Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 review
Overview and current position
Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 is the current standard-sized model in the long-running cylindrical BOOM family. It sits above the smaller WONDERBOOM 4 and below MEGABOOM 4, EVERBOOM and the much larger EPICBOOM and HYPERBOOM. The fourth generation keeps the recognisable upright shape and giant volume controls while replacing the older micro-USB connection with USB-C, updating the drivers and expanding app functions.
Its main appeal is uncomplicated outdoor ownership. The cylindrical layout spreads sound broadly around a table, the cabinet floats, and the large controls are easier to use with wet hands than a touchscreen. It weighs a little over half a kilogram, making it substantially easier to carry than JBL Charge 6, Sony ULT FIELD 3 or Bose SoundLink Max. The compromise is reduced low-bass weight and maximum scale.
Sound, app and PartyUp
BOOM 4 produces a wide 360-degree-style presentation rather than a sharply focused front-facing image. Midrange and vocals remain clear across different positions, but the small drivers and passive radiators cannot produce the depth of larger speakers. At high volume the tuning prioritises audibility and control over deep bass. It is well suited to podcasts, pop and background music around a group, but listeners wanting room-shaking low frequencies should consider MEGABOOM, JBL Charge or Sony FIELD models.
The BOOM app provides equaliser adjustment, firmware updates, remote controls, an alarm and the Magic Button configuration. PartyUp can link a very large number of compatible Ultimate Ears speakers, but compatibility is not universal across every UE product. WONDERBOOM models, older discontinued families and some newer products may follow different pairing rules. A stereo pair generally requires compatible matching speakers, so users should check the current support list before buying a second unit.
There is no Wi-Fi, AirPlay, smart assistant, 3.5mm input or built-in microphone for calls. Bluetooth is the sole audio route, and the speaker does not advertise premium codecs as a central feature. Its value lies in robustness and simplicity rather than technical format support.
Battery, waterproofing and travel use
Ultimate Ears quotes up to 15 hours of playback. Independent use often produces a lower figure at lively outdoor volume, and battery life varies with equaliser settings, temperature, wireless range and cell age. USB-C makes charging easier than BOOM 3, but the speaker does not charge a phone and does not include the large battery reserve of Charge 6. A mains adaptor may not be included.
The IP67 rating means dust protection and temporary fresh-water immersion under laboratory conditions. BOOM 4 is designed to float, which makes retrieval easier, but floating is not permission for prolonged pool or sea use. Chlorine and salt should be rinsed away, and the port must be dry before charging. Ultimate Ears also promotes drop resistance; repeated impact can still damage internal seals, fabric or battery connections.
The long Bluetooth range is useful in open space but will be reduced by walls, bodies, interference and phone radio performance. The upright shape fits bottle holders and narrow shelves, although it can topple if placed on unstable ground.
Value and verdict
BOOM 4 is the best option here for buyers prioritising low weight, simple controls, floatability and broad sound around a group. It is less suitable for deep bass, Wi-Fi streaming, calls, wired sources or power-bank duties. JBL Charge 6 costs more weight but delivers stronger sound and battery; Sonos Roam 2 offers smart-home integration; Sony ULT FIELD 3 has more bass and a shoulder strap.
The upgrade from BOOM 3 is evolutionary, so existing owners should not replace a healthy speaker solely for the number four. New buyers benefit from USB-C and current app support. Treat the 15-hour figure as a maximum, confirm PartyUp compatibility with any older UE equipment, and choose BOOM 4 for durable portability rather than headline audio specifications.