ReviewFinder Portable Bluetooth Speakers

Ultimate Ears Epicboom

🤖 Beep-boop. I can read reviews REALLY FAST and summarize. Do you have any questions about Ultimate Ears Epicboom?
Sound quality
Battery life
Portability
Durability
Connectivity
Additional features
Expand

14 Verified Hands-On Reviews

To combat fake reviews we only accept video reviews from verified channels. Each review must show the product and the face of the reviewer.

Expert reviews [14]

76
Total expert reviews: 14
  • with a score: 8
  • without a score: 6
Highest score by What Hi-Fi
80
Average score based on 14 reviews
76
Lowest score by The Verge
60

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
60
The Ultimate Ears Epicboom wireless speaker offers ruggedized build, powerful 360-degree sound, and long battery life, but lacks features like voice assistants, multi-room audio synchronization, and Wi-Fi connectivity that are expected at its premium price of $350. While it performs well, it falls short in terms of value compared to other Bluetooth speakers on the market.
+ pros
  • Ruggedized and waterproof build.
  • Powerful 360-degree sound.
  • Up to 17 hours of battery life.
  • USB-C port.
  • Outdoor mode for increased loudness.
  • Magic button feature for preset playlists.
  • Can be stereo-paired or linked with other UE speakers in party mode.
- cons
  • Lack of voice assistants, multi-room audio synchronization, and other premium features.
  • Inferior audio quality compared to more expensive speakers like the Sonos Move 2.
  • Compression and bass crackling at maximum volume.
  • Limited adaptive EQ functionality.
  • Expensive for the features it offers.
  • Lack of AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, Chromecast, Google Assistant, line-in, speakerphone functionality, and Spotify Connect.
  • Limited value compared to other Bluetooth speakers on the market.
Show all 14 reviews
ReviewFinder: authentic product reviews summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom is a highly praised Bluetooth speaker that offers impressive sound quality, durability, and portability, making it suitable for various listening needs.

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom is a highly praised Bluetooth speaker that offers impressive sound quality, durability, and portability. Experts have praised its sound balance, with deep and full bass, clear mid-range, and clean sound signature. It offers ample volume and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, making it versatile for various listening needs.

The Epicboom also boasts a good battery life of up to 17 hours on a single charge, making it suitable for extended listening sessions or outdoor activities. It charges relatively quickly, taking around 2-3 hours to fully charge. While its battery life may not be exceptional compared to some other speakers, it should still meet the needs of most users.

In terms of portability, the Epicboom strikes a good balance between size and sound quality. It comes with a built-in strap and various carrying options, making it easy to transport and hang. While it may not be as compact and lightweight as some smaller speakers, it is still considered portable and suitable for everyday use.

Durability is another strong point of the Epicboom, with its rugged build and sustainable materials. It has undergone durability testing and is resistant to impacts, water, and dust. This makes it suitable for outdoor activities and rough handling, ensuring its longevity.

Connectivity-wise, the Epicboom offers a strong and stable Bluetooth connection with a range of up to 180 feet. It is compatible with other Ultimate Ears products, allowing for easy pairing and expanding the audio setup. The PartyUp feature also enables wireless connection of multiple speakers for a more immersive audio experience.

Additional features of the Epicboom include its water resistance, customizable EQ settings, and the ability to float in water. It does not have voice control or Wi-Fi capabilities, but it is designed to be a portable Bluetooth speaker with a focus on high-quality sound.

Overall, the Ultimate Ears Epicboom is a versatile and feature-packed Bluetooth speaker that is suitable for various use cases. Whether you're hosting a poolside party, enjoying music on the go, or looking for a durable and portable speaker, the Epicboom delivers impressive sound quality and withstands the elements.

Sound quality

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom is a highly praised speaker with impressive sound quality, deep bass, balanced mid-range, and a range of features that make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom is praised by experts for its impressive sound quality. The bass performance is deeper and fuller compared to other smaller speakers in the same series, providing a linear bass at low volumes and attenuating the bass as the volume is increased to protect the woofer.

The speaker offers a balanced mid-range, reproducing voices with clarity and accuracy, making it suitable for listening to podcasts. The sound signature is relatively clean and free from muddy and fuzzy sound, providing an enjoyable listening experience with its pleasant sound balance.

The maximum volume output of the Epicboom is 94 dBC, which can be bumped up to 95 dBC with the Outdoor Boost feature. This makes it suitable for outdoor gatherings or medium-sized indoor events.

