As technological evolution continues to make leaps and bounds in the consumer marketplace, a flood of affordable wireless speakers has hit the market, all with claims of superiority. But sound quality, craftsmanship, durability and usage flexibility are by no means consistent, and finding the right wireless speaker system can be a tedious process. Thankfully, we’ve found a tech-Goldilocks zone in Logitech’s UE Boom wireless speakers.
The Ultimate Ears Boom is a compact, durable wireless speaker made to provide a 360-degree sound design, with up to 15 hours of battery life. Add powerful and clear midrange & treble, with a strong low-end, and you’ve got a versatile little blaster that’s well worth the price tag.
It’s a tough one
The UE Boom sports a special “acoustic skin with plasma coating” that makes it water and stain resistant. If it gets dirty, wash it off! Yes, running a speaker under water is going to take some getting used to, but the entire premise of the UE Boom is to provide excellent sound you can take with you everywhere you go (even in the shower). It’s going to have to endure the lifestyle of its owner, so it needs to be tougher than the average speaker. And it is.
Design
The Boom comes in six different colors: black, red, white, blue, pink and moss green. The soft rubberized finish may show a little dirt and grime over time, and even a bit of oils from your skin as you hold it, but a light cleaning job takes care of that. Behind the sexy mesh fabric covering the speaker are two 1.5-inch full-range drivers and dual 2-inch passive radiators, to provide higher volumes without tinniness, and deeper frequencies that provide a fuller sound in both indoor and outdoor settings. Also, there’s something instantly gratifying about hearing the gently enthusiastic bongo beat when the UE Boom is powered on. Sometimes the little things matter.
Spread the sound
A portable speaker that supports Bluetooth and wired connections, the Boom allows you to connect with your cell phone, tablet or laptop with remarkable ease. Wirelessly connect another Ultimate Ears BOOM speaker (not included) for powerful sound (requires Ultimate Ears BOOM app, download required).
Waking up to your chosen Spotify playlist or favorite Pandora station is simple when paired with the UE Boom, as it can link with your phone’s alarm clock to provide the best musical start to your day. As an added bonus, you can connect the Boom with multiple devices to take turns sharing songs, so your friends can get in on the playlist party. And if you’re into a bit of a prankster, you can stash the speaker in a hidden spot and play all kinds of sonic tricks on unsuspecting companions. We’re not suggesting that you load your phone up with the sounds of angry bears and hungry wolves for your camping trip with the guys. We’re just saying it’s possible.
Downside Shmownside
The bass is solid for such a small speaker, but such a small size will undoubtedly possess low-end output limitations. Don’t expect this to go rattling your car windows – that’s not what it’s made for. The $200 price tag is a little sharp, but after two months of use the UE Boom is undiminished in sound quality, presentation and functional reliability.
Find out more and pick up a UE Boom speaker of your own at the official Ultimate Ears site.
