Ultimate Ears is known for making great sounding speakers and of course, the name is proof enough of their quality. The Megaboom 3 and the Megablast of Ultimate ears are two of the most powerful and widely talked about speakers in the sound industry. They both are perfectly competitive with each other with excellent bass and all other features.
These are portable speakers that can very well replace your JBL Flips or any other wireless portable speaker system. The difference between them is not that many and yet these features define your decision as to which of the two is the best and yours for the take.
Features such as wireless connectivity, water resistance, audio performance, etc. are unique to both UE Megaboom 3 and Megablast. All of which are described below in depth.
Comparisons Table: Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 vs Megablast
| Megaboom 3 | Megablast | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.2 x 3.2 x 8.75 inches | 3.5 x 3.5 x 9.4 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.48 lbs | 3.25 lbs |
| Ultimate Controls | One-Touch to Your Music | Amazon Alexa Voice |
| Battery life | 20 hours | 16 hours |
| Maximum depth underwater | 3 feet for 30 minutes | 3.3 feet for 30 minutes |
| Connectivity | Only Bluetooth | Bluetooth/WiFi |
| Range | 150 ft on Bluetooth | 330 ft on WiFi or 150 ft on Bluetooth |
| Smart Assistant Integrations | No Smart Assistant | Integrated Amazon Alexa |
| Wired connectivity | 3.5 mm audio jack | No wired connection. Only wireless |
| Pairing capabilities | Pairs with 8 other Megablast or Blast | Pairs with 150+ Boom and Megaboom speakers |
| Frequency Range | 60 Hz - 20 kHz | 60 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Floats on water | Yes | No |
| Charging Port | Micro USB | Micro USB |
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 vs Megablast: Product Defferentiator
UE Megaboom 3 and the UE Megablast are some of the best-known speaker systems from UE. They might not look like much but they sure are certainly commendable in terms of performance, quality, build, and convenience. You will find all of that in both of the products but where it really differs are the small things that might make it hard for you to use one over the other.
These two speakers are both portables; you can connect to them wirelessly and can take them anywhere that you like. These are great party starters where having a power source is out of the question. But, any of the cheaper speakers can also do the same so why UE Megaboom 3 and the Megablast?
Well to know more, read on to the following sections where you will find a comprehensive review of each of them and the differences that make each unique. Again, they are both great speakers and sound amazing so do not be biased on the looks but rather see what is inside these bad boys.
What is the Megaboom 3? An Overview
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 or in short, the UE Megaboom 3 from Logitech is a speaker that defines the current trend and what people want. It is the definition of truly wireless Bluetooth speakers that look, feel, and perform as expected, maybe even more than expected perhaps. This sleek yet rugged-looking speaker not only performs well, but it also has features that you never thought you needed.
As speakers featuring virtual assistants such as Amazons Alexa and Google Assistant have become increasingly popular, eclipsing regular old Bluetooth speakers in convenience, performance, and compatibility, UE Megaboom 3 did not follow that audio trend. Keeping privacy as a factor, the UE Megaboom 3 does not let an AI eavesdrop on your lives.
The Logitech UE Megaboom 3 features a long battery, outstanding sound quality, a beautiful design, and the best of all, a reasonable price tag, making it one of the best Bluetooth speakers you can get right now. It is already taking over the market as the best budget option.
What the UE Megaboom 3 rather does is upgrades your audio experience. It enhances the capabilities of audio making you think you are right in the concert with your friends beside you. It gives you a memorable experience which is pretty hard to forget.
Key Features of the Megaboom 3
The UE Megaboom 3 may be one of the best portable speakers you might find. It features so many great functionalities, you might be overwhelmed. The impending booms and the solid thumps of the speakers can be felt all over the body. However many features it has, the main and basic fact is that it gets the job done and it does it well.
Some of the features are showcased below:
- The Megaboom 3 has an IP67 rating which means it is water-resistant and can last for up 30 minutes underwater to a depth of 3 feet. So, you can splash water on it, dip it underwater and it will work like a charm.
- With water resistance, the Megaboom 3 also floats on water so you do not have to worry about keeping it afloat, it can just hang around with you.
- Bluetooth connectivity for easy connection. Does not need waking up, just needs to pair with your smartphone. You have your huge volume buttons on speakers marked + and -.
- UE Megaboom 3 features a “magic button” at the top of the speaker that, with a single tap can play pause, with a double-tap can skip tracks, and finally the amazing feature of them all, with a long press, it can play songs from your custom playlist. Amazing isn’t it?
- It also features 360 degrees of sound dispersion which can make anything sound amazing. The audio comes from all around the speaker much like Apple’s Homepod mini.
