Ultimate Ears Boom 4 Review Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker with 360-Degree Sound

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Ultimate Ears Boom 4 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker caught my eye the moment I unboxed it. Designed for adventure, this thing feels as rugged as it looks. The cylindrical shape not only makes it easy to grip but also helps the 360-degree sound project evenly. The IPX7 waterproof rating is no joke; I dunked it in water to test its claim, and it floated back up, blasting music like nothing happened. The shockproof feature adds to the durability, making it perfect for camping trips or wild pool parties. Its lightweight nature—just 1.37 pounds—meant I could toss it into my backpack without a second thought. The texture of the material feels premium while ensuring it doesn’t slip out of your hands, even when wet.

Performance and Audio Quality

This speaker delivers rich and immersive 360-degree sound, with deep bass that’s surprisingly punchy for its size. I tried everything from acoustic tracks to EDM bangers, and the balance between highs, mids, and lows was impressive. The dynamic driver really shines when you crank up the volume; there’s no distortion, even at max levels. Using it outdoors, the sound carried effortlessly, and the 45-meter Bluetooth range allowed me to move around freely without interruptions. The Magic Button is a game-changer; I could skip tracks or play my favorite Spotify playlist with a single press, which made controlling music during a party seamless.

Key Benefits

• IPX7 waterproofing makes it ideal for poolside or beach use.
• 15-hour battery life ensures uninterrupted music for long gatherings.
• Shockproof design keeps it intact even after accidental drops.
• Pairing options with other BOOM or MEGABOOM speakers create a surround sound experience.

Ease of Use and Features

One feature I loved was the Magic Button, which allowed me to control music directly without fiddling with my phone. Setting up playlists for different vibes—whether it’s Spotify for road trips or Apple Music for relaxing at home—was super convenient. The USB-C charging port means faster charging, taking about three hours to fully juice up. Another highlight is the Party Up feature, which lets you connect multiple Ultimate Ears speakers. I tested this by syncing it with a friend’s MEGABOOM, and the surround sound effect was phenomenal. The app control adds more customization, like tweaking the equalizer settings or renaming the device.

Drawbacks

• The lack of a built-in MP3 player might be a bummer for those who prefer offline playback.
• No Wi-Fi connectivity, which could’ve added extra flexibility for smart home integration.
• The pricing, while reflecting the features, might feel steep for casual users.

Battery Life and Portability

Battery performance was solid. On a full charge, I got close to the advertised 15 hours of playback, even with varying volume levels. The 3200 mAh battery holds up well for long events without needing a recharge. Its portability is another plus; the 7.25-inch height and compact design fit well in my bike’s bottle holder. Whether I was heading to the beach or setting it up in my living room, moving it around was effortless. It’s also worth mentioning that the 45-meter Bluetooth range is perfect for outdoor activities, as you don’t have to stick close to your phone.

Areas for Improvement

• No EQ modes on the device itself; you need the app to customize sound profiles.
• The app interface could use a more intuitive design; some settings felt buried.
• Weight distribution makes it prone to tip over on uneven surfaces, though it doesn’t affect functionality.

Competing Products

Comparing the Boom 4 to similar options like the JBL Charge 5 and Bose SoundLink Flex, there are some stark differences. The JBL Charge 5 offers a power bank feature, which the Boom 4 lacks, but its sound isn’t as balanced, especially at higher volumes. Bose’s SoundLink Flex delivers great audio clarity but doesn’t have the rugged waterproof and shockproof build of the Boom 4. For me, the surround sound pairing option and the magic button on the Boom 4 make it a more enjoyable pick for outdoor events or parties where convenience and durability matter.

Bang for the Buck

Considering the durability, audio performance, and features, this speaker offers a solid price-to-quality ratio. While there are cheaper options, very few provide the same level of ruggedness and sound customization. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors or needs a speaker that can survive accidental drops and water splashes, this is definitely worth the investment. The fact that you can pair it with other Ultimate Ears speakers to create a surround system adds even more value.

Additional information