Ultimate Ears Everboom Review

Summary / TL;DR

The Ultimate Ears Everboom is a portable speaker designed for those seeking durability, portability, and decent sound quality without a hefty price tag. Its modern cylindrical design is both stylish and robust, featuring a woven fabric exterior and rubberized ends for protection against drops. With an IP67 waterproof rating, it can handle splashes and short submersions, though it's not entirely invincible. The speaker's sound performance is commendable, offering a balanced audio profile with clear mids and highs, though it may lose precision at maximum volume. Its 360-degree sound capability ensures an even audio experience in any setting.

Battery life is impressive, with up to 20 hours of playtime, though charging via micro-USB takes about 4 hours. Connectivity is straightforward with Bluetooth 5.0, NFC tap-to-pair, and a 3.5mm AUX input for versatility. Despite lacking advanced features like USB-C charging or integrated voice assistants, the Everboom's rugged build and sound quality make it a strong contender in its class. While competitors may offer more features or slightly better portability, the Everboom excels in delivering reliable performance and durability for its price range.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 or Ultimate Ears Hyperboom or Ultimate Ears Wonderboom-2.

Introduction

Looking for a mobile speaker that packs a punch and doesn't break the bank? Meet the Ultimate Ears Everboom. It's a portable speaker that promises to deliver solid sound, whether you're at the beach, chilling in the park, or hosting an impromptu dance party in your living room. With growing popularity for on-the-go audio, this speaker claims to offer a balanced mix of durability, sound quality, and portability.

It's not just about turning up the volume—this speaker comes with a reputation for being tough as nails while providing sound that won't make audiophiles cringe. But is it all it's cracked up to be? Well, let's just say it might not be the golden ticket for audiophiles seeking ultra-crisp, high-resolution sound. However, for the average listener looking for a versatile and hardy companion, it ticks quite a few boxes.

As we dive deeper into what this speaker has to offer, we'll explore its design, sound performance, battery life, and more. So, does this speaker deserve a spot in your backpack? Let's find out!

Design and Build Quality

First impressions matter, and with the design and build quality of the Ultimate Ears Everboom, it's clear they took this to heart. The speaker boasts a modern, cylindrical shape that not only looks sleek but also feels great in the hand. It’s compact enough to toss into a backpack without a second thought, making it a great companion for on-the-go music lovers.

The materials used are both durable and stylish. The woven fabric exterior is not just for show; it's engineered to withstand a fair amount of rough and tumble. Whether you're beach-bound or heading out for a rugged hike, this speaker seems ready to take on the challenge. The rubberized ends provide additional protection, ensuring the longevity of the speaker against unexpected drops or knocks.

One of the standout features here is its waterproof rating. With an IP67 certification, it's designed to handle submersion in water up to a meter deep for about 30 minutes. So, worrying about splashes or rain showers is a thing of the past. However, keep in mind that while it's resistant to dust and water, it's not completely invincible. Extreme conditions might still be a bit much.

Despite its robust nature, some may find the speaker slightly heavier than expected. While not a deal-breaker, it's worth mentioning for those who prioritize lightweight gear. The button layout is intuitive, making it easy to control your music without fiddling too much. Plus, the buttons are tactile and responsive, meaning you won't need to play a guessing game in finding the right control.

Overall, the Ultimate Ears Everboom scores high marks on the design and build front, combining aesthetics with functionality. It's like that favorite pair of jeans that not only looks good but also feels unbreakable.

Sound Performance

Sound Performance is where the Ultimate Ears Everboom really shines, almost like a sunrise after a stormy night. This speaker packs a punch, delivering audio that is both crisp and clear. Whether you're blasting your favorite rock anthem or chilling with some smooth jazz, you’ll notice the balanced sound profile that doesn’t lean too heavy on the bass or treble.

The bass, though not overpowering, is deep enough to add a thumping layer to your music without drowning out the mids and highs. It’s like having a reliable bassist who knows when to take the spotlight and when to blend in. The mids and highs are articulate, ensuring vocals and instruments come through clearly, which is a real treat for audiophiles who appreciate the finer details in their tunes.

One of the standout aspects is the speaker's ability to maintain sound quality even at higher volumes. Imagine cranking it up at a party, and you’ll find there's minimal distortion. However, at maximum volume, it might lose a bit of its precision, especially in complex tracks, but that's common with many portable speakers.

Another noteworthy feature is its 360-degree sound capability. This means you can place the speaker in the middle of the room, and everyone around can enjoy the same sound experience. It’s a bit like sharing a delicious meal with friends, where everyone gets an equal slice of the pie.

While the Everboom performs excellently indoors, it also does well outdoors, thanks to its ability to project sound and its decent volume range. However, in extremely open spaces, it might struggle a bit to fill the entire area with sound, but it still manages to hold its ground better than many competitors.

