Compare Tribit StormBox 2 Bluetooth Speaker vs Sony ULT Field 5 Speaker

One reviewer rejected the idea that a single small speaker could deliver a truly immersive surround experience.

The wide, detached stage can feel surround-like for a speaker of this size.

When paired in stereo, reviewers praised the wider image and stronger stereo effect, especially compared with using a single speaker.

Stereo imaging is limited by the compact driver spacing, even though some reviewers hear a wider-than-box soundstage.

The 360-degree sound was generally praised, though one reviewer disliked the side-firing presentation and another found placement affected bass.

The Field 5 is not truly omnidirectional; reviewers note reduced expansiveness vertically and wish it offered 360-degree sound.

One reviewer said the speaker performs best at midrange volume or below.

Low-volume performance gets direct praise from one reviewer who found 20% volume already sufficient at close range.

Reviewers appreciated the analog wired input, including practical use with a synth and praise that the port exists.

The wired AUX input is considered a useful advantage, especially versus smaller or competing models that omit it.

Charging time was a weakness in the Android Central review, which called the 5W charging speed glacial.

Quick charging is consistently useful, especially the 10-minute top-up claims, though one reviewer finds it less impressive than some rivals.

One reviewer found the sealed USB-C charging-port cover tricky to open at first.

USB-C charging is viewed positively, especially because the port does what reviewers expect and also supports related power features.

Battery life was one of the strongest points, with reviewers repeatedly praising all-day or multi-day use despite some volume-related caveats.

Battery life is widely viewed as strong for casual use, though reviewers repeatedly note that lights, ULT modes, and high volume shorten runtime.

Reviewers repeatedly called out the missing dust resistance as a limitation, especially for beaches or sandy use.

Dust protection is treated as part of the speaker’s rugged outdoor appeal, especially in IP67-focused reviews.

Reviewers consistently found the speaker light, compact, and convenient for travel or backpack use.

Weight is a repeated drawback; the speaker is portable with a strap, but several reviewers call it bulky or heavy.

One reviewer praised the large physical buttons as making the speaker very convenient to use.

The ULT button feels satisfying, but the other rubberized buttons are less pleasing by comparison.

High-volume behavior was mixed: some reviewers heard little distortion, while others reported sibilance, strain, bass limiting, or treble harshness near the top of the volume range.

Reviewers generally find distortion well controlled at high levels, though this does not eliminate compression or tonal imbalance.

Strap feedback was mixed: it helped with carrying, but some reviewers disliked the limited, non-snapping, or non-removable design.

The strap is often considered useful, strong, and convenient, although some reviewers found it fiddly or annoying to attach or remove.

One reviewer noted that higher volume drains the battery quickly, limiting efficiency when the speaker is pushed.

Party lighting is the clearest energy-efficiency complaint because it can sharply reduce playback time.

Dynamic headroom was limited at higher levels, with reviewers noticing bass reduction or volume changes to avoid overload.

ULT modes add energy, punch, and sound pressure, but limited headroom and compression appear when the speaker is pushed hard.

Voice and vocal clarity were often praised, though one reviewer found some vocal material flat and lifeless.

Voice and vocal clarity are mixed: vocals can cut through, but heavy bass and high volume can push voices back or roughen them.

Inter-speaker connectivity was praised for stereo pairing and the stronger output it enables.

Party Connect and stereo pairing are valuable party features, but they keep users inside Sony’s ecosystem and add compatibility caveats.

One review found Google Assistant support convenient for voice commands.

Google Fast Pair is praised for making Android connection fast and uncomplicated.

A small number of reviewers praised the speaker for handling different genres well and sounding cohesive.

The speaker is usually described as full, lively, and room-filling, with its bass-forward personality shaping the overall presentation.

Reviewers generally found the StormBox 2 loud for its size and price, with several noting room-filling or outdoor-friendly output.

Maximum volume is one of the strongest points, with many reviewers calling the speaker loud, room-filling, and party-ready.

Everyday usability was a strength, with reviewers describing it as reliable, intuitive, portable, and good for casual on-the-go listening.

The Field 5 works well for parties, yards, garages, and everyday outdoor use, as long as buyers accept its size and weight.

Build quality was generally praised as solid, well-made, and high quality for the price.

The enclosure and materials earn strong marks for feeling solid, robust, and premium rather than cheap.

