The Boombot REX Bluetooth Speaker is the Perfect Partner in Crime

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The Boombot REX by Boombotix is an ultra-portable ruggedized Bluetooth speaker that can be your partner in crime, no matter what the adventure. This tiny speaker pumps out the jams with dual drivers and a bass woofer, all while being just a tad bigger than a deck of playing cards. The Boombot REX retails for $99.99.

Boombot Rex Cover

Imagine a super-powerful wireless speaker that is only 6.5 ounces clipped to your belt or mounted to your bike handlebars. The Boombot REX is ready for all of life’s adventures with its small frame but commanding sound. Not only is the Boombot REX shock-resistant, made from soft touch ABS plastic, but it’s also water-resistant, being IP53 rated for use in the snow or light rain.

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Inside the Boombot REX, below the steel mesh grille and customizable faceplate, you’ll find two 36mm drivers.   Behind the dual-drivers you’ll also find the powerful bass woofer. Below the grille there’s also a tri-color LED light that lets you know the status of your Boombot REX. Inside the speaker is also a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that will last about 6 hours of playtime. On the back of the Boombot REX is a very strong hip clip that will attach to almost anything.

The Boombot REX has a four-button command center on the top that’s used to control the speaker. Tap the power button to turn the REX on, and hold it to turn it off. The volume-up and volume-down buttons are pretty self-explanatory. Finally, there’s a multi-function button next to the power button that plays/pauses the music when tapped, skips the track when double-tapped, activates Siri when held, and answers or hangs up a phone call when tapped.

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On either side of the Boombot REX is a microUSB and 3.5mm audio in/out jack. The microUSB jack is used to recharge the battery, while the 3.5mm audio in/out jack is used to hook a device up directly to the REX and either play music through the REX or use the REX to broadcast music to another speaker.

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As I mentioned above, like most Bluetooth speakers these days, the Boombot REX plays a secondary role as speakerphone as well. In my testing, the REX did a surprisingly well job of assisting in a phone call between my father and me. To be fair, I was in a quiet environment, but my father was able to hear me clearly and I was able to hear him well. Typically, Bluetooth speakers that also act as speakerphones drop the ball when it comes to their second job, the Boombot REX performed admirably.

As far as it’s performance as a wireless Bluetooth speaker, I have one word to describe the Boombot REX: Wow.

I did not have high hopes for the Boombot REX, being such a small form factor. Plus, in my experience, small drivers like these don’t perform very well. But, to my surprise, the Boombot REX pumps out crisp, clear sound without much distortion, even when the volume is cranked up high. The bass performance from the small woofer is also surprising. When I first turned the Boombot REX on and cranked up the volume, you could actually see that the bass was causing the REX to vibrate itself around the table. No matter whether the music is bass heavy or not, you can expect great sound from your Boombot REX.

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My one (small) complaint about the Boombot REX is that it plays a sound effect both when it’s powered on and powered off. It’s not that I don’t like sound effects, it’s just that I wish there were a way to decide whether I wanted to use them or not. They’re a little too loud, in my taste, and for some reason almost startles me every time they play.

If you are in the market for a small, yet powerful, Bluetooth speaker, the Boombot REX is something that is absolutely worth considering. Especially because you can take the REX almost anywhere without worrying if it will get damaged.

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You can purchase the Boombot REX directly from the manufacturer.

Source: The Boombot REX Bluetooth Speaker was provided to me as a review sample by the manufacturer.

What I Like: Tiny form factor; Nice design; Great sound; Cool packaging.

What Needs Improvement: Sound effects can be annoying; Battery life can be improved.

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About the Author

Perry Brauner
I'm an architect by trade, but the overarching theme of my life has always been trying to keep up with the newest, coolest technology. Ever since I picked up an NES controller, I've been hooked on the latest and greatest gadgets, gizmos, and toys. Whether it's gaming, mobile phones, and accessories, or PCs and Apple products, I'm interested. I use many Apple products in my daily life, such as the iPhone, iPad, and my MacBook Pro. I've also built a few PCs in my day, so I'd like to say that I'm a pretty well-rounded techie.