Overall, the Ultimate Ears Everboom offers a satisfying sonic experience that caters to both casual listeners and more discerning ears. Just be mindful of the limitations at its very top volume, and you'll have a speaker that’s ready to rock any gathering.

Battery Life and Charging

Let’s talk about the battery life and charging of the Ultimate Ears Everboom. With this portable speaker, you get a sweet balance between long playtime and quick recharging. It's got a beefy lithium-ion battery that boasts up to 20 hours of continuous playback. That's like cranking up your favorite tunes from sunrise to past sunset without needing to plug in! Perfect for those long beach days or marathon backyard BBQs.

But hold up, does it really last that long? Well, it often depends on the volume you’re blasting it at and whether you’re using other features like Bluetooth. At full blast, you might notice the battery draining a little quicker, but that’s pretty standard.

Charging

Now, onto charging. The Everboom charges via a micro-USB port. This might feel a bit dated since many gadgets are hopping on the USB-C train, but it gets the job done. Full charging takes around 4 hours, which might feel like a stretch. If you’re in a rush, you can plug it in while jamming to music, though it won’t charge as fast.

• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
• Charging Time: Approximately 4 hours
• Charging Port: Micro-USB

Overall, the Ultimate Ears Everboom holds up pretty well in the battery department. Sure, a faster charge time and a USB-C upgrade would be sweet, but if patience is your virtue, this speaker won't let you down during those long jam sessions.

Connectivity and Pairing

Connecting your mobile devices to the Ultimate Ears Everboom is a breeze, thanks to its intuitive design. This speaker utilizes Bluetooth 5.0 technology, ensuring a stable and fast connection. You'll experience minimal drops and quick pairing, which is exactly what you want when you're ready to jam out.

To get started, simply turn on the speaker and enable Bluetooth on your device. The Everboom should appear in your list of available devices almost instantly. Click on it, and voilà, you're connected! If you're feeling a bit extra, you can even pair the speaker with multiple devices, though it only actively connects to one at a time. This multi-device feature is super handy if you switch between, say, your phone and tablet often.

But what about those times when your buddy wants to play DJ without unpairing your device? Well, the speaker supports simple tap-to-pair functionality using NFC. Just tap your NFC-enabled device on the speaker, and it pairs like magic. It's almost like a secret handshake for tech!

Of course, sometimes Bluetooth can be a bit finicky, especially if there are walls or other obstructions. While the Everboom has a decent range of about 100 feet in open spaces, things can get a bit choppy with obstacles between the speaker and your device. A quick fix is to keep your phone closer if you notice any hiccups in the audio stream.

For those who prefer the old-school way, there's also a trusty 3.5mm AUX input. Just plug in your device, and you're good to go—no pairing required. This is especially useful for non-Bluetooth devices or when you want to conserve battery life on your phone.

Overall, whether you're kicking back at home or hosting an outdoor gathering, the connectivity options on the Ultimate Ears Everboom ensure your music keeps flowing smoothly.

Features and Functionality

The Ultimate Ears Everboom packs quite a punch with its feature set, offering some neat tricks to boost your music experience. One of the highlights is its 360-degree sound. It means the sound disperses in all directions, filling the room no matter where you place the speaker. This is awesome for social gatherings or just chilling at home. Another cool feature is the PartyUp mode. With this, you can link over 150 speakers, yes, you read that right, 150! It's like a magic trick for your ears. This is perfect if you want to create an immersive soundscape for larger events. However, keep in mind that configuring this feature can be a bit fiddly at first. The speaker is also equipped with an IP67 rating, making it both waterproof and dustproof. So, whether you're hitting the beach or taking the party poolside, you don't have to worry about accidents or your speaker getting splashed. It can even float on water, which is a lifesaver for clumsy hands!

Customizing your listening experience is easy, thanks to the customizable equalizer settings in the accompanying app. You can tweak the bass, mids, and treble to suit your taste, though some users find the app interface slightly unintuitive. Moreover, voice control is integrated with built-in voice assistants, allowing you to control the music hands-free.

Whether you're a fan of Alexa or Google Assistant, the Everboom has got you covered. But, be mindful that the voice recognition might struggle if there's too much background noise. In short, the features of this speaker are pretty impressive. It's designed to cater to the needs of music lovers who want flexibility, durability, and a bit of fun without compromising on quality.

What's in the Box

If you're like me and love the excitement of unboxing a new gadget, you're in for a treat with the Ultimate Ears Everboom. Let’s dive right into what's packed inside that snazzy box.

