ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Ultimate Ears MiniRoll is a stable choice for anybody on the lookout for a extremely transportable, ultra-loud Bluetooth speaker. It is obtainable for $80.
- A sensible and discreet carrying strap, Auracast compatibility, and a compact design outline the MiniRoll speaker.
- A scarcity of “wow” options fails to differentiate the MiniRoll from its opponents.
You may typically hear me say that a pair of reliable headphones is a must have in your tech arsenal. In my good world, everybody would have a trusty pair of over-ear headphones for deep focus and leisure, sturdy earbuds for exercising and hands-free calling, and a well-rounded Bluetooth speaker for preserving the groove moving into giant areas.
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Bluetooth audio system are available many sizes and shapes, permitting you to decide on one that matches your wants. However you normally compromise sound presence for measurement. Larger audio system get louder and have boomier bass, whereas smaller audio system are extra transportable however can sound hole and distant.
So, when Final Ears despatched me the brand new palm-sized MiniRoll speaker, I used to be wanting to confirm its declare that such a small speaker may ship “highly effective” sound. I spent per week and a half with it and was supremely impressed. This is why.
The MiniRoll speaker presents excessive portability, sufficient quantity to your out of doors journey, and water resistance appropriate for any spill, splash, or drop.
First, I’ve to emphasize simply how small the MiniRoll is. It suits neatly in my palm and is in regards to the measurement of a donut. Many Bluetooth audio system take up some area in your desk, nightstand, or shelf, however the MiniRoll is extremely compact.
For a small body, the MiniRoll will get very loud. I listened to Justin Timberlake’s “Do not Maintain The Wall,” and the bass was punchy and current, whereas the midrange and vocals have been misplaced in among the thump and increase. The louder you go, the extra distortion you will hear, however that is customary for Bluetooth audio system.
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Nonetheless, in out of doors settings, the MiniRoll will get loads loud, and the dearth of readability should not trouble you should you’re targeted in your hike, entertaining visitors at a cookout, or hanging out by the pool.
The MiniRoll is Auracast-compatible, so that you and your good friend can pair your MiniRoll audio system collectively to double the sound. An IP67 water and dust-resistance score means it may well survive submersion in as much as three ft of water for lower than half-hour, making it an ideal companion for days on the water.
For ultra-portability, the MiniRoll has a sturdy strap on the again you can clip onto luggage, belt buckles, or your garments for on-the-go listening.
I strapped the MiniRoll to my bathe head for my every day bathe concert-slash-performance, and I preferred having the speaker within the bathe greater than resting it on my rest room self-importance. I may hear my music higher over the operating water, which possible elevated my water invoice as a result of I stored telling myself I would carry out “only one extra tune.”
For testing functions, I strapped the MiniRoll to my belt loop to check its power. I jumped, twisted, and vigorously shook myself to get it to fall off my waist, however to no avail. Thankfully, I did this experiment within the privateness of my house workplace, however I can attest that the MiniRoll’s strap can hold on throughout any of your bodily actions.
The MiniRoll is USB-C appropriate for wired charging, and the battery can final for as much as 12 hours, which is corresponding to audio system of the identical measurement, just like the JBL Clip 5.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
The Ultimate Ears MiniRoll speaker is a superb choice for individuals in search of a small, extremely transportable Bluetooth speaker with sound that’s larger than its body. Nonetheless, there’s not a lot that differentiates it from different ultra-portable Bluetooth audio system. Your determination comes all the way down to which kind issue you like. Should you desire a discreet carrying clip, go together with the MiniRoll. Should you’d moderately have a devoted carabiner, the JBL Clip 5 is extra your pace.
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Neither the MiiRoll nor the Clip 5 has that crystal-clear sound you’d write house about; if sound readability is your concern, contemplate one thing larger with extra room for extra audio parts, just like the Bose Soundlink Max or the Beats Pill (2024).
I like to recommend the MiniRoll to out of doors lovers for its portability, faculty college students for its low value and nice worth, and individuals who repeatedly spend their summers on the seaside or lake for its robust IP score.