Updated with a USB-C charging port and a 'Podcast' mode, the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 is a portable speaker that projects your audio out 360 degrees. Like the last generation, it retains the same shape and boasts an IP67 rating and impact resistance. With a utilitarian feature set that lacks an app or even a skip to previous track control, let's see if this tough little speaker delivers good sound and functionality.
Our Verdict
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 is okay for music. Due to the speaker's 360-degree directivity, music sounds virtually the same no matter where you or the speaker are located in the space. That said, its small size can't reproduce the full thump and rumble of bass frequencies, and you're limited to only two EQ presets ('Outdoor' and 'Podcast'). It can't get that loud without noticeable compression in the lower frequencies. Still, its small size and prominent playback buttons are convenient for listening to music in the bedroom or kitchen. You can add a second WONDERBOOM 4 speaker to create a stereo pair.
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13 hours of battery life.
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360-degree directivity for easy placement.
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You can add a second WONDERBOOM 4 for a stereo pair.
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No custom EQ.
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Can't get very loud without noticeable compression.
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Stereo pairing isn't compatible with previous WONDERBOOM models.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 is not bad for watching videos and movies. It won't astound you with immersive low rumbling during action scenes, but dialogue-heavy content sounds clear. Its 360-degree directivity means you can expect your content to sound as intended regardless of placement in the room, but at high volumes, the sound compresses somewhat, especially in the lower frequencies. You also can experience a bit of lipsync mismatch, although its latency is relatively low, and some apps and devices handle latency differently.
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13 hours of battery life.
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360-degree directivity for easy placement.
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You can add a second WONDERBOOM 4 for a stereo pair.
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No custom EQ.
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Can't get very loud without noticeable compression.
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Stereo pairing isn't compatible with previous WONDERBOOM models.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 is great for listening to podcasts. Its easy playback controls and 360-degree directivity means you can pop it down anywhere nearby to listen to your favorite podcast hosts, and they'll sound natural. Although the speaker isn't very bassy, most people's voices don't reach into low bass frequencies anyhow. Plus, you can use the 'Podcast' mode to try a different EQ preset to hear speech better.
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13 hours of battery life.
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360-degree directivity for easy placement.
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'Podcast' mode EQ.
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No custom EQ.
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Stereo pairing isn't compatible with previous WONDERBOOM models.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 speaker has no microphone, so you can't directly access your voice assistant through the speaker.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 is great for outdoor use. Its compact size and rugged build means you can take it with you to soundtrack your trip to the beach or as a companion for a hike. Its 360-degree audio projection means you don't need to worry about ideal placements, while the 13 hours of battery life means the party won't get stopped short. While it's not a very loud speaker at max volume, the 'Outdoor' mode can help adjust the sound profile to make it easier to hear.
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13 hours of battery life.
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360-degree directivity for easy placement.
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Portable size.
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'Outdoors' mode EQ.
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No custom EQ.
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Can't get very loud without noticeable compression.
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Stereo pairing isn't compatible with previous WONDERBOOM models.
- 6.8 Music
- 6.4 Videos/Movies
- 8.0 Podcasts
- 3.2 Voice Assistant
- 7.9 Outdoors
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Updated Nov 20, 2024:
We added a reference to the Sony LinkBuds Speaker in the Voice Assistant box.
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Updated Oct 17, 2024:
This review has been updated to mention the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM PLAY in the Portability section.
- Updated Oct 03, 2024: This review has been updated to mention the Ultimate Ears EVERBOOM in the Frequency Response Accuracy section.
- Updated Sep 20, 2024: Review published.
- Updated Sep 10, 2024: Early access published.
- Updated Aug 16, 2024: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Aug 12, 2024: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Aug 07, 2024: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 is available in four colors. Our unit is 'Cobalt Blue' (here's its label), and the other colorways are 'Active Black,' 'Hyper Pink,' and 'Joyous Bright.' We expect these speakers to perform similarly. If you come across a different variant, please let us know in the comments, and we'll update the review.