- UE Megaboom 3 has a huge battery that can give you up to 20 hours of playback time. This is significantly higher than most Bluetooth speakers and one complete charge can last you for days, depending on the usage of course.
What is Megablast? An Overview
Ultimate Ears have already established their position in the portable speaker market with their Boom lineup. However, now they are taking a smarter approach, and by that it means, making smart speakers that people can use as a smart home device. They added smart assistants, WiFi connectivity, and voice control creating a new lineup called the Blast series and its ultimate product is the UE Megablast.
The UE Megablast is an amazing speaker, it has all the bits and pieces from all other lineups which contribute to UEs incredible and unique audio performance. In addition to that, UE has also integrated Amazon Alexa into the speakers making it a potential candidate to replace your smart speaker. Why? Because this has a smart assistant and it sounds amazing.
The UE Megablast when compared in size, is the biggest of the bunch. It is also the most powerful speaker that is also smart and sound amazing. Having all of these integrations along with the WiFi connectivity which gives you access to various streaming services like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Deezer, the battery life is bound to take a hit.
All of the features of the Megablast may overshadow what the speaker is really capable of and that might make people avert from it. But, this speaker, having all the features, still sounds so perfect and amazing even at high notes. The volume cranked up high does not affect the quality of the audio.
Key Features of the Megablast
UE Megablast is undoubtedly one of the best portable smart speakers in the market. It is very uncommon to see such speakers with a smart assistant and great performance come at a very cheap price. But Logitech’s UE MEgablast just proved it wrong. The features may be overwhelming but the underlying signature performance of UE remains the same if not enhanced.
Some of the amazing features are described down below:
- UE Megablast features a huge rugged design that is sturdy and shock-resistant. The micro USB charging port is well sealed and there are no wired audio connections. So Bluetooth is the only source of the sound.
- The speakers are water-resistant with IP67 water-resistant rating giving it the ability to stay underwater to up to 3.3 feet for 30 minutes. Along with water, the speaker is also dust and sand resistant, so your speakers are good to go no matter the weather.
- The UE Megablast has a whopping 16 hours of playback time which is amazing considering the number of integrations it comprises. However, this number can vary depending on the usage, network connectivity, and volume levels.
- It connects easily with your WiFi and can be discovered on your smartphone as a WiFi device for connectivity which is much faster than standard Bluetooth. Amazon Music, Deezer, and Spotify are accessible only through WiFi but other services like Apple Music, Google Play, and Youtube Music will require Bluetooth from the smartphone.
- The Megablast also features the latest and greatest smart assistant, Amazon Alexa. You can control all your smart home devices through voice control including your entire home theater setup using the Logitech Harmony Hub.
- UE Megablast also features 360 degrees of sound dispersion like UEs other models giving the audio its freedom and space to explore around without diminishing the quality.
How I rated Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 vs Megablast
The differences between the UE Megaboom 3 and the Megablast are significant as they include features that define whether you need them or not. Having extra features may come in handy but then you will have to sacrifice on other ends to meet the requirements. Having said that, here is an in-depth view of the different yet crucial facts that might help you in your decision-making process.
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 vs Megablast: (Design and Build Quality and Connectivity)
Megaboom 3
Coming to the build and design of the UE Megaboom 3, it is sturdy like any other. You get the sleek design and the rugged outlook of the already great Megaboom series along with its sturdy build quality and the strong chassis. These features alone make the UE Megaboom 3 one of the most durable speakers. However, there is also the fact about the charging port.
The Megaboom 3 features a micro USB charging port situated at the bottom of the speakers. A pretty unconventional way of charging your speakers as you would have to turn them upside down and plug your charger in. But, you can always get an additional accessory called a charging dock where you can place your UE Megaboom 3 on top for a constant flow of power and playback.
The charging port is a tad bit expensive and costs around $40 but it is up to you. The product also features wireless connectivity using a 3.5mm headphone jack or an auxiliary cable if you want to play your own music without opting for Bluetooth connectivity. Pretty handy feature one might say when you want to save charge.
Megablast
The UE Megablast features a similar build quality as the Megaboom 3. You get the same sturdy, durable build quality with a beautiful design that is hard to overlook. The strong build quality also makes the speaker resistant to drops and other particles, which is especially useful because you will be using this everywhere you go. So the build quality has UEs assurance and commendation.
Coming to the charging port, the Megablast also features a micro USB charging port, placed in the same place as the Megabooms, at the bottom. Not a convenient place for a charging port to be and of course you can get the additional charging pad if you have the bucks to spend. But, you are here because these are the budget options so why spend extra? Well, the charging can be excused.
What cannot be excused is the lack of any physical ports to play music. There is no wire connectivity option in the Megablast. You can only connect through WiFi or Bluetooth. This puts a lot of pressure on both your smartphone and the speakers as both of them will be consuming battery life rapidly. Having no physical port may put the Megablast at a disadvantage against the Megaboom 3.
