Ultimate Ears Epicboom review: a superb sounding waterproof speaker

Introduction

Ulimate Ears has become well known for its ‘boom’ series of Bluetooth speakers, and this new model elbows its way in towards the top of the range.

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom isn’t as loud as the OTT Hyperboom, but that’s a more static speaker; this is designed with portability in mind, while still being way more capable than the dinkier Wonderboom 3 and Boom 3.

Design & build

As with the Wonderboom, you can dunk this speaker entirely in water for up to half an hour before it starts to have any issues thanks to an IP67 rating (and yes, it floats). It’s also drop-proof up to 1m, in case you’re even more careless.

Available in black or white, with UE’s signature plus and minus volume controls, it’s a handsome device. It also has a loop handle on the rear, with a magnet to stop it flapping about – a nice touch.

Features & battery life

Battery life is particularly good at 17hrs where many rivals offer around 10. Charging is via USB-C under a rubberised flap on the rear.

Wireless range is up to 55m, but we found this was predictably dependent on what was in the way – realistically you’ll get less. If you’re on Android you can easily pair it with NFC, and you can also connect two devices at once.

A one-touch function (called the Magic Button and found on top of the speaker) lets you access a favourite playlist. While you can select Amazon Music, Apple Music and playlists from iOS, you’re not offered Spotify.

The speaker’s EQ is adjustable via the app – choose from one of the presets for situations such as gaming – and you can further adjust the sound manually. You can pair it with other UE speakers if you’re having a party.

Sound quality

The 360° audio quality on offer here is exceptional. The bass is particularly impressive – it’s one of those listening experiences where, if you didn’t know what the speaker looked like, you’d expect a far bigger box.

Ultimate Ears Epicboom verdict

If you’re after an out-and-out Bluetooth speaker, this is probably the top of the tree for most people.

You’ll need to make sure you don’t want something that can integrate with Wi-Fi, such as the Sonos Move 2 – but if you’re off to Fuerteventura rather than Felixstowe or Fleetwood this Christmas, there’s no better speaker to have with you by the pool.

Ultimate Ears Epicboom technical specifications

Drivers	2x 45mm mid-high transducers, 1x 120mm woofer
Connectivity	Bluetooth, USB-C
Bluetooth version	Bluetooth 5.3
Codecs supported	SBC
Durability	IP67
Dimensions	162x119x241mm, 1.9kg