Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST Review | 130 Data compared

The WIRED review rates the Ultimate Ears Blast and Megablast 8/10 for combining durable, waterproof design with high-quality 360-degree sound, solid battery life, and Alexa integration. While praised for performance and ruggedness, the speakers were launched with limited Alexa functionality, restricting voice-controlled streaming services to certain platforms like Amazon Music over Wi-Fi, necessitating Bluetooth for services like Spotify.

The Ultimate Ears Megablast offers rugged, IP67-rated portability paired with loud, 360-degree audio that remains clear at high volumes. While serving as a capable Alexa-enabled smart speaker, the review notes limitations, including restricted third-party streaming integration (Spotify/Apple Music) and the omission of features like daisy-chaining and speakerphone functionality found in older models.

The Ultimate Ears Megablast is a durable, IP67-rated portable speaker offering loud, balanced 360-degree sound with Alexa voice control. While lauded for its powerful audio and rugged design, the speaker distorts at maximum volume with deep sub-bass and lacks a 3.5mm input or speakerphone capabilities. It serves as a robust, waterproof alternative to standard smart speakers.

Brad Moon's Forbes review praises the Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST as a rugged, waterproof portable speaker featuring high-performance 360-degree sound and integrated Amazon Alexa voice control. While highlighting its superior audio quality and durability, the review notes drawbacks, including the absence of a speakerphone, reduced battery life compared to the MEGABOOM, and a lack of AirPlay support.

The Master Switch praises the Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST as a high-value, loud, and durable portable speaker featuring IP67-rated waterproofing and integrated Amazon Alexa voice control. Key advantages include its 16-hour battery life and, overall, high-quality audio performance, though the review notes limitations such as a slight delay with physical volume controls and a lack of compatibility with older UE speakers.

The TechPowerUp review of the Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST highlights it as a durable, IP67-rated smart speaker delivering 93-decibel, room-filling sound with strong bass and seamless Alexa integration. While praising the rugged design and intuitive app, the reviewer notes cons including the lack of the Power Up charging base, an awkward, reversed charging port, and the absence of the "PartyUp" feature for multi-speaker pairing. Occasional, unpleasant, static-looping software issues during testing were also observed.

The Gadgeteer’s 2019 review evaluates the Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST as an aesthetically pleasing, cylindrical Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker delivering crisp, 360-degree sound with a 100-meter Wi-Fi range. Key advantages include its rugged, IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof design, along with integrated Amazon Alexa. However, reviewers noted drawbacks, including the inconvenient, bottom-mounted charging port and the lack of a 3.5mm wired audio connection.

The Ultimate Ears UE Megablast is a high-end, portable smart speaker featuring 360-degree, distortion-free audio with strong bass and integrated Amazon Alexa, serving as a standout, independent smart device. While praised for its performance, the review highlights drawbacks including high cost, harsh sound quality at volumes over 80%, and reduced voice recognition accuracy at high volumes.

The What Hi-Fi? review awards the Ultimate Ears Megablast a five-star rating, highlighting its fun, controlled sound, excellent Amazon Alexa integration, and durable, waterproof design. While offering robust smart functionality, the speaker's limitations include a reliance on Bluetooth for services outside Amazon/TuneIn, the omission of a 3.5mm input, and reduced battery life compared to non-smart alternatives.

The Ultimate Ears Megablast is a premium, rugged, and waterproof portable smart speaker featuring excellent far-field voice recognition for Amazon Alexa, alongside a robust design. However, the device is criticized for its high £270 price point, the lack of physical play/pause buttons, and limited Wi-Fi streaming options that restrict users primarily to Amazon Music. Additionally, the speaker lacks Alexa calling and messaging functionality, with some popular services requiring a Bluetooth connection rather than Wi-Fi.

The Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST is a portable, IP67-rated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi smart speaker featuring Amazon Alexa, a neutral sound profile, and a 360-degree design that gets very loud. According to RTINGS.com, key strengths include excellent voice recognition and extensive sound customization, while limitations include a lack of deep low-bass, sound compression at max volume, and average battery life.

