When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers in 2024, we're spoiled for choice. Today, we're comparing two distinct approaches: the ultra-compact Ultimate Ears MINIROLL ($49.99) and the feature-packed Soundcore Boom 2 SE ($129.99). While both speakers can pump out your favorite tunes, they're designed for notably different uses.
The portable speaker market has come a long way from the tinny, battery-hungry units of the past. Recent advances in driver technology, battery efficiency, and Bluetooth connectivity have dramatically improved what's possible in small packages. The MINIROLL, released in late 2023, represents UE's latest take on ultra-portable audio, while the Boom 2 SE, launched in March 2024, showcases Anker's party-focused approach.
The MINIROLL lives up to its name with truly pocket-friendly dimensions (122.67 x 105 x 48.15mm). At just 279 grams, it's lighter than many smartphones. This isn't just about numbers – it means you can actually carry it everywhere without a second thought. The clever silicone strap lets you attach it to bags, bikes, or belt loops.
The Boom 2 SE takes a different route. While still "portable," it's sized for impact rather than convenience. The larger chassis accommodates bigger drivers and a more substantial battery, prioritizing sound output over ultimate portability. Its integrated handle makes carrying easier, but you won't be slipping this one into a pocket.
The MINIROLL packs impressive tech into its tiny frame:
These specs might seem modest, but they represent clever engineering in a small space. The passive radiator helps extend bass response beyond what you'd expect from such a small speaker. In real-world use, it fills a small room surprisingly well, though physics limits its ultimate output.
The Boom 2 SE brings significantly more firepower:
This configuration delivers room-filling sound with genuine bass impact. The separate tweeters provide better stereo separation and clearer highs, while the dedicated subwoofer handles the low end that smaller speakers simply can't reproduce.
The MINIROLL focuses on core features done well. The newer LC3 codec support is particularly noteworthy, offering better sound quality and lower latency than older Bluetooth codecs.
The MINIROLL excels in situations like:
The speaker's durability and size make it perfect for active lifestyles. Its 360-degree sound works well for personal listening or small group settings.
The Boom 2 SE shines in:
Its higher output and feature set make it ideal for social situations where more volume and bass are appreciated.
Both speakers show how far battery technology has come, but with different priorities:
The Boom 2 SE's power bank feature is genuinely useful, essentially giving you a backup battery for your phone.
While the price difference is significant ($49.99 vs $129.99), both speakers offer good value for their intended use:
Choose the MINIROLL if:
Choose the Boom 2 SE if:
Both speakers represent different philosophies in portable audio. The MINIROLL proves that great things can come in small packages, while the Boom 2 SE shows how much functionality can be packed into a portable party speaker. Your choice should ultimately depend on your primary use case rather than just specifications.
The market will likely continue evolving, with future models potentially offering even better battery life and sound quality. However, both these current options demonstrate just how far portable audio has come, offering features and performance that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.
Remember, the best speaker isn't necessarily the one with the most features or highest output – it's the one that best fits your lifestyle and usage patterns. Whether that's the ultra-portable MINIROLL or the feature-rich Boom 2 SE, both represent excellent choices in their respective categories.
| Ultimate Ears MINIROLL | Soundcore Boom 2 SE |
|---|---|
| Price - Base investment required | |
| $49.99 (excellent value for ultra-portable) | $129.99 (premium features justify cost) |
| Total Power Output - Impacts volume and sound fullness | |
| 86dBC maximum output (sufficient for personal listening) | 80W total (50W sub + dual 15W tweeters, room-filling sound) |
| Size & Weight - Affects true portability | |
| 122.67 x 105 x 48.15mm, 279g (truly pocket-sized) | Significantly larger, not pocket-portable (exact specs N/A) |
| Battery Life - Duration between charges | |
| 12 hours (consistent performance) | 24 hours (reduces with BassUp and lights enabled) |
| Water Resistance - Outdoor durability | |
| IP67 (waterproof and dustproof) | IPX7 (waterproof only, can float) |
| Bluetooth Range - Connection distance | |
| 40 meters (131 feet) | 100 meters (328 feet) |
| Multi-Speaker Pairing - Party capabilities | |
| PartyUp mode (unlimited speakers) | PartyCast 2.0 (up to 100 speakers) |
| Additional Features - Extra functionality | |
| Simple design, hookable strap, no app required | LED light show, power bank function, app with EQ control |
| Sound Quality Focus - Audio characteristics | |
| Balanced sound, limited bass due to size | Strong bass emphasis, higher volume capability |
| Primary Use Case - Best suited for | |
| Personal listening, travel, outdoor adventures | Small gatherings, parties, primary room speaker |
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE ($129.99) is significantly better for home theater use due to its higher power output (80W) and dedicated subwoofer. The MINIROLL ($49.99) is too small for proper home theater applications.
While the Boom 2 SE could serve as a basic TV audio upgrade, neither speaker is ideal for this purpose. They lack optical inputs and may experience audio lag due to Bluetooth connectivity.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE has significantly better bass thanks to its 50W subwoofer and BassUp technology. The MINIROLL has limited bass due to its compact size.
The Ultimate Ears MINIROLL costs $49.99, while the Soundcore Boom 2 SE is priced at $129.99 - an $80 difference reflecting their different capabilities and target uses.
Both speakers are waterproof, but the MINIROLL has superior IP67 rating (waterproof and dustproof) compared to the Boom 2 SE's IPX7 rating (waterproof only).
The Boom 2 SE offers 24 hours of playback versus the MINIROLL's 12 hours, though the Boom 2 SE's battery life decreases when using features like BassUp and LED lights.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE is better for movies due to its stronger bass and higher volume output, though neither speaker is specifically designed for home theater use.
The Boom 2 SE offers superior Bluetooth range at 100 meters compared to the MINIROLL's 40-meter range.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: techradar.com - businesswire.com - bestbuy.com - stuff.tv - ultimateears.com - target.com - youtube.com - ultimateears.com - ultimateears.com - soundcore.com - gzhls.at - youtube.com - techradar.com - support.soundcore.com - digitaltrends.com - trustedreviews.com - soundguys.com
