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The Best Bluetooth Speakers 2015: JBL Charge 2+, Bose Soundlink Mini II and UE Roll/Megaboom

Best-Bluetooth-speakers-2015L to R: UE Mini (review), Roll (review), Boom (review) and Megaboom (review), JBL Charge 2+(review) and Charge 2 (review), Bose Soundlink III (review) and Soundlink Mini 2 (prev review)
Best Bluetooth speakers

There’s nothing like having a summer moment free to listen to your favorite music with your friends. The combination of portable Bluetooth speakers and great music apps like Apple Music with Beats 1 radio can make this an instant spontaneous event as long as you’ve got the right gear. There are tons of Bluetooth speakers around but we’re cutting through the noise and signaling the best from three top brands today: Bose, UE and JBL.

In last year’s exhaustive holiday season Best Bluetooth Speaker Review, I gave the title of best speaker to the JBL Charge 2 for having nearly the best sound, cylindrical portability, great looks, long battery life and the ability to charge your phone for around $120. JBL has updated their game with the Charge 2+ but both Bose and UE have really doubled down on their product functionality this year. It is going to be a tough call…

JBL Charge 2+

JBL’s Charge 2+ looks almost identical to the Charge 2 (a good thing!) as the only outwardly facing improvements are the new color options and darker drivers. Internally it has been “splashproofed” but the grill and ports are exactly the same so I’m not sure what this entails. The biggest problem with the original Charge 2 was distortion on the low end with low volume. Even though I never experienced this issue – and I had the 138 firmware that was responsible for this – JBL has fixed that in the Charge 2+. A push on the Bluetooth and power buttons after startup notes that I have firmware 148 which is distortion free.

JBL-charge-2

Charge 2+ and Charge 2 (note driver difference)

All of the good stuff that made JBL’s Charge 2 my choice for the holidays is still there in the Plus. It looks great and yet fits in a cupholder. It is a speakerphone and can charge your phone or any other USB device. It has the biggest battery in this group at 6000mAh, giving it a solid 15 hours of play time – which means you can probably forget about charging it on a long weekend getaway or camping trip. It isn’t quite the best sounding in the group, but it is very close with solid base and very clear mids and highs for a portable speaker.

The quibbles: Charge 2+ isn’t fully waterproof which means that it is OK for the shower and a few splashes around the pool, but who knows what will happen if it falls in. Also JBL doesn’t do apps like UE that really add functionality – including battery metering, equalizing, stereo pairing and alarm clock. The sound also isn’t quite as clean and deep across the spectrum as the Bose Soundlink Mini – though it is as loud. Finally, the base of the unit is pretty small and makes it prone to rolling over. You can stand it on an end but then you are putting one of the drivers in the ground.

I would absolutely still reccomend the JBL Charge 2+ if long battery life, charging phones and great sound are a priority at a great price. Currently, the Charge 2+ can be found for about $145. But the original Charge 2 is a bargain at $110. Oh, one more thing: JBL announced a new Flip 3 and Xtreme which will be available in September and may Osborne these Charge 2s. Expect a review update before they launch.

UE Roll, MegaBoom (and Boom/Mini)

UE-Boom-line

Logitech’s UE brand really brought their “A Game” this year. They’ve been adding features to the UE Boom apps and both new hardware products are easy to love. On the low end, UE replaced the popular Mini Boom with something that sounds almost exactly the same! – The UE Roll 360 (review)

UE-Roll-360

But sound quality is where the similarities end with the UE Roll. UE packaged the speaker inside a rugged, waterproof enclosure that is just 1.6 inches thick – and that’s an incredibly important dimension when you are packing your backpack or purse. Width-wise it is about the size of a DVD at just over 5 inches and it weighs in at just over 300 grams or 2/3rds of a pound. That makes it by far the most portable on this list and the one I ended up taking with me on most short trips.

UE-Roll-partyNot me

The “marine grade” bungie cord housed in the back means it is easy to connect to handle bars, backpacks, beach umbrellas or even your wrist or body. Is it tough? I played catch with my 6 year old with it for most of Taylor Swift’s 1989 album. It took many, many hard falls on asphalt without any degradation of packaging or sound. I also threw it in the pool a few times. NBD.

Variety!

Quibbles on the UE Roll are basically tradeoffs. It doesn’t have a mic (like the Mini) so it can’t be used for speakerphone calls. It also doesn’t have the kind of bass that bigger/thicker/heavier speakers have. Even though I love the app, I wish UE would have one app for all of their portable Bluetooth speakers and make it a little easier on the eyes.

Like I said in my initial review, the UE Roll is a fantastic rugged, waterproof outdoor speaker. It just screams fun, but at a lower decibel than UE’s other new speaker, the Megaboom.

MEGABOOM!

With a name like ‘Megaboom’, you know that UE is trying to tell us that this is their biggest, loudest speaker ever, and it clearly is with its dual 4-inch drivers throwing out 30W of power. What isn’t so obvious is that they’ve also built in some app smarts that lets you daisy chain up to 10 of these like a Sonos throughout the house or around the yard and some niceties like the same IPX7 waterproofing as the Roll.

In practice, I only have one of these so I didn’t try making a stereo or a Sonos. However the sound absolutely is fantastic and it can easily fill a room like a home stereo or a backyard barbecue/picnic like professional grade outdoor speakers. It has the longest range of any Bluetooth speakers I’ve tested at 100ft which means you can play from your phone in your pocket without having to stay the standard 30ft from the speaker.

UE-Boom

The Megaboom tradeoffs are mostly obvious. It is much bigger so it doesn’t fit in the same cupholders as the Boom or Charge 2. Its battery is smaller than the Charge 2, so even though UE says it can go 15 hours, on high volume, you are lucky to hit 10 hours. The biggest barrier to entry is the price at $299, more than double the Charge 2 with very few discounts out there. Other quibbles include a recessed, hard to reach Micro-USB charging port which takes 2.5 hours to charge once you are able to get the cable in, and the colorful designs which says “fun!” more than sophisticated professional…

Bose Soundlink Mini II

For the more sophisticated amongst us, Bose recently updated its $199 Soundlink Mini with everything you could ask for…literally?…
Bose Soundlink

From my review of the original Soundlink Mini in 2013:

But Bose has its downsides as well. First of all, it is almost impossible to find it for less than its $199 list price. It also charges via a proprietary AC adapter rather than micro-USB standard, which makes it a hassle to charge on the go – which is made more painful by its shorter, 6 hour battery life. Finally, it doesn’t do speakerphone calling, which hampers its accessibility. Plus, it requires a manual turn on every time it wakes from sleep.  But Ohhh that sound.

It’s like Bose was reading my wishlist when they announced the Soundlink Mini 2. The new version is charged via USB, it has a mic for speakerphone calls and its battery now is a more than respectable 10 hours. And yes, the old model is a cheaper $179.

The sound, which I’ve always said and continue to believe is simply the best, is unchanged. In addition to my wishlist, Bose added some new colors – the darker is above and my favorite, but the lighter below is also lovely.

You can still personalize the speakers with $25 gel cases, but I think that the Mini 2s look and feel better without.

Bose also added speakable menus for when devices are connected and disconnected. I initially thought this was a gimmick, but it actually does come in very handy and probably even more-so for Bluetooth speaker novices.

The Bose still does have some downsides. While incredibly small for the awesome sound it puts out, it is a form factor that doesn’t lend itself to activity. It is more like an inside device that wants to sit on a desk, kitchen counter or nightstand. When it does go outside, you’ll not want to drop it or let it go anywhere near water. Also, when I used it as a speakerphone, the people on the other end complained of echo.

Wrapup time!

Does JBL’s Charge 2+ remain the king? Not this year…

Bluetooth-speaker-UE-Boom

The splashproof Charge 2+ was an improvement, but both UE and Bose really stepped up their game.

I can’t choose an overall winner this time. I need to quantify. You need to decide how much you want to pay.

For fun outdoors, definitely go with the UEs. Waterproof and durable with remarkable sound and apps to fine tune them. I’ve almost always chosen the UE Roll as my companion on small trips because it is so small and light and packs away without taking up almost any room. I went with the UE Megaboom to DJ our last house party and tons of people were impressed. The app means they can keep getting better, too.

On the other hand, inch for inch, Bose produces the best sound – and that’s what we are really here to talk about. It isn’t waterproof, is extremely heavy for its very small size and doesn’t exactly bounce when dropped. But inch for inch, it produces the best sound I’ve ever heard in a portable speaker. Sure some folks don’t like Bose’s bass-heavy acoustic profile, but it suits me and the music I listen to just fine. At $199, or $179 for the previous edition, it won’t break the bank.

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Comments

  1. Eric Johnston (@EBone) - 9 years ago

    I’ve got the original Soundlink Mini. You absolutely have to hear one of these in person to understand how amazing the sound is that comes out of this relatively tiny device.

    • Seth Weintraub - 9 years ago

      Every time I’m in public with mine, I get comments on how people can’t believe how amazing it sounds

      • Mahesh Kirpalani - 9 years ago

        I have a Soundlink Mini and I absolutely love it. The best sound on a portable speaker bar none! I’m not a big fan of big bass but on a portable speaker I prefer it because the drivers on the speaker types tend to sound very very empty when not much bass is added. So, a definite winner!

      • I used to be a Bose salesman and they were the easiest thing in the world to sell. We would literally just have to stand near it to catch the money people threw at us while running through the door.

    • Ajith Tom George - 8 years ago

      I love my Bose Soundlink Mini 2 and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone here. I had a UE Megaboom, which I sold off since it did not fit my taste, lacked bass and punch in lower volumes.

      But, with the soundlink I faced a few issues. Luckily all were fixed by reading through the user manual a bit. So, if someone here already has a SL mini 2 or is going to get a SL Mini 2, this troubleshooting tips might be of some help. Checkout:

      https://youtu.be/fzNeJALaMJg

  2. Q: I love electronic music; it’s essentially all I listen to. Bigger bass is better, but usually only for myself, not for parties. Other than good bass I don’t care much for sound quality and likely can’t tell the difference. I am trying to decide between the Charge 2+ and the Soundlink Mini II. Is the Bose really worth the extra $50?

    Thanks!

    • Also worth noting I don’t care much for outdoors or splash proofing.

      • Nico Lozada - 9 years ago

        If you don;t care much about the outdoor-specific qualities, I’d say go with the Bose. The build quality and sound are something you need to see to believe. I’ve used the UE Boom a couple times and while it is good, especially for barbecues and pool parties, the Soundlink Mini is still top-dog in terms of quality.

  3. Ben - 9 years ago

    I look forward to your next review that includes the Fugoo XL, due out this fall.

    • Seth Weintraub - 9 years ago

      I’m looking forward to that one but in our previous review of Fugoo, I found their claimed “40 hours” of battery life a little bit of an exaggeration and their extras to be a little gimmicky. Great hardware though

      • Ben - 9 years ago

        According to Fugoo, 40 hours is based on continuous use for that period and turning the speaker off and on between sessions will result it somewhat shorter total runtime. Of course whether most users would regularly listen at half volume is a big assumption. I guess it depends on context. Most of my listening is indoors in a smallish room.

    • Ajith Tom George - 8 years ago

      Checkout my comparison between Soundlink Mini 2 and UE Megaboom

      https://youtu.be/KXtWn8yPUZo

  4. Hi
    you forgot to mention the DENON Envaya Mini. After the Bose Mini (which I own too) the best sound or even better. Can play real stereo, despite the compactness of the speaker.
    The Bose Mini has a little more bass, great for Rock and Heavy Metal music. But I think the Denon is better at everyday music.
    http://www.denon.de/uk/product/Bluetooth/BluetoothSpeakers/EnvayaMini

  5. smarusich (@smarusich) - 9 years ago

    BeoPlay A2?

  6. Beoplay A2 is much better than all of them.

  7. yuniverse7 - 9 years ago

    How’s Cambridge’s Oontz plus compared to these? Are they even in same class?

  8. MattR - 9 years ago

    When do you like to use the charge 2+ then? I know it’s good…but you didn’t mention it at the end….it’s more in my price range though…

    • Seth Weintraub - 9 years ago

      I think I would wait until the new ones are released in September. It is more a general use one to me

  9. Mark Moran - 9 years ago

    I’m still surprised that you have left the Fugoo speaker off the list. I think it is probably better than any of the speakers that you actually did review.

  10. Victor O - 9 years ago

    No Anker? No good list.

  11. Hi
    you forgot to mention the DENON Envaya Mini. After the Bose Mini (which I own too) the best sound or even better. Can play real stereo, despite the compactness of the speaker.

    http://www.denon.de/uk/product/Bluetooth/BluetoothSpeakers/EnvayaMini

  12. webzpinner - 9 years ago

    I have both a Sony sx3 and Bose mini 1, and for 99% of music, they sound the same. Sony I got on clearance for $40, Bose $200. Am I disappointed with Bose? No. Instrumental jazz, the Bose is vastly superior… But for rock, rap, country, and top 40, you can’t hear a difference.

  13. chriswaco - 9 years ago

    Having to manually turn on the Bose every time you use it is amazingly annoying.

  14. Im heading on a backpacking trip were ill be staying in hostels and sometimes nicer hotel just to relax next to the pool but most of the time ill be around young people and pools.I like my reggae,hip hop/rap and some metal,,,,what one would you say would be the best???

  15. Diego Battistella - 9 years ago

    Should I go for 2 MINI UE to DOUBLE-UP (stereo) or a upper level option?

  16. Victor Olteanu - 9 years ago

    what about the Tdk A12 ?

  17. Omar Athar - 9 years ago

    If my budget is 200$ max should I get the JBL charge 2+ or the bose soundlink mini 2. I have heard the bose it has a bright sound but im looking for something with a bit more of a punch bass wise. What should I go with?

    • asandov - 9 years ago

      JBL Charge 2. Test them both, don’t take my word for it and THEN you decide. I did and sold the Bose, got myself a better, more modern, with double the battery for Less Money. If you can’t do your tests in real life I suggest you check ClavinetJunkie Youtube and see/HEAR (use high Quality Headphones fo best results). He also used to be Bose Fan until testing the JBL Charge 2. I researched who JBL was and to my surprise is one if not the most respected Brand in Speakers Worlwide. I was surprise how Bose is actually not well regarded in the HI-FI Audiophile world. I was thinking it was the contrary. My bad.

      • Omar Athar - 9 years ago

        Thanks man i checked out the videos, I was on the JBL side for most it and im gonna stick with the charge 2 or 2+. Bose ive heard before and I find the JBL does have that missing kick I want. I agree JBL and harmon kardon have been a huge speaker brand for years, even their car speakers are insane for older bmws. I was astonished by the sound they produced back then and can only imagine its even better now.

    • Ajith Tom George - 8 years ago

      Checkout my comparison between Soundlink Mini 2 and UE Megaboom

      https://youtu.be/KXtWn8yPUZo

  18. asandov - 9 years ago

    All I can say I was a Bose Fan until I met the JBL Charge 2. I sold my bose and I’m a proud new owner of the JBL Charge 2!. Amazing sound, better Battery life (Double), 3 people can connect at the same time taking turns during parties/gatherings and make the Bose look like an appliance for some reason, outdated. Truly impressive. Just need to test head to head at your PLACE with YOUR music. Hope this helps.

  19. Want to play music outdoors during a softball game. Best off with the Megaboom, two Rolls, or something else. Hoping to get it loud enough so that most of the field can hear it.

  20. Ajith Tom George - 8 years ago

    If anyone has problem with pairing your Logitech UE Megaboom/Boom, this can fix the pairing problem:

    https://youtu.be/RW0mz1Pvbdk

  21. CB3 Audio (@CB3Audio) - 8 years ago

    There is a brand new speaker on the block that is a bargain at $49 – The CB3 Ultra Slim. World’s slimmest speaker in an aluminum body. Goes perfect with your Macbook! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01686O2XK

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Avatar for Seth Weintraub Seth Weintraub

Publisher and Editorial Director of the 9to5/Electrek sites.


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