Choosing Between Sony's ULT FIELD 1 and Marshall's Willen II: A Complete Comparison

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers in 2024, we're seeing some fascinating innovations in how manufacturers pack better sound into smaller packages. Today, we'll compare two recent entries: the brand new Sony ULT FIELD 1 ($129) and the Marshall Willen II ($119), breaking down exactly who should buy each one and why.

The Current State of Portable Speakers

Portable speakers have come a long way from the tinny, battery-hungry devices of just a few years ago. Today's speakers offer impressive sound quality, serious durability, and battery life that can last through multiple days of use. The key is understanding what matters most for your specific needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Sony ULT FIELD 1 represents Sony's latest design philosophy, launched in early 2024 as part of their new ULT line. It features a rugged, industrial aesthetic with an IP67 rating (meaning it's fully dustproof and can handle being submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes). Sony has also achieved military-grade shock resistance certification (MIL-STD 810H), which means it's been tested against drops and impacts.

The Marshall Willen II takes a different approach, maintaining Marshall's classic amp-inspired styling while shrinking it down to an incredibly portable 4-inch square format. It shares the same IP67 rating but focuses on maximizing portability. The included rubber strap is a thoughtful touch that makes it easy to attach to backpacks, bike handlebars, or really anything you can wrap it around.

Sound Quality Deep Dive

Bass Response

The ULT FIELD 1 employs Sony's new ULT POWER SOUND technology, which uses a combination of a dedicated woofer and two passive radiators (these are unpowered speakers that move in response to air pressure from the main driver, enhancing bass response). The ULT button activates additional bass boost processing. In testing, this creates noticeably more powerful low frequencies, though it can sometimes sound artificially enhanced at higher volumes.

The Willen II takes a different approach, using a single 2-inch full-range driver paired with passive radiators. While it can't match the ULT FIELD 1's raw bass power, it produces surprisingly natural-sounding low frequencies for its size. The bass is tight and controlled rather than boomy.

Midrange and Treble

Here's where things get interesting. The ULT FIELD 1's larger size allows for a dedicated tweeter, which helps with high-frequency clarity. However, the Willen II's single driver is expertly tuned and, somewhat surprisingly, produces clearer midrange frequencies. This makes it particularly good for vocal-heavy content like podcasts or acoustic music.

Volume and Distortion

The ULT FIELD 1 can get significantly louder, reaching about 88dB at one meter. However, there's noticeable compression at maximum volume to prevent distortion. The Willen II tops out at a lower volume but maintains better clarity throughout its volume range.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery technology has improved significantly in recent years, and both speakers show this progress. The Willen II leads with an impressive 17+ hours of playback, while the ULT FIELD 1 manages 12 hours. Both numbers assume moderate volume levels - crank them up, and you'll see those numbers drop.

The Willen II includes quick charging capability, providing 5.5 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge. The ULT FIELD 1 uses USB-C charging but doesn't specify quick charging capabilities.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Both speakers use Bluetooth 5.3, the latest standard, which provides improved range and stability compared to older versions. The ULT FIELD 1 includes Fast Pair technology for Android devices, making initial setup easier. The Willen II compensates with a more comprehensive companion app that includes EQ controls and the ability to customize button functions.

Real-World Usage Scenarios

Outdoor Activities

For hiking or biking, the Willen II's compact size and mounting strap make it the clear winner. It's light enough that you'll barely notice it's there, yet still provides enough volume for personal listening or small groups.

The ULT FIELD 1 shines at the beach or pool parties. Its higher maximum volume and enhanced bass make it better suited for competing with ambient noise and providing music for larger groups.

Home Use

Neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, but the ULT FIELD 1's stereo pairing capability (with another ULT FIELD 1) could make it serviceable for casual TV viewing. The Willen II works well as a desktop speaker or for moving music from room to room.

Value Consideration

At $129, the Sony ULT FIELD 1 delivers impressive volume and bass performance for its price point. If you're primarily using it for group settings or outdoor gatherings, it represents good value.

The Marshall Willen II at $119 offers excellent build quality and superior portability. For personal use or situations where maximum portability matters more than maximum volume, it's the better value.

How to Decide

Consider these key questions:

1. Do you primarily need a speaker for personal use or group settings?
2. How important is maximum portability?
3. Do you value longer battery life over maximum volume?
4. Will you be mounting or attaching the speaker to things regularly?

Choose the ULT FIELD 1 if:

• You regularly host small gatherings
• Maximum volume is important
• You want the option to stereo pair
• Bass performance is a priority

Choose the Willen II if:

• Portability is your top concern
• You primarily listen at moderate volumes
• You need the longest possible battery life
• You want the ability to mount the speaker easily

Both speakers represent solid choices in the portable Bluetooth speaker market, but they serve different needs. The ULT FIELD 1 is the party speaker, while the Willen II is the everyday carry companion. Your specific use case should guide your choice more than small differences in features or sound quality.

Sony ULT FIELD 1 Wireless Portable Speaker Deals and Prices

Marshall Willen II Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices