ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Ultimate Ears MiniRoll is a solid option for anyone looking for a highly portable, ultra-loud Bluetooth speaker. It’s available for $80.
• A practical and discreet carrying strap, Auracast compatibility, and a compact design define the MiniRoll speaker.
• A lack of “wow” features fails to distinguish the MiniRoll from its competitors.

You’ll often hear me say that a pair of reliable headphones is a must-have in your tech arsenal. In my perfect world, everyone would have a trusty pair of over-ear headphones for deep focus and entertainment, sturdy earbuds for exercising and hands-free calling, and a well-rounded Bluetooth speaker for keeping the groove going in large spaces.

Also: One of the most immersive speakers I’ve listened to is not made by Sony or JBL

Bluetooth speakers come in many shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose one that fits your needs. But you usually compromise sound presence for size. Bigger speakers get louder and have boomier bass, while smaller speakers are more portable but can sound hollow and distant.

So, when Ultimate Ears sent me the new palm-sized MiniRoll speaker, I was eager to verify its claim that such a small speaker could deliver “powerful” sound. I spent a week and a half with it and was supremely impressed. Here’s why.

View at Ultimate Ears

First, I have to stress just how small the MiniRoll is. It fits neatly in my palm and is about the size of a donut. Many Bluetooth speakers take up some space on your desk, nightstand, or shelf, but the MiniRoll is incredibly compact.

For a small frame, the MiniRoll gets very loud. I listened to Justin Timberlake’s “Don’t Hold The Wall,” and the bass was punchy and present, while the midrange and vocals were lost in some of the thump and boom. The louder you go, the more distortion you’ll hear, but that’s standard for Bluetooth speakers.

Also: I tested Beats’ new Pill speaker and it delivered gloriously smooth sound for any style of music

However, in outdoor settings, the MiniRoll gets plenty loud, and the lack of clarity shouldn’t bother you if you’re focused on your hike, entertaining guests at a cookout, or hanging out by the pool. 

The MiniRoll is Auracast-compatible, so you and your friend can pair your MiniRoll speakers together to double the sound. An IP67 water and dust-resistance rating means it can survive submersion in up to three feet of water for less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect companion for days on the water.

For ultra-portability, the MiniRoll has a sturdy strap on the back that you can clip onto bags, belt buckles, or your clothes for on-the-go listening. 

I strapped the MiniRoll to my shower head for my daily shower concert-slash-performance, and I liked having the speaker in the shower more than resting it on my bathroom vanity. I could hear my music better over the running water, which likely increased my water bill because I kept telling myself I’d perform “just one more song.”

For testing purposes, I strapped the MiniRoll to my belt loop to test its strength. I jumped, twisted, and vigorously shook myself to get it to fall off my waist, but to no avail. Fortunately, I did this experiment in the privacy of my home office, but I can attest that the MiniRoll’s strap can hang on during any of your physical activities.

The MiniRoll is USB-C compatible for wired charging, and the battery can last for up to 12 hours, which is comparable to speakers of the same size, like the JBL Clip 5.

ZDNET’s buying advice

The Ultimate Ears MiniRoll speaker is a great option for people seeking a small, highly portable Bluetooth speaker with sound that is bigger than its frame. However, there’s not much that differentiates it from other ultra-portable Bluetooth speakers. Your decision comes down to which form factor you prefer. If you prefer a discreet carrying clip, go with the MiniRoll. If you’d rather have a dedicated carabiner, the JBL Clip 5 is more your speed.

Also: Curious about Apple’s AirPods 4? Here are the differences between the new models

Neither the MiiRoll nor the Clip 5 has that crystal-clear sound you’d write home about; if sound clarity is your concern, consider something bigger with more room for more audio components, like the Bose Soundlink Max or the Beats Pill (2024).

I recommend the MiniRoll to outdoor enthusiasts for its portability, college students for its low price and great value, and people who regularly spend their summers on the beach or lake for its strong IP rating.