Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 Review

Summary / TL;DR

The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 stands out as a solid portable speaker option, offering a sleek design and robust build quality. Its cylindrical shape and two-tone fabric make it both stylish and durable, with an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. The speaker boasts impressive sound performance, delivering rich bass and clear highs with 360-degree sound. However, audiophiles might find the mid-range clarity slightly lacking.

The battery life is commendable, lasting up to 20 hours on a single charge, though this may decrease at higher volumes. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth capability and multiple device pairing, although the absence of an AUX input could be a drawback for some. The speaker is also compatible with voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant, adding to its versatility.

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

Introduction

Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 Review

Are you on the lookout for a portable speaker that can turn any gathering into a party? Look no further! The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 promises to deliver booming bass, stellar sound quality, and a range of features that make it stand out in a crowded market.

But what makes this speaker truly special? Is it the waterproof design, long-lasting battery, or the intuitive controls? Maybe it's the combination of all these elements! I'll walk you through everything you need to know about this powerful gadget.

However, like every product, it has a few quirks. But hey, no one's perfect, right? Let's dive in and see if the MEGABOOM 3 is worth your hard-earned cash.

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Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 stands out with its sleek and modern look. The cylindrical shape not only looks cool but it also helps deliver 360-degree sound. What’s not to love? Hold on, let’s dive deeper! The exterior is wrapped in a two-tone fabric that's both stylish and practical. It’s the same material used in motorcycle jackets and fire equipment, so you know it’s tough. The fabric is also dustproof and waterproof, boasting an IP67 rating. This means it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Go ahead, take it to your pool party without a second thought. The buttons are big and easy to press, especially the prominent "+" and "-" volume controls. However, the placement of other buttons like the power and Bluetooth pairing ones could be more intuitive. Users sometimes find them hard to locate, especially in low light. On the downside, the speaker does feel a bit hefty, which might be a dealbreaker if you’re looking for something super light. But hey, that’s the price you pay for a robust build. The MEGABOOM 3’s weight gives it a sturdy feel—like it could survive a drop or two without a scratch.

The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 is available in several vibrant colors, so you can match it with your style or event. From classic black to funky red, there’s something for everyone. The fabric's slight shimmer adds a touch of elegance, making it not just a speaker but a piece of décor. In a nutshell, the design and build quality of this speaker is a mix of form and function. It’s both visually appealing and rugged enough for adventurous outings.

Sound Performance

When it comes to sound performance, the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 truly shines. This speaker delivers a punchy, immersive experience that can fill any room, or even an outdoor space, with a rich and balanced sound. The 360-degree sound ensures that no matter where you place it, you'll get an evenly distributed audio experience. One thing that stands out is the bass. It’s deep and resonant without being overpowering. Ever felt like the bass in some speakers just drowns everything else? Not here. The MEGABOOM 3 manages to strike a sweet balance where the bass complements rather than overshadows the mids and highs. The vocals are crisp, and the highs don’t suffer from that tinny distortion you sometimes get with portable speakers.

Volume

Do you like your music loud? Good news! This speaker can go up to impressively high volumes without a hint of distortion. Whether you're throwing a party or just want to lose yourself in your favorite tracks, it's got you covered. However, at max volume, the battery life might take a hit, but we'll get into that in the battery section.

Sound Customization

What about personalization? The MEGABOOM 3 comes with a companion app that allows you to tweak the EQ settings to your liking. Want more treble or an extra bump in the bass? It’s all at your fingertips. The app is user-friendly, which makes adjusting the sound settings a breeze.

Minor Drawbacks

While the overall sound quality is impressive, audiophiles might notice that it lacks the fine detail and nuance of high-end, non-portable speakers. If you're extremely particular about your audio, this might not be your first-choice speaker. In summary, the MEGABOOM 3 offers an engaging and robust sound experience that’s hard to beat in its category. Whether you’re chilling at home or having an outdoor adventure, this speaker won’t disappoint.

Battery Life

Battery life is a huge deal when it comes to mobile speakers, right? No one wants their jam session cut short because the speaker ran out of juice. So, how does the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 stack up in this department?

Impressive Longevity

First off, this bad boy boasts up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge. That’s pretty solid! Whether you're on a road trip, having a party, or just chilling at home, this speaker should keep the tunes rolling all day and night. 

Real World Usage

Now, let's talk about real-world usage. Sure, manufacturers often give us best-case scenarios, but what happens in real life? If you're cranking up the volume to the max, expect a bit less than the advertised 20 hours. Maybe 15 to 18 hours, depending on your usage. Still, not too shabby! 

