Ultimate Ears Hyperboom vs. Sonos Move

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, two models consistently rise to the top: the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom and the Sonos Move. Both offer premium sound, durability, and advanced features, but they cater to different types of users. The Hyperboom is built for those who want to turn up the volume at large parties and outdoor events, while the Sonos Move targets those seeking a more balanced sound profile with the flexibility to move seamlessly between indoor and outdoor environments. In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at these two speakers’ design, sound quality, battery life, portability, and smart features to help you decide which one best fits your needs.

1. Ultimate Ears Hyperboom Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

The Ultimate Ears Hyperboom Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a powerhouse designed to elevate any party or outdoor gathering with its impressive sound quality and bass performance. The speaker delivers a deep, booming bass and pristine audio clarity, thanks to its adaptive equalizer that automatically adjusts the sound to fit the environment, whether you’re indoors or outside. With the ability to connect up to four devices at once, the Hyperboom ensures seamless music sharing, and its impressive 150-foot Bluetooth range means you can control your playlist from virtually anywhere. The speaker also boasts an all-day 24-hour battery life, so your music never has to stop, and the IPX4 rating ensures it’s ready for spills or splashes, making it an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor events.

While the Hyperboom shines in sound and functionality, it’s worth noting that its size and weight might make it less ideal for those seeking a more portable option. It’s a bit bulky for on-the-go use, especially when compared to smaller Bluetooth speakers. Additionally, while the bass is phenomenal, some users might find the volume levels a bit too loud for smaller, more intimate settings. That said, if you’re hosting a large gathering or need a speaker that can fill open spaces, the Hyperboom is hard to beat.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Supermassive sound with extreme bass.
2. Adaptive equalizer for automatic sound adjustments.
3. Connects up to four devices simultaneously.
4. 24-hour rechargeable battery life.
5. IPX4 rating for water resistance.

Pros:

1. Excellent sound quality with deep bass.
2. Long Bluetooth range of 150 feet.
3. Easy music sharing with multiple inputs.
4. All-day battery life.
5. Durable and splash-proof design.

Cons:

1. Bulky and not as portable as smaller speakers.

2. Sonos Move Smart Speaker

The Sonos Move is a versatile and durable battery-powered speaker designed for both indoor and outdoor use, making it an excellent option for those who want flexibility without compromising on sound quality. With a rich bass and a wide soundstage, it delivers surprisingly clear and immersive audio for its size. Thanks to automatic Trueplay tuning, the Move adapts to its environment, ensuring optimal sound regardless of where it’s used. It offers both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to seamlessly switch between streaming over Wi-Fi at home or Bluetooth when you’re on the go. The speaker also integrates Amazon Alexa for voice control, letting you manage music, check the news, or set alarms without lifting a finger. For those concerned about portability, the Move’s battery lasts up to 11 hours, and it can easily be recharged with its included base or via a USB-C charger.

Although the Sonos Move excels in sound quality and durability, there are some limitations to consider. While its IP56 rating ensures it’s weather-resistant and able to withstand various conditions, it may not be completely immune to rough handling during extreme outdoor activities. The speaker is a bit on the heavy side, which might make it less portable for some users compared to other compact Bluetooth options. Additionally, while the voice control functionality is convenient, some users have noted occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues, and the overall value for money can be a point of debate given its premium price tag.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Battery-powered with up to 11 hours of playtime.
2. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for versatile use.
3. Built-in Amazon Alexa for voice control.
4. IP56 rating for weather resistance and durability.
5. Automatic Trueplay tuning for adaptive sound.

Pros:

1. Excellent sound quality with rich bass and wide soundstage.
2. Easy to use with multiple connectivity options (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2).
3. Voice control integration with Alexa.
4. Durable, weather-resistant design.
5. Long battery life and simple recharging.

Cons:

1. On the heavier side for portability.

Comparison: Ultimate Ears Hyperboom vs. Sonos Move

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom and the Sonos Move are two of the most powerful and well-regarded options on the market. Both offer impressive sound, versatility, and robust features, but they cater to slightly different needs.

Design and Durability

Ultimate Ears Hyperboom: The Hyperboom has a sleek, modern design that’s geared more toward large gatherings and outdoor parties. It features a floor-standing or table-top setup, with a solid and durable build. While not specifically designed to withstand extreme outdoor conditions, its IPX4 water resistance ensures it can handle spills or light splashes without issue. However, it’s relatively bulky, weighing about 13 pounds, making it less portable for casual trips.

Sonos Move: On the other hand, the Sonos Move is more compact and portable. It has an IP56 rating, which makes it more weather-resistant than the Hyperboom. The Move is built to endure harsher conditions, including rain, dust, and UV rays. It’s also designed with a more rugged, shock-resistant case, which makes it better suited for outdoor adventures. Weighing about 6.6 pounds, it’s lighter than the Hyperboom, which makes it easier to carry around.

Feature	Ultimate Ears Hyperboom	Sonos Move
Weight	13 lbs	6.6 lbs
Water Resistance	IPX4	IP56
Durability	Solid, durable for indoor/outdoor	Weather-resistant, shock-proof

Sound Quality

Ultimate Ears Hyperboom: The Hyperboom is built for massive sound and deep bass, designed to fill large rooms or open spaces. It delivers big, pristine sound with a deep, booming bass, making it perfect for parties or large gatherings. The adaptive equalizer automatically adjusts the sound to fit the environment, ensuring optimal audio no matter the surroundings. However, it’s worth noting that its sound may be overwhelming in smaller spaces.

Sonos Move: While the Sonos Move doesn’t quite match the sheer volume of the Hyperboom, it excels in delivering balanced and immersive sound. With its surprisingly rich bass and wide soundstage, it performs exceptionally well in both indoor and outdoor settings. The automatic Trueplay tuning adjusts the sound for the best experience depending on your environment, ensuring you get clear highs and mids, in addition to its solid bass. The Move’s sound may not be as loud as the Hyperboom, but it offers a more refined listening experience.

Feature	Ultimate Ears Hyperboom	Sonos Move
Sound Output	Loud, deep bass, big sound	Balanced sound, rich bass
Equalizer	Adaptive EQ	Trueplay automatic tuning

Battery Life and Charging

Ultimate Ears Hyperboom: The Hyperboom boasts an impressive 24-hour battery life, making it a standout in terms of longevity. This allows you to take it anywhere, from the beach to the backyard, without worrying about constantly recharging. It also features a USB-C port for charging, which adds convenience for those looking for quick recharges. However, its large battery contributes to its heavier weight.

Sonos Move: The Sonos Move offers up to 11 hours of continuous playback, which is solid for most outdoor and indoor activities but not as long-lasting as the Hyperboom. It also uses a USB-C charger for easy recharging, and it can be placed on its included base for convenient charging. The battery life may fall short during longer events, but it’s generally sufficient for day-to-day use.

Feature	Ultimate Ears Hyperboom	Sonos Move
Battery Life	Up to 24 hours	Up to 11 hours
Charging Port	USB-C	USB-C, charging base

Connectivity and Smart Features

Ultimate Ears Hyperboom: The Hyperboom is designed with flexibility in mind. It offers two Bluetooth inputs, one auxiliary, and one optical input, allowing up to four devices to be connected at the same time. This makes it an ideal choice for group settings, where multiple people want to take turns controlling the playlist. The speaker also supports one-touch music control and integrates with the Ultimate Ears app for easier management.

Sonos Move: The Sonos Move offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to switch between streaming via Wi-Fi at home or Bluetooth when on the go. It integrates seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem, letting you connect it to other Sonos speakers for a multi-room audio setup. The move also has Amazon Alexa built-in, offering hands-free voice control. While its connectivity is slightly more limited in terms of input options, the ability to control it via voice is a major plus.

Feature	Ultimate Ears Hyperboom	Sonos Move
Connectivity	2 Bluetooth, Aux, Optical	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Alexa
Smart Features	One-touch control, App	Alexa integration, Voice control

Portability

Ultimate Ears Hyperboom: While the Hyperboom delivers exceptional sound and features, its large size and weight make it less portable. At 13 pounds, it’s more suited for larger events or outdoor gatherings where portability isn’t a top priority.

Sonos Move: The Sonos Move is much more portable, weighing just 6.6 pounds. Its durable design and weather resistance make it easier to take on the go, whether it’s a picnic in the park or a day at the beach. It strikes a good balance between sound performance and portability, making it a better option for those who prioritize convenience.

FAQ

1. Which speaker has better sound quality for large outdoor events?

The Ultimate Ears Hyperboom is the better option for large outdoor events due to its loud, booming bass and massive sound output. It’s designed specifically for parties, offering an immersive audio experience that can easily fill open spaces. Its adaptive EQ also adjusts the sound based on the environment, ensuring the best audio quality no matter where you’re using it. While the Sonos Move delivers excellent sound, it’s better suited for more moderate-sized gatherings or everyday use rather than huge outdoor parties.

2. How durable are the Sonos Move and Ultimate Ears Hyperboom?

Both speakers are designed with durability in mind, but they have different levels of resilience. The Sonos Move features an IP56 weather-resistant rating, meaning it can withstand rain, dust, UV rays, and extreme temperatures. This makes it a solid choice for outdoor adventures and all-weather use. The Ultimate Ears Hyperboom, on the other hand, has an IPX4 rating, meaning it can handle splashes and spills, but it’s not as robust in extreme weather conditions as the Sonos Move.

3. Can I use the Sonos Move and Ultimate Ears Hyperboom with multiple devices at the same time?

Yes, both speakers allow you to connect multiple devices, but in different ways. The Hyperboom has two Bluetooth connections, one auxiliary input, and one optical input, letting you connect up to four devices simultaneously and switch between them easily. The Sonos Move connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to stream music over Wi-Fi at home and switch to Bluetooth when you’re on the go, though it only allows one device to stream at a time.

4. Which speaker has better battery life?

The Ultimate Ears Hyperboom has a significant edge when it comes to battery life, offering up to 24 hours of continuous playback. This makes it ideal for extended parties or outdoor events where charging might not be feasible. In comparison, the Sonos Move offers up to 11 hours of battery life, which is still decent but not as long-lasting as the Hyperboom.

5. Is the Sonos Move compatible with other Sonos speakers?

Yes, the Sonos Move is fully integrated into the Sonos ecosystem, allowing it to connect with other Sonos speakers in your home for multi-room audio. You can control the Move with the Sonos app, and it can work seamlessly with other Sonos devices in your setup. The Hyperboom, on the other hand, supports pairing with other Ultimate Ears speakers, such as the Boom or Megaboom series, to create an even larger soundstage.

6. Which speaker is better for voice control?

The Sonos Move has built-in Amazon Alexa, providing full voice control capabilities, including music playback, news updates, and smart home integration. This makes it a great option if you want hands-free convenience. The Ultimate Ears Hyperboom lacks built-in voice control but does offer one-touch music control via the Ultimate Ears app, making it easy to manage playlists with a single tap. If voice control is a key feature for you, the Sonos Move is the superior choice.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

• Go for the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom if you need a speaker that can provide extremely loud, bass-heavy sound and you’re primarily using it for large parties or outdoor events. With its massive sound output, 24-hour battery life, and multiple device connections, it’s an ideal choice for social gatherings. However, if portability is crucial, this might not be the best fit.
• Go for the Sonos Move if you prefer a more portable, weather-resistant speaker with a more refined, balanced sound profile. It’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, and with Alexa built-in, it offers great voice control capabilities. It’s also lighter and more versatile in terms of setup and connectivity, making it better suited for everyday use.