Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 4 Review Powerful Bluetooth Speaker with 360-Degree Sound and Waterproof Design

Description

Powerful Sound and Durability in One Package

I had the chance to test out the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 4 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker, and it’s safe to say it left quite the impression. From its rugged build to its immersive 360-degree sound, this device checks off a lot of boxes for someone like me who loves blasting music during outdoor gatherings or even just while working around the house. The 20-hour battery life was a huge selling point for me, and after using it, I can confirm this isn’t just a marketing gimmick—it actually delivers.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about this speaker was its sleek yet robust design. It’s not just stylish but also built to withstand the elements. With an IP67 waterproof rating, I wasn’t afraid to take it near the pool or even test its claim of being a floating speaker—and yes, it really does float! It’s also shockproof and can handle drops up to 3.28 feet without breaking a sweat. At 2.7 pounds, it has a reassuring heft without being cumbersome to carry around.

What I appreciated most was the attention to detail, like the Magic Button on the top. This button lets you play, pause, and skip tracks directly, which is incredibly convenient when your phone is out of reach.

Key Benefits

• 360-degree sound: The audio output is well-balanced, with thundering bass that doesn’t overwhelm the mids or highs.
• Durability: Waterproof, shockproof, and even dustproof, making it great for outdoor adventures.
• Long battery life: A whopping 20 hours of playback on a single charge.
• Wide wireless range: The 147-foot range is better than most Bluetooth speakers I’ve tried.

Sound Quality and Performance

Testing the sound quality was where this speaker truly shined. The 360-degree sound lived up to its promise, and the clarity was impressive no matter where I stood in relation to the speaker. The bass response was deep and punchy, which made it perfect for genres like EDM or hip-hop. However, I was equally impressed with how it handled softer genres like acoustic tracks; the balance between the lows, mids, and highs was spot-on.

I used the PartyUp feature via the Ultimate Ears app to pair it with a friend’s BOOM speaker, and the surround sound effect was nothing short of amazing. If you’re someone who loves hosting parties, this is a huge plus!

Drawbacks

• No USB-C charging: While the battery life is fantastic, the lack of USB-C charging feels like a missed opportunity.
• No built-in voice assistant: Some competitors in this price range offer integration with Alexa or Google Assistant, which would have been a nice touch.
• The App isn’t perfect: While useful for features like PartyUp, the app can sometimes feel sluggish or fail to connect on the first try.

Competitive Options

When comparing the MEGABOOM 4 to other portable Bluetooth speakers, there are some clear distinctions. For instance, the JBL Charge 5 offers similar waterproofing and sound quality, but it falls short in terms of wireless range and battery life. While the Charge 5 does come with a USB-C port for faster charging, it doesn’t float like the MEGABOOM 4.

The Bose SoundLink Revolve II, on the other hand, is known for its crystal-clear sound quality but lacks the ruggedness and shockproof build that the MEGABOOM 4 provides. Also, the Bose speaker’s battery life is noticeably shorter, making the MEGABOOM 4 a more reliable choice for extended use.

Price Worthiness

Considering the robust build and the array of features it offers, this speaker provides excellent value for money. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the combination of durability, sound quality, and battery life makes it worth the investment. Cheaper alternatives often compromise on one or more of these aspects, so if you’re looking for a reliable, long-term option, this is a solid pick.

If you’re someone who values a speaker that can survive the elements while still offering top-notch sound, this one deserves your attention. It’s not just a speaker; it’s a companion for your adventures.

Additional information