Charging Time

One thing to keep in mind is the charging time. The MEGABOOM 3 takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge, which isn't lightning fast but it's not a deal-breaker either. If you’re in a rush, you can get a decent amount of playback from a shorter charge. Plus, it uses a micro-USB for charging, which some might find a bit outdated in this era of USB-C dominance.

Battery Conservation Features

Another cool aspect is the built-in battery conservation features. The speaker will auto-shutoff after periods of inactivity to save precious battery life. It's a small but thoughtful feature that can make a big difference during extended use. 

Indicator

And don’t worry about being caught off guard with a dead battery. The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 has a handy battery level indicator, both on the speaker itself and via the companion app, so you’ll always know how much juice you have left. In summary, the battery life of the MEGABOOM 3 is pretty impressive. While it might not always hit the full 20-hour mark in real-world conditions, it still offers plenty of playtime for most scenarios. Just keep an eye on the charge time and you’ll be golden.

Connectivity and Compatibility

Alright, let's dive into the connectivity and compatibility of this powerhouse of a speaker. First off, it's got Bluetooth capability that makes pairing your devices a breeze. Seriously, it's almost like it reads your mind. You can connect it to nearly any smartphone, tablet, or even your laptop without breaking a sweat.

Now, here's where it gets even cooler. The speaker supports multiple device pairing! Yes, you heard that right. You can have two devices connected at the same time and switch between them seamlessly. It's perfect for those impromptu DJ sessions with friends.

On the downside, if you're someone who relies heavily on AUX inputs or prefers a wired connection, you might be a bit disappointed. The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 skips out on the AUX port entirely. So, if your device doesn’t have Bluetooth, you might be out of luck.

But wait, there’s more! The speaker also supports voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant. It’s not just about playing music; you can control your smart home devices or get answers to your questions with simple voice commands. Talk about multi-tasking!

Lastly, let's talk about range. The Bluetooth range is pretty robust, offering up to 150 feet in open areas. However, walls and other obstacles might reduce this range a bit. Still, it's more than enough for most home or outdoor settings.

Overall, the connectivity and compatibility features make this speaker incredibly versatile, even if it’s missing an AUX input. You get a modern, wireless experience that keeps up with your lifestyle.

Portability and Durability

When it comes to portability and durability, this Bluetooth speaker truly shines. Picture this: you're heading out for a spontaneous weekend trip. You've got your essentials packed, and all that's left is to grab your music companion. The MEGABOOM 3, with its cylindrical design and relatively compact size, slips effortlessly into your bag. No need to worry about it hogging up space or adding too much weight.

But hold on, it gets better. This speaker is built like a tank. Thanks to its IP67 rating, it's both waterproof and dustproof. That means it can be submerged in water up to one meter for 30 minutes. Imagine accidentally dropping it in the pool during a party – no sweat, this guy's coming out unscathed. Plus, the high-performance fabric covering, usually reserved for motorcycle jackets and fire equipment, makes it tough as nails.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The speaker's size, while portable, might still be a bit bulky for some ultra-light travelers. If you're someone who counts every ounce, you might find it a tad too hefty for hiking trips or minimalist packing strategies.

In terms of durability, the speaker’s rubberized surface provides a good grip, reducing the likelihood of accidental drops. However, if it does slip from your hands, it's built to withstand a fair share of bumps and bruises. Think of it as your trusty sidekick that can handle rough and tumble adventures without breaking a sweat.

In conclusion, the MEGABOOM 3 is a fantastic choice for those who need a robust and portable speaker. It’s perfect for pool parties, beach outings, and even those unpredictable adventures. Just keep in mind that it might not be the lightest option out there if you’re aiming for ultralight packing. But for all it delivers in terms of resilience and portability, it’s definitely worth considering.

Features and Functionality

One of the standout aspects of this speaker is its impressive range of features and functionality. First off, let's talk about the Magic Button. This button, located on the top of the speaker, allows you to play, pause, and skip tracks directly without needing to reach for your phone. How convenient is that? Another excellent feature is the PartyUp mode. This allows you to connect over 150 BOOM and MEGABOOM speakers wirelessly for an epic sound experience. Imagine having the same song blasting seamlessly throughout an entire house party! Now that's what I call a game-changer.

For those who love customizing their sound, the speaker comes with the BOOM app where you can adjust the EQ settings to your liking. Are you a bass head? No problem, crank up those lows! Prefer a balanced sound? Easy peasy, just tweak the mids and highs. Now, let’s not forget about the voice assistant compatibility. Whether you're team Siri or Google, this speaker has got you covered. You can control your music, check the weather, or even manage your smart home devices—all hands-free! On the flip side, there are a few nitpicks. For instance, while the Magic Button is great, it can be a bit finicky at times. Sometimes it doesn't register your command immediately, which can be a bit frustrating, especially if you're in the middle of a jam session. Another minor downside is the lack of an AUX input. If you're someone who still enjoys connecting devices with a cable, you might find this omission a bit annoying.