The Ultimate Ears UE Megablast is a highly durable, IP67-rated portable speaker featuring Amazon Alexa voice integration, long 16-hour battery life, and powerful, well-balanced sound, according to PCMag. While praised for its loud audio and rugged design, the review notes cons including the lack of a speakerphone, a recessed, inconveniently placed charging port, and distortion on sub-bass tracks at top volumes.

The CNET review of the Ultimate Ears Megablast highlights the device as a top-tier sounding, fully waterproof, and durable speaker with built-in Alexa voice control. While it offers excellent audio quality for its size, the speaker is expensive, lacks multi-speaker chaining, restricts Alexa functionality to non-Spotify streaming, and features an inconvenient charging port.

The TechHive review characterizes the Ultimate Ears Megablast as a powerful, durable smart speaker featuring robust 16-hour battery life, IP67-rated waterproofing, and integrated Amazon Alexa, all capable of high volume output without distortion. However, the reviewer notes significant drawbacks, including a high $300 price point, lackluster 360-degree sound performance, and a lack of expected premium features.

The MacRumors review characterizes the Ultimate Ears Blast and Megablast as premium, durable, and water-resistant (IP67) hybrid speakers featuring 12-18 hour battery life and integrated Amazon Alexa, which deliver high-quality, distortion-free sound. However, the speakers are noted for design regressions, including an inconveniently placed bottom charging port, the removal of 3.5mm input and physical track controls, and limited, restricted voice support at launch.

The TechPowerUp review of the Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST highlights superior volume, balanced midrange, and deeper bass compared to the BLAST and MEGABOOM models. Key advantages include a fast, user-friendly mobile app with a parametric equalizer for audio customization. However, a significant drawback is the lack of room-correction features found in competitors, requiring manual sound adjustments for consistent performance.

The Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST is a powerful, rugged speaker offering excellent IP67 waterproofing and integrated Amazon Alexa, while maintaining a modern design with large, iconic volume buttons. However, the device suffers from a cumbersome, tall design and a poorly placed micro-USB port that practically necessitates the purchase of the additional Power Up charging dock.

The Mirror's review describes the Ultimate Ears Megablast as a rugged, high-performing speaker merging smart home functionality with outdoor durability. Key advantages include exceptional 360-degree, 93-decibel sound, hands-free Alexa integration, and IP67 waterproofing. However, the review notes significant limitations at launch, specifically the absence of the "PartyUp" feature and inability to pair with older UE speaker models.

The SlashGear review highlights the Ultimate Ears Blast and Megablast as powerful 360-degree portable speakers featuring integrated Amazon Alexa voice control, with the Megablast offering superior, room-filling sound via an enhanced driver setup and up to 16 hours of battery life. While praised for their robust design and audio performance, the review notes the smaller Blast lacks heavy bass, and unlike the Megablast, it does not sit flush on its charging accessory.

The GeekDad review praises the Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST as a rugged, 360-degree portable speaker with significantly higher volume than the MEGABOOM, IP67 waterproofing, and integrated Alexa voice control. While delivering premium sound, the speaker's drawbacks include a shorter 16-hour battery life, no speakerphone functionality, and a cumbersome charging port design that makes the optional charging base almost essential.

The TechPowerUp review concludes that the Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST is a high-fidelity, $200 smart speaker featuring excellent audio, robust build quality, and full Alexa integration. While praised for its sound, key cons include subpar microphone performance for Alexa barge-in, the exclusion of the "Power Up" charging base, and the omission of PartyUp multi-speaker daisy-chaining.

The Mighty Gadget review highlights the Ultimate Ears Megablast as a premium, rugged portable speaker delivering exceptionally loud 360-degree audio with built-in Amazon Alexa and IP67 waterproof protection. While praised for its robust build and hybrid Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity, the speaker is criticized for its high price, a poorly received companion app, and inability to pair with older UE speaker models.