Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
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.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

Ultimate Ears Boom 2 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180Audio output power:25.00 WBattery life:15 hoursIP rating:IPX7Bluetooth version:4.1Weight:548 g

Ultimate Ears Boom 2 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 Boom 2
7.4/10

Overall score

Score
7.4/ 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
Score components

80%

6.9

Technical score

20%

9.5

User score

â–²Better than 86% of portable speakers
8.0

Value for money

Value for money
8.0/ 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
Score components

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–²Better than 82%
6.9

Technical score

Technical score
6.9/ 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
Score components

32%

6.4

Audio

20%

6.2

Battery

18%

7.5

Durability

16%

6.7

Connectivity

8%

8.7

Controls

3%

8.9

Design

3%

7.0

Smart features

â–²Better than 69%
9.5

User score

User score
9.5/ 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
Score components

70%

9.3

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 96%
  • ultimate-ears-boom-2
  • ultimate-ears-boom-2
ultimate-ears-boom-2
ultimate-ears-boom-2
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.
Loading...
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Ultimate Ears Boom 2

Technical score
Technical score
6.9/ 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
Score components:

32%

6.4

Audio

20%

6.2

Battery

18%

7.5

Durability

16%

6.7

Connectivity

8%

8.7

Controls

3%

8.9

Design

3%

7.0

Smart features

6.9
User score
User score
9.5/ 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
Score components

70%

9.3

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.5
Popularity
Popularity
10/ 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
Popularity:
Ultimate Ears Boom 2 has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than 92% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 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
Score components:

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

8.0
Audio output power
25 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 25 W which is higher than that of 59.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
45 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 45 mm which is smaller than that of 60.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 8.6% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
2
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
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
4.1
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 4.1 which is older than that of 71.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.9% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
30 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 30 m which is longer than that of 85.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 10% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth profiles supported
A2DP; HFP
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
15 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 15 hours which is longer than that of 67% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.5% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
3,400 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
5 hours
This portable speaker has a charging time of 5 hours which is longer than that of 87% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.7% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
10 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
IPX7
This portable speaker has an IP rating of IPX7 which provides better ingress protection than 47.6% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 25.2% of portable speakers.
Water resistance
yes
This portable speaker is water resistant. 38.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
no
This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
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
548 g
This portable speaker weighs 548 g which is lighter than that of 63.1% of portable speakers.
Height
18 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 18 cm which is taller than that of 68% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.6% of portable speakers.
Width
6.7 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 6.7 cm which is narrower than that of 94.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Depth
6.7 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 6.7 cm which is shallower than that of 67.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1% of portable speakers.
Carry options
strap
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
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Ultimate Ears Boom 2 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 20 m longer Bluetooth range
    This portable speaker has a longer Bluetooth range than the average portable speaker (30 m vs 10 m).
    30 m vs 10 m
  • 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.
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 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.
  • 4 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (4 vs 0).
    4 vs 0
  • 18.6% higher user score
    User score
    9.5/ 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
    Ultimate Ears Boom 2
    the average portable speaker
    Ultimate Ears Boom 2 has a higher user score than the average portable speaker (9.48 vs 8).
    9.48 vs 8
  • 2.38x more popular
    Ultimate Ears Boom 2 is more popular than the average portable speaker (10 vs 4.21).
    10 vs 4.21
  • 6.7% better value for money
    Ultimate Ears Boom 2 offers better value for money than the average portable speaker (8.05 vs 7.5).
    8.05 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.
  • 5 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (25 W vs 20 W).
    25 W vs 20 W
  • 20 m longer Bluetooth range
    This portable speaker has a longer Bluetooth range than the average portable speaker (30 m vs 10 m).
    30 m vs 10 m
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Supports NFC Bluetooth pairing
    This portable speaker supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
  • 3 hours longer battery life
    This portable speaker has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (15 hours vs 12 hours).
    15 hours vs 12 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
  • 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.
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
    IPX7 vs IPX5
  • 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 party mode
    This portable speaker supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
  • 11.4 cm narrower
    This portable speaker is narrower than the average portable speaker (6.7 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    6.7 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 252 g lighter
    This portable speaker is lighter than the average portable speaker (548 g vs 800 g).
    548 g vs 800 g
  • 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.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).
    5 hours vs 3 hours
  • 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
  • 0.9 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.1 vs 5).
    4.1 vs 5
  • 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
  • 5 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (45 mm vs 50 mm).
    45 mm vs 50 mm
  • 5.6 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (18 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    18 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 2x more expensive
    Ultimate Ears Boom 2 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£180 vs £90).
    £180 vs £90
  • 2x more expensive
    Ultimate Ears Boom 2 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£180 vs £90).
    £180 vs £90
  • 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
  • 5 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (45 mm vs 50 mm).
    45 mm vs 50 mm
  • 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
  • 0.9 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.1 vs 5).
    4.1 vs 5
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).
    5 hours vs 3 hours
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 5.6 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (18 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    18 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 4 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2015 vs 2019).
    2015 vs 2019

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
tomsguide.com
15/09/2015
Summary of the review
P
pcmag.com
21/09/2015
Summary of the review
U
uk.pcmag.com
21/09/2015
Summary of the review
T
trustedreviews.com
12/10/2015
Summary of the review
P
pocket-lint.com
02/11/2015
Summary of the review
T
techgearlab.com
05/04/2017
Summary of the review
W
whathifi.com
05/11/2018
Summary of the review
T
themasterswitch.com
06/11/2018
Summary of the review
T
techradar.com
12/11/2019
Summary of the review
E
expertreviews.co.uk
24/11/2020
Summary of the review
S
soundguys.com
24/09/2021
Summary of the review
M
macrumors.com
13/11/2015
Summary of the review
T
the-gadgeteer.com
18/12/2015
Summary of the review
A
abramkj.com
04/03/2016
Summary of the review
G
gameandfishmag.com
24/04/2018
Summary of the review
A
androidpolice.com
30/10/2015
Summary of the review
O
outsidevibes.com
17/12/2018
Summary of the review
L
lesnumeriques.com
20/10/2015
Summary of the review
C
clubic.com
14/10/2015
Summary of the review
L
lesnumeriques.com
09/11/2015
Summary of the review

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 Boom 2

  • Excellent 360-degree sound projection
  • Impressive maximum volume for its compact size
  • Highly durable, shockproof, and drop-resistant build
  • IPX7 waterproof rating allowing full submersion
  • Long-lasting battery life of up to 15 hours
  • Lightweight and fits easily into backpack side pockets or cup holders
  • Useful companion app featuring customizable EQ settings and PartyUp speaker linking
  • Crisp, clear treble and mid-range performance

What customers don't like about Ultimate Ears Boom 2

  • Bass response is limited and lacks deep punch or low-end power
  • Audio distortion and noise creep in at maximum volume levels
  • Unreliable and frustrating tap-based gesture controls
  • Expensive original retail price point compared to similar competitors
  • Placement of charging and AUX ports on the bottom makes it awkward to charge while upright
  • Lacks support for higher-quality audio codecs like LDAC

Verdict

The Ultimate Ears Boom 2 is a cylindrical, highly durable portable Bluetooth speaker featuring improved 10-watt drivers that pump out an immersive 360-degree sound with a maximum volume level of 90 dBA. Weighing 548 grams and measuring 180mm x 67mm, this rugged device boasts an IPX7 waterproof rating (surviving immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes), a 15-hour rechargeable battery life with a 2.5-hour charge time via micro-USB, an extended wireless Bluetooth range of up to 100 feet (30 meters) with NFC pairing, and an integrated accelerometer for tap gesture controls. Key pros include its exceptional volume output, drop-proof build, reliable outdoor performance, and app-enabled PartyUp feature that allows linking multiple speakers for stereo sound. However, notable cons include prominent audio distortion when pushed to its maximum volume capacity, a lack of deep sub-bass frequencies, inconsistent responsiveness from the tap controls, and the use of an outdated micro-USB port instead of USB-C.

Compare Ultimate Ears Boom 2 with other products in the Portable Speakers category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Ultimate Ears Boom 2 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

No results found