OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
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Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Ultimate Ears Blast Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£90Audio output power:?Battery life:12 hoursIP rating:IP67Bluetooth version:3.0Weight:640 g

Ultimate Ears Blast 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.

Ultimate Ears Blast
7.5/10

Overall score

Score
7.5/ 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
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components

80%

7.4

Technical score

20%

7.8

User score

★Better than 90% of portable speakers
8.3

Value for money

Value for money
8.3/ 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
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

10

Price

★Better than 93%
7.4

Technical score

Technical score
7.4/ 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
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components

32%

6.8

Audio

20%

7.1

Battery

18%

9.4

Durability

16%

6.5

Connectivity

8%

8.4

Controls

3%

8.8

Design

3%

6.5

Smart features

★Better than 92%
7.8

User score

User score
7.8/ 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 76% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

7.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 76%
  • ultimate-ears-blast
ultimate-ears-blast
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 Ultimate Ears Blast

Technical score
Technical score
7.4/ 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
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components:

32%

6.8

Audio

20%

7.1

Battery

18%

9.4

Durability

16%

6.5

Connectivity

8%

8.4

Controls

3%

8.8

Design

3%

6.5

Smart features

7.4
User score
User score
7.8/ 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 76% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

7.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.8
Popularity
Popularity
7.6/ 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 75% of models
Popularity:
Ultimate Ears Blast has a popularity score of 7.6 points, which is higher than 75.2% of products in this category.
7.6
Value for money
Value for money
8.3/ 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
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components:

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

10

Price

8.3
Audio output power
?
Driver unit size
35 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 35 mm which is smaller than that of 95.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
2
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
90 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 90 Hz which is higher than that of 79.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.6% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
3
Market range: <3 – >5.3
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 3 which is older than that of 85.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.5% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
45 m
Market range: <10 m – >30 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 45 m which is longer than that of 96.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.9% of portable speakers.
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
12 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 12 hours which is longer than that of 47.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 15.7% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
3,400 mAh
Market range: <900 mAh – >6.6k mAh
This portable speaker has a battery capacity of 3,400 mAh which is larger than that of 66.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.1% of portable speakers.
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
10 W
Market range: <5 W – >30 W
This portable speaker has a maximum charging input power of 10 W which is higher than that of 44.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 26.1% of portable speakers.
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
IP67
This portable speaker has an IP rating of IP67 which provides better ingress protection than 80% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 19.1% 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
1 m
Market range: <0 m – >1 m
This portable speaker has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m which is deeper than that of 52.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 47.4% of portable speakers.
Drop resistance
yes
This portable speaker resists accidental impacts. 67.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
On-device controls placement
top; front
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
yes
This portable speaker supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
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
640 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 640 g which is lighter than that of 56.9% of portable speakers.
Height
18.8 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 18.8 cm which is taller than that of 72.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.5% of portable speakers.
Width
6.8 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 6.8 cm which is narrower than that of 94.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Depth
6.8 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 6.8 cm which is shallower than that of 66.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.9% of portable speakers.
Carry options
none
Show more
Companion app name
?
Firmware updates
yes
This portable speaker supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
?
Voice assistant support
yes
This portable speaker supports voice assistants. 73.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
?
Show more

Ultimate Ears Blast vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IP67 vs IPX5).
    IP67 vs IPX5
  • 35 m longer Bluetooth range
    This portable speaker has a longer Bluetooth range than the average portable speaker (45 m vs 10 m).
    45 m vs 10 m
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    This portable speaker provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
  • 10 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (90 dB vs 80 dB).
    90 dB vs 80 dB
  • 5 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
    5 vs 0
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    This portable speaker has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
    Uses microphone noise/echo cancellation for calls or voice.
  • 9.4% better value for money
    Ultimate Ears Blast offers better value for money than the average portable speaker (8.26 vs 7.5).
    8.26 vs 7.55
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    This portable speaker provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
  • 10 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (90 dB vs 80 dB).
    90 dB vs 80 dB
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    This portable speaker has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
    Uses microphone noise/echo cancellation for calls or voice.
  • 1 more microphones
    This portable speaker has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Has beamforming microphones
    This portable speaker has beamforming microphones, while the average portable speaker does not have beamforming microphones.
    Uses beamforming microphone technology.
  • 35 m longer Bluetooth range
    This portable speaker has a longer Bluetooth range than the average portable speaker (45 m vs 10 m).
    45 m vs 10 m
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 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
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 800 mAh more battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (3,400 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    3,400 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IP67 vs IPX5).
    IP67 vs IPX5
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • Resists accidental impacts
    This portable speaker resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
  • 5 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
    5 vs 0
  • 4 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (4 vs 0).
    4 vs 0
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • Supports playback mute
    This portable speaker supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
    Speaker playback audio can be directly muted.
  • 11.3 cm narrower
    This portable speaker is narrower than the average portable speaker (6.8 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    6.8 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • Supports voice assistants
    This portable speaker supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
    Supports direct voice-assistant control.
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • 15 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (35 mm vs 50 mm).
    35 mm vs 50 mm
  • 30 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (90 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    90 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 2 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (3 vs 5).
    3 vs 5
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (-5 °C vs 0 °C).
    -5 °C vs 0 °C
  • 2 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (90 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    90 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 6.4 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (18.8 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    18.8 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 3.2% lower user score
    User score
    7.8/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Ultimate Ears Blast
    the average portable speaker
    Ultimate Ears Blast has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (7.75 vs 8).
    7.75 vs 8
  • 3.2% lower user score
    User score
    7.8/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Ultimate Ears Blast
    the average portable speaker
    Ultimate Ears Blast has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (7.75 vs 8).
    7.75 vs 8
  • 15 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (35 mm vs 50 mm).
    35 mm vs 50 mm
  • 30 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (90 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    90 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 2 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (90 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    90 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 2 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (3 vs 5).
    3 vs 5
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (-5 °C vs 0 °C).
    -5 °C vs 0 °C
  • 6.4 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (18.8 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    18.8 cm vs 12.4 cm

