I spent a full week testing the Ultimate Ears Boom 4 in real-world situations, from long outdoor walks and poolside listening sessions to indoor use while working and cooking. My goal was to see whether this fourth-generation model could meaningfully improve on the already well-established Boom 3, or if it simply polished what was already there. Ultimate Ears has a reputation for building speakers that can survive almost anything, but I wanted to know whether the Boom 4 could pair that toughness with sound that lives up to its name.
Design & Build
The first thing I noticed about the Boom 4 is its build quality. Ultimate Ears clearly designed this speaker for people who are constantly on the go. It has an IP67 rating, which means it can handle being submerged in water and won’t let dust sneak into its ports or drivers. I intentionally pushed it a bit, leaving it on wet grass, exposing it to splashes from the pool, and even rinsing it off under running water. Each time, it came out functioning as if nothing had happened.
The cylindrical design is familiar to anyone who has used a previous Boom model. It’s covered in tightly woven fabric that feels firm and premium in the hand, and the large “+” and “–” volume buttons remain easy to press, even when the speaker is wet. The rubberized top and bottom caps add grip, which makes it less likely to slide off slick surfaces. The overall size strikes a good balance: it’s compact enough to fit into most backpacks or cup holders, but not small enough to slip into a coat pocket.
Ultimate Ears has switched to USB-C charging, which feels long overdue. This small but meaningful change simplifies charging, especially for those who already use USB-C for phones and laptops. The port is neatly protected under a rubber flap to maintain waterproofing. While I appreciate the durability, the Boom 4 isn’t light—it has some heft to it, which gives the impression of quality, but also means you notice it when carrying it for long distances.
Performance & Sound Quality
The Boom 4 continues the brand’s signature 360-degree sound approach, projecting audio evenly in all directions. Whether I placed it in the middle of a room, on a patio table, or beside a pool, the sound coverage remained consistent. For casual listening, the Boom 4 easily fills medium-sized spaces without distortion, even at higher volumes.
The sound profile leans toward clarity and balance rather than heavy bass. Vocals and instruments sound crisp, and podcasts or acoustic tracks play beautifully. However, when I switched to bass-heavy genres like hip-hop or electronic music, I immediately felt that the low-end response was weaker than I wanted. The bass is present and clean, but it lacks depth and punch compared to some competitors in the same price range.
One thing I did appreciate was how the Boom 4 maintains composure at high volume levels. Even when pushed to its limit, it avoids the harsh treble distortion that some portable speakers suffer from. It’s best suited for outdoor gatherings, casual parties, or travel, rather than for audiophiles looking for a truly immersive home setup.
The Boom 4 connects quickly via Bluetooth, and the range is reliable. I was able to walk around my apartment and even step outside without losing the signal. The control buttons work as expected, and the new “magic button” on the top lets you pause, skip, or replay tracks with a single tap, which is convenient when your phone isn’t nearby. The companion app provides additional features like EQ adjustments and the ability to pair multiple UE speakers for synchronized playback.
Battery Life & Charging
Ultimate Ears advertises up to 15 hours of battery life, but in my real-world testing, I averaged around 12 to 13 hours at moderate volume levels. That’s still respectable and more than enough for a full day of use. Volume and Bluetooth range definitely affect performance, so expect less if you’re consistently pushing the speaker to its maximum output.
Charging through USB-C is much faster than before. It took roughly two and a half hours to reach a full charge from empty, which is acceptable for a speaker this size. I like that the charging port no longer relies on proprietary adapters or micro-USB, making it easier to charge anywhere.
The battery indicator light remains simple, but I would have appreciated a more precise percentage indicator either through the app or directly on the speaker. For frequent travelers, the Boom 4’s endurance will be good enough, but not class-leading.
Price and Value
At a retail price of around $149, the Ultimate Ears Boom 4 sits in the mid-to-high range of portable Bluetooth speakers. For that cost, it offers genuine toughness, water resistance, modern charging, and well-balanced sound. However, it faces heavy competition from brands like JBL and Sony, which now offer speakers with stronger bass and slightly longer battery life for a similar price.
If durability and 360-degree sound are your top priorities, the Boom 4 makes a strong case for itself. It feels like a speaker you can throw in a backpack and not worry about. But if you care primarily about sound power or deep bass, you can find better-sounding alternatives for the same money. The improvements over the Boom 3 are incremental, not revolutionary.
Pros
- Rugged, waterproof, and dustproof construction
- Clear 360-degree sound that performs well indoors and outdoors
- USB-C charging with faster recharge times
- Strong Bluetooth stability and easy pairing
- Solid battery life for day-long use
Cons
- Bass lacks depth compared to rival speakers
- Slightly heavier than other portable options
- Only modest upgrades from the Boom 3
- No detailed battery percentage indicator
- Price feels a little steep for the performance
Verdict
The Ultimate Ears Boom 4 stays true to what the brand does best—building portable speakers that can handle nearly anything life throws at them. It’s a reliable companion for travel, outdoor adventures, and casual gatherings. The addition of USB-C and better sound clarity make it a worthy upgrade for newcomers, but those who already own the Boom 3 might not feel much difference. It’s an easy recommendation for anyone who values durability and balanced sound over raw power, and while it’s not a game changer, it’s a confident and enjoyable portable speaker that delivers more hits than misses.
Overall Score: 7.8 out of 10
