Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4: Still King of the Portable Bluetooth Speaker Jungle?
The portable Bluetooth speaker market is a crowded battlefield, but the Ultimate Ears Megaboom line has consistently held its own, often claiming the high ground. With the Megaboom 4 hitting shelves, the question isn’t just “is it good?”, but “is it still the best option?” We’ve spent weeks putting it through its paces – from poolside parties to hiking trails – to bring you the definitive verdict.
The Megaboom 4 continues the signature cylindrical design that made its predecessors instantly recognizable. It’s a robust, go-anywhere speaker clad in durable, tightly woven fabric. The oversized volume buttons remain a prominent feature, offering tactile control even with wet or gloved hands. IP67 water and dust resistance guarantees survival against spills and splashes, making it genuinely worry-free for outdoor adventures. The design isn’t radically different from previous models, but if it ain’t broke…
Audio performance is, unsurprisingly, a highlight. The Megaboom 4 delivers a powerful, balanced sound signature with surprisingly deep bass for its size. It’s loud enough to fill a decent-sized outdoor space without distorting at higher volumes. While audiophiles might crave more nuanced detail in the mids, the overall sound is enjoyable and well-suited for various genres, excelling with pop, electronic, and rock music. Stereo separation is commendable, creating a wide soundstage that enhances the listening experience.
Connectivity is seamless, thanks to Bluetooth 5.0. We experienced no dropouts during testing, and the pairing process is quick and painless. The UE app expands functionality with features like customizable EQ settings, remote power on/off, and the ability to pair multiple UE speakers for an even bigger sound. One minor gripe is the lack of a 3.5mm aux input, a feature some competitors still offer. The absence of aptX or LDAC codecs could also disappoint some users seeking higher-resolution audio streaming.
Battery life is a strong point, consistently delivering close to the advertised 20 hours on a single charge. This makes it an ideal companion for extended trips or all-day events. Recharging is via USB-C, a welcome upgrade over the micro-USB port of older models. The inclusion of a USB-C charging cable in the box is appreciated.
At its price point, the Megaboom 4 faces stiff competition. While it excels in durability, sound quality, and battery life, some rivals offer more advanced features or slightly better audio fidelity. However, the Megaboom 4 strikes an excellent balance between these factors, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a rugged, reliable, and great-sounding portable speaker.
Where to Buy:
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 91%
- Design: 90%
- Performance: 88%
- Quality: 89%
- Popularity: 90%
Top Pros
- ✅ Sound quality is powerful and well-balanced for its size and portability.
- ✅ The rugged design and IP67 rating provide excellent water and dust resistance.
- ✅ Bluetooth 5.0 ensures stable and reliable wireless connectivity for hours.
- …
Key Cons
- ❌ The design remains largely unchanged from previous Megaboom models.
- ❌ The lack of a 3.5mm aux input limits wired connectivity options.
- ❌ The absence of aptX or LDAC codecs restricts higher-resolution audio streaming.
- …
