Description
Immersive Sound and Robust Design
Testing the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker, I was immediately struck by its 360° sound quality. This isn’t your average portable speaker – it pumps out crystal-clear audio with deep, thundering bass that you can genuinely feel. I tried it indoors and outdoors, and the sound remained balanced, allowing every note to shine through, even at higher volumes. The maximum sound level of 90dBA is no joke, and it makes this speaker a powerhouse for parties or gatherings.
Its design is equally impressive. Covered in a two-tone, high-performance fabric, the speaker manages to look sleek while being incredibly durable. I accidentally dropped it on my tiled floor (oops), and it came out unscathed – a testament to its rugged, drop-proof construction. Plus, the IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating is a game-changer. I even tossed it into a pool to test its claim of floating, and it worked perfectly while blasting tunes.
Magic Button: Simplicity at Your Fingertips
The Magic Button feature deserves a shoutout. It’s not just a gimmick; it’s genuinely convenient. I could play, pause, and skip tracks directly on the device without reaching for my phone. Whether I was streaming music from Spotify or Apple Music, this button made the whole experience seamless. It’s especially useful when you’re mid-workout or hosting a party and don’t want to keep checking your phone.
I also appreciated the compatibility with the Ultimate Ears app, which allowed me to customize sound settings and even pair multiple speakers together. The PartyUp feature lets you connect over 150 speakers for an insane sound experience. While I didn’t have 150 speakers lying around to test this claim, pairing two MEGABOOMs created an audio experience that could fill an entire outdoor space.
Battery Life That Stands Out
With 20 hours of battery life, this speaker easily survived multiple sessions without needing a recharge. I was blown away by how reliable it proved to be for long days outdoors. Charging it is straightforward, and it supports wireless charging with the POWER UP dock (sold separately). While I didn’t try the dock, the idea of grabbing a fully charged speaker on the go is convenient.
Charging time is on the longer side, though. It took several hours to get it back to full capacity using the USB cable included in the box. If you’re impatient like me, this might be a slight annoyance, but the battery life itself makes up for it.
Key Benefits
- Incredible 360° sound with deep bass that fills any space.
- Durable and waterproof design, perfect for outdoor adventures.
- The Magic Button adds convenience for controlling music.
- 20-hour battery life ensures the party never stops.
- Ability to pair multiple speakers for a larger soundstage.
Areas of Concern
- The charging time is relatively long, which might require planning ahead.
- While the Magic Button is handy, its functionality could be expanded to include volume control.
- The bass can sometimes overpower mids and highs on certain tracks, depending on the genre of music.
Competing Products
Comparing this speaker to others in the same category, like the JBL Charge 5 or the Sony SRS-XB43, highlights some interesting differences. The JBL Charge 5 offers similar waterproofing and also has a built-in power bank, which is great for charging devices. However, its sound isn’t quite as immersive, especially in terms of bass. On the other hand, the Sony SRS-XB43 delivers excellent bass and lighting effects, but it’s bulkier and less portable than the MEGABOOM 3.
What sets this speaker apart is its durability and portability. It’s lighter than the Sony and more rugged than the JBL. While the PartyUp feature is unique, it’s worth noting that competitors often include features like a built-in voice assistant, which this speaker lacks.
Worth Every Penny
In terms of value for money, the MEGABOOM 3 holds its ground. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the combination of premium sound quality, durability, and features like waterproofing makes it a solid investment. Its ability to handle both indoor and outdoor scenarios flawlessly means you’re essentially getting a versatile speaker that adapts to your lifestyle.
If you’re someone who values great sound and rugged performance, this speaker is definitely worth every penny. Just be prepared to wait a bit longer for it to charge fully.
