Ultimate Ears Epicboom Review

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom is a robust and portable speaker designed for both casual listeners and audiophiles seeking a powerful audio experience on the go. Its rugged design, crafted from eco-friendly materials, ensures durability, making it suitable for outdoor activities. The speaker delivers impressive 360-degree sound, although its bass might not satisfy those seeking deep lows. It features customizable EQ settings and an Outdoor Boost for enhanced sound in open spaces, though it may not match high-end systems in precision.

With a battery life of up to 17 hours and USB-C charging, it offers convenience, though some may find the recharge time slightly slow. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.3, although the absence of voice assistant support and an AUX input could be drawbacks for some users. Despite being slightly bulkier than some competitors, its water and dust resistance, along with a sturdy build, make it a versatile option.

While it competes with popular models like the JBL Charge 5 and Bose SoundLink Revolve+, the Epicboom stands out with its balanced features and performance. Overall, it is a compelling choice for those seeking a durable and well-rounded portable speaker.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Ultimate Ears Everboom or Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 or Ultimate Ears Hyperboom.

Best offers of the Ultimate Ears Epicboom at Amazon.com Check price Want to help us grow? When you purchase items through the above links we receive a small commission.

The world of portable audio is buzzing with excitement, and one of the latest additions to the market is the Ultimate Ears Epicboom. This mobile speaker promises to deliver a powerful and immersive listening experience, perfect for both casual listeners and audiophiles on the go. Whether you're planning a beach day, a backyard BBQ, or just want to liven up your living room, this speaker aims to bring your music to life with robust sound and convenient portability.

What sets this speaker apart from many others is its combination of rugged design and high-quality audio performance. It’s designed to be your go-to companion for any adventure, offering a seamless blend of durability and style. However, like any gadget, it's not without its quirks. While it boasts impressive features, some users might find its size a bit bulkier compared to other portable options.

In this review, we’ll explore what makes the Ultimate Ears Epicboom stand out, as well as areas where it could improve. From its design and build quality to sound performance, battery life, and connectivity options, we’ll cover everything you need to know to decide if this speaker is the right fit for you. Let’s dive in and see what this device has to offer!

When you first lay eyes on the Ultimate Ears Epicboom, you'll notice its rugged yet modern design that seems ready for anything. This speaker doesn’t just look tough; it feels it too. The exterior is wrapped in a durable fabric made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, which is water-resistant, ideal for poolside parties or beach outings. The Epicboom is also built with environmentally friendly materials, including a minimum of 59% post-consumer recycled plastic. It's designed with portability in mind, without sacrificing style.

The speaker features a cylindrical shape, which isn’t just for aesthetics. This design helps in delivering 360-degree sound, ensuring everyone around gets the same quality audio experience. The controls are intuitive, with large, easy-to-press buttons for volume and power. These buttons are seamlessly integrated into the design, maintaining a sleek appearance while being functional.

However, it’s not all perfect. While the fabric covering is durable, it can attract dust and lint, making it a bit of a hassle to keep clean. But if you’re more focused on performance than spotless looks, this might not be a dealbreaker for you.

The Epicboom's build quality is top-notch, with a solid feel that suggests it can withstand some serious use. It's slightly heavier compared to some competitors, weighing 2kg, but this adds to its durability, giving you peace of mind if it takes an unexpected tumble. It also has an IP67 rating, making it waterproof, dustproof, and floatable.

Overall, the Epicboom strikes a fine balance between being tough and stylish, ready for both indoor and outdoor adventures. It's built to last, and its design is as functional as it is appealing.

The sound performance of the Ultimate Ears Epicboom is, in a word, impressive. This speaker is designed to deliver a bold and immersive audio experience that's perfect for any setting, be it a small room or an outdoor gathering. The sound is clear and dynamic, providing a rich listening experience that can fill a space with ease.

The speaker boasts a remarkable 360-degree sound output, ensuring that no matter where you're standing, you get a consistent and full-bodied audio experience. The bass is deep, though not as deep as some might prefer, and the mids and highs are well-balanced, allowing vocals and instruments to shine without being overshadowed by the bass.

With its customizable EQ feature, the Epicboom allows users to adjust the sound based on their preferences. Additionally, the Outdoor Boost feature enhances sound in outdoor environments. This flexibility is particularly handy when you're on the move or switching between different listening spaces.

However, the speaker might not satisfy audiophiles looking for the utmost precision and clarity found in high-end audio equipment. At maximum volume, there can be some compression, which may impact the clarity of audio reproduction, especially in the low frequencies.

In summary, the sound performance of the Ultimate Ears Epicboom is robust and versatile, making it an excellent choice for casual listeners who enjoy a powerful and engaging sound. While it may not compete with high-end audiophile systems in terms of precision, it more than makes up for it with its practicality and fun factor.

