This tiny Bluetooth speaker is the loudest I’ve heard – and it’s not made by Bose or Beats

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Ultimate Ears MiniRoll is a solid option for anyone looking for a highly portable, ultra-loud Bluetooth speaker. It’s available for $80.
• A practical and discreet carrying strap, Auracast compatibility, and a compact design define the MiniRoll speaker.
• A lack of “wow” features fails to distinguish the MiniRoll from its competitors.

You’ll often hear me say that a pair of reliable headphones is a must-have in your tech arsenal. In my perfect world, everyone would have a trusty pair of over-ear headphones for deep focus and entertainment, sturdy earbuds for exercising and hands-free calling, and a well-rounded Bluetooth speaker for keeping the groove going in large spaces.

Also: One of the most immersive speakers I’ve listened to is not made by Sony or JBL

Bluetooth speakers come in many shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose one that fits your needs. But you usually compromise sound presence for size. Bigger speakers get louder and have boomier bass, while smaller speakers are more portable but can sound hollow and distant.

So, when Ultimate Ears sent me the new palm-sized MiniRoll speaker, I was eager to verify its claim that such a small speaker could deliver “powerful” sound. I spent a week and a half with it and was supremely impressed. Here’s why.

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First, I have to stress just how small the MiniRoll is. It fits neatly in my palm and is about the size of a donut. Many Bluetooth speakers take up some space on your desk, nightstand, or shelf, but the MiniRoll is incredibly compact.

For a small frame, the MiniRoll gets very loud. I listened to Justin Timberlake’s “Don’t Hold The Wall,” and the bass was punchy and present, while the midrange and vocals were lost in some of the thump and boom. The louder you go, the more distortion you’ll hear, but that’s standard for Bluetooth speakers.

Also: I tested Beats’ new Pill speaker and it delivered gloriously smooth sound for any style of music

However, in outdoor settings, the MiniRoll gets plenty loud, and the lack of clarity shouldn’t bother you if you’re focused on your hike, entertaining guests at a cookout, or hanging out by the pool. 

The MiniRoll is Auracast-compatible, so you and your friend can pair your MiniRoll speakers together to double the sound. An IP67 water and dust-resistance rating means it can survive submersion in up to three feet of water for less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect companion for days on the water.

For ultra-portability, the MiniRoll has a sturdy strap on the back that you can clip onto bags, belt buckles, or your clothes for on-the-go listening.