The Puck-Sized MiniRoll From Ultimate Ears Packs A Mighty Punch

When a product uses the word “Ultimate” in its name, I instinctively reach for my nonsense detector. Superlatives are overused in these days of exaggeration, but in this case, my nonsense detector didn’t register a blip. Ultimate Ears does indeed make some cracking Bluetooth speakers that stand up there with the likes of Bose and JBL.

Ultimate Ears is now owned by Logitech and its speakers are premium quality with a price tag to match. The latest speaker to bear the Ultimate Ears branding is the new MINIROLL. The brand’s most portable speaker is the size of a hockey puck and includes a silicone strap for attaching it to the handlebars of a bicycle or even a belt loop.

The MINIROLL is almost small enough to slip in a pocket, at least an overcoat pocket. With a diameter of just 105mm and weighing in at 279g, the MINIROLL weighs less than most pairs of headphones. This is a speaker designed to go anywhere whatever you are doing: running, cycling, tree climbing or hiking. The MINIROLL is the successor to the Ultimate Ears UE ROLL, which was released in 2015 and soon became massively popular because of its flat shape and handy strap.

With its small shape that sits neatly in the hand, the MINIROLL also has an updated strap design and an IP67 waterproof rating, which means you can take it in the shower or out into the rain. The speaker is also dustproof and drop-resistant, making it ideal for hiking or hitching to a mountain bike.

There are just a few controls on the MINIROLL. To adjust the volume level up or down there are two large symbols with a + and – so you can’t miss them. On the side of the speaker is a power button and multiple purpose control for playing and pausing the music.

To make the MINIROLL sound bigger than it looks, Ultimate Ears developed a custom driver and then added bass radiators and extensive EQ treatment. As a result, the MINIROLL produces a sound far bigger and more powerful than you’d think from its size.

Also new to the MINIROLL is Auracast technology enabling multiple MINIROLLS to be connected for an even bigger sound with more impact. Ultimate Ears claims the number of MINIROLLS that can connect is unlimited. I couldn’t test that claim but I am willing to believe it.

The MINIROLL can’t receive regular open Auracast transmissions because Ultimate Ears has reserved the technology for its pairing technology for connecting other MINIROLLs. The Bluetooth receiver in the MINIROLL has a range of up to 40 meters, so you don’t even need to sit next to it to ensure the Bluetooth works properly.

The speaker’s built-in rechargeable battery can play for up to 12 hours on a single charge, long enough for most parties or a full day out on the bike. When the battery runs down, the user just plugs in a USB-C cable and recharges the battery. There’s even a “wet charging” warning if you try to recharge the MINIROLL when its charging port is wet or damp.

The speaker is covered with 100% post-consumer recycled polyester fabric, while the case of the MINIROLL is constructed from at least 40% post-consumer recycled plastic, offering a second life to end-of-use plastic from consumer electronics that would otherwise end up in landfill. The packaging is made from paper from FSC-certified forests and other controlled sources.

Verdict: The sound from this dainty little speaker is robust and impressive. I loved the silicone strap that enables the MINIROLL to be attached to lots of items so you can have music almost anywhere, including the shower. I did try it and it worked fine although I didn’t try giving it a shampoo. The Ultimate Ears MINIROLL is one of the best little pocket-sized Bluetooth speakers on the market. It’s not the cheapest but considering its quality I think it’s one of the best pocket speakers on the market. Highly Recommended.

Pricing & Availability: The new Ultimate Ears’ MINIROLL is available now from www.ultimateears.com and www.logitech.com It’s available in black, blue, grey and pink colorways and priced at $69.99 / £69.99.