When it comes to battery life, the Ultimate Ears Epicboom offers a solid performance that should satisfy most users. This mobile speaker boasts up to 17 hours of playtime on a full charge, which is quite impressive for its size and sound capability. However, it's noted that this duration is typically achieved at default volume settings (around 45%). Whether you're planning a day at the beach or a night at a friend's place, you can count on it to keep the beats going without needing a recharge. Charging the Epicboom is straightforward, thanks to its USB-C port. This modern charging option is great for those who are tired of fumbling with older micro-USB cables.

It takes around 2.6 hours to fully charge the battery from empty, which is pretty reasonable. However, if you're someone who frequently forgets to charge your devices overnight, this might feel a tad slow compared to some competitors with fast-charging capabilities. While the battery life is generally reliable, be aware that it can vary based on the volume level and the type of music you're playing. Cranking up the volume will, predictably, drain the battery faster. So, if you're planning to use it at max volume for an extended period, keep an eye on the battery level.

Overall, the Ultimate Ears Epicboom's battery life and charging setup are well-suited for most casual and on-the-go listening sessions. Just remember to have that USB-C cable handy for when it finally needs a recharge

The connectivity and features of the Ultimate Ears Epicboom make it a versatile choice for music lovers. First off, it offers Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, which ensures a stable and reliable connection with your devices. This means you can stream your favorite tunes without worrying about annoying dropouts. Plus, the range is quite impressive, so you don't have to stay glued to your speaker.

For those who love a bit of control, the Epicboom is compatible with the Ultimate Ears BOOM app. This app lets you tweak the sound settings to match your preferences and even pair multiple speakers together for a more immersive audio experience. If you’re throwing a party, you can use the PartyUp feature to connect over 150 speakers That's some serious sound power right there.

The speaker does not support voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant. However, it offers a convenient Magic Button for managing playback and playlists directly from the speaker.

Now, while the connectivity is mostly seamless, some users have noted that the speaker lacks an AUX input. So, if you're someone who prefers a wired connection, this might be a slight letdown. But with Bluetooth being so reliable, it might not be a dealbreaker for most.

In terms of features, the Epicboom is also IP67 rated, meaning it's waterproof and dustproof. You can take it to the beach or pool without any worries. It can withstand drops of up to one meter, thanks to its sturdy build.

Overall, the Ultimate Ears Epicboom packs a punch with its connectivity and features, making it a solid option for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience. Whether you're hosting a get-together or enjoying some solo time, this speaker’s got you covered.

When you crack open the box of the Ultimate Ears Epicboom, you'll find a few essentials neatly packed inside. First off, there's the speaker itself, snugly secured to prevent any travel mishaps. Its robust design is immediately noticeable, but more on that later. Alongside the speaker, you'll find a USB-C charging cable. This is a welcome addition, as USB-C is becoming the standard for many devices, ensuring faster charging and more convenience if you already have other USB-C gadgets.

However, a small bummer is the absence of a wall adapter, which means you'll need to use one from another device or purchase one separately if you don't have a spare lying around. There's also a quick start guide included. It's concise and to the point, getting you up and running in no time. The guide covers the basics like pairing the speaker and understanding the button functions, which is handy if you're not into fiddling around with tech.

Lastly, there's a warranty card, which provides information on how to register your product and what to do in case you run into any issues. It's always reassuring to have a warranty, but make sure to give it a quick read to know what it covers. The packaging itself is quite minimalistic but effective. Everything is arranged thoughtfully, making it easy to access each component. So, while the box contents are pretty standard, they cover all the bases you need to start enjoying your new speaker right out of the box.

When it comes to user experience, the Ultimate Ears Epicboom shines in its simplicity and functionality. It's designed to be user-friendly, making it a breeze for anyone to operate. The intuitive controls are placed conveniently on the speaker, allowing you to easily adjust volume, play, pause, or skip tracks without fumbling around. The buttons are tactile and responsive, giving a nice clicky feedback.

In terms of portability, this speaker is a mixed bag. It's compact enough to be carried around, yet it's not the lightest in its category. Weighing in at about 2 kg (approximately 4.4 pounds), it might not be the first choice for a hiking trip, but it's perfect for a backyard BBQ or a beach day. The built-in carry strap is a smart addition, making it easier to grab and go.

The speaker is also water-resistant, with an IP67 rating. This means it's not just splash-proof, but you can actually submerge it in water for a short time without any worries. This feature makes it ideal for pool parties or accidental rain showers. However, it's always better to avoid prolonged exposure to water to ensure its longevity.

