Now a solid, rugged grab‑and‑go Bluetooth speaker has had one of its best price drops — enter the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom.
The pint‑sized 360‑degree speaker is currently $59.99 (down from $89.99), and that makes it an easy recommendation for beach days, backyard hangs — almost anywhere except the woods, perhaps, or other sites where you can only hear your heart pounding out of fear because “Deliverance” was pretty traumatizing.
Why This 33 Percent Reduction Is Unusual
Prices of top ultraportable speakers occasionally fall around retail bonanzas, but a one‑third discount on an editor’s choice is significant when we’re not in such a window. In that bracket, you’re generally choosing between ultra‑tiny things that sound thin or larger cans that are more expensive and weigh a ton. At $59.99, the Wonderboom dances on a pinhead: truly portable, surprisingly loud for its size, and still safely below most people’s $100 earmark for a so‑called extra speaker.
Key Features That Matter for Outdoor Use and Durability
The Wonderboom’s claim to fame is durability. Current models are rated IP67 — which means that they’re dust‑tight and can withstand immersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes, according to the IEC 60529 standard. In real‑world terms: pool splashes, beach sand, and a midsummer rain shower won’t faze it. And, better still, the little barrel is buoyant, so if it gets tossed overboard, you’ll have a shot at scooping it up rather than fishing for the bottom.
Battery life is estimated at around 10 hours per charge at moderate volume, which matches up with everyday application for most casual listening. Crank up the volume, as with any compact speaker, and that figure will be shorter; we find it to be in the region of 50‑60% for all‑day playlists. The Bluetooth range is normal for a modern portable — 30 feet indoors, more line of sight outside — so you can keep your phone dry and stow the speaker where it will have to endure the elements.
The 360‑degree design spreads sound around a picnic table or small patio in all directions, so everyone can hear its great sound, instead of the “sweet spot” one gets from front‑firing mini speakers.
If you’re looking for true left‑right separation, two Wonderbooms can be paired for stereo playback; it’s a quick way to double coverage in your small backyard or at the campsite without jumping to a larger, heavier model.
How It Stacks Up in the Real World at This Price
Among competitors around this price point, it’s the Wonderboom’s combination of loudness and durability that gives it a leg up. The JBL Clip series, for one, are ultra‑portable and carabiner‑friendly but lack the fullness or party‑inviting diffusion of the Wonderboom. Step‑up possibilities like, say, the JBL Flip class and Sony’s compact cylinders get you more bass and battery life, but they’re also significantly more expensive than this speaker with a kind of toss‑in‑a‑bag‑able smallness.
Audio expectations should be realistic for the size. You’ll get punchy mids, clear vocals, and plenty of low‑end thump to keep the energy level up outdoors — especially if you position the speaker near a wall or corner to take advantage of natural bass reinforcement. It won’t be your main home bookshelf pair, but it’ll tote a cookout, hotel room, or shower soundtrack without sounding thin or tinny.
Tips for Shopping Before You Start Checkout
Verify which version of the Wonderboom you’re getting, as battery claims and colorways can differ by generation. Recent models are increasingly made with recycled plastics, according to sustainability notes from the parent company, which is a nice value‑add if you’re eco‑minded. Also, make sure to see whether the retailer lists bundle options — second‑speaker discounts sometimes surface, while stereo pairing substantially elevates the experience.
For most people, the $59.99 sale price hits the sweet spot: it’s low enough that you can justify buying a travel or patio speaker, but high enough to cover tank‑tough build quality, float‑friendly waterproofing, and lively 360‑degree sound. If maximum bass or marathon battery life is your priority, consider moving up a size class. Otherwise, there’s no doomsday scenario that a just‑in‑case extension like this doesn’t make an easy yes.
Bottom Line: Why This Wonderboom Deal Is Worth It
It’s impossible to argue with a 33 percent savings on the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom. It is a rugged, great‑sounding, throw‑it‑in‑your‑bag speaker that sometimes plays long enough to outlast the party. If you’re in need of a compact companion for the beach, the backyard, or your carry‑on, this price is simply the time to buy.