In terms of specifications and features, the Epicboom offers 360-degree sound, a wide frequency range from 50Hz to 20kHz, an internal microphone with adaptive EQ, a substantial 4. 6-inch woofer for impressive bass clarity, and a pair of 1. 7-inch active transducers for mid and high frequencies. The speaker is also designed for outdoor use, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, and an Outdoor Mode preset that enhances audio for larger and more open spaces.

Overall, the Ultimate Ears Epicboom is praised for its natural sound balance, ample volume, energetic sound, and nice bass thump. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, making it a versatile option for various listening needs.

Show product research

Battery life

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom offers a battery life of up to 17 hours, making it suitable for extended listening sessions or outdoor activities without needing to recharge, although it falls short compared to some other speakers on the market.

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom offers a battery life of up to 17 hours on a single charge, according to multiple expert reviews. This makes it suitable for extended listening sessions or outdoor activities without needing to recharge. The charging time for the Epicboom is around 2-3 hours, with a 15W charger allowing for a full charge in 2 hours using the USB-C to USB-C cable provided.

While the Epicboom does not have specific power-saving features mentioned by experts, its impressive battery life should still meet the needs of most users.

The battery life of the Epicboom can vary depending on the volume level at which it is used. At a volume level of 45%, the speaker is advertised to have a battery life of up to 17 hours, a claim supported by reviewers. Some reviews suggest that the battery life might last longer than 17 hours, especially when playing music at around 50% volume.

However, playing the speaker at higher volume levels will consume more power and decrease the overall battery life.

Compared to other speakers, the Epicboom's battery life is considered good but not exceptional. It falls short of the Megaboom 3 and Hyperboom, which offer longer battery life of 20 and 24 hours respectively. However, it outperforms some similarly sized speakers like the Sony SRS-XE300 and Sony SRS-XG300, which provide at least 24 hours of playtime.

Overall, the Epicboom's battery life should be sufficient for everyday use and portable convenience, but users seeking even longer playtime may consider alternatives like the Megaboom 3 or the Sonos Move 2. Additionally, the Epicboom can be used while charging, allowing users to start using the speaker without waiting for it to be fully charged.

Show product research

Portability

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom is a portable speaker that offers a balance between portability and powerful sound, with a built-in strap and various carrying options.

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom is a portable speaker with dimensions of 9. 4 x 6. 3 x 4. 6 inches and weighs approximately 4. 4 pounds. While it may not be as compact and lightweight as some smaller Bluetooth speakers, it offers a balance between portability and powerful sound.

The Epicboom comes with a built-in strap made of nylon or woven cloth, allowing for easy one-handed carrying. The strap has a magnetized end that clicks into place on the speaker when not in use, keeping it neat and tidy. Additionally, the speaker features a nylon lanyard and a carrying handle that magnetically clips onto its body, providing various options for carrying and hanging.

The larger size and weight of the Epicboom may make it less suitable for throwing into a backpack or carry-on luggage, but it is still considered portable. It is ideal for everyday music listening and can be easily transported using its built-in strap. The Epicboom is also designed to be hung on the edge of a table or chair, providing a convenient storage solution.

Overall, the Ultimate Ears Epicboom offers a good balance between portability and powerful sound, making it suitable for various use cases such as carrying it around the house, hanging it at a picnic, or taking it to the beach.

Show product research

Durability

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom is a highly durable and rugged Bluetooth speaker made from sustainable materials, making it suitable for outdoor use and active lifestyles.

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom is highly praised for its durability and ruggedness. It is constructed using sustainable materials, including recycled plastic and fabric, which not only contribute to its durability but also align with Ultimate Ears' commitment to eco-friendliness.

The speaker has undergone durability testing, including drop tests and water immersion tests, and has proven to be resilient in handling impacts and water exposure.

The Epicboom's durability is attributed to its build materials, waterproof and dustproof design, and drop-safe construction. The recycled plastic used in its body provides a rugged build, making it resistant to impacts. The coarse woven fabric adds to its durability, ensuring it can withstand everyday use.

The IP67 rating guarantees protection against water and dust, making it suitable for outdoor use. The speaker is also drop-safe from a height of three feet, making it more durable for outdoor adventures.

