re: UE Boom and other Bluetooth speakers

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We had an audio engineer test out the new JBL Charge, which has earned good reviews from Digital Trends and CNET and a 4.7-star review on Amazon (out of 316) reviews, all praising its clear sound and loud volume. Our engineer agreed, saying “The sound quality is cleaner, clearer and more detailed than the UE, and the speakers are also better at filling a room with even sound. The bass on the JBL, though modest, is natural, and reasonable enough on a small speaker, though not quite as full as the UE.” Overall, it’s a better, more balanced sound, unless a loud, desk-rattling bass is your number one priority. It’ll also give you 12 hours worth of battery life versus the Mini Boom’s 10.
With that said, we still think the UE Mini Boom is the better pick. Why? You’ll pay for the Charge’s better sound, both in money and in size: It’s $50 more, and at that price point you’re inching towards full-size speakers like the UE Boom, our pick for best rugged Bluetooth speaker. We just don’t think the sound is $50 worth of better. It’s also nearly two inches longer than the Mini Boom, and about six ounces heavier. At that point you’ll be hard-pressed to throw it in your jacket or bag and carry it around. But if you plan to keep it mostly in the same place, don’t mind paying a little more for better sound, and don’t care that much about bass, it’s a good pick.

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