When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, sound quality, durability, and smart features are key factors that music lovers seek. The Ultimate Ears 2021 MegaBlast Portable Bluetooth Speaker – Blue (Renewed) promises to deliver an immersive audio experience coupled with intelligent voice controls. Priced at $129.99, this speaker aims to be a powerful companion for any adventure, whether you’re at a beach party, a mountain retreat, or simply at home. In this review, we dive into the MegaBlast’s features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right speaker for you.
Key Features
-
360-Degree Powerful Sound with Deep Bass: The MegaBlast is marketed as Ultimate Ears’ biggest and loudest speaker, designed to deliver intensely rich sound in every direction. This means you get clear tones and booming bass no matter where you place it, creating a full listening experience that can fill a room or outdoor space.
-
Amazon Alexa Built-In with Wi-Fi Connectivity: What sets the MegaBlast apart is its integration with Amazon Alexa. Using Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot, the speaker offers hands-free control for music streaming from services like Amazon Music, Pandora, Sirius XM, iHeartRadio, and TuneIn. It also lets you access Alexa’s wide range of skills, including checking the weather or controlling smart home devices.
-
Rugged and Waterproof Design: Made to keep up with your active lifestyle, the MegaBlast is waterproof and built to withstand harsh environments, from poolside splashes to snowy slopes. This durability ensures your speaker remains functional in wet or rough conditions.
-
Long-Lasting Battery Life: With an advertised 16-hour battery life, the MegaBlast supports extended music sessions without frequent recharging, enabling you to party from sunset to sunrise on a single charge.
-
Seamless Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Streaming: The speaker supports both wireless Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, allowing for stable streaming, an extended range of movement, and the ability to take calls without pausing the music.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Impressive Sound Quality: Many users commend the MegaBlast for delivering rich, clear, and loud sound, especially notable at its price point.
- Smart Features: The inclusion of Alexa adds convenience and versatility, enabling voice commands and access to numerous streaming services.
- Waterproof and Rugged Build: The speaker holds up well in diverse environments, making it suitable for outdoor use.
- Portability: Its compact design and robust battery life make it easy to carry and enjoy music anywhere.
Cons
- Inconsistent Battery Life: Customer reviews show mixed experiences, with some users reporting rapid battery drain that limits usage time.
- Alexa Functionality Issues: Several buyers have expressed frustration over Alexa not working as expected or not working at all, diminishing the smart speaker appeal.
- Connectivity Challenges: Bluetooth pairing problems and unstable connections have been reported, impacting ease of use.
- Durability Concerns: While some find it rugged, there are reports of the speaker malfunctioning or failing within a short time.
- Charging Cable Compatibility: A notable number of users struggled with the charging cable fit, which was reported not to match the charging port correctly.
Who Is It For?
The Ultimate Ears MegaBlast is ideal for those who value high-quality audio in a portable, outdoor-friendly device with smart assistant integration. If you’re someone who wants a speaker that can deliver loud and immersive sound with voice-controlled conveniences, this could be a strong contender. However, if battery reliability, flawless Alexa support, and seamless wireless connections are critical to your experience, you might want to consider these mixed user reports before purchasing.
Explore the Ultimate Ears MegaBlast!
Final Thoughts
The Ultimate Ears 2021 MegaBlast Portable Bluetooth Speaker offers bold sound and appealing smart features at a competitive price. Its 360-degree powerful audio and rugged waterproof design make it a versatile speaker for both indoor and outdoor use. However, the inconsistent battery life, occasional durability doubts, spotty Alexa performance, and connectivity issues bring some reservations.
If you’re drawn to its sound capabilities and Alexa integration and are willing to navigate potential hiccups, the MegaBlast could be a rewarding addition to your portable audio setup. For others seeking a more consistently reliable smart speaker experience, exploring alternative models or ensuring thorough warranty coverage might be wise.
In summary, the MegaBlast blends impressive sound with smart technology and durability, but consider the trade-offs and user feedback carefully to find the best fit for your needs.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.