Ultimate Ears’ BOOM series has captured the hearts of music enthusiasts with its portable Bluetooth speakers. Known for their big, loud, and clear sound in a compact package, these speakers feature distinctive, oversized volume controls that add a unique aesthetic appeal.
The latest addition to the family, the BOOM 4, builds upon its predecessors’ success. Announced earlier this year alongside other Ultimate Ears offerings, the BOOM 4 boasts enhanced deep bass radiators for an even more impressive sound and incorporates more recycled materials in its construction.
Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Review – Packaging Contents
Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Review – Design and Features
The BOOM 4 maintains the familiar design that fans have come to love. Its compact, vertical shape allows for easy one-handed carrying and placement in various settings, from narrow spaces to bedside tables.
The iconic volume controls remain front and centre, intuitive enough for even young children to operate. While these buttons are frequently used, they also contribute significantly to the speaker’s overall aesthetic. It’s also vertical-shaped rather than horizontal, making it easier to be placed in narrow spaces and won’t take much space on your bedside table either.
On the top of the device, you’ll find:
- Power button
- Connectivity button
- Magic button (for music playback control)
The Magic button offers multiple functions such as:
- Play/Pause: Single tap
- Skip/Rewind tracks: Double and triple tap
- Change playlist: Press and hold
There is also a covered USB-C port to charge the speaker.
Durability and Sound Quality
The BOOM 4’s rugged design isn’t just for show. Ultimate Ears claims it’s drop-proof, in addition to its IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. This durability makes it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures and parties.
This is because not only is it rugged and waterproof, but it has a big and clear sound. I’ve honestly never had to crank the volume up when I tested this inside the house. Obviously, if you are carrying this outside for a pool or beach party, that will be a different story. Its iconic cylindrical design also delivers spatial 360-degree sound evenly in all directions which means everyone can enjoy the music wherever they are situated around the speaker.
BOOM 4’s bass is punchy though doesn’t feel that bold but the audio is clear and feels expansive. I also don’t hear distortions as the volume goes higher so that’s another nice tick. Vocals-heavy songs with a bit of jazzy tunes sound great with the BOOM 4.
The speaker weighs around 620 grams so you may actually have lighter portable speakers and that’s fine. I’m sure that the BOOM 4 sounds better because it’s equipped with better active drivers and passive radiators.
If you download the app on the phone, you can further tweak the EQ among other things like using the speaker as a megaphone. Having the app is not mandatory though and you can still enjoy the speaker as it is without.
And having more BOOM 4 speakers is not mandatory either though you can pair over 150 speakers (BOOM 4 and previous generations, MEGABOOM 4, EVERBOOM, EPICBOOM and HYPERBOOM) to create an amazing and crazy party experience!
According to Ultimate Ears, the BOOM 4 can give you up to 15 hours of battery life in a single charge (though this obviously depends on many factors). It still is amazing and can last you more than one party session for sure. Charging can simply be done using a USB-C cable.
Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Review Conclusion
The Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 continues the legacy of the BOOM series by offering powerful sound in a compact, rugged package. With its enhanced deep bass radiators, improved sustainability through the use of recycled materials, and the signature 360-degree sound, it’s a strong contender in the portable speaker market. The design remains familiar yet functional. Whether you’re hosting an outdoor party or enjoying music at home, the BOOM 4 delivers a consistent and expansive audio experience. Its durability, waterproof features, and long battery life make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, portable speaker.
It’s available now for purchase at retailers in Australia for A$229.95.
Disclosure: Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 review sample was supplied for reviewing
Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Review
Overall
Summary
The Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 offers impressive sound quality in a rugged, portable design, perfect for any adventure.
