UE Epicboom delivers a maximum sound level of 95 dBC, compared to Megaboom 3 with 90 dBC. Epicboom also has Adaptive EQ, while Megaboom 3 only has Custom EQ. However, Megaboom 3 has a longer battery life of 20 hours compared to Epicboom's 17 hours. Megaboom 3 also supports wireless charging, while Epicboom doesn't.
UE Epicboom vs Megaboom 3: Which one is the best portable speaker?
By Naila Syifa
Updated October 2023
UE Megaboom 3 is a popular choice for those who want a portable speaker with great sound quality and long battery life. However, with the recent release of the UE Epicboom, many are wondering if this new model is a better choice. In this article, we'll compare the two speakers and help you decide which one is the best for your needs.
| Specs | Ultimate Ears Epicboom | Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | |
| Price | $349.99 | $199.99 |
| Dimensions | L 162 x W 119 x H 241 mm | H 225 x D 87 mm |
| Weight | 1.97 kg | 0.92 kg |
| Colors | Charcoal black, cotton white | Lagoon blue, night black, sunset red, ultraviolet purple, moon, and dusk |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Drop-Proof | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Adaptive and Custom EQ | Custom EQ |
| Maximum Sound Level | 95 dBC | 90 dBC |
| Sound Intensity | 10 | 4 |
| Battery Life | 17 hours | 20 hours |
| Wireless Charging | No | Yes, supported |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, NFC Pairing | Bluetooth |
| Wireless Range | 55 m | 45 m |
Key Takeaways
UE Epicboom delivers a maximum sound level of 95 dBC, compared to Megaboom 3 with 90 dBC. Epicboom also has Adaptive EQ, while Megaboom 3 only has Custom EQ. However, Megaboom 3 has a longer battery life of 20 hours compared to Epicboom's 17 hours. Megaboom 3 also supports wireless charging, while Epicboom doesn't.
Ultimate Ears Epicboom
Powerful and Durable
✓ 94 dBC Maximum Sound
✓ IP67 rating
✓ Up to 17 hours of playback
✓ Adaptive and Custom EQ
Ultimate Ears
Megaboom 3
Portable and Durable
✓ 90 dBC Maximum Sound
✓ IP67 rating
✓ Up to 20 hours of playback
✓ Custom EQ
#1 Price
Ultimate Ears Epicboom
Both the Epicboom and Megaboom 3 are mid-range speakers, but the Epicboom is more expensive at US$349.99. The Megaboom 3, on the other hand, is priced at around US$199.99, making it a more affordable option for those on a budget.
If you want an even budget-friendly option, you can consider the UE Wonderboom 3, which is priced at around US$99.99 and offers great value for its price.
#2 Design & Durability
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3
UE Megaboom 3 is more compact with a cylindrical shape, measuring only 225 mm in height and 87 in diameter. It is also lightweight at around 0.9 kg, making it easy to carry around. The speaker is covered in a two-tone fabric for a stylish appearance, with various color options including lagoon blue, night black, sunset red, ultraviolet purple, moon, and dusk.
UE Epicboom, on the other hand, is slightly larger and heavier than the Megaboom 3. It measures 162 x 119 x 241 mm in size and weighs around 1.9 kg. However, it is still quite portable with a built-in handle that makes it easy to carry around. One possible limitation is that the Epicboom is only available in two color options: charcoal black and cotton white.
In terms of durability, both speakers are comparable with an IP67 rating, meaning that they are dustproof and waterproof up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. Both speakers can even float in the water and are drop-proof as well. This ultra-durable design makes both models ideal for outdoor activities such as pool parties, beach trips, camping, and hiking.
#3 Sound & Performance
Ultimate Ears Epicboom
With a bigger size, the Epicboom delivers a louder and more powerful sound than the Megaboom 3. While the Megaboom 3 has a sound intensity of 4, the Epicboom has a much higher sound intensity of 10, according to the Ulitmate Ears.
The Epicboom is powered by two 1.7" active mid-high frequency transducers and a 4.6" woofer, delivering a maximum sound level of 94 dBC in normal conditions, which you can boost up to 95 dBC with the Outdoor Boost button. The result is a big 360-degree sound that can fill up a room or outdoor space with crisp and clear audio quality.
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3
The Megaboom 3, on the other hand, features two 2" drivers and two 3" x 2" passive radiators that produce a maximum sound level of 90 dBC. The result is a thundering bass that is slightly weaker than the Epicboom, but still impressive for a portable speaker of its size.
Both speakers have Customizable EQ, allowing you to select the best sound for different occasions with 4 different presets (Signature Bass Boost, Game/Cinema, Deep Relaxation) and a customized tuner. However, Epicboom has a slight advantage with its Adaptive EQ feature, which reads the surroundings and automatically balances the sound for an optimal listening experience.
#4 Connectivity
Ultimate Ears Epicboom
Both the Epicboom and Megaboom 3 can connect to up to 2 devices via Bluetooth, so you can easily switch between devices without interruption to your music. Both models can also pair with other UE speakers like Boom, Hyperboom, or other Megaboom 3 or Epicboom to create an even more immersive sound experience.
One advantage that Epicboom has over the Megaboom 3 is NFC pairing, allowing for a quick and easy connection to your NFC-compatible Android phones. Epicboom also has a better wireless range of up to 55 m, giving you the freedom to move around more without losing connection to your device. The Megaboom 3, on the other hand, has a shorter range of up to 45 m.
#5 Battery & Power
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3
In terms of battery, the Megaboom 3 is a better option. It is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts for up to 20 hours on a single charge. The Epicboom, on the other hand, has a slightly shorter battery life of up to 17 hours on a single charge, which is still impressive considering its powerful sound.
Megaboom 3 also has an advantage in terms of its wireless charging support. By purchasing a Power Up charger separately, you can simply place the speaker on top of the dock to charge it wirelessly without any cables. The Epicboom, on the other hand, doesn't support this feature currently.
Ultimate Ears Epicboom vs Megaboom 3
Final Thoughts
Ultimate Ears Epicboom
Both the Megaboom 3 and Epicboom are great options for those who want a high-quality portable speaker that can withstand the elements. With a more expensive price, the Epicboom offers a more powerful audio performance and an Adaptive EQ feature. However, if you're on a budget, the Megaboom 3 is still a great option with its long battery life, wireless charging support, and thundering bass.
If you like to read more about Wireless Speakers, check out our other relevant guides here:
UE Epicboom Review
UE Epicboom vs Hyperboom
UE Epicboom vs Wonderboom 3
UE Epicboom vs Sonos Move 2
Sonos Move 2 vs Sonos Move
Sonos Move 2 vs Era 300
Sonos Move 2 vs Era 100
Sonos Move 2 vs Roam
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