Short answer: the Klipsch Detroit for better sound quality, the Ultimate Ears Megablast for the lower price. The Klipsch Detroit ranks #54 of 77 large speakers at $274.10. The Ultimate Ears Megablast ranks #61 at $240, $34.10 cheaper.
On the Klipsch Detroit side: Dual 1” tweeters + 3” woofers deliver excellent sound detail and robust bass. Set against that: Weird boosted upper bass, bass not very deep.
The case for the Ultimate Ears Megablast: Alexa integration (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth). The tradeoff: Bass is not very deep compared to the competition.
Buy the Klipsch Detroit if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Ultimate Ears Megablast if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Ultimate Ears Megablast. It ranks near the bottom of the 77 large speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch Detroit | Ultimate Ears Megablast | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $274.10 | $240 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #54 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #61 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz | 64Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 10W) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | No | No |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 2x 76mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters | 2x 55mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| Dimensions | 13.1" x 4.2" x 4.7" (334 x 107 x 119 mm) | 9.3" x 3.5" (236.2 x 88.9 mm) (height x diameter) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 30W RMS | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Max Volume | 93dB | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Klipsch Detroit: $274.10 Amazon
Pros: Dual 1” tweeters + 3” woofers deliver excellent sound detail and robust bass. IP67 dust/waterproof rating submersible 1m for 30 min. 20-hour battery life at moderate volume (12-15 hours at high volume). USB-C fast-charge in 2 hours with two-way power for device charging.
Cons: Weird boosted upper bass, bass not very deep. Boosted lower treble, somewhat harsh sounding like most other Klipsch speakers. Not very loud.
Full Klipsch Detroit review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 13.1" x 4.2" x 4.7" (334 x 107 x 119 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 76mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 93dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 30W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 10W) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Walts TV: The Austin NEW Klipsch Bluetooth Speaker Review + Sound Test
- Audio Inside Scoop: Klipsch Detroit VS JBL Xtreme 3 Hear With Me!!
- Audio Inside Scoop: Klipsch Detroit VS JBL Charge Hear With Me!!
- Storytripper HD: Marshall Middleton vs Klipsch Detroit
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Klipsch Detroit - unboxing & first impressions
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Klipsch Detroid vs SoundCore Boom 2 - outdoor test
- Reddit Search for Klipsch Detroit Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch Detroit vs Sony SRS-XG300
- Klipsch Detroit vs Doss Soundbox XL
- Klipsch Detroit vs JBL Xtreme
- Klipsch Detroit vs Ultimate Ears Epicboom
- Klipsch Detroit vs B&O Beosound Level
- Klipsch Detroit vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4
- Klipsch Detroit vs Zealot S97
- Klipsch Detroit vs LG PN7
- See all 17 comparisons
Ultimate Ears Megablast: $240 Discontinued Ultimate Ears Megablast
Pros: Alexa integration (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth). 93dB loudest in UE lineup, 40% louder than Megaboom. IP67 waterproof and drop-proof. 16 hour battery. Party mode connects up to 8 speakers. Can use while charging to keep Alexa on 24/7.
Cons: Bass is not very deep compared to the competition. Discontinued.
Full Ultimate Ears Megablast review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 64Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.3" x 3.5" (236.2 x 88.9 mm) (height x diameter) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 55mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Ultimate Ears Megablast vs Doss Soundbox XL
- See all 12 comparisons