An introduction to the UE Megablast and Blast
Set up Connecting the Megablast speakers via Bluetooth is still insanely easy. When you turn on the speaker for the first time, it automatically goes into pairing mode, which is handy. Once connected, it detects whether or not you have the UE app installed on your smartphone and prompts you to download if not. This is where things differ from previous UE speakers. The app guides you through a connection process to get the wireless Bluetooth speaker talking to your home Wi-Fi network using its built-in chip. It would be nice if if the app remembered the login info for future setups, but that only really comes into play if you’re adding more than one for stereo or multi-some audio. This is also where you set up Alexa compatibility.
How smart is each Ultimate Ears speaker?
Ultimate Ears speaker performance
While the speakers look identical co the Mega Boom 2 that came before, there have been some considerable hardware upgrades inside. In addition to the new Wi-Fi chip, the speakers now have microphone arrays around the outside so they can hear you calling for Alexa. In terms of music playback, the MegaBlast received the biggest upgrade, pushing a full 40 percent more volume than its predecessor. The Megaboom was loud. The new Megablast is extremely loud. Even in my backyard, I didn’t need to push it to max volume to cover the whole area. The smaller blast is more comparable to its predecessor but is more than capable of filling even a large room with sound.I’ve never really had a complaint with UE speakers in terms of sound quality and that’s still true here. Battery life checks in at up to 12 hours for the Blast and up to 16 hours for the UE Megablast, which is more than I have needed so far. That portability, however, is one of the big advantages that the UE speakers have over the Sonos One, which is that company’s first Alexa-equipped model.
Other features
The Blast and Megablast are a IP67 certified waterproof speaker, which means you can fully submerge them and they’ll survive just fine. They’re also resistant to dust, drops, and your tipsy cousins knocking them off the deck at a barbecue.
Should you buy the Ultimate Ears Blast or Megablast?
The second issue is the price. The UE Blast costs $229, while the UE Megablast checks in at $349. Then, you have to pay another $40 to get the charging base if you want to use it like a dedicated Alexa speaker. That’s a pretty hefty price puts the Megablast in direct comparison with the upcoming Google Home Max and Apple HomePod. That’s seriously stiff competition, even if the UE speaker has the benefit of portability. If you can justify the price and wait for those services, you’re going to get an excellent speaker. Looking ahead, I expect to see a lot more speakers in this genre, but they will have a high hill to climb to beat UE. Official site | Buy it here: Blast or Megablast
