Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4: Two-minute review

We’ve long been fans of the Wonderboom series: compact, durable speakers designed to go with you anywhere and pump out sound quality far better than you’d expect for the size – and Ultimate Ears is a name that regularly features in our best Bluetooth speakers roundup. The Logitech brand clearly knows it’s onto a winner with this model, because the latest iteration – the aptly named Wonderboom 4 – doesn’t change too much.

Like the Wonderboom 2 and 3 before it, this is a well-built, backpack-friendly Bluetooth speaker that can survive a fair few adventures. Not only does it feel sturdy in the hand, but its IP67 rating equates to top-tier water- and dust-proofing. In case you wanted further confirmation, throw it in the drink and it also floats.

Sonically, the Wonderboom 4 is identical to the Wonderboom 3. Bass output has no business being so punchy for such a small speaker, while both clarity and separation are impressive at reasonable volumes. Only when you push up the decibels is there a noticeable loss of detail.

You also get all the listening features of previous versions, including stereo pairing, 360-degree sound output and Outdoor Boost for beefier alfresco audio. New for the Wonderboom 4 is a Podcast mode, which adjusts EQ settings to better suit the spoken word. Oh, and Ultimate Ears has finally made the switch to USB-C on the Wonderboom as well – hurrah! 

If you don’t need USB-C connectivity or the added vocal clarity of the Podcast Mode, the now-discounted Wonderboom 3 offers better value. But for the price and size, you’d be hard-pressed to find a Bluetooth speaker that can beat the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review: Price and release date

• Released June 26, 2024
• Officially priced at $99.99 / £89.99 / AU$149

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 was released in June 2024, priced at $99.99 / £89.99 / AU$149. That’s the same as the Wonderboom 3 cost at launch, putting it firmly in the affordable category. It’s worth noting that the Wonderboom 3 has since been discounted, making it an even cheaper option with identical audio hardware.

At that price, the Wonderboom 4 sits in a very a competitive category, with recent price reductions bringing both the JBL Flip 6 and Bose SoundLink Micro down to similar numbers. As you’ll read below, though, we think the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 has a lot to offer if you’re looking for a compact Bluetooth speaker to depend on when you travel.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review: Specs

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review: Features

• 14-hour battery life
• USB-C charging port
• No aux-in or microphone

One of the headline changes for the Wonderboom 4 is the switch from a microUSB charging port to USB-C. With the world well on its way to a one-cable future, this change was long overdue on the Wonderboom 3. So while it might seem a minor update, it’s also a welcome one that means you've got one less wire to worry about.

Otherwise, the Wonderboom 4’s feature set remains very much the same as its predecessor. As before, there’s no 3.5mm aux input, so you’ll need to look elsewhere if you want the option to hard-wire your audio source. There’s no built-in mic, either, so the Wonderboom 4 can’t function as a speakerphone.

Nor does it benefit from the app support of more premium Ultimate Ears speakers, such as the Hyperboom. While the option to connect to the Boom app would objectively add value, we think it’s no bad thing that the Wonderboom 4 is an ‘offline’ speaker; it keeps things simple and accessible, while the Outdoor Boost and new Podcast sound modes (see below) offer all the EQ adjustment that most people would expect at this price point.

Wireless pairing is by Bluetooth 5.2. This isn’t the latest standard and, as we’d expect for an affordable speaker, there’s no support for hi-res codecs. But it can host multiple connections simultaneously, in case you’re sharing DJ duties.

Where the Wonderboom 4 continues to excel is battery life. Rated at 14 hours from a full charge, we routinely achieved better than this during testing. On a single stint, this is a speaker that simply goes and goes. And it’s also the kind of speaker that you could charge at a weekend and use heavily throughout the week, without worrying that you’re about to see the red light come on.

• Features score: 4/5

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review: Design

• Available in four color options
• IP67 waterproof and dust-proof
• Six-button interface

Owners of the Wonderboom 3 won’t find anything physically different about the Wonderboom 4. It remains a compact, tidily designed Bluetooth speaker that’s put together very well. Weighing just 420g and measuring 104 x 95.3 x 95.3mm, it’s a neat little cylinder that’s perfect for tossing in a bag.

Four color schemes are yours to choose between: Active Black, Cobalt Blue, Hyper Pink and Joyous Bright. Preference is personal, but each of these color combos are characterful in their own way, complementing the Wonderboom 4’s fun-sized stature with a natty look. Each features those trademark Ultimate Ears volume buttons in a bold contrasting hue, with a matching fabric loop that can be used to carabiner the Wonderboom 4 to the outside of your backpack.

It’s all very familiar and all the better for it. From the fabric wrap to the rubberized bumpers top and bottom, the Wonderboom 4 feels like it’s built to go the distance. Despite its lightweight construction, it’s reassuringly solid in the hand. That’s borne out by an IP67 rating against water and dust, plus it’s drop-proof from 1.5m and floats for good measure. All of which adds up to a speaker that’s genuinely adventure-proof and made for the great outdoors.

Besides those unmissable volume buttons, you’ll find three controls on top of the Wonderboom 4 and one beneath. There is a slight learning curve here: the top buttons are unmarked for minimalism, but that does mean it takes a little time to remember their functions. One is for power, one for pairing and the central one is a multi-function number for controlling playback and connecting to other Wonderbooms in stereo.

Underneath is a button marked by a tree symbol, which is used to switch between standard, Podcast and Outdoor Boost sound modes.

• Design score: 5/5

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review: Sound quality

• Punchy 360-degree sound output
• Double Up stereo pairing
• Outdoor Boost and Podcast EQ modes

To the ears, the Wonderboom 4 is identical to the Wonderboom 3. That’s because it uses the same pair of active drivers, together with two passive radiators, to pump out 360-degree sound. The result is a speaker that punches well above its weight when it comes to both low-end oomph and overall clarity.

Audiophiles will find things to pick at, but for its price and proportions, the Wonderboom 4 is right up there with the best in this bracket. Bass is bold, yet it doesn’t overwhelm the mids and trebles. There’s impressive separation here for a portable Bluetooth speaker, with a richness to the output that isn’t found in many speakers of a similar size. The soundstage is nicely balanced, too.

Crank the volume beyond reasonable levels and you will encounter distortion, with harsh treble creeping in. That said, we were impressed with how well the Wonderboom 4 handled complex tracks even at higher volumes. It’s perfectly capable of filling a small or medium room, and we found that positioning it in a corner or near a wall gives a fuller sound.

For more immersive listening, you have the option to Double Up with another Wonderboom 3 or 4. You can have both speakers play the same audio, or use them as left and right separates for proper two-channel audio. The result in our experience is no gimmick, revealing plenty of details that would be lost in single-speaker playback.

If you’re listening outdoors, the Outdoor Boost setting reduces the bass and amps up the treble. This produces audio that carries better outside, but it also comes with a clear loss in quality. It’s a useful setting for picnic playlists, but not one to use at home. 

New for the Wonderboom 4 is a Podcast mode, which tweaks the EQ to suit spoken vocals. Listening in the kitchen, there was a difference in output versus the standard mode, with words carrying more clearly in a mix that focuses on upper midrange frequencies, giving a marginally more emotive quality to speech patterns. That said, you’d have to be a keen-eared podcast enthusiast to really pick up on this or value it as a dedicated feature.

• Sound quality: 4/5

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review: Value

We’ve always rated Wonderboom speakers as excellent value and the fourth version is no exception. For the price, you’re getting a fun, compact speaker that’s built tough and capable of impressive sound quality. Add to that its solid battery life and the option to pair it in stereo, and we think it stacks up as one of the most complete Bluetooth speakers you can buy for the money.

You’ll need to look elsewhere for certain features, such as the app connectivity offered by the similarly priced JBL Flip 6. But that’s not a dealbreaker for the price, and for most people the Wonderboom 4 will do all that they need and more.

It’s worth mentioning that recent discounts mean the Wonderboom 3 is now available for less, making it better value outright. If you don’t need USB-C connectivity or a Podcast mode, it gives you an identical listening experience for a lower price, at least while stocks last. Otherwise, we think the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 represents fantastic value for a Bluetooth speaker in 2024.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review: Also consider

How I tested the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4

• Tested for a month, both indoors and in the back garden
• Played a variety of music types
• Listened via the Spotify app on iPhone

I used the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 as my go-to Bluetooth speaker for the best part of a month. That meant listening to it both at home and while travelling around the UK, sticking it in my backpack for a number of trips to see how it held up on the road.

The Wonderboom 4 went on a real musical journey with me, as I streamed a wide variety of genres via Spotify on my iPhone. That eclectic selection covered everything from mellow background music to Seventies classics, plus more than a few kitchen anthems.

It handled playlist and podcast duties indoors, and was also put to the test around the firepit, soundtracking most of my September evenings on the patio, whatever the weather.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed: September 2024

Edifier D32: Two-minute review

Looking for a fresh wireless speaker, which combines old-school charm with hi-res audio capabilities? Thought so. Well, you’re in luck, because the Edifier D32 is just that and at a very reasonable price too.

This amp-like tabletop speaker is a very solid entry from the Chinese audio specialists Edifier and delivers clean, balanced, delicate sound. The Edifier D32 is compatible with both the LDAC and ALAC (when using AirPlay) audio codecs, meaning you’ll get access to hi-res audio regardless of whether you’re an Android or iPhone lover. As well as Bluetooth 5.3 or the 5GHz and 2.4GHz dual-band Wi-Fi module, there’s also AUX and USB-C wired options if you’d prefer, making the Edifier D32 a very versatile option.

Whether you’re a rocker, folk fan or classical connoisseur, the Edifier D32 will deliver talented sound that’s sure to impress you or your esteemed guests. It handles treble frequencies most competently, delivering more delicate sounds with accuracy and precision. Mid-range sounds are also well-weighted with imperfect, yet respectable levels of detail on offer. Even bass comes through with a degree of impact and depth, making for a good all-round listening experience. OK, drum and bass lovers may feel that sub-bass is a bit lacking; audiophiles may even sense that separation doesn’t match up to some of the best wireless speakers. But the vast majority of listeners are sure to like what they hear.

Sound is customizable too, thanks to the Edifier ConneX app. This free companion app allows you to adjust the EQ via a number of presets or a custom option. However, that’s pretty much it as far as in-app features go, so don’t expect anything super fancy here.

Another decent, but non-standout factor is the Edifier D32’s battery life of 11 hours. Some competitors, like the JBL Authentics 300, for instance, can only manage eight in fairness – although a lot of competitors, like Marshall's Stanmore, can give you 15 hours with its retro-style multi-room speaker. This should still be enough for the average gathering, of course, but if you want a speaker for parties or similar events, there are a lot of other low-cost options that offer far superior playtimes.

Potentially the biggest draw of the Edifier D32 is its design. Sure, the JBL Authentics and Marshall Stanmore products have done similar things, but this is considerably cheaper than most options in these lines. The Edifier D32 does a lot right aesthetically, with an attractive, textured outer casing and golden speaker grille. However, some of the gold detail on the White model (which I tested) makes for a slightly less-than premium appearance due to its plasticky look. If you’re looking for the classiest option on the market, this is likely not going to cut it, but it does still keep that old school vibe alive – as long as you don't look too closely.

It’s looking pretty positive for the Edifier D32 here. For what it sets out to do, it succeeds on almost every metric. It may not be a perfect 10 looks-wise or particularly feature-rich, but these things aren’t going to be a number one priority for most. After all, when it comes to audio quality, the Edifier D32 offers plenty of bang for your buck. It’s not the top performing speaker on the market, sure, but with hi-res output using your home's Wi-Fi network,, talented all-round sound and EQ customizability, you’re almost certain to be satisfied with what’s on offer.

So if you’re the nostalgic type and want adept audio at a not-so daunting price, I would recommend the Edifier D32. For lovers of big bass, party vibes and the great outdoors, though, this is probably not for you and I’d recommend checking out our guide to the best party speakers instead.

Edifier D32 review: price and release date

• $199.99 / £179.99 (about AU$300)
• Launched on March 2024

The Edifier D32 is available for a reasonable price, given you get hi-res audio, a decent amount of bulk and several good connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming. It has a list price of $199.99 / £179.99 (about AU$300), which is considerably cheaper than a lot of the speakers in JBL’s Authentics line, for instance, a model that attracts those looking for a similarly retro vibe. 

The D32 also launched in March 2024, so it still has that fresh feeling about it. Sure, its build quality isn’t quite as high as alternatives from Marshall or JBL, but the savings you recoup even things out nicely.

Edifier D32 review: Specs

Edifier D32: Features

• Apple AirPlay2, Bluetooth 5.3 and wired connectivity options
• Companion app compatibility
• Average battery life

Features-wise, the Edifier D32 does a lot more than its looks suggest. Firstly, it’s worth noting that it has a good set of connectivity options, which include: Bluetooth 5.3, 5GHz and 2.4GHz dual-band Wi-Fi (and Apple AirPlay), USB-C and AUX for wired listening. Specifically, the Edifier D32 supports Apple AirPlay 2, meaning that you can Wi-Fi stream music using iOS devices, Apple TV, and computers with iTunes installed.

When harnessing Bluetooth connectivity (except when streaming using LDAC), you get access to multipoint connectivity. If you’re hosting a gathering and both you and a friend want to queue up some tracks, it's best to stick to Bluetooth. 

If you download the Edifier ConneX app, you can access a few more features, but things are admittedly pretty limited. The only real feature available is what Edifier calls ‘Sound Effects’, which is just an EQ calibration tool. You can select from one of five options: Classic; Monitor; Dynamic; Vocal; or Customized. Although all of these have distinctive sound profiles, I only really found myself using either the well-balanced Classic mode, which enabled me to pick out more sonic details, or Dynamic, whichdiminishes highs in favor of more booming bass.

The app doesn’t have much more going for it really. You can check battery life (although it annoyingly only shows percentages as a multiple of 20), toggle multipoint, turn speaker prompt sounds on or off and view the user manual. That’s basically it – and I’m not really complaining. After all, there’s not a whole lot more I’d expect from a wireless speaker at this price point.

When it comes to battery life, the Edifier D32 is pretty average. Edifier claims that this speaker has a playtime of 11 hours, which I found to be relatively accurate. After playing music at 30% volume for eight hours, the speaker still had 40% of its charge remaining, but of course, if you play at higher volumes using hi-res quality it will die far sooner. Although the Edifier D32’s playtime can’t rival retro-looking competitors like the Marshall Emberton 2, with its 30-hour battery, 11 hours will almost definitely be enough for playing tunes at a party or gathering.

It would be nice to have something akin to a battery saver mode, like JBL’s Playtime Boost, or a setting to calibrate the speaker’s sound to its surroundings, like Marshall’s Placement Compensation. But, all in all, the Edifier D32’s feature-set is decent.

• Features score: 3.5/5

Edifier D32: Sound quality

• Well-balanced hi-res audio
• Crisp highs and clean bass
• Impressive levels of detail for price

OK, so you’re not going to lose your mind over how good the Edifier’s D32 audio sounds, but it’s undeniably strong for its price. Firstly, it’s worth noting that I mainly used the D32’s more balanced EQ preset, Classic, when listening to tracks, although I did dip into Dynamic mode for more bass-heavy bangers.

Something I was delighted to find, straight off the bat, is that the Edifier D32 supports the LDAC codec, which processes audio up to 24-bit/96kHz. This is wonderful news for anyone with a modern Android phone, as almost all of these support the codec. The D32 also supports Apple’s ALAC ‘lossless’ audio codec, but only if you’re using AirPlay mode – ie over Wi-Fi. Even some of 2024’s more expensive Bluetooth speakers – like the JBL Xtreme 4 – don’t support any lossless codecs, (because remember, Bluetooth streaming by its very nature incurs loss) so this is a big win for a speaker costing less than $200 / £200 / AU$300.

OK, so the Edifier is compatible with some levelled-up Bluetooth codecs and AirPlay support using Wi-Fi, but how does it actually sound? Well, I whipped out my trusty FiiO M11S and opened up Tidal to give it a whirl and was pleasantly surprised by the quality on offer. I tuned into Black Eye by Allie X and the Edifier effectively captured the dynamism of the intro’s bass bouncing up to the mid-range, resulting in a controlled yet energetic sound. The Edifier can achieve respectable bass depth; for instance, deep synths placed throughout the song 635 South by FORQ sounded very clear, maintained their boom and didn’t distort, even at higher volumes.

It’s not an entirely perfect picture when it comes to low-frequencies, though. If you’re looking to hear imposing bass, you might want to look elsewhere. For instance, when listening to Diva Bonita by bbno$, the sub-bass was a little lacking for clout and impact in the mix. I tried the (admittedly more expensive) JBL Xtreme 4 and it was able to perform better in this department, so if you’re really into ultra low-frequency rubbles and feels, weigh up other options.

However, it’s not about bass with the Edifier D32. With its retro aesthetic, it’s clearly not trying to be a party speaker with intense low-end capabilities, even though it’s still very much competent in this area. And the positive news is the D32 sounds very good overall, with both rich mids and elegant highs.

I listened to Rains again by Solji and the rain sound effects in the intro sounded pretty natural, with the vocalist’s delicate, high-pitched vocals coming through in a crisp manner and retaining their atmospheric edge. There wasn’t any noticeable warping or distortion when listening to this track and even when flicking through the TechRadar testing playlist, I constantly felt that songs relying on treble performance sounded neat.

The Edifier D32 isn’t always the best with more subtle details. For instance, the electric guitar throughout Young Blood by The Naked and Famous was a bit more muted in the overall mix than I would’ve liked. When returning to Black Eye by Allie X, I similarly sensed that light electronica in the middle of the track was a bit lacking – noticeable, sure – but just not as clear-cut as it could be. This is nitpicking I accept, especially given the price you pay, but it is my job to do so.

All in all, the Edifier D32 may not be the boldest-sounding speaker on the market and it may not possess the ability to paint perfectly accurate sonic pictures – but that doesn’t prevent it from being a great-sounding wireless speaker. You’re still getting super-clean, on-beat, hi-res audio certain to impress. If you’re looking for a more party-ready speaker with the most hard-hitting bass, this isn’t the optimal choice, but if you want high-quality audio for laid-back listening, the Edifier D32 is a strong option.

• Sound quality score: 4/5

Edifier D32: Design

• Retro aesthetic
• Gold details a bit cheap-looking
• Designed for tabletop play but has decent portability

Whether you’re a guitarist, rock fan, or just one of those people that claims to be ‘born in the wrong generation’, the Edifier D32’s design is likely to appeal to you. That’s because it has a retro, amp-like look that is fitting for those hoping to add a splash of vintage flair to their living space. I tested the White color variant and found that the bronze speaker grille and outer casing were stylish and satisfying on the eye.

However, I’m not gonna lie: the overall look of the Edifier D32 is slightly ruined by the golden finish on the protruding button controls, feet and outer rim. The plasticky, gold finish looks a bit cheap; tacky even. This prevents it from exuding the classy vibe of Marshall’s Emberton or Stanmore lines for instance, and it damages the retro look Edifier was going with here. This speaker is by no means bad to look at, but the inconsistent quality did stop me from falling head over heels, design-wise.

Although I wasn’t a massive fan of the look of the buttons, they’re fairly easy to use. There are power, Bluetooth, play/pause and volume controls, all of which are super-straightforward with the exception of one. That exception is the power button, which has a light panel that can flash in nine different ways, including different colors and flashes. You’ll need to consult the user manual to understand what each of these means, because at first, I found myself baffled by whether the speaker was on, off, or somewhere in between.

Otherwise, this is a pretty practical device. It’s only a little bit heavy at 6.7lbs / 3kg and has a handle on the back of the speaker for easier transportation. Really, though, this isn’t the best option if portability is crucial for you. But for a tabletop wireless speaker, I’d argue that it’s the perfect size – not huge and overbearing, but not too small to deliver quality, room-filling audio.

In order to deliver that room-filling audio, the D32 holds two 15W silk dome tweeters as well as what Edifier calls a "long-throw, mid-low" driver. They’re encased in an MDF cabinet, designed to reduce resonance and distortion. This setup definitely helps to deliver a strong balance of loudness and clarity, making the Edifier D32 very pleasant to listen to.

Overall, this isn’t the most elegant retro-style Wi-Fi speaker on the market, but it’s considerably cheaper than comparable alternatives from JBL and Marshall. It may be the case that you, reader, think I’m terribly mistaken about the gold looking tacky! However, one thing that can’t be disputed is that this is a nicely weighted and sized tabletop speaker that still offers adequate portability – combine that with the strong audio quality on offer and you’re onto a winner with the Edifier D32.

• Design score: 3.5/5

Edifier D32: Value

• Much cheaper than similar competitors
• Great sound quality for the price
• There are still cheaper alternatives out there

Let’s be clear: if you’re looking for a super low-price Bluetooth speaker, the Edifier D32 is probably not your best option. Sure, it’s inexpensive compared to a lot of its rivals, but there are plenty of good Bluetooth speakers out there closer to the $100 / £100 / AU$200 mark.

However, if you’re specifically on the hunt for a tabletop speaker with an old school vibe, this is really strong in the value department. You get both wired and wireless (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) higher-resolution audio, strong connectivity options and companion app compatibility all for $199.99 / £179.99 (about AU$300). That’s not bad at all, especially considering that the cheapest in JBL’s Authentics line, the JBL Authentics 200 has a list price of $349.99 / £249.99 / AU$499.95.

What matters the most with a wireless speaker is sound – and the Edifier D32 performs very nicely in this category. When you couple that with the appeal of its design and consider the high cost of competitors, the Edifier D32 is a very solid value pick.

• Value score: 4/5

Should I buy the Edifier D32?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Edifier D32: Also consider

Edifier D32 review: How I tested

• Tested for two weeks
• Used in the office and music testing studio
• Tested using Tidal on Fiio M11S and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

I spent hours listening to music on the Edifier D32, testing it across its various sound modes and at differing volume levels. I predominantly used the speaker in our music testing room for assessing audio quality and battery testing.

I used Spotify on my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Tidal on the Fiio M11S hi-res music player to stream tracks from our carefully curated TechRadar reference playlist. This included songs with pumping deep bass, delicate vocals, and complex mixes, enabling me to test a speaker’s full range and dynamism across different frequencies. I also used the JBL Xtreme 4 as a point of comparison, when appropriate.

• First reviewed: September 2024
• Read more about how we test

Morel Biggie: Two-minute review

The Morel Biggie is the smaller sibling of Morel’s Högtalare (Swedish for speaker) – and is ironically named, given its compact size. But don’t let that fool you, because sonically it packs a punch.

It oozes class thanks to its superb engineering, evident from the perfectly planned surfaces on every side. It’s hard to imagine it looking out of place in any home, especially given the myriad colorways available. But home is where you’ll want to keep the Biggie, because even though Morel describes it as a portable speaker, it’s still too big and heavy to be carried around easily.

True to form, the Biggie’s feature set is similarly spartan, even for a Bluetooth-only speaker. One for our best Bluetooth speakers buying guide? Well, there’s no app to control or alter its settings, which is a pretty big omission and one the bulk of the competition (even at much lower price-points) does offer in 2024. There are five buttons for operation, but the only additional interface feature is the battery level indicator. And this is poorly implemented, requiring you to hold both volume buttons to reveal the level via the LEDs of all five buttons, which is far from precise.

As for audio features, the biggie (sorry) is Auracast compatibility, which allows you to join Auracast audio streams, designed for broadcasting to an unlimited number of playback devices. You can also use two Biggies in unison for stereo playback, although I was unable to test this feature as I was only given one unit to review.

The Biggie makes a strong impression on first listen, bellowing out the bass notes and creating a sense of space that rivals some of the best Bluetooth speakers out there. Mids and highs are mostly clear and detailed, but there are too many occasions when that low-end dominates the sonic space, masking the subtleties of other frequencies.

Morel’s dynamic EQ also fails to achieve its goal of optimizing the listening experience depending on volume, and the lack of hi-res codec support means there’s no way to improve the audio further.

Battery life is also average, and during my tests it failed to live up to its claimed 20 hours, ending up closer to 16. Fast charging is available, though, which means going from empty to full takes just two hours and only 20 minutes to get four hours of playback.

As for price, the Biggie is undeniably costly, and it seems most of your money is going towards the superlative build quality. The lack of features could be forgiven if the sound was truly exceptional, but it fails to deliver on that front too.

If it’s features you’re after, Sonos’s range of speakers, including the Sonos Roam 2 and Sonos Era 100, offer a ton of options and customizations plus wi-fi support, and cost less than the Biggie. If you want a standout sonic performer, the Audio Pro C20 is one of the best in that department.

Morel Biggie review: Price & release date

• $299 / £299 / $AU499
• Multiple colorways
• Available worldwide

The Morel Biggie is available now for $299 / £299 / $AU499. It comes in several colorways, ranging from monotones and oak to shades of blue, green, and red. The faux leather strap is either black or brown, depending on the colorway.

It sits towards the higher end of the market, making it more expensive than the Sonos Era 100, our current pick as the best wireless speaker. It is considerably cheaper than the Era 300, though, which is slightly bigger than the Biggie, and features Dolby Atmos support plus multi-room audio using your home wi-fi network, among other technologies.

There are also cheaper alternatives that offer better portability, such as the Sonos Roam 2, our number one pick overall for Bluetooth speakers, and the B&O Beosound A1 Gen 2, which we think is the best for sound quality.

Morel Biggie review: specs

Morel Biggie review: Features

• Bluetooth and 3.5mm AUX playback
• Stereo playback possible
• No app

In terms of functionality, the Biggie is about as simple as wireless speakers get. There are only five buttons on the Biggie: one for power, two for volume, one for pairing, and one for switching between wired or wireless connections. On the back is a single USB-C port for charging the speaker, which can also be used for charging a phone (although this didn’t work with my Google Pixel 7a). The port doesn’t allow for wired playback, though – there’s a 3.5mm AUX input for that.

There’s also very little in the way of audio enhancements, with no support for Dolby Atmos, Spatial Audio, and hi-res codecs like aptX. It is Auracast compatible, which lets you join audio broadcasts that can potentially reach an unlimited number of playback devices. You can use two units together in stereo, but as I only had one test unit, I couldn’t try this out.

There’s only one way to use the Biggie wirelessly and that’s via Bluetooth. While it paired instantly with a FiiO M11S music player, it struggled to connect to my Pixel 7a. It remained stuck in pairing on the first attempt, and on the second it paired but failed to establish a connection, with the Biggie’s pairing button flashing interminably. After pressing the mode select button twice it connected successfully. Of course, minor glitches like this can occur when pairing devices, but I’ve never had an issue pairing the latest audio devices with my phone before, and it’s a blemish on a speaker of this price.

To check the battery level, you have to hold both volume buttons for two seconds. The lights of all five buttons indicate the battery's remaining charge, making for an imprecise measurement – and since there’s no app, it’s the only option. Again, it’s an oversight on a modern-day premium wireless speaker to have no mobile app of any kind.

There are other issues with the battery indicator too. When I tried checking the level on a full charge, all five buttons flashed very quickly and faintly, which seemed like a glitch of some kind. Also, when holding the two volume buttons together they’re obscured, so when the battery is between 21-40% or 10-20% – which is when only the volume buttons will light – you can’t see the readout until you’ve taken your fingers away. Suffice to say, it’s not the most elegant solution – ironic given it’s designed to preserve the Biggie’s minimalist design.

Morel claims the battery will last up to 20 hours, which is reasonable for a wireless speaker. Things didn’t get off to a good start during my tests, though: after only one hour of continuous playback, it dropped to four lights, indicating a level of between 61-80% (I believe it was closer to the latter figure).

However, for the next five and a half hours of playback, it remained at this level before dropping to about 60%, so thankfully the battery’s rate of depletion didn’t follow its initial trajectory. Extrapolating beyond this figure, though, the Biggie still falls short of its purported lifespan: realistically, it’s closer to 16 hours.

• Features score: 2/5

Morel Biggie review: Sound quality

• Full and rich sound
• Excessive boom
• No hi-res codec support

Given the compact size of the Biggie, the bass sounds are surprisingly full and powerful, with plenty of punch. Highs are crisp and mids are clear for the most part. What’s most impressive is the sense of space the Biggie imparts, doing an admirable job of rendering the kind of experience you’d expect from a much larger speaker.

However, the Biggie is all too prone to excessive amounts of boom, even with the volume low; the so-called dynamic EQ fails to keep the sound in check at all levels as is claimed, and it’s unable to rein in mild distortion at higher levels. The speaker is definitely best experienced at a distance, but even then, that boominess all too often masks the finer details, especially in classical and other string-heavy music.

It’s also a shame that a speaker aiming for the premium end of the market only supports lossy SBC and ACC codecs, losing out on the higher fidelity offered by LDAC, aptX (which the larger Högtalare supports), and others. Using a wired connection via the 3.5mm AUX input doesn’t improve matters either, sounding near-identical to its wireless counterpart.

The volume controls don’t offer enough increments, with the lowest possible setting still too loud and boomy for more discreet listening. They also frequently clash with the volume controls on playback devices, with one overriding the other. A dedicated app could’ve kept volume levels consistent between speaker and source. It could’ve also offered an adjustable EQ for those who like to dial in their preferred settings.

• Sound quality score: 3/5

Morel Biggie review: Design

• Brilliant build quality
• Ultra-minimalist
• Weight compromises portability

It’s clear the Biggie is going for the sleek, ultra-minimalist look, with a hint of tradition courtesy of the large faux leather handle – which, together with the strap locks, serves to imitate a pair of headphones, a design choice I have to believe was intentional.

The overall engineering of the Biggie is impeccable, even down to the included USB-C cable. Every edge and fixture is solid and seamless, although the fitting of the back panel in my test model wasn’t quite perfect. Still, it was more than acceptable and barely a cause for complaint.

Every side of the Biggie is completely flat, making it easy to fit anywhere in your home. The four rubber feet are thick and sturdy, keeping the Biggie firmly planted. However, despite Morel claiming it to be a portable speaker, it’s too cumbersome and heavy to take on your travels. Really, this is an indoor speaker meant to be kept in place.

The aforementioned strap can be removed if you want to streamline the Biggie even more, simply by unscrewing the side clamps. There’s an optional wall mount available from Morel, should you wish to declutter your space even more.

The magnetic cloth grill is incredibly slick and, again, feels engineered to the highest standards. A small yet sturdy leather tab can be used to pull the panel off, although it's a little surplus to requirements, more of a style accessory than anything else. The fit and finish of the panel are faultless, and it's an incredibly elegant solution to masking the buttons that sit behind, invisible until the LEDs shine through once powered on.

But despite the quality of the grill, I do worry that the thin cloth will degrade after repeated button presses through it. After only a few days with the Biggie, I began to notice a crease running up the cloth from repeated compressions against the large button panel.

Another issue is that you can’t see the power button when it’s off. Muscle memory will take hold quite quickly, but it’s still a quirky design choice to hide it from view completely and illustrates just how committed Morel is to the Biggie’s minimal aesthetic.

True to the rest of the speaker, the Biggie’s buttons are solid yet light to the touch, with a pleasing clack to the presses. Their fit isn’t quite as perfect as other aspects of the Biggie’s overall construction, but I’m nitpicking here; they’re certainly up to the standards you would expect from a speaker of this price.

• Design score: 3.5/5

Morel Biggie review: Value

At $299 / £299 / AU$499, there’s no denying the Biggie is an expensive wireless speaker. It’s more expensive than the Sonos Era 100, our number one pick for the best wireless speaker, which has more features and the brand’s unique ability to create a network of speakers for a complete home setup.

If you’re looking for a more portable experience, then our current pick for the best Bluetooth speaker, the Sonos Roam 2, is cheaper than the Biggie and fits in your luggage nicely thanks to its pill-like shape. It also has an IP67 waterproof rating, making it ideal for travel. Overall, it’s a more versatile performer than the Biggie.

Other similarly premium speakers include the Bose SoundLink Max, which is sturdy and portable but $100 more than the Biggie. Being a hardy, go-anywhere speaker, though, it’s also got an IP67 rating, and a battery life that actually lasts the 20 hours it claims, according to our tests.

Should I buy the Morel Biggie?

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Morel Biggie review: Also consider

How I tested the Morel Biggie

I tested the Morel Biggie for about a week and tried it with a variety of playback sources, including my phone, a laptop and a music player. I tested both its Bluetooth and wired capabilities.

I mainly listened to music via Tidal, a streaming service that allows for hi-res playback, although this wasn’t applicable in the Biggie’s case, reverting to the SBC/ AAC formats instead. I used TechRadar’s specialized playlist, designed to put audio devices through their paces with a comprehensive mix of genres and sonic styles, ranging from pop and electronic dance, to jazz and classical across multiple eras.

I tested the battery by letting the Biggie run continuously for six hours and took readings about every hour. Since there’s no volume readout, I can’t say exactly what levels I had set but suffice to say, I would describe my sessions as being comfortably loud.

First reviewed: September 2024