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NOTE: This model is discontinued and may no longer be available to purchase new. See the Ultimate Ears here.

UE Boom review

8.1/10 AVG.
RATING
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UE Boom
UE Boom
UE Boom
UE Boom
UE Boom
UE Boom
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Specs / Features


Make Some Noise: UE BOOM is the 360-degree speaker that drops bold, rich resonant sound in every direction with exceptional bass size. | Up for Anything: UE BOOM has a versatile, go anywhere shape that is designed to be spontaneous | Life-Resistant: Colorful acoustic skin with plasma coating makes UE BOOM water and stain resistant | Live Wirelessly: Switch songs, adjust volume and take phone calls from up to 50 feet away. The rechargeable battery has 15 hours of playback | Double Up: Wirelessly connect two UE BOOMs together in stereo via the UE BOOM app to spread the sound and pump up the volu... More

Make Some Noise: UE BOOM is the 360-degree speaker that drops bold, rich resonant sound in every direction with exceptional bass size. | Up for Anything: UE BOOM has a versatile, go anywhere shape that is designed to be spontaneous | Life-Resistant: Colorful acoustic skin with plasma coating makes UE BOOM water and stain resistant | Live Wirelessly: Switch songs, adjust volume and take phone calls from up to 50 feet away. The rechargeable battery has 15 hours of playback | Double Up: Wirelessly connect two UE BOOMs together in stereo via the UE BOOM app to spread the sound and pump up the volume. Please refer to compatbility information present below.

Less
Wireless
Wireless Inputs Bluetooth
Warranty (Months) -
Size 6 x 6 cm (2.4 x 2.4 in)
Weight N/A
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Reviews summary section

What's good

  • NFC Tap-to-Pair support
  • 8-device memory
  • Pairing support for full stereo
  • Multiple mounting options

What's bad

  • Weak bass
  • Slightly pricey
  • Few preset options in app

When it comes to Bluetooth speakers, you are often forced to choose between portability and sound quality. The Ultimate Ears Boom speaker receives great reviews in both areas. CNet says, “At 1.2 pounds, it's not heavy, but it's also not light and has a little bit of heft to it.” PCMag says that they “have yet to find a speaker of this size put out this much sound.” Of course, volume is not everything. However, What Hi Fi states that “the 360-degree effect promised by Ultimate Ears is effective – the soundfield is wide and spacious.”

The speaker allows for quick pairing through NFC tap-to-pair and the plasma-coated mesh and rubber construction provides excellent durability as well as water- and stain-resistance. Mike Lowe of Pocket-Lint took his to Glastonbury 2013 and said that “at the beginning of a four-hour downpour a slightly soggy Boom sat in the centre of our tent and delivered the tunes to appreciative ears.” CNet tested the clean up of the speaker and said “you can simply wash the speaker off or wipe it down with a damp cloth and it cleans up well.”

Pocket-Lint also applauded the versatility of the speaker, noting that “As well as being positioned flat or stood up on either end, the UE Boom is also designed to sit on a tripod mount, or hang by a tied cord via the included metal loop. It's also possible to slip the UE Boom into a bicycle bottle holder or the mesh slip typical of many backpacks.” Using the smartphone app, it is possible to pair two speakers for extended range or stereo sound as well. With 50-foot pairing range and a battery life tested at nearly 15 hours by both CNet and Tom’s Guide, the UE Boom appears to be fit for both on-the-go or at-home use.

Unfortunately, there are a few shortcomings. Both CNet and PCMag noted that while mids and highs were clear that deep bass was weak and muddled. Then there is the price. As one of the higher priced Bluetooth speakers available, the competition is fierce. CNet said “it's pricier than competitors such as the JBL's cylindrical Flip and Charge, so I was expecting a little more, particularly in the bass department.” However, Michael Gowan of Tom’s Guide echoes the opinion of most reviewers when he states “The UE Boom's combination of ruggedness, features, style and sonic excellence makes it worth the slight premium you pay.”


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