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The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 is a good fit if you want a compact Bluetooth speaker for a bag, a walk, or poolside listening and value 360-degree sound and ruggedness claims more than deep bass or app-based controls. It is a modest update to the WONDERBOOM 3, chiefly adding USB-C charging and a Podcast EQ mode. It has no microphone, AUX input, or companion app.
What changed from the WONDERBOOM 3?
The fourth generation is a restrained refresh rather than a major redesign. RTINGS identifies USB-C charging and Podcast mode as the notable changes, while saying the sound remains similar to the WONDERBOOM 3. SoundGuys likewise reports no hardware upgrades beyond USB-C; Podcast EQ is the added listening mode.
Pairing is not limited to identical generations: RTINGS clarified on June 12, 2025, that the WONDERBOOM 3 and 4 can pair in stereo or Party modes. Ultimate Ears also says two WONDERBOOM 4 speakers can be doubled for louder playback or stereo. RTINGS review and pairing clarification; Ultimate Ears product page.
Durability and outdoor features
IP67 protection and floating design
Ultimate Ears advertises an IP67 rating and says the speaker floats. SoundGuys describes the immersion protection associated with that rating as up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Treat this as a rated protection claim, not a guarantee against every water-related failure; follow the manufacturer’s care guidance, especially around salt water, pools, and charging.
#1 Best Overall
- Balanced 360-Degree Sound: The WONDERBOOM 4 portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker features 360-degree sound in a petite package; boosted sound for up to 14 hours of playtime
- Outdoor Boost and Podcast Mode: Engineered for full stereo sound; tap the Outdoor Boost button for outdoor environments; use the new Podcast Mode to make vocals sound rich and clear
- 14 Hours of Boom: With a rechargeable battery that lasts throughout the day, this waterproof portable speaker booms on with up to 14 hours of playtime, so you can soak up every moment; Charging via USB-C cable (not included)
- Waterproof, Dustproof, and Floatable: IP67-rated this Bluetooth waterproof speaker can be submerged in 1m of water for 30 min; protected from dust; ideal for the pool, beach, or shower
- Double Up for Stereo: Pair up two WONDERBOOM 4 portable Bluetooth speakers for even bigger sound; press once to double up; press again for true stereo from both speakers, with left and right channels (not compatible with PartyUP)
360-degree sound and Outdoor Boost
Ultimate Ears describes the WONDERBOOM 4 as delivering 360-degree sound and includes Outdoor Boost for outdoor listening. The broad sound presentation can be useful when several people are around the speaker rather than directly in front of it. Outdoor Boost is a projection tradeoff, not a way to add bass: SoundGuys says it helps audibility but reduces bass and emphasizes upper mids.
For hikes or other carry-heavy use, SoundGuys notes that a carabiner can be attached to the speaker loop to clip it to a backpack. The carabiner is sold separately, not presented as an included accessory. SoundGuys review.
Rank #2
- Balanced 360-Degree Sound: The WONDERBOOM 4 portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker features 360-degree sound in a petite package; boosted sound for up to 14 hours of playtime
- Outdoor Boost and Podcast Mode: Engineered for full stereo sound; tap the Outdoor Boost button for outdoor environments; use the new Podcast Mode to make vocals sound rich and clear
- 14 Hours of Boom: With a rechargeable battery that lasts throughout the day, this waterproof portable speaker booms on with up to 14 hours of playtime, so you can soak up every moment; Charging via USB-C cable (not included)
- Waterproof, Dustproof, and Floatable: IP67-rated this Bluetooth waterproof speaker can be submerged in 1m of water for 30 min; protected from dust; ideal for the pool, beach, or shower
- Double Up for Stereo: Pair up two WONDERBOOM 4 portable Bluetooth speakers for even bigger sound; press once to double up; press again for true stereo from both speakers, with left and right channels (not compatible with PartyUP)
Battery life and charging
Ultimate Ears claims up to 14 hours of playtime. That is a manufacturer maximum, not a guaranteed runtime; SoundGuys also notes results vary with use. TechRadar reports that its reviewers routinely exceeded the advertised rating in their own testing, but that experience should not be treated as a promise for every listener or volume level. The speaker charges over USB-C. TechRadar review.
