Original price was: $99.99.$69.99Current price is: $69.99.
When Ultimate Ears released the WONDERBOOM 4 in late 2023, they focused on refining what made the previous models successful rather than reinventing the wheel. After extensive testing, we've found this approach pays off - this compact powerhouse delivers impressive audio quality while maintaining the durability that made the series famous.
The WONDERBOOM 4 builds on its predecessors' foundation with some meaningful upgrades. Since the original 2017 release, each iteration has brought incremental improvements. The switch to USB-C charging from micro-USB is perhaps the most welcome change, bringing faster charging and better compatibility with modern devices.
During our testing, the 360-degree sound profile consistently impressed us. The speaker uses dual 40mm active drivers (these are the main speakers that produce the sound) paired with passive radiators (components that enhance bass response without requiring additional power). This combination creates a surprisingly rich audio experience that fills rooms effectively despite the speaker's small size.
The sound modes are particularly clever:
While testing various music genres, we noticed the speaker handles most styles admirably. The bass response is impressive for the size, though don't expect the same low-end punch you'd get from larger speakers. Rock and pop music sound particularly good, while classical pieces retain decent instrument separation.
The IP67 rating means two things: complete dust protection (the '6') and water resistance up to 1 meter for 30 minutes (the '7'). In practical terms, this means you can:
During our outdoor testing, the speaker handled everything from light drizzle to accidental drops without issue. The rugged construction feels substantial without being heavy, weighing just 420 grams.
Bluetooth range extends to about 40 meters in open spaces, though walls and obstacles will reduce this. One particularly useful feature is the ability to connect two source devices simultaneously - perfect for switching between your laptop and phone without re-pairing.
The Double Up feature, which lets you pair two WONDERBOOM 4s for stereo sound, works seamlessly. While testing, we found the stereo separation adds a new dimension to music listening, though it's not essential for casual use.
The 14-hour battery life claim proved accurate in our testing at moderate volumes. Higher volumes naturally reduce this, but we consistently got 10+ hours even with heavy use. The USB-C charging is a significant upgrade, taking about 2.5 hours for a full charge.
While the WONDERBOOM 4 isn't designed as a home theater speaker, it can serve as a versatile auxiliary audio source. We found it particularly useful for:
The speaker truly shines outdoors. The combination of durability and sound quality makes it perfect for:
At its price point, the WONDERBOOM 4 offers exceptional value. While there are cheaper portable speakers available, few match its combination of sound quality, durability, and features. The premium features typically found in more expensive speakers include:
In the portable speaker market, the WONDERBOOM 4 competes well against similarly priced options. While some competitors offer additional features like app support or voice assistants, the WONDERBOOM 4 focuses on core performance: sound quality, durability, and ease of use.
The WONDERBOOM 4 is ideal for:
It might not be the best choice if you:
After extensive testing, the WONDERBOOM 4 proves itself as a remarkably well-rounded portable speaker. It balances sound quality, durability, and features in a way that makes it easy to recommend for most users. The improvements over previous models, while incremental, add up to a more refined and capable product.
The speaker's versatility is perhaps its greatest strength - it's equally at home providing background music in your kitchen as it is soundtracking a beach party. While it won't replace a dedicated home audio system, it excels in its intended role as a go-anywhere, do-anything portable speaker.
For those seeking a durable, great-sounding portable speaker that can handle whatever life throws at it, the WONDERBOOM 4 represents excellent value and practical design. It's a worthy upgrade for existing WONDERBOOM users and an excellent entry point for those new to the series.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 offers excellent value for its price, delivering impressive sound quality, durability, and features. For under $100, you get waterproofing, 14-hour battery life, and 360-degree sound, making it worth the investment for most users seeking a portable speaker.
While the WONDERBOOM 4 isn't designed as a primary home theater speaker, it can serve as a versatile auxiliary audio solution. It works well for extending audio to other rooms or creating temporary outdoor listening zones. However, it lacks wired inputs and proper home theater connectivity options.
The speaker has an IP67 rating, meaning it's fully dustproof and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. It also floats, making it perfect for pool or beach use.
To pair two WONDERBOOM 4 speakers, press the "Double Up" button on top of both units simultaneously. They'll automatically connect for stereo sound, with one speaker becoming the left channel and the other the right.
The speaker has a Bluetooth range of up to 40 meters (131 feet) in open spaces. However, walls and obstacles will reduce this range significantly.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 provides up to 14 hours of playback on a single charge at moderate volume levels. Higher volumes will reduce battery life, but most users can expect 10+ hours of continuous use.
Standard mode provides balanced audio with fuller bass, while Outdoor Boost mode reduces bass and enhances treble frequencies to help sound carry better in open spaces.
Yes, the WONDERBOOM 4 can connect to two source devices simultaneously, allowing you to easily switch between them without re-pairing.
The speaker reaches 86 dBC in normal mode and 87 dBC in outdoor mode, which is impressively loud for its size and sufficient for most indoor rooms or outdoor gatherings.
No, the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 does not include a built-in microphone, so it cannot be used for hands-free calling or voice commands.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research has used advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: techradar.com - ultimateears.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - ultimateears.com - staples.com - bestbuy.com - ultimateears.com - youtube.com - forum.mygolfspy.com
The Morel BIGGIE ($299) represents a significant step up in audio performance, featuring a sophisticated two-way speaker design with a dedicated tweeter and 4-inch woofer powered by 60 watts of Class D amplification. While it sacrifices the WONDERBOOM 4's rugged portability, it delivers notably superior sound quality with genuine bass response down to 40Hz, clearer highs, and better overall clarity, especially at higher volumes. The BIGGIE's more powerful amplification isn't just about volume - it provides headroom for dynamic peaks in music that smaller portable speakers simply can't reproduce accurately.
At more than four times the price, the BIGGIE targets a different user altogether - one who prioritizes sound quality over ultimate portability and weatherproofing. Its additional features like the 3.5mm auxiliary input, USB-C power bank functionality, and more sophisticated Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity make it more versatile for home use. The 20-hour battery life and fast charging capability are impressive, though the larger size and 5.7-pound weight make it more of a "transportable" than truly portable speaker. For those who value audio quality above all else and primarily use their speaker indoors or in controlled environments, the BIGGIE's premium price can be justified by its superior performance.
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Original price was: $5,997.99.$5,797.99Current price is: $5,797.99.
