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The UE Roll 2 is this summer’s best Bluetooth speaker, but we don’t recommend you buy it

The Ultimate Ears (UE) division of Logitech has been making some of the best Bluetooth speakers out there for quite some time. When I reviewed the waterproof UE Roll last year, it became the no-brainer summer music purchase, especially as 9to5toys caught it dipping down to $50 a few times in the past few weeks.

The UE Roll is super-portable, mostly flat, rugged and so waterproof you can bring it into a pool with its own little floatie.  The sound quality is amazng for the small form factor and the battery lasts between 5-10 hours. This is the speaker I take with me on most trips because it is small in the backpack yet still sounds great, pairs easily with multiple devices and even has iOS/Android apps for creating alarms and checking battery. Obviously if you are throwing a house/pool party, you’ll want something more substantial like UE Boom and Megaboom.

Today UE upgraded the Roll with 15% better sound and 100-ft wireless range (up from 66-ft) along with some new color/designs (pictured above). Here’s the full official specs update …

  • Blasts out 15 percent more sound, delivering epic tunes in the palm of your hand.
  • Has a longer wireless range of 100-feet (up from 66-ft)
  • Is available in five vibrant colors: Habanero, Tropical Anime, Volcano, Atmosphere and Sugarplum
  • Offers portability and versatility like no other speaker, with the same completely waterproof (IPX 7) design, bungee cord loop and sleek, disk-shape design of UE ROLL – packing in even more without adding extra size or bulk
  • Plus, it comes with its very own UE Floatie in every package, so your speaker can float right through the fun and splash up next to you

I’m not going to blow smoke … and say that this is a big upgrade. It isn’t. In fact, at at least a $30 premium over the original UE Roll, I’m going to do something I rarely ever do – recommend you buy the old model for $30 less at Amazon (Verizon and Best Buy too).  You really won’t notice any difference and that $30 bucks you save can go almost halfway into purchasing another original UE Roll to pair up for stereo sound (for 200% the sound).

Update: Best Buy has the UE Roll down to $49.99 shipped

If money’s no object and/or you need the extra 15% sound and range/color options/newest thing, head below for the full low down/video on the new $99.99 UE Roll 2.

Ultimate Ears’ Most Portable Speaker Gets Even Better
UE ROLL 2 Blasts Bigger Sound and Greater Wireless Range

NEWARK, Calif. — May 24, 2016 — Today Ultimate Ears continues to push the boundaries of innovation and design in its portable wireless speakers with the addition of UE ROLL 2 to its vibrant lineup of anywhere-you-go-proof wireless mobile speakers. Starting first with UE BOOM in 2013 and now reaching new heights with the introduction of UE ROLL 2, UE continues to reinvent the Bluetooth® speaker category, for everything from design to sound.

Whether at the beach or backpacking, UE ROLL 2 brings even more to the party, with 15 percent more sound and an increased wireless range of 100-feet, all while keeping the sleek, disc shape design of the original UE ROLL. Weighing in at just over half a pound, the UE ROLL 2 packs in more sound without adding extra size or bulk.

UE ROLL 2 is meant to go with you on your next adventure. Equipped with a bungee cord loop, this already small and light speaker is portable and versatile. You can attach it to your backpack, belt loop or bike, so you can take it anywhere and never be without music. It’s waterproof (IPX7 certified), drop-proof and built to withstand a beat up, all while delivering epic sound in the palm of your hand.

“Thanks to its bungee cord loop, UE ROLL was our most portable, convenient, on-the-go speaker in the family,” said Charlotte Johs, general manager of Ultimate Ears. “No other speaker comes with everything you need to hang it in the shower, float it in the pool or attach it to your bike. UE ROLL 2 delivers all that and more, with improved sound and wireless range, so you can do more of what you love with even more freedom and flexibility.”

Every waterproof speaker deserves a spot in the pool. UE ROLL 2 comes with a UE Floatie, so your speaker can float right through the fun and splash up next to you at your pool party.

Pricing and Availability

UE ROLL 2 is expected to be available in the U.S and in select countries in Europe in May 2016, for a suggested retail price of $99.99. For more information, pleasevisit www.ultimateears.com.

About Ultimate Ears

Ultimate Ears is transforming the way people experience music, together, out in the world. UE first revolutionized the way artists interact with their concert audiences by reinventing the on-stage monitor, turning it into a custom-fitted earphone. Today, Ultimate Ears continues stronger than ever with its award-winning family of wireless speakers that are designed for people, their friends and wherever life takes them. And with new features and experiences regularly released through free software updates, UE speakers just keep getting better. For more information, please visit www.ultimateears.com. #MakeMusicSocial

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bxELSTvrOM

 

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