Ultimate Ears Everboom Review: Versatile Bluetooth Speaker with Solid Performance
UE’s 2024 portable speaker promises powerhouse performance
Ultimate Ears Everboom: Brief overview
The Ultimate Ears Everboom faced a challenging position among its lineup, overshadowed by the Megaboom and Epicboom models. Despite this, it manages to carve out its own space as a portable powerhouse without the bulk. Weighing just 960g and featuring a sturdy metal carabiner clip, it’s easy to carry around compared to its counterparts.
Sonically, the Everboom isn’t flawless; at maximum volume, slight distortions may be noticeable, and audiophiles might find the sound less expansive compared to higher-end speakers. However, it performs admirably well across various scenarios. Whether you’re hosting a party or unwinding with a podcast, its 360-degree sound fills the room effectively. Plus, with up to 20 hours of battery life, it ensures long-lasting entertainment without frequent recharges.
If things get chaotic at your party, the Everboom is built to endure minor drops and extended submersion – it’s IP67 rated and floats, making it an ideal companion for adventurous outings where unexpected mishaps might occur. However, keep in mind that the Everboom lacks Wi-Fi music streaming support (unlike the Sonos Roam 2) and doesn’t include a 3.5mm aux port, restricting you to Bluetooth for playing tracks, which still delivers solid performance.
Priced at $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$349, the market offers plenty of alternatives. For home use, you could consider the Sonos Era 10 from our top wireless speakers list, or opt for the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) featured in our best Bluetooth speakers roundup. For a more budget-friendly choice, the UE Wonderboom 3 (or the recently released Wonderboom 4) is available at $99.99 / £89.99 / AU$149.
Nevertheless, the Ultimate Ears Everboom holds its ground with its robust build and impressive performance, qualities that set it apart from many competitors. Whether you seek a top-tier party speaker or a versatile audio gadget, the Everboom proves itself a reliable choice.
Ultimate Ears Everboom: Price & Availability
Ultimate Ears Everboom: Price & Availability
The Ultimate Ears Everboom hit the shelves on June 26, 2024, in the US and UK, priced at $249.99 / £249.99. It arrived in Australia on July 22, 2024, priced at AU$349.
Comparatively, the UE Megaboom models retail at $199.99 / £169.99 (US and UK), while the higher-end UE Epicboom launched at $349 / £340 / AU$499. This positions the Everboom as a mid-range option offering a balance of cost, performance, and size.
Initially available in two color options – Charcoal Black with lime accents and Azure Blue with light blue accents – Ultimate Ears plans to introduce two additional colorways later in the year: Raspberry Red with light blue accents and Enchanting Lilac with lime accents.
Ultimate Ears Everboom: Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 960g |
| Dimensions | 11.0 cm (L) x 8.5 cm (W) x 20.5 cm (H) |
| Battery Life (quoted) | 20 hours |
| Maximum Volume | 90dBC (normal) / 91dBC (outdoor boost) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Drivers | Two 56.6 x 56.2mm active full range transducers; |
| Two 49.4 x 87 mm passive radiators | |
| Aux In | No |
| Charger Port | USB-C |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 |
Ultimate Ears Everboom Review: Design
Ultimate Ears Everboom Review: Design
The Ultimate Ears Everboom strikes a balance between size and portability, making it big enough to deliver robust sound yet still manageable for on-the-go use. Its IP67 rating ensures it’s dustproof and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. Notably, it floats, which is handy if it accidentally ends up in water but affects audio quality if used while floating. This makes it ideal for outdoor gatherings where unexpected splashes or rain showers won’t be an issue, though rinsing it with freshwater after water exposure is recommended.
In terms of aesthetics, the Everboom resembles its predecessor, the Epicboom, featuring large volume buttons on the front and essential controls (power, Bluetooth, Outdoor Boost, play/pause) on top. A USB-C port at the base is protected against water ingress.
While smaller and lighter than the Epicboom, measuring 11.0 cm x 8.5 cm x 20.5 cm and weighing 960g, the Everboom still requires some space in a bag. Its practical carabiner clip comes in handy, allowing you to attach it to a backpack or belt loop for easy transport, keeping your hands free while enjoying music or podcasts on the move.
Design Score: 5/5
Ultimate Ears Everboom Review: Features
Ultimate Ears Everboom Review: Features
The Ultimate Ears Everboom boasts several impressive features, accessible through the UE Boom app available on both iPhone and Android.
One standout feature is the customizable equalizer, offering presets like “Bass Boost” or “Podcast/Vocal”, allowing users to tailor the sound profile to their preferences. Additionally, the app enables PartyUp functionality, enabling the synchronization of multiple compatible Ultimate Ears speakers for simultaneous playback. If you own two Everbooms, they can be paired to function as a stereo pair.
Another noteworthy addition is the Megaphone feature, also found in other UE speakers, which amplifies messages spoken into your phone’s microphone through the Everboom.
However, it’s worth noting that the Everboom does not include a 3.5mm port or built-in microphones.
Ultimate Ears Everboom Review: Features
The Ultimate Ears Everboom offers a range of features designed to enhance user experience, with some accessible without the need for the UE Boom app. For instance, its built-in NFC feature allows instant pairing with NFC-compatible smartphones (Android 8.0 or later) by simply touching the device to the speaker’s top.
Additionally, the Everboom features an Outdoor Boost mode that optimizes sound for outdoor environments by boosting volume up to a maximum of 91dBC, one decibel louder than standard.
