OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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VS AVERAGE
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Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

Polk Audio Boom Urchin Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£90Audio output power:?Battery life:8 hoursIP rating:IPX4Bluetooth version:?Weight:340 g

Polk Audio Boom Urchin Review: Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

Polk Audio Boom Urchin
6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Score components

80%

6.6

Technical score

20%

6.5

User score

â–¼Worse than 56% of portable speakers
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–²Better than 50%
6.6

Technical score

Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 54% of models
Score components

32%

6.9

Audio

20%

6.6

Battery

18%

7.6

Durability

16%

6.3

Connectivity

8%

4.0

Controls

3%

9.1

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

â–²Better than 54%
6.5

User score

User score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

User ratings

30%

4.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 94%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker Polk Audio Boom Urchin

Technical score
Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 54% of models
Score components:

32%

6.9

Audio

20%

6.6

Battery

18%

7.6

Durability

16%

6.3

Connectivity

8%

4.0

Controls

3%

9.1

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

6.6
User score
User score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

User ratings

30%

4.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
6.5
Popularity
Popularity
4.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 51% of models
Popularity:
Polk Audio Boom Urchin has a popularity score of 4.5 points, which is higher than 51.2% of products in this category.
4.5
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.6
Audio output power
?
Driver unit size
43 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 43 mm which is smaller than that of 73.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.7% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
?
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
?
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
?
Maximum Bluetooth range
?
Bluetooth profiles supported
?
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Battery life
8 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 8 hours which is shorter than that of 68.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.6% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
?
Charging time
2 hours
Market range: <2 hours – >5 hours
This portable speaker has a charging time of 2 hours which is shorter than that of 72.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 22.6% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
?
Built-in rechargeable battery
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
IPX4
This portable speaker has an IP rating of IPX4 which provides worse ingress protection than 77.7% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 21% of portable speakers.
Water resistance
yes
This portable speaker is water resistant. 38.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
yes
This portable speaker is dust resistant. 48.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
?
Drop resistance
yes
This portable speaker resists accidental impacts. 67.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
On-device controls placement
top
Touchscreen
?
Smartphone app control
no
This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
no
This portable speaker does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
340 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 340 g which is lighter than that of 77.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.6% of portable speakers.
Height
9.8 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 9.8 cm which is shorter than that of 62.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.5% of portable speakers.
Width
15.8 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 15.8 cm which is narrower than that of 58.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Depth
5.7 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 5.7 cm which is shallower than that of 76.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.4% of portable speakers.
Carry options
strap/handle/shoulder
Show more
Companion app name
?
Firmware updates
no
This portable speaker does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Firmware update method
?
Voice assistant support
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Polk Audio Boom Urchin vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 1 hours shorter charging time
    This portable speaker has a shorter charging time than the average portable speaker (2 hours vs 3 hours).
    2 hours vs 3 hours
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • Resists accidental impacts
    This portable speaker resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
  • 460 g lighter
    This portable speaker is lighter than the average portable speaker (340 g vs 800 g).
    340 g vs 800 g
  • 2.6 cm shallower
    This portable speaker is shallower than the average portable speaker (5.7 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    5.7 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • 1 hours shorter charging time
    This portable speaker has a shorter charging time than the average portable speaker (2 hours vs 3 hours).
    2 hours vs 3 hours
  • Resists accidental impacts
    This portable speaker resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
  • 460 g lighter
    This portable speaker is lighter than the average portable speaker (340 g vs 800 g).
    340 g vs 800 g
  • 2.6 cm shallower
    This portable speaker is shallower than the average portable speaker (5.7 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    5.7 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).
    8 hours vs 12 hours
  • 2,000 Hz lower maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (18,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    18,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • 7 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (43 mm vs 50 mm).
    43 mm vs 50 mm
  • Worse ingress protection
    This portable speaker has worse ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX4 vs IPX5).
    IPX4 vs IPX5
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    This portable speaker does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 22.3% lower user score
    User score
    6.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Polk Audio Boom Urchin
    the average portable speaker
    Polk Audio Boom Urchin has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (6.54 vs 8).
    6.54 vs 8
  • 22.3% lower user score
    User score
    6.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Polk Audio Boom Urchin
    the average portable speaker
    Polk Audio Boom Urchin has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (6.54 vs 8).
    6.54 vs 8
  • 2,000 Hz lower maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (18,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    18,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 7 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (43 mm vs 50 mm).
    43 mm vs 50 mm
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).
    8 hours vs 12 hours
  • Worse ingress protection
    This portable speaker has worse ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX4 vs IPX5).
    IPX4 vs IPX5
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    This portable speaker does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 6 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2013 vs 2019).
    2013 vs 2019

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
pcmag.com
10/03/2014
Summary of the review
Boom Movement Urchin Review - PCMag
U
uk.pcmag.com
11/03/2014
Summary of the review
Boom Movement Urchin Review If you want, I can:Summarize the key pros/cons from these reviews.Find user feedback/reviews from shopping sites if you'd...
I
ilounge.com
16/05/2021
Summary of the review
Review: Boom Urchin Bluetooth Wireless Speaker | iLounge

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Polk Audio Boom Urchin

  • Versatile mounting options including an included carabiner, suction cup, and adhesive mount
  • Rugged and durable build quality that resists dust, minor drops, and shocks
  • Water-resistant design suitable for outdoor use, showers, and pool areas
  • Clear, loud vocal and mid-range audio performance at moderate volumes
  • Removable silicone cover makes it incredibly easy to clean
  • Includes helpful accessories like an AUX audio cable and wall charger
  • Functional built-in speakerphone for clear hands-free phone calls

What customers don't like about Polk Audio Boom Urchin

  • Noticeable audio distortion and straining when playing heavy bass tracks at high volumes
  • Lacks deep sub-bass performance due to its compact driver size
  • It is only water-resistant rather than completely 100% waterproof
  • Suction cup mount can lose its grip over time due to speaker vibrations
  • The physical control buttons have a stiff, overly solid feel when pressed
  • Occasional minor audio hiccups or stuttering over the Bluetooth connection
  • Small mounting hardware accessories can be easy to misplace or lose track of

Verdict

The Polk Audio Boom Urchin is a highly rugged, portable Bluetooth speaker designed for active outdoor use, featuring an IPX4 water-resistant rating, dust sealing, and a robust shockproof construction capable of surviving drops from up to 10 feet. Weighing roughly 340 grams, it provides versatile mounting options via an included suction cup, adhesive mount, and carabiner, while packing an integrated microphone for hands-free speakerphone calls and an 8-hour rechargeable battery. Its main advantages are its exceptional versatility, interchangeable protective silicone skins, and clear audio output at moderate volumes. However, on the downside, it lacks a fully waterproof IPX7 rating and suffers from noticeable audio distortion on bass-heavy tracks when pushed to maximum volume.

Compare Polk Audio Boom Urchin with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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