Everyone knows the UE speakers as soon as they see them now. I don’t think there’s a sharehouse in Australia that doesn’t have at least two of these sitting around the lounge room, always ready to blast some Fred Again when the mood strikes.
Such familiarity also leads to complacency at times. It’d be just as easy to expect Ultimate Ears to not give us anything new or exciting with the Everboom, which was released earlier this year as yet another size to add to the UE lineup. But a refined design, better soundstage and tighter Bluetooth connection are all worthy improvements that don’t stray from what has made this the go-to party speaker since portable speakers became a thing.
Design
The Everboom immediately stands out with its rugged, no-nonsense design that’s slightly more curvy than its straight-laced cylindrical bretheren.
It sports an IP67 rating, making it fully waterproof and dustproof—a godsend when dealing with sand, dirt, and unexpected downpours. I put it to the test by tossing it in the pool and burying it in the sand, and it emerged unscathed, working perfectly. I’ve had issues with speakers before that don’t quite live up to their IP rating on paper so this is a strong mark for UE’s improved design. The shockproof rubberised casing adds another layer of durability, shrugging off bumps and drops without a dent.
Its shape is not just aesthetically pleasing but also practical. The 360-degree design ensures the sound radiates evenly, making it ideal for group settings. The built-in carabiner clip is also very sturdy – I used it to attach the speaker to my daypack on a few hikes around Manly, and it hung securely without bouncing around. The cartoonishly oversized volume buttons give it some personality.
Bluetooth pairing was quick and hassle-free, and the 55-meter range provided flexibility when moving around campsites or picnic areas. However, it lacks multi-device pairing, so switching between phones required manual reconnection—a minor inconvenience but worth noting for those who frequently share DJ duties.
The physical controls are intuitive and tactile, even when using the speaker with wet or sandy hands. Large volume buttons and a central multifunction button made skipping tracks and pausing playback straightforward.
One glaring omission, however, is voice assistant integration. While not a dealbreaker, it might be missed by users accustomed to smart speaker features.
Performance
The Everboom’s sound quality exceeded my expectations, particularly given its portable size. Ultimate Ears has packed in two full-range transducers and dual passive radiators, creating a soundstage that feels surprisingly wide and balanced. Bass lovers will appreciate its low-end punch, which resonates well without muddying the mids and highs.
On the road, the speaker’s ability to handle different genres is more apparent. Acoustic tracks maintained clarity and warmth, while electronic beats thumped with satisfying depth. I often used the Outdoor Boost mode, designed specifically for open spaces. It noticeably enhanced the volume and projection without introducing distortion, ensuring the music cut through background noise, especially in windy environments.
However, at maximum volume, the highs can occasionally feel slightly recessed, and audiophiles may notice a lack of crispness in the upper registers. For casual listeners and outdoor use, though, the Everboom more than holds its own.
Battery
One of the standout aspects of the Everboom is its long-lasting battery. With up to 20 hours of playtime on a single charge, it powered through entire weekends without needing a recharge. For extended trips, this reliability was invaluable. Charging is done via USB-C, which is both convenient and fast, cutting down the time needed to get back to full power.
The speaker also integrates well with the Ultimate Ears BOOM app, which offers customizable EQ settings. This allowed me to tweak the sound profile to suit different settings, from bass-heavy party mixes to softer, more vocal-driven playlists. The app also supports PartyUp mode, letting me connect multiple Ultimate Ears speakers for a more immersive experience. While I didn’t often need this feature, it’s a nice bonus for larger gatherings.
Verdict & Value
The Ultimate Ears Everboom earns its place as one of the best portable speakers for the outdoors. It’s the perfect size plus the rugged design, impressive sound performance, and long battery life make it a reliable partner for road trips, hikes, and beach outings. While it has a few minor limitations, such as slightly cutting highs at maximum volume and the lack of multi-device pairing, these are easily outweighed by its strengths.
I’d say that’s a perfect package for $244.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Same great design with improved ruggedness, perfect size for more volume without being unwieldy.
Lowlights: Not much smarts
Price: $244
