Portable Bluetooth speakers have become essential companions whether you're relaxing by the pool, spending the day at the beach, camping in the mountains, or simply enjoying music around the house. The challenge isn't finding a Bluetooth speaker—it's finding one that sounds great, survives life's adventures, offers long battery life, and delivers real value.

Ultimate Ears has been a leader in portable wireless speakers for years, and after spending time with the Ultimate Ears BOOM 4, it's easy to understand why the company continues to have such a loyal following.

I've owned and tested several Ultimate Ears speakers over the years, and the BOOM 4 continues that tradition with excellent audio quality, rugged construction, useful app controls, and impressive wireless performance. While it isn't designed to compete with much larger party speakers, it offers exactly what most consumers want—a compact speaker that delivers surprisingly big sound wherever you take it.

At an MSRP of $149.99, the BOOM 4 strikes an excellent balance between premium features, portability, and durability.

Design and Build Quality

Boom 4 unboxedGearBrain

Ultimate Ears has kept the iconic cylindrical design that has made the BOOM series instantly recognizable.

The BOOM 4 feels premium from the moment you pick it up. At just 21.87 ounces (620 grams) and measuring 7.24 inches tall, it's compact enough to toss into a backpack, beach bag, or carry-on without taking up much space.

Despite its relatively small size, the speaker feels incredibly durable.

That's important because Ultimate Ears built the BOOM 4 to go virtually anywhere.

Whether you're:

• Hiking
• Camping
• At the beach
• Poolside
• Tailgating
• Traveling

The BOOM 4 is built to survive.

Its IP67 rating means it's:

• Waterproof
• Dustproof
• Floatable
• Drop-proof

This is one of those speakers you don't have to baby.

If it accidentally falls into the pool or lake, it floats.

If it gets caught in the rain, no problem.

If it takes a tumble while camping, chances are it'll keep playing.

Ultimate Ears calls it "virtually indestructible," and based on years of experience with previous BOOM speakers, that claim largely holds up.

Ultimate Ears Boom 4 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker with 360-Degree Immersive Sound, Outdoor Floating Speaker, 15-Hour Battery, 147ft Range - Blue (Renewed)

Sound Quality: Big Audio from a Compact Speaker

Sound Quality: Big Audio from a Compact SpeakerGearBrain

The first thing you'll notice is how much sound comes from such a compact speaker.

Like previous generations, BOOM 4 features 360-degree spatial sound, allowing audio to radiate evenly in every direction.

Unlike directional speakers that sound best when heard directly from the front, BOOM 4 fills a room or outdoor space more naturally.

Whether it's sitting in the middle of a picnic table or a pool deck, everyone hears a consistent sound.

The speaker includes:

• Two 40mm active drivers
• Two passive radiators

The result is surprisingly full sound for its size.

Bass Performance

One area where BOOM 4 impressed me was the bass.

Ultimate Ears didn't try to artificially exaggerate the low frequencies.

Instead, the speaker produces bass that's:

• Deep
• Controlled
• Punchy
• Clean

Even at higher volumes, I noticed very little distortion.

If you're expecting the kind of bass you'll get from a much larger speaker, you'll need something like the Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM.

But for a speaker this size, BOOM 4 delivers excellent balance.

My Favorite Feature: The Ultimate Ears App

Customize EQ in Ultimate Ears appGearBrain

If there's one feature that separates BOOM 4 from many competing Bluetooth speakers, it's the UE | BOOM App.

I love speakers that let you customize their sound.

The BOOM 4 does exactly that.

Out of the box, you can choose from several preset EQ modes, including:

• Signature Sound
• Bass Boost
• Cramped Space
• Deep Relaxation
• Podcast/Vocal

Each preset noticeably changes the listening experience.

Listening to podcasts?

Switch to Podcast/Vocal.

Listening outdoors?

Bass Boost adds extra punch.

Small room?

Cramped Space adjusts the acoustics.

