Ultimate Ears Epicboom: A Powerful Portable Speaker with Impressive Sound Quality
The Ultimate Ears Epicboom has finally arrived, and it was definitely worth the wait. This new offering from a brand that has a strong reputation for its portable speakers does not disappoint, especially when it comes to sound quality. With its bold and eye-catching design, resembling a cluster of mug-sized Wonderbooms merged into one powerful beast, the Epicboom stands out from the crowd. One notable feature is the Outdoor Boost button, first introduced in the 2019 Wonderboom 2, which is prominently placed on the top plate.
When it comes to sound, the Epicboom is undoubtedly one of the best Bluetooth speakers available in the market. This comes as no surprise to those familiar with our Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 review, where we ranked it as one of the top options in 2019. While its successor, the Wonderboom 3, didn’t receive the same high praise, it’s largely due to the lack of significant updates compared to its older counterpart and the increasing competition in the market.
Compared to other speakers in the Ultimate Ears lineup, the Epicboom is smaller than the 2020-issue UE Hyperboom but much larger than the Megaboom 3. Although the placement of the wrist strap on the Epicboom seems strange, given its weight of almost 2kg, the speaker is still light enough to be carried by its sides like a plant pot. Regardless of its location, whether indoors or outdoors, the Epicboom delivers powerful and vibrant sound.
The Ultimate Ears Boom app offers a range of features for the Epicboom, including the ability to power the speaker on and off using your phone, adjust the EQ settings, activate the Outdoor Boost, control the volume, and even connect up to 150 other PartyUp-enabled Booms. Similar to features found in JBL’s PartyBoost or Sony’s Party Chain, this allows you to create a truly immersive audio experience. However, it’s worth noting that PartyUp is not compatible with the Wonderboom, Blast, or Megablast UE speakers, meaning that newer models like the Wonderboom 3 won’t have this functionality.
In terms of battery life, the Epicboom offers a decent 17 hours of playback, although it’s not exceptional compared to other speakers in its class. Additionally, the price may be a point of consideration for some, as it comes in at $349 / £340 / AU$499. When compared to Logitech, UE’s parent brand, it’s rare to find a UE speaker in the premium price range. Furthermore, with the recent release of the larger and more affordable Hyperboom, and the availability of the smaller Wonderboom 3 at a much lower price point, the Epicboom faces strong competition in terms of value for money.
Another factor worth noting is the limited connectivity options offered by the Epicboom. With just Bluetooth connectivity and a range of 55m (180ft), it lacks the versatility of speakers that offer both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for multi-room setups. This raises the question of whether there is a significant market demand for a speaker that solely relies on Bluetooth connectivity in 2023.
However, if a speaker that seamlessly connects to your phone and delivers loud and impressive sound is what you’re looking for, then the Ultimate Ears Epicboom is the perfect choice. Despite its price and limited wireless capabilities, the Epicboom is one of the best party speakers in terms of sound quality. Its release in early September 2023, priced at $349 / £340 / AU$499, offers consumers the option to choose between two color variants: cotton white with ‘lipstick red’ accents or charcoal black with lime.
In terms of specifications, the Epicboom weighs 2kg and measures 16.2cm (L) x 11.9cm (W) x 24.1cm (H). It features a 17-hour battery life and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. The speaker is equipped with two 45mm active mid-high frequency transducers and a 120mm woofer. While it lacks a 3.5mm auxiliary port and microphones, it compensates for these omissions with its in-app presets and features.
The Epicboom’s battery life is commendable, as it can last for up to 17 hours even at higher volumes. Charging the speaker using a 15W charger takes approximately two hours. Additionally, the one-touch NFC feature allows for quick and convenient pairing with NFC-compatible smartphones.
Ultimate Ears offers a range of EQ presets through its Boom app, including Signature, Bass Boost, Game/Cinema, Podcast/Vocal, and the all-new Deep Relaxation mode. Users can also customize the sound by adjusting the mids, highs, and lows on the EQ tab. The PartyUp feature allows for seamless pairing of multiple UE speakers, including Epicboom, Boom, Boom 2, Boom 3, Megaboom, Megaboom 3, and Hyperboom, to enhance the audio experience.
Despite the lack of built-in microphones and Wi-Fi support for streaming services and voice assistants, the app provides the option to select up to four music presets through Apple Music, Spotify, or Amazon Prime Music. Additionally, the Epicboom’s buttons are user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Designed with UE’s signature fun and vibrant aesthetic, the Epicboom features a robust build made from environmentally-friendly materials. The speaker is constructed with 100% post-consumer recycled polyester fabric and a minimum of 59% post-consumer recycled plastic. The design strikes a balance between elegance and playfulness, making it a stylish accessory for any setting.
Overall, the Ultimate Ears Epicboom delivers exceptional sound quality and stands out with its unique design. While it may face tough competition in terms of price and connectivity options, it remains a top choice for those who prioritize impressive sound performance in a portable speaker. With its release in early September 2023, priced at $349 / £340 / AU$499, the Epicboom offers a powerful and immersive audio experience for music enthusiasts and party-goers alike.
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