Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Speaker

David Abraham, Christopher Steward, and Yannick Khong from RTINGS provide a measured and balanced assessment of the Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Speaker. They highlight its excellent portability, durable IP67-rated design, and notably strong directivity that delivers consistent 360-degree sound across listening angles. The addition of USB-C charging and a solid 12-hour battery life are welcomed improvements. However, the review points out that the BOOM 4 offers only modest bass performance, with limited low-end impact that may disappoint fans of bass-heavy genres. Treble frequencies can sound muffled, though the companion app’s graphic EQ helps tailor the sound somewhat. The speaker performs well for mid-range clarity, making it suitable for podcasts and dialogue-heavy content, but it lacks multi-device Bluetooth pairing and voice assistant support. Overall, the review conveys cautious enthusiasm, praising the BOOM 4’s portability and soundstage while noting its compromises in bass depth and playback controls.

Thomas Deehan from Trusted Reviews highlights the Ultimate Ears Boom 4 as a solid, reliable portable speaker that builds modestly on its predecessor rather than delivering a major overhaul. While the design remains largely unchanged from the Boom 3, its rugged IP67 rating, tactile buttons, and long-lasting 15-hour battery life make it a dependable choice for both outdoor adventures and everyday use. The switch to USB-C charging is a welcome update, though it may not justify an upgrade for existing Boom 3 owners. Sonically, the Boom 4 impresses with balanced, warm audio that handles a variety of genres well, maintaining clarity even at higher volumes without distortion. Features like PartyUp for multi-speaker syncing and customizable EQ presets add versatility. Despite fewer color options and minimal feature changes, the Boom 4’s competitive price and dependable performance make it an appealing option for new buyers seeking a durable, fun Bluetooth speaker.

Ryan Waniata from WIRED highlights the Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 as a durable, user-friendly portable speaker that builds on its predecessors with thoughtful upgrades like USB-C charging and updated drivers. Praising its rugged design, weatherproofing, and intuitive controls, Waniata emphasizes the speaker’s standout 360-degree sound and refined midrange clarity, making it a versatile companion for both casual and outdoor use. Unique features such as the megaphone mode and remote wake-from-standby add convenience and charm. However, the review notes the Boom 4’s bass response is less powerful compared to competitors like the JBL Flip, which may matter to bass enthusiasts. Battery life falls slightly short of the advertised 15 hours, and the price is somewhat steep relative to alternatives. Overall, Waniata regards the Boom 4 as a reliable, high-quality choice for those seeking a rugged, well-rounded Bluetooth speaker with excellent sound fidelity and practical features.

Kosta Andreadis from TweakTown highlights the Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker as a standout option in the compact speaker market, praising its impressive 360-degree sound and intuitive controls. The review conveys genuine enthusiasm for the speaker’s stylish, durable design and the feature-rich UE BOOM app, which enhances usability with options like Party Up mode and seamless playlist integration. Andreadis appreciates the speaker’s punchy, balanced audio that performs well for both music and podcasts, though he notes the bass lacks the depth of larger speakers and stereo width is limited by its size. The review also points out the premium price relative to its compact form factor but ultimately finds the quality and versatility—waterproofing, drop resistance, long battery life—justify the cost. This balanced yet upbeat assessment emphasizes the BOOM 4’s suitability for outdoor and casual listening, making it a top contender for those seeking portable, high-quality sound in a small package.

Steven Shaw from What's The Best highlights the Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 as a compact, durable, and well-designed portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers clear, balanced sound with impressive battery life. While not the richest or loudest in Ultimate Ears’ lineup, the Boom 4 excels in clarity and portability, making it ideal for casual listening at home, small outdoor gatherings, or on-the-go use. Shaw praises its simple setup, thoughtful app features including EQ presets and a microphone function, and robust IP67 waterproof and drop-resistant build. However, he notes the bass can feel thin at lower volumes and some EQ settings may produce a slightly muffled sound. The bold, tactile design may polarize users, but its lightweight form and recycled materials add appeal. Overall, Shaw finds the Boom 4 offers excellent value for its price point, recommending it as a versatile, reliable speaker for those prioritizing clarity and portability over booming bass or high volume.

Michael Aulia from Craving Tech highlights the Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 as a compelling evolution in the BOOM series, praised for its rugged, portable design and clear, expansive 360-degree sound. The review conveys a positive yet measured enthusiasm, emphasizing the speaker’s enhanced deep bass radiators, durable IP67 rating, and user-friendly features like oversized volume controls and the multifunctional Magic button. Unique insights include the speaker’s vertical shape for easy placement, the option to tweak EQ via an app, and the ability to pair over 150 compatible speakers for large gatherings. While the bass is described as punchy but not overpowering, the sound remains distortion-free even at high volumes, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Battery life is solid, supporting extended use. Overall, the BOOM 4 is portrayed as a reliable, well-rounded portable speaker that balances performance, durability, and sustainability, making it a strong choice for music lovers seeking versatility on the go.

Amazon users consistently praise the Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Speaker for its clear, powerful sound and impressive durability. Many highlight its ability to deliver loud, well-balanced audio with decent bass despite its compact size, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Reviewers appreciate the speaker’s waterproof design and rugged build, noting it withstands drops, water exposure, and even dust without performance loss. Portability stands out as a key feature, with customers enjoying its lightweight form that fits easily in cup holders or pockets, enhancing convenience during activities like showering or traveling. Several users applaud the upgraded USB-C charging port, which simplifies charging by using a common cable and speeds up the process. The speaker’s long battery life impresses many, especially when used at moderate volumes, though some report shorter battery longevity or connectivity issues after extended use. Bluetooth pairing generally works smoothly, and the companion app adds useful features such as EQ settings and remote power control, though a few mention occasional hiccups with the remote power function. Unique insights from Amazon reviewers include the speaker’s ability to automatically play playlists via a button hold (currently limited to SoundCloud and Apple Music), and the tactile, raised buttons that facilitate easy operation in the dark. The color options receive positive remarks for their attractive, subtle tones that stand out from typical speaker designs. Overall, users find the BOOM 4 worth the investment for its combination of sound quality, durability, and portability, confidently recommending it as a long-lasting, family-friendly speaker.

Customers on Best Buy provide positive feedback for the Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Speaker based on their overall experiences.