Even better, if none of the presets perfectly match your preferences, you can create your own custom EQ profile.

This level of personalization is something I always appreciate because everyone's music tastes are different.

Whether you enjoy rock, jazz, country, hip-hop, classical, or podcasts, BOOM 4 lets you tailor the sound to your liking.

For me, this is one of the speaker's biggest strengths.

Magic Button Makes Playback Easy

Setup Magic Button in Ulitimate ears appGearBrain

Another thoughtful feature is the Magic Button.

Instead of reaching for your phone every time you want to pause or skip tracks, you can control playback directly from the speaker.

It also supports one-touch playlists from supported streaming services including:

• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• Apple Music (iOS)

It's a simple convenience feature that becomes surprisingly useful during parties or outdoor gatherings.

Bluetooth Performance

Wireless performance is another area where BOOM 4 excels.

Ultimate Ears rates Bluetooth range at 147 feet (45 meters).

In real-world use, I found the connection extremely reliable.

One of my favorite things about the BOOM 4 is that you don't have to keep your phone nearby.

Whether you're grilling in the backyard, walking around the campsite, or relaxing by the pool, you can leave your smartphone inside while the music keeps playing.

That's something many lower-cost Bluetooth speakers simply can't match.

Battery Life

Maximize battery powerGearBrain

Ultimate Ears rates the BOOM 4 for up to 15 hours of battery life.

Actual performance depends on:

• Volume
• EQ settings
• Bass Boost usage
• Environmental conditions

Using moderate listening levels, the battery easily lasts through an entire day outdoors.

Heavy bass and maximum volume naturally reduce runtime, but for most users, the battery life should be more than adequate.

Charging is handled through USB-C.

One small downside is that the charging cable isn't included.

PartyUp Creates Massive Sound

Magic Button on Boom 4GearBrain

If one BOOM 4 isn't enough, Ultimate Ears makes it incredibly easy to expand your audio system.

Using PartyUp inside the UE app, you can connect:

• Multiple BOOM 4 speakers
• MEGABOOM 4
• EVERBOOM
• EPICBOOM
• HYPERBOOM
• Previous-generation BOOM speakers

In fact, you can pair over 150 compatible speakers together.

While most people won't ever need that many speakers, it's fantastic for:

• Large parties
• Backyard events
• Weddings
• Outdoor gatherings

I've always appreciated how easy Ultimate Ears makes this process.

No complicated setup.

Just pair the speakers and enjoy much bigger sound.

Sustainability Matters

Ultimate Ears also deserves credit for making sustainability part of the BOOM 4 design.

The speaker uses a minimum of 52% certified post-consumer recycled plastic in its plastic components.

Even the paper packaging comes from FSC-certified forests and other controlled sources.

It's encouraging to see manufacturers building environmentally responsible products without sacrificing quality.

Compatibility

BOOM 4 works with virtually any Bluetooth-enabled device, including:

• iPhone
• Android smartphones
• iPads
• Android tablets
• Windows laptops
• MacBooks
• Bluetooth music players

If it supports Bluetooth A2DP audio, BOOM 4 should work with it.

Available Colors

BOOM 4 comes in four attractive finishes:

• Active Black
• Raspberry Red
• Cobalt Blue
• Enchanting Lilac

Each maintains Ultimate Ears' modern, minimalist styling.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions

• Height: 7.24 inches
• Width: 2.9 inches
• Weight: 620 grams

Drivers

• Two 40mm active drivers
• Two passive radiators

Maximum Volume

• 85 dBC

Battery

• Up to 15 hours

Charging

• USB-C

Bluetooth Range

• Up to 147 feet

Water Rating

• IP67

Warranty

• 2-Year Limited Hardware Warranty

What's Included

Inside the box, you'll find:

• Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 speaker
• Attached carrying bungee
• Quick Start Guide

Price and Availability

The Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 carries an MSRP of $149.99 and is available from:

• Ultimate Ears
• Amazon
• Best Buy
• Target
• Other major online retailers

Ultimate Ears Boom 4 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker with 360-Degree, Bold, Immersive, Crystal-Clear Sound, Floating Speaker with 15-Hour Battery and 147ft (45m) Range - Black (Renewed)

Should You Buy the Ultimate Ears BOOM 4?

