ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Ultimate Ears MiniRoll is a strong choice for anybody on the lookout for a extremely transportable, ultra-loud Bluetooth speaker. It is out there for $80.
- A sensible and discreet carrying strap, Auracast compatibility, and a compact design outline the MiniRoll speaker.
- An absence of “wow” options fails to tell apart 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 excellent 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 retaining the groove stepping into massive areas.
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Bluetooth audio system are available many styles and sizes, permitting you to decide on one that matches your wants. However you often compromise sound presence for measurement. Greater 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 desperate to confirm its declare that such a small speaker may ship “highly effective” sound. I spent every week and a half with it and was supremely impressed. This is why.
The MiniRoll speaker provides excessive portability, sufficient quantity in 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 matches neatly in my palm and is in regards to the measurement of a donut. Many Bluetooth audio system take up some house 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 had been misplaced in a number of the thump and growth. The louder you go, the extra distortion you will hear, however that is customary for Bluetooth audio system.
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Nevertheless, in out of doors settings, the MiniRoll will get lots loud, and the dearth of readability should not hassle you for those who’re targeted in your hike, entertaining company at a cookout, or hanging out by the pool.
The MiniRoll is Auracast-compatible, so that you and your pal can pair your MiniRoll audio system collectively to double the sound. An IP67 water and dust-resistance score means it might probably 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 that you could clip onto baggage, belt buckles, or your garments for on-the-go listening.
I strapped the MiniRoll to my bathe head for my each day bathe concert-slash-performance, and I appreciated having the speaker within the bathe greater than resting it on my toilet 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 energy. I jumped, twisted, and vigorously shook myself to get it to fall off my waist, however to no avail. Luckily, I did this experiment within the privateness of my dwelling workplace, however I can attest that the MiniRoll’s strap can cling on throughout any of your bodily actions.
The MiniRoll is USB-C suitable 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 good choice for folks searching for a small, extremely transportable Bluetooth speaker with sound that’s greater than its body. Nevertheless, there’s not a lot that differentiates it from different ultra-portable Bluetooth audio system. Your choice comes all the way down to which type issue you favor. In the event you desire a discreet carrying clip, go together with the MiniRoll. In the event you’d slightly 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 dwelling about; if sound readability is your concern, contemplate one thing greater 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 fanatics for its portability, school college students for its low value and nice worth, and individuals who often spend their summers on the seashore or lake for its robust IP score.