Compared To Other Speakers
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 is more like a subtle update than a completely new design compared to the previous Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3. It has an added 'Podcast' mode and updated the charging port to USB-C. The newer speaker sounds a bit brighter overall than the predecessor, but by most measures, they're similar. The WONDERBOOM 4 is a bit bigger than the JBL Clip 5, which is more portable with a sturdy integrated hook, but the WONDERBOOM 4 has a considerably longer battery life, and it sounds less compressed at high output volumes. However, the JBL has a dedicated app with a graphic EQ to customize the sound.
If you want to check out what else you can get, head over to the best Bluetooth speakers under $100, the best budget and cheap Bluetooth speakers, and the best portable Bluetooth speakers.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 and JBL Flip 6 are both very portable speakers with different pros and cons, so the best one depends on your needs. The Ultimate Ears has a significantly longer battery life, better 360-degree directivity, lower latency for watching videos, and less compression. However, the JBL has app support with a custom EQ to adjust the sound and a bit more low-end extension.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 and WONDERBOOM 3 are very similar speakers. The main differences are that the WONDERBOOM 4 charges using USB-C and has a 'Podcast' mode. If you watch videos, its lower latency will make a difference in syncing audio and video. However, if you can find the WONDERBOOM 3 at a discount and don't mind the older micro-USB charging port, besides the audio latency, the performance difference is minor.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 is a better portable speaker for most uses than the Ultimate Ears BOOM 4. While they're both available at similar price points, the WONDERBOOM 4 represents better value for most uses. It's more portable, has a more balanced default sound profile, and features Bluetooth multi-device pairing. Otherwise, the two speakers are very similar when it comes to soundstage performance, battery life, and build quality.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 is slightly better than the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2. The WONDERBOOM 4 uses the newer USB-C charging standard and adds a 'Podcast' EQ preset. If you watch videos, this speaker has much lower latency, so you'll notice fewer lipsync mismatches. It also has a greater Bluetooth range if you're milling about with your phone in your pocket. However, if you're fine with charging using micro-USB, they have more in common than differences, such as virtually the same battery life and similar 360-degree directivity.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM PLAY is essentially a paired-down version of the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4. It comes with an elongated hand strap, which means it can easily be fastened to your hand while you skateboard or run. The iconic oversized volume buttons have also been moved to the top panel, so they're available at your fingertips. However, the WONDERBOOM PLAY is a single-speaker design, which results in a worse soundstage and dynamics performance due to the limitations of a single driver. While the two have a similar frequency response and battery life, the WONDERBOOM 4 has lower latency values. As a result, unless the handheld ergonomics or the slightly lower price are significant selling points for you, the WONDERBOOM 4 is a better choice for most use cases.
The Bose SoundLink Flex and the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 are both portable speakers with different strengths. Because the Ultimate Ears has a 360-degree design, it has a much better soundstage performance: your audio sounds more or less the same from every angle. On the other hand, the Bose downmixes your audio to mono, and its drivers face forward. The Ultimate Ears also has a much lower Bluetooth latency than the Bose, so it's better suited to watching videos, but different apps and devices compensate for latency in different ways. On the other hand, only the Bose is compatible with your device's Google Assistant or Siri voice assistant, as the Ultimate Ears doesn't have a microphone. If battery life is a priority, the Ultimate Ears is your best bet, as it lasts six hours longer than the Bose.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 is better for most people than the Ultimate Ears BOOM 3. It's more portable yet reaches nearly the same max output as the BOOM 3, while the WONDERBOOM 4 retains dynamics better. It also uses a current USB-C charging port, and they have about the same battery life. On the other hand, the BOOM 3 has a custom EQ available through the app to tinker with the default sound, but its default sound is considerably less clear in the high-end.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 is a more compact speaker than the Ultimate Ears EVERBOOM, but there aren't many trade-offs that come with its more diminutive size. Both speakers are similarly well-built, have similar controls, and boast excellent directivity. While the EVERBOOM has slightly more bass on tap, the WONDERBOOM 4 has a more balanced treble range. The WONDERBOOM 4 also comes with Bluetooth multi-device pairing and compresses less at max volume. That said, users who like to customize their sound will prefer the graphic EQ and presets that come with the EVERBOOM's companion app.
Test Results
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 continues the familiar barrel shape as the previous Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3. It's covered in a fabric exterior with plastic caps on the bottom and top. The distinct look has oversized '+' and '-' symbols with buttons underneath and an elastic loop to carry it. You can get the speaker in bright colors such as 'Active Black,' 'Cobalt Blue,' 'Hyper Pink,' and the curiously named 'Joyous Bright,' which is off-white with chartreuse buttons.
The speaker is superbly portable. It's lightweight and small enough to fit in a tote or be carried single-handedly. You can use the small stretchy loop handle to hang the speaker from a hook, but it won't fit your hand like the strap that comes with the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM PLAY.
The speaker has outstanding build quality. It's solid and dense, with a nice-quality exterior cloth wrap that's not too loose. It has an IP67 rating against dust and can take a dip in a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. The manufacturer advises giving it a rinse if it's exposed to pool or beach water. While it doesn't have an IK rating for impact resistance, the manufacturer advertises it can withstand drops of up to five feet (1.5 m).
The controls are acceptable and virtually identical to the last generation's scheme, except for the addition of a 'Podcast' mode. Distinct chimes are emitted for adjustments alongside a voice alerting you it's in pairing mode. The listening modes are announced and selectable by cycling through the tree button's options ('Outdoor,' Podcast,' 'Standard') found on the underside. Lights correspond to indicate the battery level. You can skip to the next track but can't skip backward.
Center button:
- Single press: Play/pause audio
- Double-press: Skip forward
- Press and hold: Connect with another WONDERBOOM 4 speaker and switch between stereo and mono modes.
Tree button:
- Single press: Cycle through EQ modes
Bluetooth button:
- Press and hold: Enter pairing mode
+/- buttons:
- Single press + button: Volume up
- Single press - button: Volume down
- Press both at once: Check battery status.
- Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 speaker
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- Quick start guide
- Warranty paper
The speaker's default standard sound isn't bad. Like the last generation, it's fairly even in the mids and reproduces clear-sounding lead instruments and speech, as well as reasonably detailed treble. Like most small speakers, its tuning isn't exactly bass-heavy, and this model lacks a dedicated bass boost feature. You can always size up to something like the Ultimate Ears EVERBOOM if you want a bit more bass while retaining portability. That said, compared to the previous Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3, it's a little brighter overall.
Unlike its predecessor, it has a 'Podcast' mode in addition to the 'Outdoor' mode found on the last generation model, which we expect to perform similarly on both generations. 'Podcast' mode de-emphasizes bass so that speech is easier to hear. 'Outdoor' mode creates a more excited and brighter sound profile. You can see the graphs for the 'Podcast' and 'Outdoor' mode comparison to the standard tuning.
The speaker has an incredible soundstage performance. Thanks to its 360-degree design, your audio sounds basically the same at all angles, like the previous Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3. If you add a second WONDERBOOM 4 speaker, you can use them as a stereo pair.
The speaker exhibits decent dynamics. It's not loud enough to fill out a large space or overcome a chatty crowd, but it's loud enough to fill a kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom. There's noticeable compression at max volume, particularly in the lower bass frequencies, but generally, audio quality is preserved decently as you boost the output level.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 has excellent battery performance. It lasts about 13 hours with continuous playback, and it takes about 2.5 hours to recharge from empty with a 10W charger via its USB-C port. The updated USB-C port is the main difference between its battery performance and the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3, which uses micro-USB to charge. If left idle for 15 minutes, the speaker powers off to conserve the battery.
Since this speaker doesn't have a built-in microphone, you can't use it with your phone's voice assistant. But the Sony LinkBuds Speaker is a stylish, portable speaker that does have a built-in mic, if that's important to you.
The speaker can only connect via Bluetooth. The included USB-A to USB-C cable is only used to charge it.
The speaker has amazing Bluetooth connectivity. You can pair it to two devices simultaneously. It has lower latency with iOS and Android devices than the previous generation, meaning you can watch video, and the audio lag is low enough that it's not distracting. That said, latency depends on connection strength, so your results may vary with different apps and devices.