However, the Everboom does have some limitations. It lacks a 3.5mm port and microphones, which means it cannot be used as a smart speaker or for hands-free calls. Furthermore, it does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
While these omissions may not affect everyone, they do limit the Everboom’s versatility compared to some competitors. Despite this, it remains a solid Bluetooth speaker.
Features Score: 3.5/5
Ultimate Ears Everboom Review: Sound Quality
Ultimate Ears Everboom Review: Sound Quality
While a sleek design and innovative features are attractive, the true measure of any speaker lies in its sound quality, and the Ultimate Ears Everboom excels in this regard.
Firstly, it boasts impressive volume capabilities, reaching a maximum of 90dBC (or 91dBC with Outdoor Boost). This ensures it can produce sound levels far beyond typical indoor needs, though prudent use is recommended to avoid disturbing neighbors!
In terms of audio fidelity, the Everboom delivers a compelling performance across various genres. Vocals are clear and vibrant, as demonstrated by Sabrina Carpenter’s “Please, Please, Please.” Tracks like Glass Animals’ “Tokyo Drifting” maintain a dynamic balance with emphatic bass without overwhelming other frequencies. Even intricate compositions like the jazz classic “Caravan” are rendered with clarity and coherence, though some listeners may find the sound could be richer.
The speaker’s 360-degree soundstage enhances its versatility, ensuring consistent audio quality from any orientation.
Sound Quality Score: 4/5
Ultimate Ears Everboom Review: Value
Ultimate Ears Everboom Review: Value
Priced at $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$349, the Ultimate Ears Everboom sits comfortably in the mid-range of Bluetooth speakers. While not the most affordable option, its premium materials and design justify the cost. Despite lacking advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity, it compensates with impressive durability and waterproofing, making it versatile for various environments.
In terms of sound quality, there are competitors at a similar price point that offer slightly better performance, although the Everboom still delivers commendably. Its strength lies in its balance of portability and ruggedness, catering well to outdoor use.
If you seek a speaker primarily for home use with Wi-Fi connectivity, alternatives like Sonos or other recommended wireless speakers might be more suitable. However, for those needing a versatile, durable Bluetooth speaker, the Ultimate Ears Everboom offers solid value.
Value Score: 4/5
Is the Ultimate Ears Everboom worth buying?
Certainly! Here’s the information formatted as a Markdown table:
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | We’ve levied similar critique at other UE speakers; while it’s a solid Bluetooth speaker, it’s just a Bluetooth speaker. | 3.5/5 |
| Design | It’s portable, waterproof, looks kinda stylish; what else do you want from a Bluetooth speaker? | 5/5 |
| Sound Quality | Very good sound, though it can struggle a tad when you really push it. | 4/5 |
| Value | The UE Everboom finds a sweet spot between portability and sound, though it feels just a little pricey compared to some of its rivals. | 4/5 |
Buy it if…
If you’re in the market for a waterproof speaker with excellent sound quality,
consider the Everboom. It’s designed to entertain and survive accidental dips
into pools, seas, or lakes.
For those seeking portability, the Everboom weighs less than 1kg and includes
a carabiner clip, making it easy to carry around despite its size.
If you’re looking for something visually appealing, the Everboom’s iconic large
volume controls and vibrant fabric-jacketed designs exude fun and personality,
adding a touch of excitement to any setting.
Don’t buy it if…
If you’re seeking one of the best wireless speakers, note that the Everboom offers Bluetooth connectivity but lacks Wi-Fi capability for direct streaming from music services, unlike some competitors.
For those requiring a wired connection, the Everboom supports a 3.5mm input, making it suitable for your needs.
If budget is a concern, it’s worth noting that the Everboom is on the pricier side among UE speakers. Consider alternatives like the Wonderboom 3 (or the newer Wonderboom 4) for more budget-friendly options.
Also, consider:
Ultimate Ears Epicboom
If you’re willing to invest a bit more and prioritize sound quality over portability, the UE Epicboom could be a better fit. It features a larger, more substantial design and delivers more powerful audio drivers for a more impactful listening experience.
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom
As of now, we haven’t tested the newly launched fourth-generation model, but historically, the Wonderboom 3 stands out as our top choice for the best waterproof speaker. It comes at a lower price point compared to the Everboom and boasts a more compact size, though it may not match the Everboom’s performance capabilities.
Sonos Roam 2
Sonos has earned its reputation in the audio industry for good reason, and its Wi-Fi enabled speakers are highly regarded. The Roam 2 not only seamlessly integrates into any Sonos setup but also offers portability with Bluetooth compatibility.
How I Tested the Ultimate Ears Everboom
How I Tested the Ultimate Ears Everboom
Over a two-week period, I thoroughly evaluated the Ultimate Ears Everboom in various settings to gauge its performance and versatility. I compared it against the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom, as well as the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) and Sonos Sub, to assess its audio capabilities across different scenarios.
I extensively used the Everboom at home, in my garden, and during a beach outing to evaluate its sound quality and battery endurance in real-world conditions. To verify its durability, I even submerged it in a filled bathtub to confirm its floating feature, which thankfully held true. Note: drying it off afterward prevented any unwanted water accumulation.
In terms of audio testing, I played a wide range of music genres—from hip-hop to metal—as well as podcasts and movies to test its performance across various content types.
