Review: Boombot REX Wireless Portable Speaker

Boombot REX is an ultraportable wireless speaker originally started out as a KickStarter project. The speaker is wireless, rechargeable, water resistant, build-in speaker and support Siri. GeekZen online store is very kind to send me a unit for this review article. Read on to find out more!

Unbox

Boombot REX comes in a cute hexagon box. Flip the cover to reveal the speaker and a list of highlighted features. More on the features later.

Inside the box, you have a Boombot REX speaker, an auxiliary audio cable, a micro-USB charging cable, a Boombotix sticker, and a user guide.

Design

Boombot REX ultraportable speaker is hexagon shape. The case is ruggedized ABS with soft touch treatment. As a portable speaker with build-in rechargeable battery, Boombot REX is lighter than I expected.

The front face is replaceable steel mesh grill, though I didn’t manage to twist the grill to remove it.

At the back is a big hip clip to attach the speaker on your bag or pocket. The clip is strong that need quite strength to hold it open. I can’t hold the clip open for over 30 seconds.

The on/off switch is at the top. It is flat and difficult to switch if you don’t have long nail.

Boombot REX has simple controls, 3 buttons at the top of its back: + button, center button, and – button. The buttons may be blocked by the hip clip if you clip the speaker on something thick.

It has 3 ports with weather seal located at the bottom of the back: Line-in, micro USB charge port, Line-out. I will detail the interesting features later.

Features

Boombot REX is small in size but it has some unique features. Read on for the details.

Bluetooth pairing made easy

Bluetooth pairing is easy. Boombot REX is immediately discoverable after power on. Simply choose “Boombot REX” on list of bluetooth devices and the pairing occurs automatically.

When paired with iPhone, a speaker battery meter also displayed on the menu bar.

You can also use REX as a wired speaker by plugging in audio cable into the Line-in port.

Smallest 2.1 sound-system

Boombot REX has dual 36mm drivers and a bass woofer. On the specs, the power output is 3W x 2, and the loudness is 87db at 2ft.

On the KickStarter page, the company claims that it is the “smallest 2.1 sound-system in the world”.

Despite the small size, Boombot REX is strong. But human voice is not clear. The sound is a bit stuffy, as if the sound comes out from a closed box.

It is not easily noticeable if you do not compare with other speakers. In my case, I compared it with X-mini stereo speakers which has better treble but less bass.

Microphone with Siri integration

Boombot REX build-in noise cancelling microphone with Siri integration. You can answer, deny, or end a phone call with the simple control buttons.

You hold the center button to activate Siri. Speak directly to the speaker and Siri will answer back through the speaker.

Water Resistant

Boombot REX is water resistant portable speaker with weather rating of IP53 (light rain and snow).

In order to find out the truth, I splashed water to Boombot REX while it is playing back music wirelessly. The result? It is working fine!

Check out my Boombot REX water resistant test video below:

Daisy chain

Boombot REX supports “daisy chain” mode where you can link multiple Boombot REX speakers by plugging OUT port to IN port of the next speaker, and repeat infinitely.

SoundHub

With “SoundHub” technology, Boombot REX can act as a bluetooth receiver and turns any speakers into a wireless speaker by connecting to the OUT port! Example: Connect Boombot REX to your home sound system to wirelessly playback songs on your iPhone.

Battery

Boombot REX build-in 1000mAh rechargeable battery. You can charge it via micro USB port with the included micro USB cable via computer or USB outlet. A full charge will take 2 hours and 4–8 hours runtime depending on conditions, based on the specs.

I played the speaker for about 5 hours and the battery meter on iOS still shows half left. I am sure the battery life is good enough for your outdoor activities.

“No matter what” warranty

Boombot REX comes with a “no matter what” one year warranty.

This includes, but is not limited to, break-dancing accidents, fixed gear bicycle stunts gone wrong, overshooting or over-rotating a jump on skis or a board, you name it.

Photo Gallery

Where to buy?

You can buy boombot REX on Boombotix online store for USD$120 and USD$130 (limited edition).

For Malaysians, GeekZen online store is the sole exclusive distributor of Boombot REX in Malaysia. GeekZen is selling cheaper than the official price: RM325 and RM340 (limited edition).

LiewCF’s Buying Advice

Previously, I recommended Jabra Solemate portable speaker. Boombot REX is smaller in size, rugged, good sound quality, and cheaper. Now, I would recommend REX for users who are on-the-go, travel light and want to enjoy music anywhere, anyplace.

Pro: small size, rugged, SoundHub, Siri integration
Con: too focus on bass
Rate: 4 out of 5

LiewCF recommends Boombot REX portable speaker.

I would like to thank GeekZen for the opportunity to review Boombot REX. This is a free product review with honest write-up. Interesting to submit your products for review? Get in touch with me.