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

W
whathifi.com
12/12/2017
Summary of the review
Ultimate Ears Blast review | What Hi-Fi?
S
stuff.tv
07/12/2017
Summary of the review
Ultimate Ears UE Blast review: Alexa smarts in a portable speaker - Stuff
T
trustedreviews.com
12/02/2018
Summary of the review
UE Blast Review - Trusted Reviews
T
techradar.com
16/07/2018
Summary of the review
Ultimate Ears Blast review - TechRadar
E
expertreviews.co.uk
02/08/2018
Summary of the review
Ultimate Ears Blast review: The best Bluetooth smart speaker money can buy
P
pcmag.com
10/09/2018
Summary of the review
Ultimate Ears UE Blast Review - PCMag What Hi-Fi?
C
cnet.com
22/12/2017
Summary of the review
UE Blast review: A portable Echo with better sound - CNET
C
chip.de
22/08/2018
Summary of the review
Ultimate Ears UE Blast Bluetooth Speaker Review
(Translated)Show original
N
netzwelt.de
08/12/2017
Summary of the review
Ultimate Ears (Mega)Blast Review: Alexa Demands Many Sacrifices
(Translated)Show original
H
heise.de
08/01/2018
Summary of the review
Ultimate Ears Blast Review: Alexa with Flaws
(Translated)Show original
T
testr.at
16/05/2018
Summary of the review
Ultimate Ears BLAST - 360-Degree Battery-Powered Speaker
(Translated)Show original
M
macmaniacs.at
13/12/2017
Summary of the review
Portable, compact, killer sound & Alexa? UE Blast review
(Translated)Show original
N
nextpit.de
19/01/2018
Summary of the review
Ultimate Ears Blast and Megablast review: The colorful Alexa speakers
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
23/03/2019
Summary of the review
UE Blast Review: A Best-Selling Portable Speaker Wakes Up to Alexa
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about Ultimate Ears Blast

  • Good sound quality with clear, balanced 360-degree audio projection
  • Highly portable, lightweight, and compact cylindrical design
  • Rugged and durable build quality featuring drop-proof protection
  • IP67 water and dust resistance, making it safe for beach or shower use
  • Built-in Amazon Alexa voice control integration over Wi-Fi connection
  • Can reach high volume levels with minimal audio distortion

What customers don't like about Ultimate Ears Blast

  • Lacks deep low-end performance and can exhibit slight bass distortion
  • Relatively expensive compared to competing portable smart speakers
  • The micro-USB charging port is difficult to access without an optional dock
  • Cannot be paired with other Ultimate Ears speakers for simultaneous playback
  • Alexa voice functionality does not work when using a Bluetooth connection on the go
  • Microphone struggles to hear voice commands when music is playing at full volume

Verdict

The Ultimate Ears Blast is a rugged, cylindrical portable speaker measuring 7.4 by 2.7 inches and weighing 1.4 pounds, equipped with two 1.4-inch active drivers and two 3.2 by 1.5-inch passive radiators that deliver immersive 360-degree audio with a frequency range of 90 Hz to 20 kHz. Key advantages include an IP67 water and dustproof rating that allows immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, up to 12 hours of battery life, built-in Amazon Alexa voice control, and dual connectivity with a Wi-Fi range of 330 feet and a Bluetooth range of 150 feet. However, it suffers from a lack of deep sub-bass punch, cannot be linked to older UE models like the Boom series, lacks a 3.5mm auxiliary input, and has an awkwardly placed micro-USB port underneath a rubber flap that makes charging inconvenient without purchasing an optional dock.

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