Altec Lansing LifeJacket 2
Score: 78/100
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM Play Black
Score: 79/100Rankings
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM PLAY is an ultra-portable cylindrical Bluetooth speaker offering 10 hours of playtime, IP67 durability and a 40 m range. Its modest SPL of 79 dBC and mono design requiring a second unit for true stereo limit its loudness and flexibility. Ideal for active users seeking lightweight, rugged speakers for outdoor adventures.
The LifeJacket 2 offers a rugged IP67-rated design, 16 hours of playback and a built-in powerbank for charging other devices. Its bulkier size and modest Bluetooth range limit portability and connectivity. Best suited for outdoor parties and water-based activities where durability and extra power are priorities.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
16 hoursbest | 10 hours | |
| ↓ lower better | 900 g | 318 gbest |
6 Wbest | — | |
— | 40 mmbest | |
9 m | 40 mbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 168 minutesbest |
— | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 16 hours | 10 hours |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 900 g | 318 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 4.6 in × 4.2 in × 8.6 in mm | 104x95.3x95.3 mm mm |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Range (m) | 9 m | 40 m |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consistently praise the LifeJacket 2 for its rugged, all-proof build and powerful, bass-heavy sound that makes it ideal for outdoor parties. They also note the practical powerbank and mounting system as differentiators, while calling out the modest Bluetooth range and bulkier footprint as areas where it falls short of premium competitors.
Consumers love the speaker's durability and sound quality, often highlighting its ability to survive years of rough handling and still deliver loud, clear audio. Recurring themes include appreciation for the built-in charger and mounting options, alongside frustration when water damage occurs or the Bluetooth range proves insufficient.
“I've had this speaker for six years... lasted through water, dropping it many many times... functions like [day one]”
“great sound... quality speaker”
“used it at the beach and it got ruined from the water but it was supposed to be waterproof”
Professional reviewers commend the WONDERBOOM PLAY for its feather-light build, IP67 durability and impressive 40 m Bluetooth range, noting that it delivers a surprisingly big, 360° soundstage for its size. However, they criticize its mediocre sound accuracy, limited low-frequency extension and a lower maximum SPL of 79 dBC, which makes it less loud and less precise than earlier Wonderboom versions.
Everyday users love the speaker's portability, floating capability and long battery life, frequently mentioning how easy it is to take to the beach, pool or on hikes. Common praise centers on the loud bass relative to its size and the hassle-free pairing. Recurring complaints focus on the lower overall volume compared with previous models and the need to buy a second unit for true stereo sound.
