Heading out this summer? Save almost £50 on this rugged Sonos Move 2 rival

Portable wireless speaker: Ultimate Ears Epicboom

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Ultimate Ears may recently have announced the release of four new Bluetooth speakers, but it's an established model that has piqued our interest. The rugged, powerful Epicboom is one of the brand's largest portable speakers, rivalling the Sonos Move 2 in terms of its size and sonic scale but, thanks to a near-£50 discount at Amazon, it's currently doing a good job of undercutting its esteemed rival.

The Epicboom felt the arrival of a new style of Bluetooth speakers for UE, sporting a squarer, chunkier aspect in contrast to the cylindrical models on which the US brand had made its name. As the smaller, scaled-down Everboom is now ready to burst onto the scene, UE may have decided that now is the perfect time to slash the original price tag of its feature-packed portable companion.

Ultimate Ears Epicboom Bluetooth speaker deal

In our four-star review, we dubbed the Ultimate Ears Epicboom a "likeable and well-made performer that will please anyone looking for big sound and rugged build quality wrapped up in an attractive, personable package". It's fun to use, fun to listen to and fun to look at, and while a few notable rivals might just offer a little more richness and authenticity, the Epicboom's sense of fun and forcefulness give it undeniable party-ready credentials. Summer is here, after all...

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If you like features, you definitely won't be left feeling short-changed. The unit's IP67 rating means it will handle practically anything the weather throws at it (trust us, we gave the Epicboom quite a few soakings), while Outdoor Mode boosts the speaker's roaming credentials by serving up an extra 1dB of power across a more forthright sound profile. Fast pair for Android 8.0+ smartphones, a 17-hour battery life and pairing with compatible UE products round out the Epicboom's healthy, well-stocked CV.

Well-made, fun to listen to and impressively versatile, we can't think of many better (semi) portable companions at this level. Whether you're sheltering from the sun or heading for the hills, the Epicboom will keep you entertained with ease. Grab one at Amazon right now.

MORE:

Read our original Ultimate Ears Epicoom review

The feature-laden UE Everboom is a small Bluetooth speaker with a sizeable price tag

These are the best Bluetooth speakers we've tested

Our pick of the best outdoor speakers 2021: portable, wireless, waterproof

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Harry McKerrell is a senior staff writer at What Hi-Fi?. During his time at the publication, he has written countless news stories alongside features, advice and reviews of products ranging from floorstanding speakers and music streamers to over-ear headphones, wireless earbuds and portable DACs. He has covered launches from hi-fi and consumer tech brands, and major industry events including IFA, High End Munich and, of course, the Bristol Hi-Fi Show. When not at work he can be found playing hockey, practising the piano or trying to pet strangers' dogs.