Epicboom is better than Wonderboom 3. It delivers a maximum sound level of 95 dBC compared to the Wonderboom 3's 87 dBC. Epicboom also offers Adaptive and Custom EQ, a feature unavailable in the Wonderboom 3. In addition, Epicboom has a longer battery life of 17 hours, while Wonderboom 3 only lasts for up to 14 hours.
UE Epicboom vs Wonderboom 3: Is it worth the upgrade?
By Naila Syifa
Updated October 2023
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 has been a popular choice among music lovers who want an affordable, portable, and waterproof speaker. With the release of the UE Epicboom, you might be wondering if it's worth upgrading to the newer model. To find the answer, let's take a closer look at the differences between the two.
| Specs | Ultimate Ears Epicboom | Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | |
| Price | $349.99 | $99.99 |
| Dimensions | L 162 x W 119 x H 241 mm | H 104 x D 95.3 mm |
| Weight | 1.97 kg | 0.42 kg |
| Colors | Charcoal black, cotton white | Active black, hyper pink, joyous brights grey, and performance blue |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Drop-Proof | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Adaptive and Custom EQ | Outdoor Mode |
| Maximum Sound Level | 95 dBC | 87 dBC |
| Sound Intensity | 10 | 2,5 |
| Battery Life | 17 hours | 14 hours |
| Wireless Charging | No | No |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, NFC Pairing | Bluetooth |
| Wireless Range | 55 m | 40 m |
Key Takeaways
Epicboom is better than Wonderboom 3. It delivers a maximum sound level of 95 dBC compared to the Wonderboom 3's 87 dBC. Epicboom also offers Adaptive and Custom EQ, a feature unavailable in the Wonderboom 3. In addition, Epicboom has a longer battery life of 17 hours, while Wonderboom 3 only lasts for up to 14 hours.
Ultimate Ears Epicboom
Powerful and Durable
✓ 94 dBC Maximum Sound
✓ IP67 rating
✓ Up to 17 hours of playback
✓ Adaptive and Custom EQ
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
Affordable and Durable
✓ 86 dBC Maximum Sound
✓ IP67 rating
✓ Up to 14 hours of playback
✓ Outdoor Mode
#1 Price
Ultimate Ears Epicboom
UE Wonderboom 3 is quite affordable at a price of only US$99. This makes it a great choice for people who want a high-quality portable speaker without breaking the bank. UE Epicboom, on the other hand, is significantly more expensive at US$349.99, but it offers more features and capabilities than the Wonderboom 3. Read on to find out if the extra features are worth the extra cost.
#2 Design & Durability
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
UE Wonderboom 3 comes in a compact, cylindrical shape with a hanging loop on the top, making it easy to carry around. It measures 104 mm in height and 95.3 mm in diameter and weighs only 420 g, making it very portable and perfect for taking on the go. It's also available in 4 vibrant colors, including blue, pink, grey, and black, so you can choose one that suits your style.
UE Epicboom, on the other hand, is a bit bulkier and heavier, measuring 162 x 119 x 241 mm in size and around 1.9 kg in weight. However, it is still quite portable, at least compared to larger speakers like the UE Hyperboom which is quite heavy at 5.9 kg. It also comes in 2 color variants, including charcoal black and cotton white.
Both speakers have an IP67 rating, providing water and dust resistance. Both can float in the water and survive being submerged in the water for 30 minutes, making them the perfect companion for pool parties, beach trips, and other outdoor activities. However, the UE Epicboom has a higher drop resistance rating of 1.5 meters compared to the Wonderboom 3's 1-meter rating.
#3 Sound & Performance
Ultimate Ears Epicboom
In terms of audio performance, the Epicboom is much more powerful. It has a sound intensity of 10, while the Wonderboom 3 has a sound intensity of 2.5, according to UE.
With a 4.6" woofer and two 1.7" active mid-high frequency transducers, the Epicboom delivers a maximum sound level of 94 dBC, but you can get an extra sound of up to 95 dBC with the Outdoor Boost button.
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
The Wonderboom 3, on the other hand, is powered by two active drivers and two passive radiators that offer a maximum sound level of 86 dBC in normal mode and up to 87 dBC in the Outdoor Mode.
Another advantage that the Epicboom has over the Wonderboom 3 is its Adaptive and Custom EQ. Within the Boom app, you can select the best sound for different occasions with 4 different presets and a customized tuner. In addition, the Adaptive EQ can automatically adjust the sound settings based on the environment, optimizing the sound quality no matter where you are.
#4 Connectivity
Ultimate Ears Epicboom
Both speakers can connect up to 2 devices via Bluetooth, allowing you to seamlessly switch between devices to play your favorite tunes. However, the Epicboom has an advantage with its wireless range of 55 m, which is significantly longer than the Wonderboom 3's range of 40 m.
UE Epicboom also supports NFC pairing, allowing for a quick and easy connection to NFC-compatible Android phones. In addition, the Epicboom can be paired with other UE speakers like Boom, Megaboom, and Hyperboom, providing an even more immersive listening experience. The Wonderboom 3, on the other hand, can only pair with other Wonderboom 3.
#5 Battery & Power
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
In terms of battery, the Epicboom has a longer battery life of up to 17 hours, allowing for extended listening sessions without needing a recharge. The Wonderboom 3, on the other hand, only allows for up to 14 hours of playtime on a single charge. This is long enough to last a day trip, but if you want an even longer listening session, you may want to consider the Hyperboom which has a battery life of up to 24 hours.
Ultimate Ears Epicboom vs Wonderboom 3
Final Thoughts
Ultimate Ears Epicboom
UE Epicboom is better than the Wonderboom 3 in many aspects, including audio performance, sound features, connectivity, and battery. One thing that the Wonderboom 3 does better is its higher drop resistance rating. However, at such an affordable price, Wonderboom 3 is still a great choice for people who want a high-quality portable speaker without spending a lot of money. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your individual needs, budgets, and preferences.
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 Megaboom 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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