If you’ve purchased a portable Bluetooth speaker over the past decade, you’ve probably heard of Ultimate Ears. The brand’s Boom speaker helped pioneer the market with its cylindrical waterproof design that dishes out powerful 360-degree sound. That same architecture was applied to an even smaller speaker dubbed the Wonderboom, which immediately became the essential budget speaker for pool parties and outdoor gatherings.
The Wonderboom 4 is the latest series entry, and though it looks exactly like the well-received Wonderboom 3, it welcomes a few upgrades. A new charging solution and tremendous sound in a compact, damage-proof shell are two huge selling points. However, lingering flaws will have you considering other inexpensive gems like the $40 Treblab HD-Mini or $59 Tribit StormBox Micro 2.
Here’s our full breakdown of the Wonderboom 4.
With the same great aesthetics, battery life and sound quality as its predecessor in addition to some welcome new perks, the Wonderboom 4 ranks among the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers under $100.
What we liked about it
Wide, spacious sound quality
Audio performance between the Wonderboom 3 and Wonderboom 4 is indistinguishable. This version features dual drivers of the same size and passive radiators in a round design that effectively projects sound from all angles. We see the return of Outdoor Mode, as well as the addition of Podcast Mode, though only one of these is serviceable.
The electro-driven funk on Jamiroquai’s “Deeper Underground (Don Diablo Remix)” was deeply felt throughout my apartment when played at high volume. Drums knocked hard and synths were vibrant, beautifully showcasing the speaker’s monstrous bass response. The Wonderboom 4 faithfully reproduced Quavo’s “Fly” featuring Lenny Kravitz by blending bright-verse melodies and electric riffs with booming trap drums. Even love ballads featuring pleasant basslines like Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” sounded terrific and offered up impressive highs; the tambourines were crisp and transparent.
Outdoor Mode increases treble and volume amplification, though it only stands out on certain songs. I revisited the Ohio Players’ “Love Rollercoaster” and enjoyed the extra bounce this EQ delivered. Recordings with less upbeat productions didn’t fare so well, lacking midrange and oomph from the low end.
USB-C finally joins the party
It took long enough, but UE has officially jumped on the USB-C bandwagon. This allows for higher power delivery. A full charge achieves up to 14 hours of listening time. High volume and Outdoor Mode decrease playtime to 11 hours, which is still sufficient. I’ve been using the Wonderboom 4 for over a week (1.5 hours daily) and have 10 percent of juice left in the tank.
That same sturdy design we’ve come to love
UE’s reputation for sturdiness precedes itself. Every one of its portable speakers are built like tanks and have high IP ratings. The Wonderboom 4 is no different. Wrapped around the top and bottom is extremely durable plastic, while the middle is covered in thick woven fabric that safeguards the radiators. The built-in carabiner hook makes it easier to transport the speaker.
The Wonderboom 4 can survive the hardest tumbles and harshest conditions, thanks to IP67 certification for robust dirt-, dust-, and water protection. Drop the speaker from 1 meter or submerge it in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes and it will still work, which is why it comes highly recommended for biking, hiking and all other outdoor adventures. This is also a terrific pool and shower speaker with reliable waterproofing to prevent moisture damage.
Lots of great features
Aside from its boomy soundstage and indestructible design, the Wonderboom 4 carries over some popular traits from past releases. Bluetooth multipoint is back to let you pair the speaker with two devices simultaneously, so you and a friend can share DJ duties. Bluetooth performance continues to hold up strong and extends range up to 131 feet before audio stutters. Basics like the huge user-friendly volume buttons on the front simplify usage. UE’s two-year limited warranty is also accounted for.
What we didn’t like about it
Still no companion app support
The flagship Hyperboom is compatible with the UE Boom app, which hosts a customizable EQ, PartyUp pairing and one-touch access to your favorite playlist. Midrange speakers like the Everboom receive these same perks. Why not the UE Wonderboom 4? Four generations in and the series still doesn’t have app support. Meanwhile, sub-$40 speakers like the Anker Soundcore Glow Mini come with app support and personalization tools like EQ adjustment and lighting effects.
Podcast Mode is unconvincing
A thoughtful bonus? Yes. A useful feature? Not really. The Podcast EQ doesn’t bring much to the table. Audiobooks and YouTube clips sound a little sharper, but also monotone and thin. The Outdoor EQ and standard mode have better vocal presentation.
No backwards compatibility
What’s with the latest Wonderbooms being unable to pair with their predecessors? It makes little sense considering the Wonderboom 1 and 2 offered this feature. The product page says the following speakers won’t connect with the Wonderboom 4: Wonderboom 1/2, Boom, Megaboom, and Hyberboom. Notice how it doesn’t list the Wonderboom 3. I reached out to UE to find out whether the third- and fourth-gen models paired together, which they confirmed. Unfortunately, I had no luck pairing them. You’ll need to purchase another Wonderboom 4 to connect two speakers simultaneously for stereo sound.
Bottom line
If USB-C charging matters to you, then purchase the Wonderboom 4. Otherwise, snag the previous version for identical performance at a lower price.
Audio quality hasn’t changed for this year’s model, which translates to balanced, boom-filled sound. Battery life is high, durability remains elite and nifty extras like Bluetooth multipoint come in handy when switching from an iPhone to MacBook Pro and vice versa.
It’s just disappointing to see frequent requests, like backwards compatibility with older models and UE Boom app support, continue to be dismissed. These two additions would have earned the Wonderboom 4 a higher ranking among the best portable Bluetooth speakers. Maybe the fifth time will be a charm.
