Let's dive into a detailed comparison of two recent entries in the portable speaker market: the Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM at $229.99 and the Sony ULT FIELD 1 at $129.99. Both speakers arrived with considerable fanfare, but they serve distinctly different purposes within the portable audio space.
The portable speaker market has evolved significantly in recent years. We've moved beyond just wanting something that plays music loudly - modern users expect pristine sound quality, robust durability, and smart features. Both these speakers represent different approaches to meeting these demands.
The EPICBOOM launched in late 2023, representing Ultimate Ears' latest flagship portable speaker. It builds upon UE's reputation for outdoor-ready speakers while pushing into more premium territory. The ULT FIELD 1, released in early 2024, marks Sony's fresh approach to portable audio, introducing their new ULT (Ultimate Power Sound) technology.
The EPICBOOM's three-driver system (two 45mm mid-high drivers and one 120mm woofer) delivers impressive sound separation. In testing, it handles complex musical arrangements with clarity that's rare in portable speakers. The 360-degree sound projection creates an immersive listening sphere - particularly noticeable with orchestral pieces or electronic music with wide soundstages.
Bass response deserves special mention - it's powerful without being overwhelming, thanks to careful tuning and the substantial woofer size. The speaker maintains composure even at high volumes, though you'll notice some compression kicking in near maximum output (94 dBC).
Sony's approach with the ULT FIELD 1 focuses on balanced sound delivery through a 16mm tweeter and 83x42mm woofer combination. The ULT bass enhancement feature is particularly clever - instead of just boosting low frequencies, it uses dynamic processing to maintain clarity while increasing impact. While it can't match the EPICBOOM's raw power, it excels in accuracy and detail, especially in the mid-range where vocals live.
The EPICBOOM truly shines in larger spaces and outdoor settings. Its 17-hour battery life means you won't need to worry about charging during extended use. The speaker's IP67 rating ensures protection against dust and water, while its ability to float makes it perfect for pool parties.
Some notable features:
The ULT FIELD 1 excels in mobility and convenience. At 650 grams, it's significantly lighter than the EPICBOOM, making it ideal for travel or commuting. The 12-hour battery life is sufficient for most use cases, and the included carrying strap adds convenience.
Key features include:
The EPICBOOM introduces several meaningful improvements over previous UE models:
Sony's new speaker brings fresh innovations:
At $229.99, the EPICBOOM positions itself in the premium portable speaker segment. The price reflects its larger size, power capabilities, and feature set. For users needing room-filling sound and hosting capabilities, it justifies the investment.
The ULT FIELD 1 at $129.99 (often available for $89.99) presents excellent value, especially considering Sony's brand reputation and the included technology. It's particularly appealing for individual users who prioritize portability and sound quality over maximum volume.
While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, they can serve different auxiliary roles:
Consider the EPICBOOM if you:
Choose the ULT FIELD 1 when:
Both speakers excel in their intended use cases. The EPICBOOM delivers on its promise of being a powerful, feature-rich party speaker, while the ULT FIELD 1 offers remarkable value in a more portable package. Your choice should align with your primary use case - larger gatherings versus personal listening - and your budget constraints.
The technological advances in both speakers show how far portable audio has come, with features like advanced DSP, robust water resistance, and sophisticated app integration becoming standard. Whether you choose the room-filling power of the EPICBOOM or the refined portability of the ULT FIELD 1, you're getting a capable modern speaker that represents the current state of portable audio technology.
| Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM | Sony ULT FIELD 1 |
|---|---|
| Price - Key consideration for value assessment | |
| $229.99 (premium positioning) | $129.99 (often $89.99 on sale) |
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and use cases | |
| 1.979kg, 241mm height (party-focused) | 650g, compact design (travel-friendly) |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended outdoor use | |
| 17 hours (industry-leading) | 12 hours (adequate for most uses) |
| Sound Output - Determines effective coverage area | |
| 94 dBC maximum, true 360° sound | Lower output, directional with sound diffusion |
| Driver Configuration - Affects sound quality and bass response | |
| Two 45mm drivers + 120mm woofer | 16mm tweeter + 83x42mm woofer + passive radiator |
| Water Resistance - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 rated, floats in water | IP67 rated, shock-resistant |
| Connectivity Range - Affects placement flexibility | |
| 55m Bluetooth range | Standard Bluetooth 5.3 range (~30m) |
| Special Features - Adds versatility | |
| PartyUp multi-speaker sync, adaptive EQ | ULT bass boost, echo cancellation, high-res audio codecs |
| App Support - Enables customization | |
| Full EQ control, presets, outdoor boost mode | Basic EQ, Sound Diffusion controls |
| Multi-room Capability - Expands use cases | |
| Yes, with other UE speakers | Limited to stereo pair with same model |
The Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM is better for larger gatherings and outdoor parties, while the Sony ULT FIELD 1 is superior for personal use and travel. The EPICBOOM offers more powerful sound, while the ULT FIELD 1 provides better value.
The EPICBOOM costs $229.99, while the ULT FIELD 1 is priced at $129.99 and often available for $89.99 on sale.
The EPICBOOM offers 17 hours of battery life, compared to 12 hours for the ULT FIELD 1.
The Sony ULT FIELD 1 is significantly more portable at 650g, while the EPICBOOM weighs 1.979kg.
Yes, both the EPICBOOM and ULT FIELD 1 feature IP67 water resistance ratings, making them safe for outdoor use and around water.
The EPICBOOM delivers fuller, more powerful sound with better bass, while the ULT FIELD 1 offers more balanced, detailed audio better suited for personal listening.
The EPICBOOM can connect with other UE speakers through PartyUp, while the ULT FIELD 1 can only pair with another ULT FIELD 1.
The EPICBOOM is better for outdoor use with its louder volume, floating capability, and longer battery life, though the ULT FIELD 1 is more portable.
Yes, both speakers have companion apps, but the EPICBOOM offers more extensive EQ controls and customization compared to the ULT FIELD 1.
The EPICBOOM offers superior Bluetooth range up to 55 meters, while the ULT FIELD 1 has standard Bluetooth 5.3 range of about 30 meters.
The ULT FIELD 1 has better call quality with echo cancellation technology, while the EPICBOOM focuses more on music performance.
For small gatherings, the EPICBOOM might be overkill - the ULT FIELD 1 provides sufficient sound quality and volume while being more affordable and portable.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: techradar.com - ultimateears.com - youtube.com - tomsguide.com - ultimateears.com - cdw.com - connection.com - bestbuy.com - ultimateears.com - rtings.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - soundguys.com - techradar.com - electronics.sony.com - thesonyshop.ca - bestbuy.com - electronics.sony.com - sony.ca - stereoguide.com - youtube.com - electronics.sony.com
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