The Epicboom's durability makes it suitable for various use cases. It can withstand accidental drops, making it ideal for outdoor activities and active use. Its waterproof and dustproof design makes it suitable for poolside parties or beach trips. The speaker's rugged construction ensures its longevity, allowing it to handle rough handling and various environments.

Overall, the Ultimate Ears Epicboom is a reliable and durable Bluetooth speaker for those looking for a sustainable and long-lasting option.

Show product research

Connectivity

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom offers a strong and stable Bluetooth connection, compatibility with other UE products, and the PartyUp feature for wirelessly connecting multiple speakers, making it a reliable and versatile choice for expanding your audio setup.

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom offers a strong and stable Bluetooth connection with a range of up to 180 feet (55 meters), according to expert reviews. This means you can enjoy a reliable connection even when you're far away from the speaker, whether you're in the same room or wandering around your garden.

The Bluetooth connection remains stable even when walking over 20 meters away from the speaker, ensuring a consistent audio experience.

While the Epicboom does not have Wi-Fi connectivity or voice assistant integration, it is designed for straightforward Bluetooth pairing with your smartphone. This simplifies the setup and use process, making it easy to play your favorite music without any additional features or complications.

The Epicboom is also compatible with other Ultimate Ears products, allowing you to pair it with other UE models such as the Boom 3, Megaboom 3, Hyperboom, or even another Epicboom. Ultimate Ears provides an app that facilitates easy pairing with other speakers, adjusting settings, and customizing the equalizer.

Additionally, the Epicboom supports UE's PartyUp feature, which enables wireless connection of multiple UE speakers for a more immersive audio experience.

Overall, the Ultimate Ears Epicboom offers ease of connectivity with its strong Bluetooth connection, compatibility with other UE products, and the PartyUp feature for wirelessly connecting multiple speakers. It is a suitable choice for those who prioritize a reliable Bluetooth connection and the ability to expand their audio setup with other UE speakers.

Show product research

Additional features

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom is a water-resistant Bluetooth speaker with impressive sound quality, customizable settings, and the ability to connect with other speakers for a more immersive audio experience.

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom is a water-resistant Bluetooth speaker with an IP67 rating, allowing it to withstand immersion in water up to one meter for 30 minutes. It is designed to float in water, making it ideal for poolside parties or beach trips. The speaker does not have a built-in microphone for voice control and is purely a Bluetooth speaker with no Wi-Fi or voice assistant capabilities.

It is compatible with the Ultimate Ears Boom app, which allows you to pair it with other Ultimate Ears speakers, but it is not compatible with Sonos products or the Sonos app.

The Epicboom is designed to be a portable Bluetooth speaker and is lightweight and compact for easy portability. It has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, making it suitable for outdoor use in various environments. It is durable enough to withstand all weather conditions and can even be submerged in water.

The speaker floats, so there is no risk of it sinking if it falls into the water.

Unique features of the Epicboom include its 360-degree booming bass, adaptive EQ for optimized sound in any environment, customizable EQ settings, and a long battery life of up to 17 hours. It also supports the PartyUp feature, allowing you to connect multiple Ultimate Ears speakers for a more immersive audio experience.

The speaker is built to be durable and resistant to drops and dirt.

Overall, the Ultimate Ears Epicboom is a versatile and feature-packed Bluetooth speaker that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It offers impressive water resistance, customizable sound settings, and the ability to connect with other Ultimate Ears speakers for a more immersive audio experience.

Whether you're hosting a poolside party or enjoying music on the go, the Epicboom is designed to deliver high-quality sound and withstand the elements.

Show product research

Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all portable bluetooth speakers.

Rank Change Price Bluetooth Speaker
TechHive
PCMag
SoundGuys
WIRED
Tom's Guide
Popular Mechanics
Rtings.com
TechRadar
What Hi-Fi
Digital Trends
1
- $178
Sonos Roam 2
-
-
-
2
8
-
-
1
-
4
2
- $140
JBL Charge 5
The JBL Charge 5 is highly praised for its improved sound quality, robust design, and long battery life, though it faces criticism for lacking an AUX port and having connectivity issues with the JBL app.
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
6
1
-
3
- $100
Beats Pill
-
8
3
13
-
-
-
-
-
1
4
- $100
JBL Flip 6
The JBL Flip 6 is a durable and powerful portable Bluetooth speaker with a long battery life, PartyBoost feature, and water and dust resistance.
-
-
-
-
6
-
-
3
2
8
Show all rows
Ultimate Ears Epicboom did not receive any endorsements this month.