Detail retrieval was mixed: some heard good detail, while others found treble detail, transparency, or high-frequency definition limited.

Detail retrieval is mixed: some ULT modes add clarity, but bass-heavy tuning can bury small details and cymbal sparkle.

Most reviewers liked the overall tonal balance, but several found it bass-leaning, treble-sensitive, or less refined with demanding tracks.

The tonal balance is bass-forward and fun, but reviewers repeatedly flag recessed mids, thin highs, or muddy bass in some tracks.

One reviewer praised the backlit buttons for easy visibility and battery indication.

The battery/status readout is a small but appreciated convenience.

One reviewer had a frustrating app issue where the app showed extra StormBox devices.

Reviewers generally find Sony’s app useful and easy enough, but one review strongly criticizes the license, access, and update friction.

Codec support was only mildly positive because Apple users get AAC, while Android and Windows users are limited to SBC.

LDAC and the SBC/AAC baseline are repeatedly praised, especially for higher-quality Bluetooth audio, with some range and battery tradeoffs.

Physical controls were a highlight, with reviewers praising simple, large, visible, and easy-to-use buttons.

On-device controls cover the basics and are easy to find, but button sounds and rubbery feel create some usability complaints.

Bluetooth range tested well, with reviewers praising outdoor range and long-distance connection performance.

Bluetooth range is generally praised, but LDAC use brings a clear range tradeoff versus AAC/SBC.

Connection stability was usually strong, though one reviewer disliked having to manually reconnect between sessions.

Bluetooth stability is viewed positively, with reviewers citing a stable Bluetooth 5.3 connection and a rock-solid wireless experience.

EQ customization was widely appreciated, but reviewers also noted app/preset limitations and one complaint that XBass cannot layer with other EQs.

The 10-band EQ is useful, but reviewers often note that it cannot fully recreate or fine-tune Sony’s ULT presets.

One reviewer found the app’s smart-feature set limited compared with Ultimate Ears speakers.

Smart extras such as DJ controls, sound optimization, lighting, and app controls are feature-rich but sometimes gimmicky or unused.

One review treated simultaneous two-device connection as a useful convenience for switching sources.

Multipoint connectivity is useful for two people or devices sharing DJ duties without constant reconnecting.

Multi-speaker pairing drew positive reactions for simple pairing, low-latency behavior, and a bigger, wider presentation.

Multi-speaker pairing is praised when using Sony Party Connect, especially for stable and easy syncing versus current Auracast experiences.

Durability feedback was mixed: some found it tough or sturdy, while another reported easy cosmetic tarnishing.

Durability is a strength, with reviewers praising rugged materials, protected radiators, and resistance to outdoor bumps and knocks.

Design reactions were mixed, from attractive and premium-feeling to plain, awkward when laid down, or fabric-related concerns.

Most reviewers like the rugged, premium look, while a few call the rectangular design plain or boring before the lights come on.

Water resistance was viewed positively for pool, patio, and outdoor use, with reviewers comfortable around splashes or submersion.

Water resistance gives reviewers confidence around pools, rain, splashes, and outdoor use.

Value for money was strongly positive across reviews, with praise for sound, features, and affordability despite some quirks.

Reviewers see strong value when discounted or compared with smaller rivals, but cheaper alternatives still challenge it.

Setup was generally viewed as easy, especially pairing through the app or syncing speakers.

Setup can be easy for pairing and Party Connect, but Sony’s app update flow created friction in one review.

One reviewer links the Field 5’s limited output rating to reduced headroom and compression when volume is pushed high.

Party Connect gives the Field 5 useful Sony ecosystem support, but one reviewer calls out the inability to connect it to the ULT Field 1.

The lighting often improves the otherwise plain design and party feel, but at least one reviewer finds it gimmicky.

Microphone presence was treated as a useful extra, especially because some pricier speakers have dropped it.

The power-bank function is consistently treated as handy, practical, and useful for keeping a phone alive during playback.

Privacy sentiment is mixed: no smart-speaker mic is a plus for one reviewer, while app access requests concern another.

One reviewer’s test call sounded good, supporting solid speakerphone performance.

One reviewer reports that latency is not an issue for watching videos on a phone.

High-resolution LDAC support is treated as a strength for sound quality, with a close-range caveat for the best results.

The speaker has real thump, but one reviewer stresses that it does not reach subwoofer-level rumble.