The Boombot REX is a small, ultraportable Bluetooth speaker that is available in a range of different colors and styles. Add in the availability of a number of different accessories and this speaker may be just the thing for the active music-lover on the go. Check out all the available options.
If you are wondering how the speaker got its name, the company explains it is “A salute to the king of dinosaurs, the Boombot REX mimics the thump of the T-Boombot REX’s footsteps as it ruled the land.” Awwww… cute.
The company behind the REX describes the speaker as “the next evolution of ultraportable smart-speakers”. They claim it has revolutionary acoustic and industrial design. The consumer will have to be the judge of that. They also note the speaker has a noise-canceling microphone and a built-in clip. That can be determined by simply looking at the speaker. Do those features make the Boombot REX worth $129.99? I’m not sure. Let’s take a closer look and you can decide for yourself.
The REX has a reinforced micro-USB port, a physical switch and a super-strong clip. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity the Boombot REX can connect to any audio source that has Bluetooth.
And if you don’t want to use Bluetooth but prefer to use — or need to use — a wired connection, you can do that using the Aux-In jack, The controls on the speaker let you change tracks as well as answer, end, or reject phone calls.
The speaker has two 36mm drivers that are housed in a case with a soft touch exterior over a hard ABS housing. Each speaker pushes out 3 watts of power. The fact that the speaker is water-resistant means it can be clipped onto yourself used in the rain or snow.
The speaker comes with a USB charging cable and a 3.5mm cable to use with it in wired mode. It charges in an hour, and it offers about 6 hours of playback.
The REX certainly stands out in an ever-more crowded marketplace, thanks to its shape and colors. Add in the fact that there will also be accessory packs that let you change the grill, clip and button covers, as well as the ability to add-on accessories so you can use the REX on a bike among other things, and you have something different from your run-of-the-mill Bluetooth speaker.
As for sound, while I don’t see the REX winning any awards from audiophiles, it certainly was pleasant to use while down on my dock this summer. And that’s really the point of a speaker like this — it is all about getting your music on the go. At the same time the price of $129.99 seems a bit high for what you get. Is the REX for you? Check out the website for some of the various colors.
MSRP: $129.99
What I Like: Small; Powerful speakers for such a small device; Colorful; Stand-out design; Can be used as a speakerphone; Accessory packs let you change the look
What Needs Improvement: Pricey for what it is; Just six hours of playback per charge
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample