[Review] Boom 3 and Megaboom 3: Two explosive chambers smart health innovation

Renowned in the field of smart health connected speakers, Ultimate Ears continues to move forward. During IFA 2018, the brand indeed revealed and launched at the same time the Boom 3 and the Megaboom 3. The objective of them produced to take the range to another level, we could say that the success is there.

Getting a place in the world of smart health connected speakers is not easy. It’s even worse when we talk about mobile devices, the first place being generally won at JBL. Despite everything, some are still trying to bring down the king, and even manage to approach his level. This was the case from Ultimate Ears with its Boom and Megaboom ranges, in particular their second version. But the newcomers, Boom 3 and Megaboom 3, can they go further? The answer in our Review.

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Mark : Ultimate earsCategory: smart health connected speakerConnection: BluetoothCompatibility: iOS / AndroidPrice: Boom 3 : 149 € / Megaboom 3 : 199 €Availability: During SeptemberTested with: Huawei Honor 8

Unboxing of Boom 3 and Megaboom 3 speakers

Both the Boom 3 and the Megaboom 3 benefit from very nice box. There are indeed illustrations colorful, almost psychedelic. The content is intended very simple, like the use of the two devices as we will see later. Once the box is opened, we fall directly on the enclosure, already loaded beforehand. Slight advantage for the Megaboom 3 compared to its little sister: the presence of adaptable sockets. Indeed, the Boom 3 only has the charger cable, which connects by USB, but without support. You will have to recover one yourself, which is not necessary with the first product. Otherwise, there are only very fine instructions for use, explaining the procedure to follow to access all the capacities of the speakers.

Design and ergonomics of the Boom 3 and Megaboom 3 speakers

In this part, we will make very few distinctions between the Boom 3 and the Megaboom 3. And for good reason: their construction is perfectly similar, the second being simply larger than the first. However, the smaller of the two has a 15 hour autonomy, while the second reaches 20 hours. This variation aside, the design of the two speakers is of very high quality. Their construction is solid, while remaining rather pleasing to the eye. Several colors will be available at the exit, while others will come later this year. If previous versions already offered a reliable and water-resistant design, these go further. Indeed, these speakers can float. Very practical at the edge of a swimming pool or during a boat trip.

The Boom 3 and the Megaboom 3 fix several faults of their predecessors. We think in particular of this bar from which we adjusted the sound, but which hindered the passage of the latter. This one is no more and no barrier will disturb your music. More anecdotal, but very significant: the loading port is no longer under the machine, but on the side. There is therefore no longer any problem of comfort to enjoy the machine while recharging it. We regret, however, a little that nothing has been done to install the speaker horizontally. Without this being a big concern, this possibility would have added a more comfortable level. Finally, the Bluetooth connection can be done even further than before. We can now link to our enclosure until over thirty meterss without problems.

Getting started with the Boom 3 and Megaboom 3 speakers

The allusion was made a little higher, but the handling of Boom 3 and Megaboom 3 shines with its simplicityé. The idea of ​​the company is as follows: rather than having to absolutely use your smartphone, you might as well be able to control everything directly on the machine. Despite this objective, Ultimate Ears is content with five buttons on its products: two for volume and one to turn the device off or on first. Then, the traditional button activating the detection of Bluetooth.

Finally, we find the main innovation of these two new versions: the “Magic Button”. In its most basic function, it simply allows pause or start music pressure. However, if you connect your music applications to those dedicated to this range of speakers, you can create playlists. Once this link is made, we can move from one music to the next by pressing this “Magic Button” twice. A very practical function which avoids having to use your smartphone.

As was already the case with the versions preceding the Boom 3 and the Megaboom 3, it is possible to link the speakers together. They don't necessarily have to be from the same version, which is already good, but it's the number of possible connections that impresses. Indeed, Ultimate Ears promises that 150 speakers can work together. Suffice to say: the editorial staff did not have access to as many machines and therefore cannot confirm the proper functioning of this process. That said, the quick connection proposed by the tested machines suggests that such a connection should indeed be possible.

The sound quality of Boom 3 and Megaboom

We can talk for a long time about the construction of an enclosure and its look, its particular capabilities or its wide connections. In the end, we always come back to a major element: the sound. Obviously, if a nice design is important, it is useless if listening to music is unbearable. Rest assured, this is not at all the case for Boom 3 and Megaboom 3. The sound is very faithful, even if the bass remains a little below (a problem already present before). The bass and treble are flawless. What we remember most is undoubtedly perfectly equal 360 ° diffusion. Wherever you are around the speaker, you receive the same audio quality as your neighbor or the person opposite.

As you can imagine, there is a difference in sound between the Boom 3 and the Megaboom 3. The second being more massive, it also offers a more powerful music and carrying further. That said, the quality of sound reproduction is equivalent for both speakers. It all depends on how you want to use your mobile device. For easier transport, the Boom 3 is recommended, while the Megaboom 3 is better suited for fans of sound enjoying great power.

Boom 3 and Megaboom 3 speakers face the competition

Competition in the world of nomadic smart health connected speakers is fierce. It's hard to fit in, so Ultimate Ears' products face a lot of competition. Here are the two most important.

Bose Soundlink Mini II

As you would expect, Bose products are significant competitors to Ultimate Ears. In the portable speaker category, the Soundlink Mini II is without a doubt the best of the brand. Powerful and with a sound that is both fine and responsive, it is positioned on par with the Boom 3. However, for equivalent qualities, its price is higher: 189 euros.

JBL Flip 4

Like Bose, JBL is a serious competitor, if not the most impressive. Its JBL Flip range is one of the most widespread speakers among the general public, and it is not for nothing. The JBL Flip 4 benefits from a small size which allows it to be easily transportable, without reducing its power. Its price is now also an advantage since it can easily be found around 80 euros. That said, the Boom 3 has a clearer sound, especially when many instruments are playing at the same time. Its autonomy is greater than that of JBL, since the latter reaches “only” 12 noon against 15 for its competitor.

Conclusion

Ultimate Ears Boom 3 and Megaboom 3 are both excellent speakers. If we can regret a slightly worse bass handling than the rest and some design elements that can be improved, we are almost flawless. The sound is rendered precisely and powerfully, the autonomy is there and the construction of the device is well thought out. he is also very easy to use. If the majority of his innovations are ultimately a bit anecdotal, the sum of all the improvements make them two of the best smart health connected and portable speakers you can buy today.

Good points

• Ease of use

• Its powerful and effective

• Well thought out and solid design

• Connection to other speakers

Negative points

• Slightly disappointing bass

• Difficult horizontal position

Design and ergonomics – 9.5

Getting started – 9

Sound quality – 8.5

Value for money – 9

9

Design and ergonomics : The Boom 3 and Megaboom 3 speakers have an excellent design, both solid and pleasing to the eye. Numerous improvements correct the faults of previous versions.

Getting started : Difficult to make simpler than what offers the handling of these two speakers. Even without instructions, you would quickly understand the functions of each button. Efficient and practical at the same time.

Audio quality : If we keep some restraint compared to the bass, the rest is almost flawless. The sound quality is kept at 360 °, which is a very big plus for both machines.

Value for money : While they have just come out, the prices offered for the two speakers are particularly fair. We can even say that they do better than many competitors.

AB SMART HEALTH REVIEW