This tiny Bluetooth speaker is the loudest I’ve heard – and it’s not made by Bose or Beats

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Ultimate Ears MiniRoll is a stable possibility for anybody on the lookout for a extremely moveable, ultra-loud Bluetooth speaker. It is accessible for $80.
• A sensible and discreet carrying strap, Auracast compatibility, and a compact design outline the MiniRoll speaker.
• An absence of “wow” options fails to differentiate the MiniRoll from its rivals.

You may typically hear me say that a pair of reliable headphones is a must have in your tech arsenal. In my excellent world, everybody would have a trusty pair of over-ear headphones for deep focus and leisure, sturdy earbuds for exercising and hands-free calling, and a well-rounded Bluetooth speaker for retaining the groove moving into massive areas.

Additionally: One of the most immersive speakers I’ve listened to is not made by Sony or JBL

Bluetooth audio system are available in many sizes and styles, permitting you to decide on one that matches your wants. However you often compromise sound presence for measurement. Larger audio system get louder and have boomier bass, whereas smaller audio system are extra moveable however can sound hole and distant.

So, when Final Ears despatched me the brand new palm-sized MiniRoll speaker, I used to be desperate to confirm its declare that such a small speaker may ship “highly effective” sound. I spent every week and a half with it and was supremely impressed. Here is why.

First, I’ve to emphasize simply how small the MiniRoll is. It matches neatly in my palm and is concerning the measurement of a donut. Many Bluetooth audio system take up some house in your desk, nightstand, or shelf, however the MiniRoll is extremely compact.

For a small body, the MiniRoll will get very loud. I listened to Justin Timberlake’s “Do not Maintain The Wall,” and the bass was punchy and current, whereas the midrange and vocals had been misplaced in a number of the thump and growth. The louder you go, the extra distortion you may hear, however that is commonplace for Bluetooth audio system.

Additionally: I tested Beats’ new Pill speaker and it delivered gloriously smooth sound for any style of music

Nevertheless, in out of doors settings, the MiniRoll will get lots loud, and the dearth of readability should not trouble you when you’re centered in your hike, entertaining friends at a cookout, or hanging out by the pool. 

The MiniRoll is Auracast-compatible, so that you and your good friend can pair your MiniRoll audio system collectively to double the sound. An IP67 water and dust-resistance ranking means it may well survive submersion in as much as three ft of water for lower than half-hour, making it an ideal companion for days on the water.

For ultra-portability, the MiniRoll has a sturdy strap on the again that you may clip onto luggage, belt buckles, or your garments for on-the-go listening. 

I strapped the MiniRoll to my bathe head for my each day bathe concert-slash-performance, and I preferred having the speaker within the bathe greater than resting it on my rest room self-importance. I may hear my music higher over the operating water, which doubtless elevated my water invoice as a result of I saved telling myself I might carry out “only one extra tune.”

For testing functions, I strapped the MiniRoll to my belt loop to check its power. I jumped, twisted, and vigorously shook myself to get it to fall off my waist, however to no avail. Thankfully, I did this experiment within the privateness of my dwelling workplace, however I can attest that the MiniRoll’s strap can grasp on throughout any of your bodily actions.

The MiniRoll is USB-C suitable for wired charging, and the battery can final for as much as 12 hours, which is akin to audio system of the identical measurement, just like the JBL Clip 5.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

The Ultimate Ears MiniRoll speaker is a good possibility for individuals looking for a small, extremely moveable Bluetooth speaker with sound that’s greater than its body. Nevertheless, there’s not a lot that differentiates it from different ultra-portable Bluetooth audio system. Your resolution comes all the way down to which type issue you favor. In the event you choose a discreet carrying clip, go along with the MiniRoll. In the event you’d relatively have a devoted carabiner, the JBL Clip 5 is extra your pace.

Additionally: Curious about Apple’s AirPods 4? Here are the differences between the new models

Neither the MiiRoll nor the Clip 5 has that crystal-clear sound you’d write dwelling about; if sound readability is your concern, contemplate one thing greater with extra room for extra audio parts, just like the Bose Soundlink Max or the Beats Pill (2024).

I like to recommend the MiniRoll to out of doors fans for its portability, school college students for its low value and nice worth, and individuals who commonly spend their summers on the seaside or lake for its sturdy IP ranking.