Most users find the Epicboom to be quite durable, thanks to its robust build quality. It can withstand minor bumps and drops, making it a reliable companion for outdoor activities. However, some users have noted that the fabric exterior can attract dust and lint, which might require occasional cleaning.

Overall, the user experience with this speaker is mostly positive. It offers the convenience of portability without sacrificing too much on sound quality or build strength. While it might not be the lightest option out there, its durability and water resistance make it a solid choice for those who want a speaker that can handle a bit of adventure.

In the crowded world of mobile speakers, the Ultimate Ears Epicboom faces some stiff competition. Let's take a closer look at how it stacks up against its rivals.

JBL Charge 5

The JBL Charge 5 is a popular choice among music lovers, offering a solid mix of sound quality and durability. It boasts a waterproof design and doubles up as a power bank. However, while its bass is impressive, it doesn't quite match the 360-degree sound experience provided by the Epicboom. If you're looking for a speaker that can charge your phone on the go, the Charge 5 might be a better option.

Bose SoundLink Revolve+

The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ is another competitor worth considering. Known for its premium build and exceptional sound clarity, this speaker offers a slightly more refined audio experience. However, it comes with a heftier price tag. The Epicboom, on the other hand, offers a more rugged design and is generally more affordable without sacrificing too much on sound quality.

Sony SRS-XB33

If you're all about that bass, the Sony SRS-XB33 might catch your eye. It provides a punchy bass and is also equipped with party lights for a fun vibe. However, its sound can sometimes feel a bit muddled at higher volumes. The Epicboom, with its balanced sound profile, might be a better choice for those who prefer clarity over thumping bass.

Anker Soundcore Motion+

For budget-conscious buyers, the Anker Soundcore Motion+ is a solid alternative. It delivers a surprisingly robust sound for its price, but it lacks some of the features and the premium feel of the Ultimate Ears Epicboom. If features like app control and customizable EQ settings are important to you, the Epicboom might justify the extra spend. Each of these competitors brings something unique to the table.

Ultimately, your choice will depend on what you value most in a mobile speaker—be it sound quality, additional features, or price. The Epicboom holds its own with a great balance of features and performance, making it a compelling option among its peers.

Video by: Danny Pops

In conclusion, the Ultimate Ears Epicboom offers a well-rounded package for anyone in need of a mobile speaker. Its robust design and solid build quality, featuring eco-friendly materials like 100% recycled polyester fabric and a minimum of 59% post-consumer recycled plastic, ensure durability, making it an ideal companion for both indoor and outdoor activities. The sound performance is impressive, delivering a rich and immersive audio experience that caters to a variety of musical tastes.

While the battery life is decent at up to 17 hours, it doesn't quite stand out in comparison to some competitors, such as the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom. However, the quick charging capability helps offset this minor drawback. The connectivity options are plentiful and reliable, though some users might find the lack of certain advanced features, like voice assistant integration, a bit limiting.

On the portability front, it's quite user-friendly, though its size might be a tad bulky for those who prefer ultra-compact devices. When stacked against its competitors, it holds its ground well, offering a blend of quality and performance that is hard to beat in its price range.

Overall, if you're seeking a speaker that combines great sound quality, sturdy construction, and a reasonable price, this one makes a compelling choice. It may not be perfect, but its strengths certainly outweigh its few shortcomings, making it a reliable option for music lovers on the go.

Q: Does the speaker support voice assistants?

A: No, the Ultimate Ears Epicboom does not support voice assistants directly. However, you can use voice assistants through a connected device.

Q: Is the speaker waterproof?

A: Yes, the speaker is designed with an IP67 rating, making it both waterproof and dustproof. You can take it to the beach or pool without worrying about water damage.

Q: How can I update the speaker's firmware?

A: You can update the firmware via the Ultimate Ears app. Simply connect your speaker to the app, and it will notify you if a firmware update is available. Follow the in-app instructions to update.

Q: What is the Bluetooth range?

A: The Bluetooth range is approximately 180 feet (about 55 meters) in open areas. However, obstacles like walls may reduce this range.

Q: Can I connect multiple speakers?

A: Yes, you can connect multiple speakers using the PartyUp feature in the app. This allows you to pair more than one speaker for a more immersive sound experience.

Q: Is there a way to play music from a non-Bluetooth device?

A: Unfortunately, the speaker does not include an AUX input for non-Bluetooth devices. You will need to rely on Bluetooth connectivity for audio playback.

Q: How long does it take to fully charge the speaker?

A: It takes approximately 2 hours to fully charge the battery when using a 15W charger. The speaker uses a USB-C charging port.

Q: Can I use the speaker while it is charging?

A: Yes, you can use it while plugged in. Just make sure you’re using a compatible charger to avoid any potential issues.

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