If you're looking for a compact Bluetooth speaker that delivers premium sound without sacrificing portability or durability, the Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 deserves to be near the top of your shopping list.

What impressed me most wasn't just the audio quality—although it certainly sounds excellent—but how complete the overall package feels.

The customizable EQ in the Ultimate Ears app is one of my favorite features because it lets you tailor the sound to your listening preferences rather than forcing you into a single audio profile. Add excellent battery life, outstanding Bluetooth range, waterproof construction, and easy PartyUp speaker pairing, and you have a speaker that's ready for just about any situation.

I've been using Ultimate Ears speakers for years, and the BOOM 4 continues the company's reputation for building dependable, great-sounding portable speakers. Even though it's slightly smaller than the BOOM 3, it still produces impressively rich, room-filling audio.

Whether you're spending the weekend at the beach, relaxing by the pool, heading out on a camping trip, or simply enjoying music around the house, the BOOM 4 is a speaker I would confidently recommend. For under $150, it delivers an outstanding combination of sound quality, rugged durability, smart features, and portability, making it one of the best Bluetooth speakers in its class.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 waterproof?

Yes. The BOOM 4 is IP67-rated, making it waterproof, dustproof, floatable, and drop-resistant.

How long does the BOOM 4 battery last?

The rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 15 hours of playback, depending on volume levels, EQ settings, and usage.

Can I customize the sound?

Yes. The free UE | BOOM App offers Signature Sound, Bass Boost, Cramped Space, Deep Relaxation, Podcast/Vocal presets, plus a fully customizable EQ.

Can I connect multiple Ultimate Ears speakers together?

Yes. Using PartyUp, you can pair over 150 compatible BOOM, MEGABOOM, EVERBOOM, EPICBOOM, HYPERBOOM, and select previous-generation BOOM speakers.

Does BOOM 4 work with iPhone and Android?

Yes. It works with iPhones, Android smartphones, tablets, laptops, and virtually any Bluetooth-enabled device supporting A2DP audio.

What colors are available?

BOOM 4 is available in Active Black, Raspberry Red, Cobalt Blue, and Enchanting Lilac.

Does the BOOM 4 include a USB-C charging cable?

No. The speaker charges via USB-C, but a charging cable is not included in the box.

Final Thoughts

The Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 proves that you don't need a large speaker to enjoy rich, room-filling sound. With its impressive 360-degree audio, customizable EQ through the UE | BOOM app, rugged IP67 waterproof design, long Bluetooth range, and the ability to pair with more than 150 compatible Ultimate Ears speakers, it stands out as one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers in its price range. Whether you're heading to the beach, relaxing by the pool, camping with friends, or simply listening at home, the BOOM 4 delivers reliable performance and excellent value. If you're shopping for a durable Bluetooth speaker under $150 that sounds as good as it looks, the Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 should be on your shortlist.

Pros

• Excellent 360-degree sound
• Deep, clean bass without distortion
• Outstanding Bluetooth range (up to 147 feet)
• Waterproof, floatable, and drop-proof (IP67)
• Excellent Ultimate Ears app with customizable EQ
• Easy PartyUp pairing with over 150 compatible speakers
• USB-C charging
• Sustainable construction using recycled plastic
• Solid 15-hour battery life
• Attractive color choices

Cons

• USB-C charging cable not included
• Maximum volume (85 dBC) won't replace larger party speakers
• No built-in voice assistant

Check out The GearBrain, our compatibility product find engine, to see the other waterproof Bluetooth speakers that work with your smartphone, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.

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