With Alexa skills thrown into the mix, the UE Megablast transforms one of our favourite speakers into something more connected. It's a great performer, waterproof and robustly built, with software updates bringing essential feature updates. Just make sure you buy the charging base too.

Solid build and water protection; Sound quality; Volume; 16 hours of life; Spotify music integration

Wi-Fi stability; Power Up base not included; Alexa experience not as smooth as Echo

Most smart speakers require a power lead and cannot be taken on-the-go, but the Ultimate Ears Megablast is different; it has a built-in battery and is waterproof, so you can play your favourite songs by the pool, ask Alexa the weather and even order goods with your voice.

Waterproof; Beautiful design and build quality; Overall sound quality

Expensive; Lacks Alexa calling abilities; No Spotify streaming over Wi-Fi

Only 24 cm long, so eminently portable, but can pump out such a powerful rich sound that it's quite incredible! Lacks proper instructions though. It was not easy to link it to the app as there are several UE apps out there. Once connected though it is easy to operate.

So they claim these speakers are drop proof, well I've got a story to support these claims. 15th April 2019, I was involved in a serious car crash on The M6. My belongings were torn to shreds, the 2019 FORD RANGER WILDTRACK had two wheels ripped off, the cabin crushed, the tailgate loading area...

Bigger. Better. Smarter. That's the short version of the pitch for Ultimate Ears new Blast and Megablast smart speakers.

Great volume; Good battery life

Portable Alexa is a little clunky; Can't easily pair speakers

When you're a gadget blogger, your friends typically have a classic, back-pocket question around the holiday season: What should I get So-and-So as a gift? My most-used answer used to be the Boom, a Bluetooth speaker made by Ultimate Ears. This year is different.

Indestructible and sleek with high quality sound

Can't do everything an Echo can

A Bluetooth speaker with Alexa capabilities

Indestructible and sleek with high quality sound

I would not suggest anyone buy this. It stops every 15mins for no apparent reason. So now I have to contact the manufacturer because Verizon won't stand behind something they sold me!!

Not too heavy, great sound. Quick delivery... very loud!

Love it.Big sound for such a small speaker; Love the fact that it's waterproof and very rugged; Would definitely recommend to people who want to take it out and about and not worry about breaking it

Some times playing music through Alexa keeps cutting out but that just could be my internet connection