In the world of wireless speakers, consumers have come to expect a certain level of functionality and features. In the closing weeks of 2023, the Ultimate Ears Epicboom enters the scene with a price tag of $349.99. However, it fails to offer the popular features that have become standard in this premium price range, such as voice assistants and multi-room audio synchronization. Instead, the Epicboom focuses on durability, battery life, and 360-degree sound. With its ruggedized build and powerful audio, is the Epicboom worth the high price?
The Ultimate Ears Epicboom is similar in size and shape to the Sonos Move 2, but noticeably lighter. It features dual tweeters, a single woofer, and a fabric mesh coating seen in other UE products. The speaker also comes with a sturdy rubber base for drop protection and a convenient carrying strap. On the front side, there are large volume buttons along with controls for power, Bluetooth pairing, and play / pause. Additionally, there is an “outdoor mode” button for increased loudness in open spaces.
One unique feature of the Epicboom is the USB-C port, a first for any UE speaker. However, it is important to note that this port is only for charging and does not support line-in audio. The speaker also lacks Wi-Fi connectivity for higher-fidelity music streaming. It does support quick tap-to-pair via NFC for Android phones. Overall, while the design and build quality of the Epicboom are commendable, its limited features and connectivity options are disappointing considering its high price.
When it comes to audio performance, the Epicboom falls short compared to its competitors. While there were a few instances where the speaker impressed with its sound output, the more expensive Sonos Move 2 generally offers better detail, clarity, and balance. The Epicboom tends to sound boomy and ill-defined on certain tracks. Bass lovers may also be disappointed by the speaker’s maximum volume, which exhibits noticeable compression and crackling.
Ultimate Ears claims that the Epicboom features adaptive EQ, which adjusts the sound profile based on the environment. However, this feature did not make a substantial difference in real-world testing. It is worth mentioning that the speaker performed surprisingly well in a bathroom setting, cutting through shower noise with clarity. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that many people would be willing to spend $350 on a speaker exclusively for bathroom use.
Users have the option to adjust the EQ to their liking using UE’s mobile app, which also allows for stereo-pairing two Epicbooms or linking with other UE speakers for party mode. While these customization options are a plus, they do not entirely offset the lack of other features and connectivity options.
Ultimately, the Ultimate Ears Epicboom fails to justify its high price. It lacks several key features that have become standard in this price range, such as AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, and Chromecast. Other notable omissions include deeper multi-room audio support, Google Assistant integration, and speakerphone functionality. For $350, consumers expect a more comprehensive feature set, especially considering the ever-evolving Bluetooth speaker market.
While the Epicboom delivers on some classic UE strengths, such as its durable exterior and decent sound quality, it falls short in comparison to other speakers in its price range. The value proposition of this product is simply not impressive. Unless there is a substantial price cut in the future, consumers may find better options from other manufacturers that offer more features for the money.
The Ultimate Ears Epicboom is a capable wireless speaker with a rugged design, good battery life, and decent sound output. However, its lack of essential features and limited connectivity options make it difficult to justify the high price. While loyal UE fans may appreciate some of its strengths, there are better choices available in the market for the same price or even lower. The Epicboom is a reminder that in a highly competitive industry, consumers now expect more than just basic functionality from a premium speaker.
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