When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the Ultimate Ears EVERBOOM ($249) and Bose SoundLink Micro ($99) represent two very different approaches to solving the portable audio challenge. Let's dive deep into how these speakers compare and who they're best suited for.
Portable speakers have evolved significantly over the past few years, with improvements in battery technology, waterproofing, and sound quality leading to more capable devices. The key aspects buyers should consider are:
The EVERBOOM and SoundLink Micro showcase radically different design approaches. The EVERBOOM, released in late 2023, follows Ultimate Ears' cylindrical design philosophy, standing 8.1 inches tall and weighing 2.12 pounds. It's built around delivering room-filling sound with its 360-degree speaker arrangement - meaning it projects sound equally in all directions.
The SoundLink Micro, while older (released 2017), takes a different approach. At just 3.87 inches square and weighing 0.68 pounds, it's designed for ultimate portability. Its directional sound output means you need to face it toward listeners, but its compact size makes it incredibly easy to take anywhere.
The EVERBOOM's larger size allows for significantly more powerful drivers - those are the speakers that actually create the sound. It features:
For context, 90 dBC is loud enough to fill a medium-sized backyard party with clear sound. The passive radiators are particularly clever - they're unpowered speakers that move in response to air pressure from the main drivers, effectively amplifying bass frequencies without requiring additional power.
The SoundLink Micro, despite its small size, delivers surprisingly robust sound through:
Having tested both speakers extensively, the EVERBOOM shows its technical advantages:
The SoundLink Micro performs admirably for its size:
Battery life represents one of the starkest differences between these speakers. The EVERBOOM delivers up to 20 hours of playback, using modern lithium-ion battery technology and efficient power management. It includes fast charging capability, reaching a significant charge in just 3 hours.
The SoundLink Micro provides 6 hours of playback - sufficient for most daily uses but potentially limiting for extended outdoor activities. It uses older micro-USB charging rather than the more modern USB-C found on the EVERBOOM.
The EVERBOOM excels in:
The SoundLink Micro shines in:
At $249, the EVERBOOM represents a significant investment but delivers:
The SoundLink Micro at $99 offers:
Consider choosing the EVERBOOM if:
The SoundLink Micro makes more sense when:
The EVERBOOM represents the latest in portable speaker technology, with features like:
While the SoundLink Micro's 2017 design shows its age in some areas (micro-USB, shorter battery life), its sound quality and durability remain competitive, demonstrating Bose's engineering expertise.
Both the Ultimate Ears EVERBOOM and Bose SoundLink Micro excel in their intended use cases. The EVERBOOM delivers superior sound quality and features at a premium price, while the SoundLink Micro offers impressive portability and value for personal use. Your choice should ultimately depend on your specific needs for size, sound quality, and budget.
Consider your primary use case carefully - the best speaker is the one that fits your lifestyle and usage patterns, not necessarily the one with the most features or highest price tag.
| Ultimate Ears EVERBOOM | Bose SoundLink Micro |
|---|---|
| Price - Base investment required | |
| $249 (premium tier) | $99 (entry level) |
| Size - Impacts portability and sound output potential | |
| 8.1" x 3.3" (medium-sized portable) | 3.87" x 3.87" x 1.37" (ultra-compact) |
| Weight - Affects carrying convenience | |
| 2.12 lbs (backpack suitable) | 0.68 lbs (pocket-friendly) |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use | |
| 20 hours (multi-day use) | 6 hours (single day use) |
| Sound Output - Maximum volume capability | |
| 90 dBC (party/outdoor capable) | ~80 dBC (personal listening) |
| Speaker Configuration - Determines sound quality | |
| Two 56.6mm drivers + two 49.4x87mm passive radiators | Single transducer + dual passive radiators |
| Sound Projection - How sound spreads | |
| 360° omnidirectional (room-filling) | Directional (focused listening) |
| Waterproof Rating - Outdoor durability | |
| IP67 (submersible, floating) | IP67 (submersible, non-floating) |
| Charging Port - Convenience and speed | |
| USB-C (modern, faster charging) | Micro-USB (older standard) |
| Special Features - Additional functionality | |
| PartyUp pairing, customizable EQ, outdoor boost mode | Built-in strap, speakerphone, voice assistant |
| Bluetooth Range - Connection distance | |
| 180 feet (55 meters) | 30 feet (9 meters) |
| Primary Use Case - Best suited for | |
| Group listening, parties, outdoor events | Personal listening, travel, casual use |
The Ultimate Ears EVERBOOM is better for outdoor use due to its louder volume (90 dBC), longer battery life (20 hours), and 360-degree sound. While both have IP67 waterproofing, the EVERBOOM's outdoor boost mode specifically enhances open-air performance.
The Ultimate Ears EVERBOOM costs $249, while the Bose SoundLink Micro is priced at $99. The price difference reflects their different size classes and capabilities.
The EVERBOOM offers significantly longer battery life at 20 hours, compared to the SoundLink Micro's 6 hours of playback time.
The Bose SoundLink Micro is more portable at just 0.68 lbs and 3.87 inches square, making it pocket-sized. The EVERBOOM is larger at 2.12 lbs and 8.1 inches tall.
The EVERBOOM is well-suited for parties with its loud volume and PartyUp feature for connecting multiple speakers. The SoundLink Micro is better for personal or small group listening.
The EVERBOOM delivers fuller sound with better bass response due to its larger drivers and dual passive radiators. The SoundLink Micro offers good sound for its size but can't match the EVERBOOM's audio capabilities.
Yes, both the EVERBOOM and SoundLink Micro have IP67 ratings, meaning they can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The EVERBOOM also floats.
The EVERBOOM has superior Bluetooth range at 180 feet compared to the SoundLink Micro's 30-foot range.
The EVERBOOM can be paired with other Ultimate Ears speakers using PartyUp. The SoundLink Micro can be paired with select Bose speakers for stereo sound.
The SoundLink Micro is better for travel due to its ultra-compact size and built-in strap. The EVERBOOM is less travel-friendly due to its larger size.
The EVERBOOM uses modern USB-C charging with faster charging times, while the SoundLink Micro uses the older micro-USB standard.
For everyday personal use, the SoundLink Micro at $99 offers good value and portability. For frequent group listening or outdoor use, the EVERBOOM at $249 provides better overall performance and versatility.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: whathifi.com - networkhardwares.com - rtings.com - techradar.com - cdw.com - colamco.com - pcnation.com - ultimateears.com - staples.com - youtube.com - ir.logitech.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - mygolfspy.com - youtube.com - cnet.com - bose.com - bose.com - alwayswander.info - target.com - bose.com - bose.com
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