Winner: Megaboom 3
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 vs Megablast: (Battery life or Playback Time)
Megaboom 3
The UE Megaboom 3 has really good battery life. It is not clear as to how big the battery is but the speakers feature a whopping 20 hours of playback time. This is a significant amount since 20 hours of playback is a lot. You might take it to parties and hangouts to listen to some tunes but how long will they last? An hour or at most, 5 hours? This still leaves you with 15 hours of life and you can use it the next day as well.
Megablast
The UE Megablast on the other hand has a slightly less battery life but it is still powerful given the fact that it hosts a smart home assistant inside. The Megablast comprises 16 hours of playback time. This is not a lot compared to the Megaboom 3 but it gets the job done. You can listen to music for at least 2 days or more without charging them. It also features wireless connectivity, so the battery life may take a hit depending on the usage.
Winner: Megaboom 3
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 vs Megablast: (Smart Features and wireless capabilities)
Megaboom 3
UE Megaboom 3 has no smart features. It does not have any smart assistant integration like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Technically it is not needed as it is a Bluetooth portable speaker and you will rarely use the smart assistant when playing music. Of course, you will have to give up on controlling your smart home accessories and you only get Bluetooth, no WiFi which makes it a range issue as you will have to be in close proximity in order to pair with the speakers.
Megablast
Unlike the Megaboom 3, UE has thought of the issue and decided to add the missing features in the Megablast. It features Amazon’s Alexa, an incredible smart assistant that gives you the ability to control your smart appliances all around the house. It also has WiFi connectivity so controlling the appliances is easy and also you can play your music from anywhere as long as you are connected to the same WiFi. One drawback is that you do not get the full functionalities of Alexa but, it gets the job done.
Winner: Megablast
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 vs Megablast: (Sound Quality)
Megaboom 3
The Megaboom 3 from UE is a portable speaker and that does not limit the audio quality. It packs a satisfying punch as expected from Ultimate Ears and keeps the balance even at higher volumes. The highs and lows are clear and you can definitely hear every detail out of the audio. The 360 degrees of sound dispersion adds to the performance, it fills up the room without lowering the quality. The only drawback is when you crank the volume too high, you will start to hear its limits and the deteriorating quality of the audio.
Megablast
Learning from the Megaboom 3s mistakes, UE rectified the performance by adding two active drivers, two passive radiators, and two tweeters. This enhances the performance by a huge leap and has proved to be 40 percent louder than the Megaboom 3. It of course packs the punchy quality and details of UE along with the added 360 degrees of sound dispersion which easily fills up a medium-sized room. It also manages to balance the sound in a way that even at high volumes, the audio will not be distorted or illegible to hear. This is something most speakers struggle to accomplish.
Winner: Megablast
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 vs Megablast: (Waterproofing)
Megaboom 3
The Logitech UE Megaboom 3 has an IP67 rating, meaning it is water-resistant and can stay underwater for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 3 feet. This is not a lot but you will not have to worry about the speaker sinking to the bottom as it will float around beside you. Yes! It does float and the water resistance adds to the benefit, so pool parties are going to be lit as the kids say these days.
Megablast
UE Megablast also has an IP67 rating. It is water and dust resistant so it can survive harsh environments as you will be carrying it around with you. It can work perfectly underwater for 30 minutes to a depth of 3.3 feet which is not a significant increase to the Megaboom 3. In addition to that, it does not float, it flips over and slowly sinks to the bottom, so you can splash water onto it but taking it to the pool might be a bad idea if you want your speakers to be okay.
Winner: Megablast
Why should you go for the Megaboom 3?
The Megaboom 3 is what you would call Logitech UE’s budget option for portable Bluetooth speakers. You may not get the extra features such as the smart capabilities but, it gets the job done. These speakers are for those who are looking for a portable speaker that gets the job done. It floats, it is water-resistant, it does not break the bank and it has Bluetooth. What more could you ask for? It is the perfect speaker for budget consumers.
Points for Praise about Megaboom 3
- It is waterproof and can go up to 3 feet for 30 minutes. It can also float around so taking it to the pool is no issue.
- Features 360 degrees spacial audio that radiates audio evenly in all directions.
- Has Bluetooth connectivity.
- It has a playback time of 20 hours.
- Has a 3.5 mm audio jack for physical connectivity.
Points for improvement about Megaboom 3
- At high volumes the audio quality distorts.
- Sound is not as loud as its previous generations.
- No smart assistant integration.
Why should you go for the Megablast?
The Megablast however, is a different story entirely. It is a premium speaker with premium capabilities. You get Amazon Alexa as the smart assistant, WiFi connectivity to connect with ease, it also features Bluetooth, and it is waterproof. It does cost a bit more than the Megaboom 3 but the features are justified. If you have smart home appliances and wish to play music from your Amazon Music playlist, the UE Megablast is the one that you are looking for.
Points for Praise about Megablast
- It features Amazon Alexa that can be used to control all the smart home devices.
- Has both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity.
- Has a playback time of 16 hours.
- On high volume, the audio quality does not deteriorate.
- It is waterproof, dust resistant, and can stay up to 3.3 feet underwater for 30 minutes.
Points for improvement of Megablast
- No wired connectivity.
- It does not float on water so taking it to the pool might be disadvantageous.
- A little expensive than other UE models.
Alternative Products
UE Boom 3
Pros
- New and elegant design
- Portable
- Floats on water
- Waterproof
- Loud sound profile
- Durable
- Wireless charging present
- Long-lasting battery
- Good sound-stage performance
Cons
- Sound quality could have been better
- The wireless dock has to be bought separately
JBL Charge 5
Pros
- Long battery life
- Can charge your portable devices
- Built-in USB charging port
- Plenty of color options
- Silicon bumpers
- Dustproof and waterproof design
- Can charge your portable devices
- Racetrack-shaped driver
- Fuller sound
Cons
Not directional sound
A little about Ultimate Ears: An Overview.
Ultimate Ear is a custom in-ear monitor, portable speakers, and earphone manufacturer based in Irvine, California, United States. Their parent company is Logitech which makes UE a subsidiary. UE sound produces many amazing products namely, the UE Boom 3, UE Boom Remix, UE Mini Boom, The Thrift Shop, and several others. All of their products feel like speakers on steroids.
Their parent company Logitech is notorious for making the best sounding headphones and sound systems and sharing that prowess with UE brings another layer of joy and excitement to the whole process. Ultimate Ears has been making portable speakers for everyone. They aim to improve the sound experience, giving you quality and assurance wherever you go.
Logitech UE Megaboom is one of the prime examples of what they are aiming to achieve. Some might say it is the best portable speaker, others might call it a wireless portable speaker on steroids. So, this should give you an idea as to what you are dealing with. One thing is for certain when it comes to UE sound, you will never be disappointed and will always leave with satisfaction.
Another amazing thing about UE is that they did not stop with portable speakers. Their product portfolio ranges from wireless, portable, waterproof speakers to big boom boxes, and truly wireless earbuds. This shows the diversity and the strong competition they possess in the field of true audio.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 vs Megablast
Let’s hop into this section to have a better understanding.
Does the Megablast float on water like the Megaboom 3?
No, unfortunately, the Megablast does not float. It is water-resistant and can go up to 3.3 feet underwater for 30 minutes but it does not float around.
Can I play music from Apple Music or YouTube Music on the Megablast?
You can play music from these platforms but only if you connect using Bluetooth. These platforms are currently not supported by the Megablast.
How long does it take to completely charge the Megablast and the Megaboom 3?
Megaboom 3 takes 5 hours and 30 minutes to fully charge but it depends on the power rating. As for the Megablast, it takes approximately 3 hours to completely charge the speaker.
Can I control all my smart home appliances with the Megablast?
Yes of course, with Amazon Alexa you will be able to control all your smart home devices with voice control.
What applications can I use to control the Megablast and the Megaboom 3?
You can download the Boom app from AppStore or Google Play Store to easily control and tune your speakers. The application also features an equalizer to customize the presets, bass, treble, and all other aspects.
Do I need an app to use the Magic Button?
No. To use the Magic Button to pause/play/skip, you don’t need to download the app. However, to use the Magic Button for one-touch access to your playlists, you need to download the Ultimate Ears BOOM & MEGABOOM app by Ultimate Ears.
Can I use the Magic Button for one-touch access to all of my playlists?
You can play, pause, and skip tracks directly on the speaker with any music service. Or you can use the BOOM & MEGABOOM app to program and navigate custom one-touch playlists for Apple Music and Deezer Premium.
The final verdict on the two mega beasts:
In the end, it all comes down to preference. Both of the speakers are great, they are portable, packs a great amount of power, and has a long life cycle. Both of the speakers will last you for years. The differences are slight so if you want to buy one of the speakers, go for what you need.
Author’s Pick: Megablast
If I were you, who priorotises the sound quality over anything, UE Megablast would have been my number one choice. To put it simply, if you have smart home appliances and wish to not spend the extra amount on a dedicated smart home speaker like the Amazon Echo Dot, go for the Megablast as it has both Alexa and great speaker performance.
If these are not essential and you are looking for a good portable speaker, choose the Megaboom 3. Either way, you are getting the best performance.
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