bose SoundLink Max

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store

Bose SoundLink Max

Specs compared

What reviewers say

Bose SoundLink Max

Sony ULT Field 1

Questions and answers

More comparisons

Buying guides that pick them

Sony ULT Field 1

Sony ULT Field 1