Ultimate Ears, a subsidiary of Logitech, has carved a niche for itself in the portable Bluetooth speaker market with its UE Boom and Megaboom series. These speakers are known for their rugged design, impressive sound quality, and versatile features. In this article, we’ll compare two popular models from the Ultimate Ears lineup: the UE Boom 3 and the Megaboom 3. By examining their design, sound performance, connectivity options, and unique features, you’ll be better equipped to decide which speaker suits your needs.
Design and Build Quality
UE Boom 3:
- Dimensions: The UE Boom 3 is compact and portable, measuring 7.2 inches in height and 2.8 inches in diameter.
- Weight: It weighs approximately 1.34 pounds.
- Durability: The Boom 3 boasts an IP67 rating, making it dustproof and waterproof up to 1 meter (approximately 3.3 feet) for 30 minutes.
- Design: It features a cylindrical design with a two-tone fabric grille and a top hanging loop for easy portability.
Megaboom 3:
- Dimensions: The Megaboom 3 is larger than the Boom 3, standing at 8.9 inches tall and 3.4 inches in diameter.
- Weight: It’s slightly heavier than the Boom 3, tipping the scales at around 2.87 pounds.
- Durability: Like its sibling, the Megaboom 3 is also rated IP67, ensuring it can handle dust, water, and even brief submersion.
- Design: The Megaboom 3 maintains a similar cylindrical design but offers more vibrant color options and a larger top carrying loop.
Sound Performance
UE Boom 3:
- Sound Quality: Despite its compact size, the Boom 3 delivers surprisingly robust sound with balanced mids and highs.
- Bass: The bass response is respectable for its size, but if you’re looking for deep bass, you might want to consider the Megaboom 3 or other larger speakers.
- 360-Degree Sound: The Boom 3 employs a 360-degree sound dispersion, ensuring consistent audio in all directions.
Megaboom 3:
- Sound Quality: As the larger sibling, the Megaboom 3 offers even more impressive sound quality with enhanced bass and louder volume.
- Deep Bass: It’s known for its deep and punchy bass, making it an excellent choice for outdoor gatherings or parties.
- 360-Degree Sound: Like the Boom 3, the Megaboom 3 provides 360-degree sound, creating an immersive listening experience.
Connectivity and Features
UE Boom 3:
- Bluetooth Range: The Boom 3 boasts a Bluetooth range of up to 150 feet, providing excellent connectivity.
- Battery Life: It offers up to 15 hours of playtime on a single charge.
- Ultimate Ears App: The UE Boom app allows you to customize the speaker’s EQ settings, pair multiple speakers for stereo or party mode, and use the “Magic Button” for music control.
- Wireless Charging: The Boom 3 supports wireless charging using the optional Power Up charging dock.
Megaboom 3:
- Bluetooth Range: Like the Boom 3, the Megaboom 3 offers a Bluetooth range of up to 150 feet.
- Battery Life: It provides an impressive 20 hours of playtime on a full charge.
- Ultimate Ears App: The Megaboom 3 can also be customized using the UE app, offering EQ adjustments and the ability to connect multiple speakers for a more immersive experience.
- Wireless Charging: Similar to the Boom 3, the Megaboom 3 supports wireless charging via the Power Up dock.
Conclusion
Both the UE Boom 3 and Megaboom 3 are excellent portable Bluetooth speakers with distinctive features. The Boom 3 is a compact, highly portable option that delivers impressive sound quality for its size, making it ideal for everyday use. On the other hand, the Megaboom 3 offers a more substantial audio experience with enhanced bass and longer battery life, making it suitable for larger gatherings and outdoor adventures.
Your choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize portability and don’t require extremely powerful bass, the Boom 3 is a fantastic option. However, if you want a more substantial sound and longer playtime, the Megaboom 3 is worth the slight increase in size and weight. Ultimately, both speakers reflect the quality and durability that Ultimate Ears is known for, ensuring you’ll enjoy your music wherever you go.
