Choosing Between Today's Premium Portable Speakers: A Detailed Comparison

The Bose SoundLink Revolve II ($219.99) and Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM ($229.99) represent two distinct approaches to premium portable audio. Let's explore how these speakers stack up and which might be right for your needs.

The Evolution of Portable Speakers

Portable Bluetooth speakers have come a long way since their early days of tinny, underpowered sound. Today's premium options deliver impressive audio quality while offering durability and features that make them versatile companions for both indoor and outdoor use.

The SoundLink Revolve II, released in early 2021, refined Bose's already successful 360-degree speaker design. Meanwhile, the EPICBOOM, launched in late 2023, brings Ultimate Ears' latest acoustic innovations and sustainable materials to the premium portable speaker market.

Sound Quality Deep Dive

Indoor Performance

The Bose SoundLink Revolve II excels in indoor environments, where its carefully tuned 360-degree sound projection creates an immersive listening experience. The speaker uses what Bose calls "Omnidirectional acoustic deflector" - essentially a carefully designed waveguide that spreads sound evenly in all directions. This technology particularly shines in small to medium-sized rooms, where the sound reflects naturally off walls to create a fuller listening experience.

The EPICBOOM takes a different approach, using larger drivers (two 45mm mid-high frequency transducers and one 120mm woofer) to deliver more powerful sound. While it also offers 360-degree audio, its larger size allows for deeper bass response, particularly noticeable in bass-heavy music genres.

Outdoor Performance

Here's where the EPICBOOM really shows its strengths. Its dedicated "Outdoor Boost" feature adjusts the EQ settings to compensate for open-air environments, where bass frequencies typically get lost. The more powerful drivers and larger enclosure help it maintain sound quality at higher volumes.

The SoundLink Revolve II, while competent outdoors, shows its size limitations in open spaces. It's designed more for intimate gatherings than large outdoor parties.

Build Quality and Durability

Both speakers feature premium construction, but with different priorities:

Weather Resistance

• SoundLink Revolve II: IP55 rating (protected against dust and water jets)
• EPICBOOM: IP67 rating (fully dustproof and can be submerged in 1 meter of water)

The EPICBOOM's higher rating makes it more suitable for pool parties or beach use, while the SoundLink Revolve II is better suited for occasional outdoor use where extreme water exposure isn't likely.

Technical Features and Innovations

Connectivity

The Bose SoundLink Revolve II uses Bluetooth 4.1, offering reliable connectivity up to 30 feet. It includes a 3.5mm auxiliary input for wired connections - a feature notably absent from the EPICBOOM.

The EPICBOOM employs more recent Bluetooth technology, extending range to about 55 meters under optimal conditions. It also includes one-touch NFC pairing for compatible devices, making connection setup nearly instantaneous.

Smart Features

Both speakers offer companion apps, but their capabilities differ:

• Bose Connect app: Basic EQ presets, speaker management
• Ultimate Ears BOOM app: Custom EQ settings, adaptive sound optimization, music presets through streaming services

Battery Life and Charging

The EPICBOOM leads with 17 hours of playback versus the SoundLink Revolve II's 13 hours. However, real-world battery life varies significantly based on volume levels and feature usage. More importantly, the EPICBOOM uses modern USB-C charging, while the SoundLink Revolve II still relies on micro-USB - a noticeable drawback for a premium 2021 product.

Value Proposition

At $219.99, the SoundLink Revolve II delivers Bose's renowned sound quality in a compact, versatile package. The slightly pricier EPICBOOM at $229.99 offers more powerful sound and modern features, justifying its premium for users who need its additional capabilities.

How to Decide

Choose the SoundLink Revolve II if:

• You primarily use your speaker indoors
• Compact size and portability are priorities
• You value balanced, room-filling sound at moderate volumes
• You need a 3.5mm auxiliary input

Choose the EPICBOOM if:

• You frequently use your speaker outdoors
• Maximum volume and bass response are important
• You need superior water resistance
• You want the latest connectivity features and longer battery life

Final Thoughts

Both speakers excel in their intended use cases. The SoundLink Revolve II remains a solid choice for users seeking premium sound in a compact form factor, particularly for indoor use. The EPICBOOM represents the latest evolution in portable speakers, offering more power and features for those who need them.

For home theater use, neither speaker is ideal as a primary solution, but the EPICBOOM's additional power and bass response make it a better temporary stand-in if needed. However, both speakers shine brightest in their intended portable roles rather than as home theater components.

Remember that the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and how you plan to use the speaker most often. Consider your typical listening environment, desired volume levels, and whether features like water resistance or auxiliary inputs matter to your usage scenario.

Bose SoundLink Revolve II Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices

Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices