Choosing Between the BIGGIE and MINIROLL: A Complete Portable Speaker Guide

The Evolution of Portable Bluetooth Speakers

The portable speaker market has evolved dramatically in recent years, moving beyond simple battery-powered boxes to sophisticated audio systems. In 2024, we're seeing this evolution with two new and very different approaches: the premium Morel BIGGIE ($299) and the ultra-portable Ultimate Ears MINIROLL ($79.99).

Understanding the Category

Portable Bluetooth speakers now span a huge range of sizes and capabilities. Some focus on durability and portability, while others prioritize sound quality and volume. The key is matching the speaker to your needs - there's no universal "best" choice.

A Tale of Two Approaches

The BIGGIE and MINIROLL represent opposite ends of the portable speaker spectrum. The BIGGIE emphasizes audio quality with its two-way speaker design (meaning separate drivers for high and low frequencies), while the MINIROLL focuses on ultimate portability and durability.

Size and Portability Compared

The BIGGIE, at 5.7 pounds, is what I'd call "transportable" rather than truly portable. It's sized like a small boom box and includes a removable handle for moving between rooms or out to the patio. The MINIROLL, weighing just 0.6 pounds, is genuinely pocket-sized with a clever silicone strap for attaching to bags or bike handlebars.

Deep Dive: Sound Quality

BIGGIE's Audio Architecture

The BIGGIE uses a sophisticated two-way design with a 1-inch soft dome tweeter (for high frequencies) and a 4-inch woofer (for mids and bass). This separation of frequencies, combined with 60 watts of amplification, allows for clearer, more detailed sound than single-driver systems. The speaker uses digital signal processing (DSP) to optimize the sound at different volumes - something I've found particularly effective at preventing distortion when pushing the volume.

MINIROLL's Approach

The MINIROLL takes a simpler route with a single 45.6mm driver paired with a passive radiator (which helps enhance bass response without requiring additional power). While this can't match the BIGGIE's frequency range or volume capabilities, it's impressively loud for its size. Ultimate Ears has tuned it for a bass-forward sound that works well for popular music genres.

Real-World Performance

Volume and Room-Filling Capability

• BIGGIE: Can legitimately fill a medium-sized room (up to about 400 square feet) with clean, balanced sound. Reaches 95dB at 1 meter - loud enough for most indoor gatherings.
• MINIROLL: Better suited for personal listening or small groups. Maxes out at 86dB, but that's quite impressive for its tiny size.

Battery Life and Charging

Both speakers reflect 2024's improved battery technology:

• The BIGGIE offers 20 hours of playback with fast charging - 20 minutes gets you 4 hours of play time
• The MINIROLL provides 12 hours, which is solid for its ultra-compact size

Durability and Weather Resistance

Here's where use cases really diverge. The MINIROLL's IP67 rating means it's fully dustproof and can handle submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The BIGGIE lacks weather resistance - it's really designed as an indoor speaker that can occasionally venture outside under covered areas.

Connectivity and Modern Features

Both speakers use Bluetooth 5.3, which provides improved range and stability over older versions. The BIGGIE can pair with a second unit for true stereo sound, while the MINIROLL supports Ultimate Ears' PartyUp feature for connecting multiple speakers.

Use Case Scenarios

The BIGGIE Shines When:

• Hosting indoor gatherings
• Setting up portable home theater sound
• Creating a moveable music system for different rooms
• Sound quality is the primary concern

The MINIROLL Excels For:

• Travel and outdoor adventures
• Workout or shower use
• Backpack or bicycle mounting
• Budget-conscious buyers needing maximum versatility

Value Consideration

While the BIGGIE costs nearly four times as much as the MINIROLL, they're targeting different users:

• BIGGIE: Competes with entry-level bookshelf speakers while adding portability
• MINIROLL: Offers premium build quality and features in the ultra-portable category

How to Decide

Choose the BIGGIE if:

• Sound quality is your primary concern
• You need room-filling volume
• You'll mainly use it indoors
• You appreciate high-end audio features
• Budget allows for a premium speaker

Choose the MINIROLL if:

• Maximum portability is essential
• You need weatherproofing
• You're on a tighter budget
• You prioritize durability over absolute sound quality
• You want something that can go anywhere

Technical Innovation and Future Outlook

Both speakers showcase interesting innovations. The BIGGIE demonstrates how far portable speaker sound quality has come, with its hi-fi approach to portable audio. The MINIROLL shows impressive engineering in miniaturization and durability.

Looking ahead, both are Auracast-ready, supporting the next generation of Bluetooth audio sharing. This feature will become more relevant as more devices support this standard throughout 2024 and beyond.

The Bottom Line

These speakers excel in their intended use cases. The BIGGIE offers impressive sound quality and volume in a transportable package, while the MINIROLL provides remarkable versatility and durability in an ultra-portable form factor. Your choice should align with your primary use case and budget rather than trying to compare them directly - they're designed for different purposes and excel accordingly.

Morel BIGGIE Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices

Ultimate Ears MINIROLL Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices