Looking to upgrade your portable audio experience? The UE Megaboom has long been a favorite for its booming sound and rugged durability. But with the arrival of the Megaboom 2, many are wondering if it’s time to make the switch.
This comparison dives deep into what sets these two legendary Bluetooth speakers apart. We’ll explore key features, performance differences, and overall value to help you decide which UE powerhouse is the right fit for your lifestyle.
Whether you’re a seasoned bass enthusiast or a casual listener, understanding the nuances between the UE Megaboom and Megaboom 2 is crucial. Get ready to discover which speaker truly deserves a spot in your playlist rotation.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | ue megaboom | megaboom 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | Two 1.5-inch active drivers & two 3.5-inch passive radiators | Two 1.5-inch x 2.75-inch active drivers & two 3.5-inch x 5.5-inch passive radiators |
| Output Power | 30W | 30W |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz – 20kHz | 50Hz – 20kHz |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Dustproof Rating | N/A | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, 3.5mm Aux | Bluetooth, 3.5mm Aux |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Charging Port | Micro-USB | USB-C |
| Dimensions (H x D) | 10.2 x 3.3 inches | 10.2 x 3.3 inches |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs | 1.9 lbs |
| App Control | Yes (Ultimate Ears App) | Yes (BOOM & MEGABOOM App) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Sound Quality
- Ue Megaboom: Delivers a powerful and immersive 360-degree sound experience with deep bass and clear highs. Its large drivers and passive radiators contribute to a rich audio profile, though some may find the bass slightly overpowering at maximum volume.
- Megaboom 2: Offers an even more refined sound with improved clarity and a wider soundstage. It boasts a more balanced frequency response, producing crisp highs and punchy bass without distortion, making it a slight improvement over its predecessor.
- Winner: megaboom 2
Battery Life
- Ue Megaboom: Provides up to 20 hours of playtime on a single charge, which is ample for extended listening sessions or parties. However, charging can take a few hours, which might be inconvenient for quick top-ups.
- Megaboom 2: Retains the impressive 20-hour battery life while introducing faster charging capabilities. This means less downtime and more music, a welcome upgrade for users on the go.
- Winner: megaboom 2
Durability and Waterproofing
- Ue Megaboom: Boasts an IPX7 waterproof rating, making it suitable for poolside use or even submersion. Its rugged design can withstand drops and bumps, offering peace of mind for outdoor adventures.
- Megaboom 2: Maintains the IPX7 rating and enhances its durability with a more robust build. It’s designed to handle more extreme conditions, making it an even more reliable companion for adventurous activities.
- Winner: megaboom 2
Connectivity and Pairing
- Ue Megaboom: Connects via Bluetooth and supports pairing with up to two devices simultaneously. The PartyUp feature allows for chaining multiple UE speakers for a louder sound.
- Megaboom 2: Features an improved Bluetooth range and a more stable connection. The PartyUp functionality is also enhanced, allowing for seamless integration with a greater number of speakers for an amplified experience.
- Winner: megaboom 2
Portability and Design
- Ue Megaboom: Its cylindrical shape and integrated loop make it easy to carry and hang. While portable, its size can be a bit bulky for some.
- Megaboom 2: Offers a slightly sleeker design with a more ergonomic feel. The portability remains excellent, and the design improvements make it feel more modern and refined.
- Winner: megaboom 2
App Integration and Features
- Ue Megaboom: The UE BOOM app allows for EQ adjustments, remote on/off, and firmware updates. It’s a functional app that enhances the speaker’s capabilities.
- Megaboom 2: The updated app offers more granular control over EQ settings and introduces new features like the “Block Party” mode for collaborative playlist creation. The app is more intuitive and feature-rich.
- Winner: megaboom 2
Bass Response
- Ue Megaboom: Delivers a strong bass presence that can fill a room. However, at higher volumes, the bass can sometimes sound a bit muddy.
- Megaboom 2: Presents a more controlled and defined bass response. The low frequencies are punchier and cleaner, providing a more satisfying listening experience across various genres.
- Winner: megaboom 2
Microphone/Speakerphone Functionality
- Ue Megaboom: Includes a built-in microphone for speakerphone calls. The call quality is decent for casual conversations but can struggle in noisy environments.
- Megaboom 2: Features an improved microphone array that enhances call clarity. It performs better in moderately noisy settings, making it a more reliable option for hands-free calls.
- Winner: megaboom 2
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Sound Quality | MEGABOOM 2 (Slightly improved frequency response) |
| Durability | MEGABOOM 2 (IP67 rating) |
| Connectivity | MEGABOOM 2 (Bluetooth 5.0) |
| Charging | MEGABOOM 2 (USB-C) |
| Battery Life | ue megaboom (Slightly longer advertised life) |
| Portability | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Sound Quality: Both speakers deliver powerful, 360-degree sound with impressive bass for their size, making them excellent for parties and outdoor gatherings. They are designed to fill a room or an open space with rich audio.
- Durability: Both the MEGABOOM and MEGABOOM 2 are built to withstand the elements, featuring robust construction and excellent water resistance. This makes them ideal companions for adventures where moisture or dust might be a concern.
- Portability: Despite their powerful sound, both speakers are designed to be easily portable. Their cylindrical shape and integrated hanging loops make them convenient to carry and attach to backpacks or bikes.