• Magic Button: Play, pause, skip tracks
• PartyUp Mode: Connects over 150 speakers
• BOOM app: Customizable EQ settings
• Voice Assistant Compatibility: Supports Siri and Google Assistant
• No AUX input: Limited to wireless only

Overall, the features and functionality of this speaker are quite robust, catering to both casual listeners and audiophiles alike. While it has a couple of minor quirks, its strengths easily outweigh its weaknesses.

What's in the Box

When you crack open the box of the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3, you're greeted with a pretty straightforward but satisfying unboxing experience. So, what's inside?

• The Speaker Itself: Well, duh! The star of the show is definitely the MEGABOOM 3, wrapped snugly and ready to blast your tunes.
• Micro USB Charging Cable: This handy little cable is essential for keeping your speaker juiced up. However, some might find it a bit old-school, considering the trend towards USB-C these days.
• Power Adapter: A must-have for charging, this adapter plugs into your wall outlet and connects to the charging cable.
• Quick Start Guide: Basically your crash course on getting the speaker up and running. It’s simple, concise, and gets you to the main event quickly.
• Warranty Information: Always good to have, just in case you run into any issues down the road.

That’s pretty much it in terms of what comes with your purchase. There are no frills or extra accessories, just the essentials to get you started. While some might wish for a carrying case or some extra features, the minimalist approach ensures that you focus on what matters most: the speaker and its performance.

Video by: Geek Street

User Experience

So, what’s it like using this beast of a speaker daily? In one word—awesome. But let's dive deeper.

Setup

The initial setup is a breeze. Just power it on, and it will automatically enter pairing mode. If you're like me and lose your patience with tech that takes forever to connect, you'll appreciate how quick it is to sync up with your phone or any Bluetooth-enabled device. The Bluetooth range is impressive too, giving you the freedom to move around without worrying about losing the connection.

Controls

Controlling this speaker is as easy as pie. The large, intuitive buttons are a nice touch. They're easy to press, even if you've got slippery fingers from that pool party. The Magic Button on top is a game-changer—one tap to play, pause, or skip tracks. No more fumbling with your phone!

Mobile App

The companion app adds another layer of convenience. You can customize the equalizer settings to get the sound just the way you like it. Plus, it allows for over-the-air updates, keeping your speaker up to date with the latest features and enhancements. However, I did notice that the app can sometimes be a bit slow to respond.

Voice Assistant Compatibility

While it's compatible with voice assistants, I found the integration to be somewhat hit or miss. Sometimes it responds instantly, other times, there's a lag. It's not a deal-breaker but worth mentioning.

Usability in Various Environments

This speaker is like a chameleon. Whether you're using it indoors or outdoors, it adapts wonderfully. Indoors, it fills the room with rich sound. Outdoors, it holds its own against wind and background noise, making it perfect for all sorts of gatherings. However, at max volume, there's a slight distortion, especially with bass-heavy tracks.

Overall Experience

Using the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 brings a lot of joy. From easy setup to versatile usage, it seamlessly integrates into your lifestyle. But it's not without its minor flaws. If you're okay with a few quirks in the app and occasional lag in voice assistant response, you'll find this speaker to be an excellent companion for all your musical adventures.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 proves to be a solid pick for anyone seeking a high-quality, portable speaker. Its sleek design and robust build quality make it a head-turner and a sturdy companion for all your adventures. The sound performance is impressive, delivering rich bass and clear highs, perfect for a variety of music genres. The battery life is another highlight, offering long hours of uninterrupted music, which is crucial for those lengthy outdoor activities or parties. Connectivity is seamless, thanks to Bluetooth and the inclusion of the Magic Button, which adds a layer of convenience for controlling your music. However, it's worth mentioning that while the speaker is quite portable, its size might still be a bit bulky for some users who prefer a more compact option.

Additionally, while the sound quality is outstanding, audiophiles might notice a slight lack in mid-range clarity. The water and dust resistance make it an excellent choice for beach trips or poolside lounging, ensuring it can handle a few splashes without missing a beat. The range of features, including the customizable EQ and party mode, adds extra value, making it versatile for different settings and preferences. In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a reliable, high-performing speaker that balances durability, sound quality, and convenience, this one is worth considering. While it has a few minor drawbacks, its strengths far outweigh them, making it a worthy investment for any music lover.

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications