Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 review: two-minute review

If you’re looking for a sleek, stylish portable Bluetooth speaker, you’ll struggle to find a better-looking alternative than the Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2. This small speaker assumes a compact, curved form with a durable rubber body and attractive metallic-looking grille. But it’s more than just a pretty face.

The Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 plates up impressively powerful audio for its size, with commendable levels of detail and surprisingly good instrument separation. As a result, you get a layered, clear listening experience that will keep you tuned into your favorite tracks for hours on end. Sound quality can get a touch harsh and unstable at top volumes, but for the vast majority of the time, it steers well clear of tinniness and distortion.

Audio in the treble is communicated with delicacy and finesse, with mids also sounding as rich as you’d hope to hear from some of the best Bluetooth speakers in this size and weight class. Bass – although not delivering as much impact as a large-sized party speaker – has solid depth and dynamism too. You can, unlike its original gen predecessor, alter EQ settings on the Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2. Just download the Bose app and switch things up to your liking. However, there is a disappointing lack of presets (four that increase or reduce either bass or treble), so you’ll likely need to manually adjust audio with the app’s three-band equaliser.

But you don’t only get a strong audio performance from the SoundLink Flex Gen 2, you also get excellent build quality and durability. This Bluetooth speaker has the IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating, meaning it can survive being dunked under a meter of water for half an hour. Pretty impressive. On top of that, it has a durable exterior, discreet feet that keep it standing and a customizable shortcut button, which I personally used to activate my voice assistant. Design-wise, this really is the full-package.

And even in the features department, the SoundLink Flex Gen 2 has a solid amount to work with. Of course, the Bose app opens up a lot of this, including the aforementioned EQ settings and shortcut button customization. But it also enables you to view devices connected via multi-point, change auto-power off time and even name the speaker from a list of random names (mine was Pint Size Party). And like its first generation ancestor, the SoundLink Flex Gen 2 harnesses PositionIQ tech, which optimizes audio output depending on the speaker’s orientation.

The re-utilization of PositionIQ is welcome, but it does hammer home something undeniable about the SoundLink Flex Gen 2. It’s very similar to the original Bose SoundLink Flex. Not only does it look almost identical, but it also has a like-for-like sound profile. Perhaps most frustratingly, the newer variant has the same battery life – just 12 hours – which is a little underwhelming when you consider recently-released rivals, like the Beats Pill, offer a much longer playtime.

Having said that, the addition of EQ options and a more up-to-date Bluetooth version is a noticeable improvement. Is it worth upgrading for owners of the original SoundLink Flex? Perhaps not. But if you want a new Bluetooth speaker, this certainly stands on its own four feet as a very strong option. So, if you’re new to the SoundLink Flex line and want a great-sounding portable speaker for all environments, I’d recommend this one. Otherwise, you may be better served by an alternative in our guide to the best waterproof speakers.

Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 review: price and release date

• $149 / £149.95 / AU$249.95
• Already appeared on sale
• Launched in September 2024

The Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 is a mid-priced option in the portable Bluetooth speaker market. It’s available in a nice range of colors, including: Alpine Sage (green); Black; Sandstone (brown); and my personal favorite, Blue Dusk.

It has a list price of $149 / £149.95 / AU$249.95, although I’ve already seen it available for $119 / £119 (about AU$180). Given it only launched in September 2024, that’s quite an enticing price – though it still has hot competition. Rivals like the JBL Flip 6, for instance, have been discounted to as little as $79 / £79 on Amazon.

Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 review: specs

Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 review: features

• Companion app compatibility
• Speaker pairing for stereo mode
• PositionIQ tech

Perhaps the biggest upgrade the SoundLink Flex Gen 2 has over its predecessor is that it actually has a companion app. It’s not got a ton of fancy features, but it’s pretty much a must-have for modern Bluetooth speakers in my view – and this is a pretty slick, clean-looking app too.

So, let's start with the most important function – EQ settings. These were absent last time, and although it’s nice to have some customizability, they’re actually pretty disappointing. There’s a grand total of four presets: Bass Boost; Bass Reducer; Treble Boost; and Treble Reducer. Wow, really? Sure, you can manually adjust EQ across three bands (Bass, Mids, Treble), but I would’ve preferred to see more depth here – maybe some genre-specific presets, for instance.

So what else does the app have? Firstly, it has a Source option, to toggle Multi-point – a handy feature – on or off and view connected devices. It also has an option to change the function of the Shortcut button to Speaker Link (to pair Bose speakers), Voice Assistant or Spotify Resume – pretty neat. These are nice additions in my view, making for a decently well-rounded in-app experience – even if EQ options are a bit lacking.

But there’s more: the SoundLink Flex Gen 2 continues the use of PositionIQ. This essentially provides positional compensation, meaning that the speaker can optimize audio output depending on its placement and orientation – pretty cool for a small Bluetooth speaker like this that’s made for use in a range of environments. In addition, you can pair this speaker with another in order to access Stereo audio output – but frustratingly, this is locked to Gen 2 models alone. I can’t help but think that backwards compatibility with the original model would’ve been a real incentive for owners to opt for the upgrade, so this feels like a bit of a missed opportunity.

Although this speaker has a USB-C port, you’re not able to use this for music output. There’s also no 3.5mm port, so it’s going to be wireless play only, guys. For me, this isn’t an issue, but the option would be a nice touch.

Finally, this speaker offers fairly average battery life. It can deliver approximately 12 hours of playtime with music at around 50% volume – the same as its predecessor and similarly-price competitors like the JBL Flip 6. Some may feel that simply matching its predecessor isn’t enough and what’s more, there are a lot of similarly-sized Bluetooth speakers that can offer superior numbers. Just look at the Beats Pill, for instance, which supplies an awesome 24 hours of playtime.

• Features score: 3.5/5

Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 review: sound quality

• Balanced, punchy sound
• Impressive dynamism and instrument separation
• Bass may be a little thin for some

On the SoundLink Flex Gen 2’s box, Bose says that “you’ve never had a sidekick that sounds this good”. And for many, that may well be true – this speaker does offer balanced, pleasingly nuanced audio. But despite its talents, I would argue that audio isn’t quite S-tier quality.

One reason for this is that music can be a little rough around the edges at high volumes. When tuning into As If Waltz by Geordie Greep, I felt that the track sounded almost compressed at 90%-100%, with treble a touch abrasive and vocals lacking the crisp clarity I heard at lower volume levels. This was an issue we also identified in our review on the SoundLink Flex Gen 2’s predecessor, but like that model, volume can climb surprisingly high for the speaker’s size, so if you’re not maxing out loudness, this likely won’t affect you.

Additionally, some may find that bass isn’t quite as impactful as they’d like, especially for larger rooms or more open spaces. Although bass is responsive and sharp, it can be a touch thin, especially out of the box. You can remedy this, in part, by upping bass levels in the Bose app, just don’t expect the boom of a larger party speaker. When listening to The Boys Are Back in Town by Yung Gravy, I found that the imposing, in-your-face low-end felt a little constricted. A significant factor here is, of course, the SoundLink Flex Gen 2’s size – it’s no beefy Boombox. If your main focus is ground-shaking low-frequency audio, you might want to consider a larger option, like the Earfun UBoom X or Bose SoundLink Max, for instance.

But anyway, that’s enough moaning. I want to be clear, the Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 does, in fact, sound very good and it’s going to offer a significant sonic step-up from almost any budget portable speaker. Why? Well there are a few key reasons. First of all, instrument separation is pretty strong. When playing St. Thomas by Sonny Rollins, the warm double bass, forward-sounding sax, sporadic percussion and cool keys all occupied surprisingly separate spaces, combining for a satisfying listen.

On top of that, instrumental and vocal elements sound natural and detailed. For instance, the drum solo in St. Thomas sounded authentic with even the weight of each drum hit sounding discernible and true to life. The rainfall at the start of Rains again by Solji also maintained its intended sound, without coming through like static or a muffled, crackling mess. Vocals also had a breathy, delicate quality that many cheap alternatives miss out on.

I’ll circle back to bass as well. As I mentioned earlier, it’s not exactly thunderous, but it does have solid depth and a respectable bite for a small speaker. I listened to I Want You by Moloko on both the Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 and a budget option – the Tribit Stormbox 2 – to identify the key benefits of splashing some extra cash. And bass clarity was one of the key improvements. With the Bose speaker, bass was neatly separated and had a more accurate tone than Tribit’s alternative – which served up a slightly muddied, muffled sound in comparison.

Another song with a lot of low-end emphasis – Black Eye by Allie X – produced similar results. The depth of the drum machine was replicated with far more finesse using Bose’s speakers, with the Tribit offering a more dulled sound. The dynamism of the bass connecting up to the lower mids was also far more impressive with the SoundLink Flex Gen 2, so if you’re willing to spend more on a Bluetooth speaker, you’ll certainly hear the difference, that much is certain.

• Sound quality score: 4/5

Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 review: design

• IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating
• Attractive look with classy color options
• Simple, well-sized button controls

So perhaps unsurprisingly, I’d argue that the Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2’s design is actually its standout aspect. It looks very similar – no, almost identical – to its predecessor, but I’m not complaining; it was a very nice-looking model.

This speaker has smooth, curved corners, a rubbery body and beautifully finished speaker grille. It’s available in a really nice set of colors too. These aren’t eye-poppingly vibrant, more-so classy and refined. The unit I reviewed came in Blue Dusk – a really beautiful medium-blue color that is neither boring or overbearing. It’s oriented to sit lengthways too and has four subtle bumps that act as a base for the speaker to stand on.

And that ties into a fantastic aspect of the SoundLink Flex Gen 2 – it’s equally as practical as it is pretty. Firstly, it has a pretty durable design, in part thanks to its rubber outer casing, which means it should be fine to throw around (to an extent) and capable of taking a few falls. It also has the IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating, meaning it won’t succumb to an untimely death, even when submerged under a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. It also has a handy fabric tab that you can use to attach the speaker to a bag or belt.

Finally, the SoundLink Flex Gen 2 has a solid set of onboard controls. You get power, Bluetooth, shortcut, volume up/down and play/pause buttons. All of these are perfectly sized and are super clear – there’s no second-guessing what does what. There is, however, a user manual and tips section in the Bose app, so you’ll be able to get the best out of your speaker. Really, there’s nothing I didn’t like about the SoundLink Flex Gen 2’s design – it’s a true thing of beauty – but it doesn’t skimp on ease-of-use or durability either.

• Design score: 5/5

Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 review: value

• Not the cheapest speaker out there
• But already available on sale
• Clear quality improvement over budget options, too

When it comes to value, the Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 finds what I’d call a happy medium. The bottom line is, this isn’t a cheap, budget product – but it’s not a top-of-the range, premium pick either.

And I’d argue that the quality you get here matches that price profile nicely. Audio quality – although not mind-blowing – is very good and skips on the muddy, constricted sound you get from a lot of budget options. But you also get a stunning design and a decent enough feature-set to boot, which really help to justify the price tag.

You can already get this bad boy on sale too. I headed over to Amazon in the US and the UK and spotted this thing on discount, so you won’t have to spend a lot more than $120 / £120 if you’re savvy. That’s really not too bad given the quality on show – and given it’s predecessor was only a touch less. So again, it may not be the ultimate budget-friendly pick, but the SoundLink Flex Gen 2 still earns its keep.

• Value score: 4/5

Should I buy the Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 review: also consider

Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 review: how I tested

• Tested for one week
• Predominantly used at the Future Labs music testing space
• Mainly tested using Tidal on FiiO M11S

I spent hours listening to music on the Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2, testing it across various EQ modes and volume levels. I predominantly used the speaker in our music testing room at Future Labs to best judge audio quality and validate battery life claims.

When listening to tunes, I predominantly tapped into Tidal on the Fiio M11S hi-res music player. I streamed tracks from our carefully curated TechRadar reference playlist as well as a bunch of songs from my personal library. This included songs with deep bass, high-pitched vocals, and complexly layered mixes, enabling me to hear the speaker’s full range capabilities and dynamism across different frequencies. I also used the Tribit Stormbox 2 to closely assess the improvements this Bose speaker can offer over a more budget model.

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

Earfun UBoom X review: two-minute review

If you’re on the hunt for an affordable, bass-heavy party speaker the Earfun UBoom X might be your perfect match. This mini boombox sets out to deliver one thing above all – powerful, ground-shaking low frequency sound. Thankfully it achieves this without any difficulty.

Here’s the thing, though: the Earfun UBoom X isn’t a beautiful-sounding all-rounder for the audiophiles out there. It doesn’t offer massively detailed sound or the sharpest quality across the frequencies and steers clear of offering fancy audio codecs like aptX or LDAC. But again, this isn’t really too much of a miss given its party-ready profile. On top of that, sound is actually pretty customizable – just download the Earfun Audio app and you can select from a giant cohort of EQ options, including genre-specific, environment-optimized and custom options.

Some of these, such as Outdoor+, BOOM xxX and Ground 0 really lean into the strengths of the speaker’s bass. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound, there are options like Studio, which was crafted by audio expert and multi-time Earfun collaborator Oluv’Sone.

With meaty bass comes plenty of weight too. Yes, this is a pretty heavy creature and so the option to carry it via a handle for short distances or the included strap for longer ones is most welcome. And that’s part of a wider theme with the UBoom X – it’s a very practical speaker. Whether we’re talking about its IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating or its ability to double up as a power bank, you’ll find plenty of utility here. Sure, looks-wise it may not be as pretty as some of the best Bluetooth speakers, but you do still get LED lights that are decently fun and customizable and can be turned off if you’d prefer.

Another attractive aspect of the UBoom X is its excellent battery life. You get around 30 hours of playtime here, which stands up against some top competitors in the party speaker space, like the Tribit Stormbox Blast, for instance. Features-wise, you also get a relatively generous amount to play with, including the aforementioned EQ settings, video mode (for low latency), voice assistant compatibility and LED light calibration.

So, for a deep bass floor, top battery life and healthy portion of features, you’d expect to pay up a fair amount. However, Earfun are already offering the UBoom X on discount – it’s widely available for as little as $159.99 / £149.99 (about AU$240), which is impeccable value.

Overall, the Earfun UBoom X is a speaker worth your while, but only if you’re a certain type of listener. If you’re someone that wants a more balanced, intricately detailed and crisp sound, you may prefer a Bluetooth speaker like the JBL Xtreme 4, which also launched in 2024. However, if you’re someone that’s all about bass-heavy bangers, loves to throw house parties or wants enough low-end power for noisy outdoor events, this is a strong pick. With waterproofing, a sturdy build and a tempting low-price, the Earfun UBoom X is a very solid boombox-style speaker and one that can compete competently against even some of the best party speakers.

Earfun UBoom X review: price and release date

• List price of $189.99 / £189.99 (around AU$280)
• Launched on October 2024
• Already discounted despite recent release

The Earfun UBoom X is available at a pretty modest price for a Bluetooth speaker of its size. I mean, it launched with a list price of $189.99 / £189.99 (around AU$280), but it’s (perhaps cheekily) already available for considerably less. When I checked both the Earfun website and Amazon, I spotted the UBoom X listed for $159.99 / £149.99, so don’t spend any more than this if you decide to snap it up.

This is a very new Bluetooth speaker, having only launched on 8 October 2024 in the US and UK. Perhaps unfortunately, though, the UBoom X released with just one color variant, a plain yet classic Black.

Earfun UBoom X review: specs

Earfun UBoom X review: features

• Excellent 30-hour battery life
• Awesome EQ settings
• Easy-to-use companion app

The Earfun UBoom X may not have an exhaustively long feature-set, but it still has all the key inclusions you’d expect from a party-ready Bluetooth speaker.

First things first, you’re getting a simple and decently well-equipped Earfun Audio companion app that is free to download. The star of the show here is EQ adjustment – there are a ton of presets available, but you can also customize your own sound or tweak existing options. The core Earfun EQ options are very solid and I often found myself switching to Electronic for deep bass with bright treble or Hit for percussion-heavy tracks. In addition, you get a unique section of EQ options from audio specialist Oluv’Sone, including some truly earth-shaking options like BOOM xxX and Ground 0.

There’s not a load more to play with in the app. You can activate video mode, which reduces audio latency, adjust voice volume or consult the user manual. But the main attraction outside of EQ is adjustable light settings. Although you can adjust the inbuilt LED lighting on the speaker itself, being able to switch things up remotely is super convenient, especially if you’re in a dark room / outdoor space. You can select between rhythmic flashing and a constant display or just switch the lights off entirely, but you can also adjust the color to your liking (or stick to the default multicolor option).

Beyond app functionality, you also get Party Mode, which enables you to connect up to 50 UBoom X speakers at once. If any of you out there are planning to pair 50 of these, I fear you could cause tremors to spread across the land – honestly, this will give you some incredible low-end power – ideal if you’re hosting an outdoor event. One multi-device feature that I was hoping to see was multi-point. This enables you to connect two (or more) devices to a Bluetooth speaker at once – ideal if you’re sharing DJ responsibilities with a friend. Unfortunately, this was missing, but if you’re using Spotify to play music, you can always just use the Jam function instead of connecting two devices separately.

Finally, it's worth noting some features that make the UBoom X an ultra-practical Bluetooth speaker. First of all, it has an inbuilt microphone, meaning you can take hands-free calls and also harness the power of both Google assist and Apple’s Siri voice assistant. Secondly, the UBoom X can double up as a power bank, thanks to its USB-C out port, which can be a lifesaver if your phone is on its last legs when you’re out and about. And there’s plenty of power to go around. This speaker boasts up to 30 hours of playtime – that’s truly exceptional and means you’ll rarely have to charge it.

• Features score: 4/5

Earfun UBoom X review: sound quality

• Almighty bass output
• Decent but not particularly detailed audio performance
• Pretty loud thanks to total 80W output

OK reader, let’s get something straight before we dive into sound quality. This is, at its core, a party speaker. So what am I looking for? Booming bass that can cut through background noise or outdoor distractions, high potential volume and relatively clear overall audio quality. And luckily, the Earfun UBoom X has all three of these.

And given that this chunky lad has ‘Boom’ in its name let’s start with bass. Just as you’d hope, this thing goes really hard on the low-end – even when using the default EQ mode I was struck by meaty bass with impressive depth. When I tuned into I Want You by Moloko I instantly found my head bopping to the pumping, room-filling bass and when switching to BOOM xxX mode, our testing space was almost shaking from the pure power on display. Sure, the breathiness of vocals in the intro wasn’t recreated in the most natural-sounding or authentic manner, but this wasn’t a huge concern for me given the UBoom X’s party speaker profile.

The Earfun UBoom X speaker is undoubtedly inclined to lean heavily on bass straight out of the box, which is perfect if you’re into house, drum and bass or any genres that emphasize low frequency sounds above all. For instance, when listening to Da Fonk (feat. Joni) by Mochakk – an energetic house track – the UBoom X was truly in its element, with hard-hitting, intoxicating bass hits, which were astonishingly powerful in Ground 0 mode. OK, some of the vocal chops didn’t cut through as clearly as you’d expect from a more balanced (and expensive) party speaker like the JBL Xtreme 4, but they weren’t muddied too badly at all. And this ground-shaking bass output isn’t just pleasing sonically; it's very practical for a portable boombox like this, especially if you’re hosting outdoor events or visiting places with lots of background noise, like the beach.

Let’s say, though, just for the sake of it, you’d like to tone bass levels down a bit for a more balanced sound. Well, you’re in luck. You can select the Studio EQ option from the Earfun app – this is more neutral-sounding, albeit quieter. I tried listening to The Ripple Effect podcast from James Lawrence Alcott in this mode and found vocals to be clear, even at high volumes.

Audio isn’t always particularly detailed, however. For instance, when listening to You Can Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac, harmonies in the chorus sounded slightly narrow and restricted. At times, mid range sounds were slightly overpowered by low-frequency ones too. I also found when tuning into Holy Holy by Geordie Greep (using default EQ settings) that the theatrical strings, smooth bass, dancing keys and choppy electric guitar – although all audible – lacked the levels of instrumental separation that I’d like. One more critique on sound (sorry Earfun) – treble can be quite bright with the UBoom X, but it’s not always ultra-crisp. For instance, in Rains again by Solji the intermittent downpour sound effects were a tad staticky, but again, for a boombox-style speaker, this won’t be grating for most listeners.

I did, however, encounter one more slight audio-related issue during the testing process. On a number of occasions, I would turn the volume up or down on my phone while connected to the speaker via Bluetooth, and sound would cut out for a split second. Earfun assured me that this is not a common issue, but that it should be fixed via an in-app firmware update around the end of October 2024.

Overall, though, the UBoom X completes what it sets out to do very nicely. OK, it’s not going to blow the socks off audiophiles with super-detailed sound, there’s no fancy codecs like LDAC or similar and bass may be a little heavy-handed for some. But for an out-and-out party speaker at this price-point, I think this has a great sound profile with respectable loudness, thanks to an 80W maximum power output. Just don’t expect prime sonic clarity, especially as you edge closer to 100% volume.

• Sound quality score: 4/5

Earfun UBoom X review: design

• Doesn’t look the most high-quality
• Fairly low-key light show
• IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating

The Earfun UBoom X delivers exactly what you’d expect from a larger Bluetooth speaker. It dons a mini-boombox look with a blocky, solid build and wide carry handle. It definitely pulls off the boombox aesthetic well, but it does admittedly lack a splash of character. For instance, there are no color options here – it’s black or nothing – which is fine, but I’d prefer some more vibrant alternatives. The bass radiators on the side of the speaker are also a bit plain and don’t have the most visually satisfying vibration effect, leaving this speaker looking slightly flat in the looks department.

On that point, this isn’t a premium product so you shouldn’t expect stunning build quality, but I couldn’t help but feel that the UBoom X is a tad cheap-looking. The outer casing is pretty plasticky and the black speaker grille doesn’t look or feel very hardy. This isn’t too much of a problem given that this is available for less than £200 / $200, but if you want a super-stylish speaker it may be worth looking elsewhere.

Something I did personally like about the UBoom X’s design, though, is its LED lights. These are bright and eye-catching, but don’t venture into the tacky or overbearing territory that so many competitors fall victim of. We’ve not always been a fan of in-your-face lighting on party speakers like the Tribit Stormbox Blast, but the UBoom X never oversteps with its two circular LEDs. It’s worth noting that these only shine through the front of the speaker grille too, so if you’re someone that wants something ultra-flashy, this might not be your best option.

Something that is indisputably brilliant about this Bluetooth speaker, though, is its IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating. This means that the speaker can survive being submerged under a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. It’s also floatable, meaning you can take it in the sea or pool with you without fear of a disastrous malfunction. Another practical inclusion is metal hooks on top of the speaker. There’s a strap included with the UBoom X so that you can carry it around – a neat touch given that this thing is a heavy beast. Yep, it weighs in at 9.2lbs / 4.2kg and that’s quite hefty, so the option to sling it over your shoulder adds a lot of portability points.

One final highlight is the speaker’s simplistic yet effective layout. For instance, the button controls are all well-sized and it’s clear what function they provide. There’s also a rubber tab on the reverse side that can be undone to access the AUX port and access the USB-C input or output ports. So, although this may not be the sleekest boombox imaginable, it still offers more than enough convenience as well as protection against the elements – for a party speaker, that’s what matters most.

• Design score: 4/5

Earfun UBoom X review: value

• Won’t set you back too much at all
• Great bass output against similarly priced competitors
• Buying multiple may be worth it

When it comes to value, the Earfun UBoom X performs very nicely. I think it’s clear – you can’t expect astonishing overall audio from this thing. In fact, there’ll be a lot of other boombox style speakers around that can boast even better low-end output. But if you want a cheap, bass-heavy Bluetooth speaker, the UBoom X is a textbook compromise between price and performance.

This speaker is already available for around $159.99 / £149.99 (about AU$240), which isn’t much at all for a larger portable speaker like this. That’s even less than the likes of the Tribit Stormbox Blast, a similarly sized party speaker. Brands like JBL can charge double or more than this for their boombox speaker, meaning you may even prefer to grab two UBoom Xs and harness the power of Party Mode. Given the 30 hour battery life and highly customizable sound here, the UBoom X is a great value option for your next Bluetooth speaker.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Earfun UBoom X?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Earfun UBoom X review: also consider

Earfun UBoom X review: how I tested

• Spent hours listening to music, podcasts and video
• Primarily used in music testing space, future Labs
• Predominantly tested using Tidal on Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

I spent hours listening to the Earfun UBoom X in our music testing space at future Labs. During my time with the UBoom X, I played tons of tracks from my personal music library, but also tuned into the TechRadar testing playlist, which I always use to pick apart performance across a variety of genres and frequency ranges. When listening to music, I connected to the speaker with the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and primarily listened via Tidal.

This wasn’t all though: I also listened to a podcast on Spotify and watched video content on YouTube in order to assess quality across different platforms and mediums. When appropriate, I used the JBL Xtreme 4 to compare audio quality, design choices and usability.

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

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