When it comes to portable speakers, finding one that delivers excellent sound quality, durability, and smart features can be a challenge. The Ultimate Ears BLAST Portable Waterproof Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Speaker with Hands-Free Amazon Alexa Voice Control aims to check all those boxes. Designed for music lovers who want powerful sound and smart convenience both at home and on the go, the BLAST promises immersive 360° audio, hands-free Alexa integration, and rugged waterproof construction. But how well does it actually perform? Let’s dive in and see if the Ultimate Ears BLAST is the right portable speaker for you.
Key Features
Immersive 360° Sound
The Ultimate Ears BLAST delivers bold, crystal-clear sound that fills the room from every angle. Its 360-degree audio design means you don’t have to hunt for the “sweet spot” — whether you’re indoors or outdoors, the sound is consistently rich and immersive. This makes it ideal for pool parties, picnics, or casual listening around the house.
Hands-Free Amazon Alexa Voice Control
One standout feature of the BLAST is its built-in Alexa voice assistant. You can control your music, change tracks, adjust volume, check the weather, or even place orders by simply speaking. Thanks to far-field voice recognition, your commands are picked up clearly — as long as you have a Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot connection. This seamless Alexa integration empowers you to enjoy a smart speaker experience combined with portable convenience.
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Dual Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity
The BLAST offers flexibility with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection options. While Bluetooth provides easy pairing with smartphones and tablets at up to 150 feet, Wi-Fi extends your range even further—up to 330 feet. This extended range allows freedom of movement without losing connection, whether you’re indoors or on a large outdoor property.
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Rugged and Waterproof Design
Built to keep up with active lifestyles, the BLAST is IP67 rated, meaning it is waterproof and dustproof. It can survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, making it perfect for beach days, showers, or poolside jams. Additionally, it is drop-proof, designed to withstand accidental falls and bumps during adventures.
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App Support and Feature Updates
The Ultimate Ears app allows you to customize your listening experience and access new features through regular updates. This keeps your BLAST speaker fresh and improves functionality as the product evolves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Rich, 360° immersive sound ideal for a variety of environments.
- Built-in hands-free Alexa facilitates voice-controlled music and smart commands.
- Versatile connectivity via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, offering extended range and convenience.
- Highly durable, waterproof, and drop-proof design, suitable for outdoor and rugged use.
- Portable and stylish, making it easy to carry around with a sleek blue steel finish.
Cons
- Mixed functionality and reliability issues: Several users report that the speaker unexpectedly stops working after some time.
- Battery life concerns: Over time, battery performance appears to degrade despite consistent charging.
- Wi-Fi connectivity can be inconsistent, with frequent disconnections reported by some users.
- Alexa integration flaws: Not all users experience reliable voice command responses.
- Durability concerns: A portion of reviewers note units failing within three months, raising questions about long-term robustness.
Who Is It For?
The Ultimate Ears BLAST is best suited for music enthusiasts who prioritize sound quality and want the convenience of voice commands on a portable speaker. Its rugged build and waterproof rating appeal especially to outdoor adventurers, beachgoers, and pool party hosts. However, if consistent long-term functionality, flawless Alexa response, and battery longevity are critical factors, users should weigh these considerations carefully or perhaps look for alternatives. The speaker is ideal for those who enjoy casual smart speaker features but are aware that some technical hiccups may arise.
Final Thoughts
The Ultimate Ears BLAST stands out in the portable speaker market with its impressive 360° sound, tough waterproof design, and hands-free Alexa voice control. It offers the convenience of smart connectivity combined with a party-ready ruggedness that is hard to match. That said, while the speaker shines in sound and style, it falls a bit short in consistency and reliability according to customer feedback. Battery life issues, sporadic Wi-Fi connectivity, and occasional Alexa misfires suggest that the BLAST may require patience and occasional troubleshooting. Priced around $124, it represents a mid-tier option that balances smart features with durability, but it might not fully satisfy users seeking flawless performance. If you value immersive audio and Alexa convenience in a rugged portable package while accepting potential quirks, the Ultimate Ears BLAST is definitely worth considering.
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