Ultimate Ears (UE) has just unveiled its latest addition to the Bluetooth speaker range—the compact UE Miniroll, priced at $80. This features a very portable design and will be available in four vibrant colors: black, blue, gray, and pink. You can snag one from ultimateears.com starting September 9th.
What distinguishes the Miniroll from larger UE speakers like the Wonderboom and Everboom, aside from its petite stature (weighing only 9.8 ounces and measuring just over 4 inches wide), is its built-in silicone strap. This design element allows you to securely attach the speaker to various items such as your clothing, backpack, or even your bike handlebars. UE notes that the strap is both removable and replaceable, accommodating tubular objects between 20mm and 35mm in diameter. However, unlike the Willen II, the Miniroll lacks a built-in microphone, so it’s not designed for calls.
Within its compact body, the Miniroll houses a 45.6mm driver complemented by a passive radiator measuring 37.75mm by 65mm for enhanced bass. Having received a review model, I can attest that the sound quality exceeds expectations, delivering a surprisingly powerful auditory experience that is both clear and rich, steering clear of the tinny sound that often afflicts smaller models.
Another standout feature of the Miniroll is its PartyUp mode, made possible through Bluetooth Auracast technology, allowing users to connect an unlimited number of Minirolls within a 131-foot Bluetooth range.
Unfortunately, Playlist mode is exclusive to the Miniroll and does not connect with other UE speakers. The Auracast broadcast it utilizes is private, allowing connections only for additional Minirolls, so you cannot transmit the audio to other Auracast-capable devices.
The charging time is approximately three hours through its USB-C port, offering around 12 hours of playback. However, keep in mind that a USB-C cable is not included in the package—it’s not provided.
Durability is another strength of the Miniroll, boasting an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. It is also drop-proof from around 4 feet. Just a heads up, though—it’s not meant for the pool. While it likely could survive a dip, unlike the Wonderboom, it doesn’t float.
If sustainability is a concern for you, the Miniroll is crafted from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester fabric and includes at least 40% recycled plastic components.