Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Review: The Perfect Portable Speaker for Outdoor Adventures with Big Bass and 360° Sound
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 is a Bluetooth speaker that continues to build on its predecessors with a few refinements. Known for its compact size, rugged durability, and robust sound output, it remains a popular choice for users looking for a reliable portable speaker with excellent value for money. This review will explore various aspects of the speaker, including its design, sound quality, durability, battery life, and some of its shortcomings.
Design and Build Quality
The WONDERBOOM 4 has retained the classic cylindrical design of previous models, featuring a sturdy, fabric mesh exterior that contributes to its IP67 rating, making it waterproof and dustproof. This feature ensures it can survive being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes, while also being resistant to dust, making it perfect for poolside or beach use. Its small, rounded design and bright color options are visually appealing, though some may feel that the design is somewhat generic and doesn’t significantly deviate from earlier models or competing products.
At just 420 grams, the speaker is lightweight, and its compact size makes it extremely portable, fitting easily into backpacks or even larger pockets. One of the standout features is that the speaker floats on water, an advantage for anyone taking it near a pool, lake, or the beach. However, despite these strengths, the design does have its limitations. For instance, the Outdoor Mode button, meant to enhance sound for outdoor settings, is awkwardly placed at the bottom of the speaker, making it slightly inconvenient to activate(RTINGS.com)(Whats The Best).
Sound Quality and Performance
When it comes to sound, the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 delivers impressively for its size. The 360-degree sound projection ensures an even sound distribution, meaning you don’t have to be directly in front of the speaker to enjoy the music. The audio quality is bright and crisp, with an emphasis on bass, which is strong for a speaker of this size. Whether you are listening to podcasts, pop music, or EDM, the WONDERBOOM 4 delivers a well-rounded sound that is pleasing across various genres.
However, while the speaker shines at moderate volumes, there are noticeable issues at higher volumes. Users have reported that when cranked up to maximum output, the sound can become distorted and lose clarity, especially in bass-heavy tracks. Additionally, the Outdoor Mode, which is designed to boost volume in open environments, often leads to a harsher, less refined sound, making it less appealing for audiophiles or those seeking an immersive listening experience(Whats The Best).
The inclusion of a Podcast Mode is another new feature, but unfortunately, it has been met with less enthusiasm. While it is supposed to isolate vocals, improving clarity for spoken word content like podcasts or audiobooks, many users have found that it actually dulls the audio, leading to a less vibrant sound. Voices sound flat and lack the depth that makes listening to spoken content engaging. As such, while the WONDERBOOM 4 offers a range of audio modes, these extra features may not significantly improve the user experience(RTINGS.com).
Durability and Portability
One of the biggest selling points of the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 is its durability. Built to withstand the elements, this speaker is designed for the outdoors, whether you’re hiking, camping, or swimming. The waterproof and dustproof features, combined with its ability to float, make it an excellent choice for anyone who wants a speaker that can handle rough conditions. In terms of portability, its small size, lightweight build, and rugged design mean it can be easily thrown into a bag or clipped onto a backpack using a carabiner for hands-free carrying.
However, the speaker is not without flaws in this department. While the compact design is convenient, it doesn’t stray far from the previous WONDERBOOM 3 model, leaving some users disappointed with the lack of significant aesthetic updates. Despite this, the speaker remains a favorite for those who prioritize function over form. With a range of up to 131 feet (40 meters), you won’t have to worry about losing connection when moving around a large area, which is ideal for outdoor use(Whats The Best)(RTINGS.com).
Battery Life and Connectivity
One area where the WONDERBOOM 4 excels is battery life. With up to 14 hours of playtime, this speaker can last through long days of use without needing to be recharged. Many users have praised its ability to maintain strong battery performance even with heavy usage over several days. Moreover, the speaker supports USB-C charging, which is a welcomed upgrade from the older micro-USB used in previous models. A quick 15-20 minute charge can provide several hours of playback, making it a convenient option for users who are often on the go(RTINGS.com).
In terms of connectivity, the Bluetooth range is impressive, extending up to 131 feet (40 meters) in open areas. This makes it easy to control the speaker from a distance, whether you’re at a park, beach, or large outdoor gathering. However, there is a downside: the speaker doesn’t support stereo pairing with older WONDERBOOM models, which might be a dealbreaker for some users who have invested in previous versions(Whats The Best).
Final Verdict
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a durable, portable Bluetooth speaker with excellent sound quality, especially in outdoor settings. Its compact size, waterproof, and dustproof features make it perfect for adventurous users, while its long battery life ensures you won’t be left without music during long outings. The strong bass performance and 360-degree sound projection are particularly noteworthy, offering a full audio experience in a small package.
However, it does have its limitations. Outdoor Mode and Podcast Mode have been widely criticized for diminishing sound quality, especially at higher volumes, and its lack of stereo pairing with older models may disappoint some long-time Ultimate Ears fans. Despite these shortcomings, the speaker’s price point, combined with its impressive durability and sound performance, makes it a worthy competitor in the budget Bluetooth speaker market.
In conclusion, if you’re seeking an affordable, robust speaker that you can take anywhere, the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 is a fantastic option, though audiophiles or those looking for premium sound customization options might find its limitations frustrating(RTINGS.com)(Whats The Best).
