You’ll be forgiven if you have never heard of EarFun. The company is relatively new to the market and don’t say much about who they are and what they’re about. EarFun recently launched the EarFun Free Wireless Earbuds on Indigogo which seems to have been very well received by consumers raising almost $250,000, $240,000 more than the $10,000 target. However, the company don’t just do wireless earbuds. One of the most anticipated Bluetooth speakers of 2019 is the EarFun UBOOM. It’s lightweight and compact closely resembling the Amazon Echo or Cowin DiDa.
EarFun UBOOM Specs
Speaker drivers: 2 x 45mm (1.75”) full-range drivers
Power output: 24W
Battery life: 16 hours (4 hours charge time)
Weight: 20 oz
Dimensions (H x W x D): 6.5” x 3.5” x 3.5”
The Design
The EarFun UBOOM is a cylindrical shape with covered in woven waterproof mesh and a 6-button control panel on top of the speaker. There’s also a yellow tag on top of the UBOOM which you can attach a clip or key ring so you can hang the speaker. Aesthetically, the UBOOM looks modern and trendy with minimalist design and attractive colors.
The UBOOM comes with an IPX7 waterproof rating which means you can submerge the speaker to a depth of 1m (3.2 feet) for up to 30 minutes. Great for use in the pool, shower or the odd drinks spill at a house party.
The speaker stands 6.5 inches high and weighs just 20 ounces which is just perfect for throwing in a backpack, handbag or even strapped to your bike for some beats on the go.
The Features
The UBOOM features the latest Bluetooth Version 5.0. This means you can enjoy high-quality audio via A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, and HSP audio formats. Hands-Free Profile (HFP) is particularly useful if you want to use the speaker for hands-free calling. Bluetooth 5 speakers with this technology enjoy better audio quality with reduced feedback and echo. With Bluetooth 5, the UBOOM enjoys a 100-foot wireless range with solid connectivity and no dropout.
As well as Bluetooth the UBOOM provides a ⅛-inch AUX input for wired connections. EarFun doesn’t supply you with an AUX cable so be sure to purchase this if you don’t already have one.
If you like chatting to Siri or Google Now, then you’ll be pleased to know the UBOOM is compatible with both. The built-in microphone works really well on the UBOOM offering excellent call quality, however, you do need to be close to the speaker for your voice to be heard clearly on the other end. Incoming calls are clear with no echo or other noise. You can take quick calls with the UBOOM but its not ideal for longer calls as you have to lean into the speaker for your voice to be heard.
The UBOOM’s built-in battery lasts up to 16 hours and will fully recharge in under 4 hours. Battery life will vary depending on the volume you play the speaker, using Bluetooth over the wired connection or using the bass boost feature. More on that later.
The UBOOM uses a USB-C connection for charging. It’s great to see EarFun have taken note of the fact users prefer USB-C over other USB connectors.
One great feature of the UBOOM is the Indoor/Outdoor audio modes. The indoor mode is really just a bass boost while outdoor mode enhances the speakers mid-range and treble so sound carries further. We’ve found the indoor mode offers the best experience with a nice chunky bass sound.
What Does The EarFun UBOOM Sound Like?
For a small compact Bluetooth speaker, the UBOOM sounds surprisingly good. The speaker features 2 x 12W 1.75-inch speaker drivers mounted on opposite sides to deliver 360 degrees of sound. This means you can position the UBOOM on a table in the middle of the room and everyone can enjoy the music at equal volume and quality.
The speaker produces a surprising amount of bass for such a small speaker and the indoor mode or bass boost enhances the low end nicely. It’s not an audiophile sound by any means but definitely fun sounding, especially for urban music and EDM.
As to be expected for a speaker this size, the mid-range is a little muffled and the highs seem a little muted. Overall the sound is very processed and is really only going to suit urban and dance music genres.
What’s In The Box?
- 1 x EarFun UBOOM Bluetooth speaker
- 1 x USB-C charging cable (plug adapter not included)
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a cheap Bluetooth speaker, the EarFun UBOOM is definitely worth considering. The benefit of the UBOOM over other budget Bluetooth speakers is you can enjoy the latest Bluetooth features and excellent sound quality. Hands-free calling actually works which is great and the call quality is good enough to make a call.
With the IPX7 waterproof rating and robust build, the UBOOM is the perfect speaker to take outdoors, use at the pool or withstand the rigors of a student dorm room.