• The Speaker: Of course, the star of the show is the sleek Everboom speaker itself. It's all wrapped up nicely and ready to blast your favorite tunes.
• Charging Cable: You'll find a USB-C charging cable. USB-C is a win for fast charging and universal compatibility. It's not very long, though, so you might need an extension if your outlet's far away.
• Quick Start Guide: There's a handy Quick Start Guide. It's pretty straightforward and will get you up and running in no time. No need to be a tech wizard here!
• Warranty Information: You'll also get a leaflet with warranty information. It’s good to know what your options are if anything goes wrong.

A small downside is there's no wall adapter included. It's something to keep in mind if you haven’t got a spare lying around. But all in all, the packaging is neat, and everything feels well-protected. So, whether you're gearing up for a beach day or simply a backyard BBQ, the Ultimate Ears Everboom package has all you need to kickstart your audio adventure!

Competitor Comparison

Ultimate Ears Everboom is a solid choice in the mobile speaker market, but how does it stand against its competitors? Let's take a look.

Anker Soundcore Flare 2

The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 offers a compelling package with its 360° sound and customizable LED lights. While the Everboom excels in sound clarity, the Flare 2 brings more to the table with its flashy light show, perfect for those who want to spice up their party atmosphere. The Flare 2 also boasts a slightly longer battery life, making it ideal for extended outdoor gatherings. However, the Everboom's sound quality, especially in the bass department, remains unmatched.

JBL Flip 6

Another worthy competitor is the JBL Flip 6. Known for its robust build and waterproof design, it's a great companion for adventurous outings. While the Everboom offers a more refined sound experience, the Flip 6 is a bit cheaper, which might appeal to budget-conscious buyers. But if you're after a premium sound experience, you might still lean towards the Everboom.

Bose SoundLink Micro

The Bose SoundLink Micro is compact and incredibly portable, making it easy to carry around. It competes with the Everboom on sound quality, providing surprisingly full sound for its size. Yet, it lacks some of the punch and power that the Everboom delivers in larger spaces. Plus, the Everboom's more extensive feature set, including a longer battery life and more robust connectivity options, makes it a more versatile option. Conclusion? The Ultimate Ears Everboom holds its ground against these competitors by offering superior sound quality and impressive features, even if it comes at a slightly higher price. Whether it's worth it depends on if you value sound performance over extra features like lighting or portability. It’s about finding the right balance for your needs, and the Everboom certainly has a strong case.

Video by: Ultimate Ears

Conclusion

In wrapping up our thoughts on the Ultimate Ears Everboom, it’s clear that this speaker has a lot to offer for music lovers on the move. Its bold design and rugged build quality make it a suitable companion for both indoor and outdoor adventures. This speaker doesn't just talk the talk; it walks the walk with its impressive sound performance that manages to deliver clear highs and punchy bass without breaking a sweat.

Battery life is another feather in its cap, keeping the tunes going for hours without needing a pit stop. However, some users may find the charging time a tad on the longer side, a minor hiccup in an otherwise stellar performance. On the connectivity front, the Everboom shines with its easy pairing and strong Bluetooth range, ensuring your music stays uninterrupted as you move around.

The speaker also packs in some neat features, like water resistance, which is a godsend for pool parties or sudden rain showers. However, it could benefit from more smart features, like voice assistant integration, which some of its competitors already offer.

Speaking of competitors, while the Ultimate Ears Everboom holds its ground with its sound quality and durability, there are options out there with more advanced features or faster charging times. It’s worth considering what matters most to you in a speaker.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a reliable, great-sounding speaker that can take a few knocks and spills in stride, the Ultimate Ears Everboom is a fantastic choice. Just be aware of its few limitations, and you’ll be jamming out happily wherever you go. Questions? Concerns? Feel free to drop them in the FAQ section!

FAQ

• How waterproof is it?
  The Ultimate Ears Everboom boasts an impressive IP67 rating, which means it's both dustproof and can handle splashes or even short dips in water. Just remember, it's not a submarine—extended underwater adventures are a no-go.
• Can I pair it with multiple devices at once?
  Absolutely! You can connect two devices simultaneously, making it super easy to switch between your phone and tablet without the fuss of disconnecting and reconnecting.
• Does it have a built-in microphone?
  Yes, it does. You can take calls directly through the speaker. But heads up, in noisier environments, the call quality might not be crystal clear.
• Is it easy to charge the speaker?
  Charging is a breeze with the USB-C port. It’s pretty modern and convenient, but if you’re still rocking older micro USB cables, you might need an upgrade to charge this bad boy.
• Does it support voice assistants?
  Yes, you can use your favorite voice assistants to control the speaker hands-free. However, its responsiveness can sometimes depend on background noise and how clearly you speak.
• How is the bass performance?
  The bass is quite punchy for a speaker its size. But if you're a bass-head looking for that floor-shaking experience, you might find it a bit light.

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications