The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 is a portable Bluetooth speaker designed for outdoor enthusiasts and those who need robust audio performance on the go. With its enhanced sound capabilities, rugged build, and versatile features, it has become a popular choice among users looking for a reliable and powerful speaker. In this review, we will delve into various aspects of the WONDERBOOM 2, exploring its design, sound quality, battery life, durability, and overall performance.
Design and Build Quality
Compact and Portable
One of the standout features of the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 is its compact and portable design. Measuring just 104mm in height and 95.3mm in diameter, this speaker is small enough to fit comfortably in your hand or backpack. It also features a convenient loop, making it easy to attach to your bike or bag, further enhancing its portability.
Rugged and Durable
The WONDERBOOM 2 is built to withstand the elements. With an IP67 rating, it is both waterproof and dustproof, meaning you can take it to the beach, pool, or on a hiking adventure without worrying about damage from water or dust. Additionally, the speaker is designed to float, making it perfect for pool parties. Its drop-proof construction ensures that it can handle the bumps and knocks that come with outdoor activities.
Sound Quality
360-Degree Sound
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 delivers a surprisingly bigger 360-degree sound, providing an immersive audio experience regardless of where you are standing in relation to the speaker. This feature ensures that everyone around the speaker enjoys a consistent and high-quality sound experience.
Enhanced Bass
For those who appreciate a deeper and richer sound, the WONDERBOOM 2 offers enhanced bass capabilities. This improvement over its predecessor means that you can enjoy your favorite tracks with more depth and fullness, making it a great option for various music genres.
Outdoor Boost Mode
One of the unique features of the WONDERBOOM 2 is the Outdoor Boost mode. By pressing the dedicated button, you can instantly increase the speaker’s loudness and clarity, making it ideal for outdoor listening. This mode adjusts the EQ settings to cut some bass and boost the mids and highs, ensuring that vocals and instruments sound clearer and more prominent even in open-air environments.
Battery Life
Long-lasting Performance
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 boasts a battery life of up to 13 hours on a single charge. This extended battery life ensures that you can enjoy your music throughout the day without needing to recharge frequently. Whether you are on a day trip, beach outing, or biking adventure, the WONDERBOOM 2 has enough power to keep the party going.
Quick Charging
Charging the WONDERBOOM 2 is also relatively quick, taking approximately 2.6 hours with a BC1.2 compliant adapter. This means you can quickly top up the battery and get back to enjoying your music in no time.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Bluetooth Compatibility
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 is equipped with Bluetooth technology, allowing you to wirelessly connect to a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This compatibility ensures that you can easily stream your favorite music from various sources.
Dual Device Connection
A notable feature of the WONDERBOOM 2 is its ability to connect up to two source devices simultaneously. This means you and a friend can take turns playing DJ, seamlessly switching between devices without disconnecting and reconnecting.
Stereo Pairing
For an even more immersive audio experience, the WONDERBOOM 2 allows you to pair two speakers together in either mono or stereo mode. This feature is perfect for larger gatherings where you want to amplify the sound and create a more dynamic audio environment.
Ease of Use
Simple Controls
The WONDERBOOM 2 features intuitive controls that make it easy to play, pause, and skip tracks directly from the speaker. This means you don’t need to constantly reach for your phone to manage your music, adding to the convenience and user-friendly nature of the speaker.
No Voice Assistant
While the WONDERBOOM 2 excels in many areas, it does not support voice assistants such as Siri or Google Assistant. This might be a drawback for users who prefer using voice commands to control their devices. However, the lack of voice assistant integration does not detract from the overall performance and functionality of the speaker.
Durability and Outdoor Performance
Water and Dust Resistance
The IP67 rating of the WONDERBOOM 2 means it is completely protected against dust ingress and can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. This level of durability makes it an excellent choice for outdoor use, ensuring that it can handle various environmental conditions without any issues.
Floats on Water
An added advantage of the WONDERBOOM 2 is its ability to float on water. This feature makes it an ideal companion for pool parties and beach outings, where the speaker can safely float on the water’s surface while delivering high-quality sound.
Drop-proof Design
The rugged construction of the WONDERBOOM 2 means it can withstand drops and impacts from up to 5 feet. This durability ensures that the speaker can handle the occasional knock or fall that comes with active lifestyles and outdoor adventures.
Performance in Different Environments
Outdoor Use
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 is particularly well-suited for outdoor use. Its Outdoor Boost mode enhances sound clarity and loudness in open-air environments, making it easier to enjoy music in noisy or spacious areas. The waterproof and dustproof design further enhances its suitability for outdoor activities, allowing you to take the speaker to the beach, pool, or on a hike without worrying about damage.
Indoor Use
While the WONDERBOOM 2 excels in outdoor environments, it is also a great option for indoor use. The 360-degree sound ensures that audio is evenly distributed throughout the room, making it suitable for parties and gatherings. The enhanced bass and overall sound quality provide an enjoyable listening experience for various types of music.
Limitations
Volume Limitations
Despite its many strengths, the WONDERBOOM 2 does have some limitations. One of the main drawbacks is its volume capability. While it is loud enough for most casual listening situations, it may not be sufficient for very large gatherings or extremely noisy environments. Users looking for a speaker with higher volume output might need to consider larger or more powerful options.
Low-Bass Performance
Another limitation is the speaker’s low-bass performance. Out of the box, the WONDERBOOM 2 may lack the deep, thumping bass that some users prefer. Although the enhanced bass feature improves this aspect, it might still fall short for those who prioritize bass-heavy music genres.
High Latency
The WONDERBOOM 2 also exhibits high latency on both Android and iOS devices, which can be an issue for users who want to watch videos or play games with synchronized audio. The delay between the audio and visual components can be noticeable and may detract from the overall experience.
No Speakerphone Capability
Unlike some other portable Bluetooth speakers, the WONDERBOOM 2 does not have a built-in microphone for speakerphone functionality. This means you cannot use it for hands-free calls, which might be a drawback for users who prefer having this feature in their portable speakers.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 is a versatile and durable portable Bluetooth speaker that excels in various environments, particularly outdoor settings. Its compact and rugged design, combined with waterproof and dustproof capabilities, make it an excellent choice for adventurous users. The enhanced bass and 360-degree sound provide a high-quality audio experience, while the Outdoor Boost mode ensures clarity and loudness in open-air environments.
However, the WONDERBOOM 2 does have some limitations, including its volume capability, low-bass performance, high latency, and lack of speakerphone functionality. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and portable speaker for both indoor and outdoor use.
Recommendation
We recommend the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 for users who need a robust and portable speaker that can handle various outdoor activities. Its durability, sound quality, and ease of use make it a great companion for beach trips, hiking adventures, and pool parties. However, if you require higher volume output, deeper bass, or speakerphone capabilities, you might want to explore other options in the market.
Overall, the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 offers excellent value for its price, delivering a satisfying audio experience and impressive durability for all your adventures.