- Connectivity: Both models support Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming from your devices. They also include a 3.5mm auxiliary input for wired connections, offering flexibility in how you play your music.
- App Integration: Both speakers are controllable via their respective Ultimate Ears apps, allowing for features like EQ adjustments, remote on/off, and party chaining with other UE speakers. This enhances the user experience and customization options.
Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM vs. MEGABOOM 2 Buying Guide
Who Should Buy What?
Buy ue megaboom If…
- You want a speaker with a slightly longer advertised battery life.
- You are comfortable with the older Micro-USB charging standard.
- You can find it at a significantly lower price point than the MEGABOOM 2.
- You prefer the established app experience of the original MEGABOOM.
Buy megaboom 2 If…
- You want the latest Bluetooth 5.0 for improved connectivity and range.
- You prefer the convenience of USB-C charging.
- You desire the slightly improved dustproof rating alongside its waterproofing.
- You want the most current features and app experience from Ultimate Ears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing Your Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM Companion
When deciding between the original Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM and the MEGABOOM 2, consider your primary use case. If portability and a slightly more compact form factor are paramount, the MEGABOOM 2 offers a refined design that’s easier to toss into a backpack. However, if you’re looking for the absolute best in sound projection and a slightly more robust build for extreme environments, the original MEGABOOM still holds its ground with its impressive audio capabilities and durable construction. (See Also: Adobe Pro Vs Docusign )
Sound Quality: A Matter of Nuance
Both speakers deliver powerful, 360-degree sound, but the MEGABOOM 2 often gets praised for its slightly more balanced audio profile. While the original MEGABOOM is known for its deep bass, the MEGABOOM 2 refines this with clearer mids and highs, making vocals and instruments more distinct. If you’re an audiophile who appreciates sonic clarity, the MEGABOOM 2 might be the preferable choice. However, for sheer party-starting bass, the MEGABOOM remains a formidable contender.
Durability and Portability: Ready for Adventure
Ultimate Ears speakers are built tough, and both the MEGABOOM and MEGABOOM 2 are no exception. They boast excellent water and dust resistance, making them ideal for outdoor activities. The MEGABOOM 2 features a slightly updated material and design for enhanced grip and resilience. If you plan on taking your speaker on rugged adventures or near pools and beaches, both are excellent options, but the MEGABOOM 2’s subtle design improvements might offer a slight edge in everyday handling.
Connectivity and Smart Features: Staying Connected
Both models offer reliable Bluetooth connectivity and the ability to pair with other Ultimate Ears speakers for a more immersive sound experience. The MEGABOOM 2 introduces a slightly faster and more stable Bluetooth connection, which can be beneficial for uninterrupted playback. While neither boasts advanced smart assistant integration, the core functionality of wireless streaming and multi-speaker pairing is robust on both. For a seamless and slightly more modern connectivity experience, the MEGABOOM 2 takes the lead. (See Also: 40 Vs 32 Tv )
Is the MEGABOOM 2 a significant upgrade from the original MEGABOOM?
Yes, the MEGABOOM 2 offers a noticeable upgrade in several areas. While both deliver impressive 360-degree sound, the MEGABOOM 2 features a more refined audio profile with clearer highs and mids, alongside enhanced bass. It also boasts improved Bluetooth connectivity, a slightly more durable and grippy exterior, and a brighter LED indicator. For those seeking a more polished and slightly more advanced portable speaker experience, the MEGABOOM 2 is a worthwhile evolution.
Can I pair multiple MEGABOOM speakers together?
Absolutely! One of the standout features of both the original MEGABOOM and the MEGABOOM 2 is their ability to pair with other Ultimate Ears speakers. You can use the Ultimate Ears app to connect two or more MEGABOOM or MEGABOOM 2 units to create a wider soundstage or simply amplify the volume. This feature is fantastic for parties and larger gatherings, allowing for a truly immersive audio experience.
How waterproof are these speakers?
Both the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM and MEGABOOM 2 are designed to be highly water-resistant. They carry an IPX7 waterproof rating, which means they can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. This makes them ideal companions for pool parties, beach days, or even for use in the shower. You can confidently take them near water without worrying about accidental splashes or submersion. (See Also: Lansky Vs Work Sharp )
What is the battery life like on each speaker?
Both the MEGABOOM and MEGABOOM 2 offer an impressive battery life of up to 20 hours on a single charge. This extended playback time ensures that your music can keep going all day long without the need for frequent recharging. The actual battery life can vary depending on factors like volume level and audio content, but both models provide ample power for extended listening sessions.
Is the MEGABOOM 2 worth the extra cost compared to the original MEGABOOM?
The decision of whether the MEGABOOM 2 is worth the extra cost depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for the latest refinements in sound quality, a slightly more robust build, and a more modern connectivity experience, then the MEGABOOM 2 is likely worth the investment. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and the core features of powerful 360-degree sound and excellent durability are your main concerns, the original MEGABOOM remains a fantastic and more affordable option.
Final Verdict
The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 2 refines an already excellent portable speaker. While the original MEGABOOM is a powerhouse of bass and durability, the MEGABOOM 2 offers a more balanced sound profile, improved connectivity, and a slightly more refined design. For most users seeking a modern, robust, and great-sounding portable speaker for any adventure, the MEGABOOM 2 is the clear winner.
Winner: Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 2