What reviewers say about the sound
Listening impressions differ by reviewer and conditions. TechRadar describes the small speaker as punchy, with good separation and detail. SoundGuys tested a purchased unit for one week and found it worked well at moderate personal or small-group levels; in its test, above about 60% phone volume, the speaker reduced bass and produced harsher upper mids. These are their observations, not firsthand testing for this review.
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Rank #3
- Balanced 360-Degree Sound: The WONDERBOOM 4 portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker features 360-degree sound in a petite package; boosted sound for up to 14 hours of playtime
- Outdoor Boost and Podcast Mode: Engineered for full stereo sound; tap the Outdoor Boost button for outdoor environments; use the new Podcast Mode to make vocals sound rich and clear
- 14 Hours of Boom: With a rechargeable battery that lasts throughout the day, this waterproof portable speaker booms on with up to 14 hours of playtime, so you can soak up every moment; Charging via USB-C cable (not included)
- Waterproof, Dustproof, and Floatable: IP67-rated this Bluetooth waterproof speaker can be submerged in 1m of water for 30 min; protected from dust; ideal for the pool, beach, or shower
- Double Up for Stereo: Pair up two WONDERBOOM 4 portable Bluetooth speakers for even bigger sound; press once to double up; press again for true stereo from both speakers, with left and right channels (not compatible with PartyUP)
In practical terms, it is better suited to casual listening at moderate levels than to listeners seeking strong low-end impact at high volume. The Outdoor Boost mode prioritizes projection over tonal balance, according to SoundGuys.
Connections, controls, and missing features
SoundGuys reports Bluetooth 5.2, SBC codec support, multipoint, and a stated 131-foot connection range. That range is a review-reported specification, not a guarantee in every room or outdoor environment; walls, interference, and device placement can affect Bluetooth connections.
Rank #4
- Balanced 360-Degree Sound: The WONDERBOOM 4 portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker features 360-degree sound in a petite package; boosted sound for up to 14 hours of playtime
- Outdoor Boost and Podcast Mode: Engineered for full stereo sound; tap the Outdoor Boost button for outdoor environments; use the new Podcast Mode to make vocals sound rich and clear
- 14 Hours of Boom: With a rechargeable battery that lasts throughout the day, this waterproof portable speaker booms on with up to 14 hours of playtime, so you can soak up every moment; Charging via USB-C cable (not included)
- Waterproof, Dustproof, and Floatable: IP67-rated this Bluetooth waterproof speaker can be submerged in 1m of water for 30 min; protected from dust; ideal for the pool, beach, or shower
- Double Up for Stereo: Pair up two WONDERBOOM 4 portable Bluetooth speakers for even bigger sound; press once to double up; press again for true stereo from both speakers, with left and right channels (not compatible with PartyUP)
- No microphone: It cannot serve as a speakerphone.
- No AUX input: SoundGuys reports Bluetooth as its connection option, so there is no wired audio input for a device without Bluetooth.
- No app support: There is no Boom app for app-based EQ adjustment. Podcast EQ is a built-in mode, not an app equalizer.
Those omissions matter if you need calls, wired playback, or detailed sound customization more than a simple portable speaker.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.WONDERBOOM 4 vs. JBL Clip 5
The JBL Clip 5 is a credible compact alternative, but the better choice depends on how you carry and use a speaker. RTINGS compares battery and high-output performance; SoundGuys describes the speakers’ sound presentation and app support.
Best Value
- Surprisingly Bigger 360-Degree Sound: The WONDERBOOM 4 portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker features bigger 360-degree sound in a petite package; boosted sound for up to 14 hours of playtime
- Outdoor Boost and Podcast Mode: Engineered for full stereo sound; tap the Outdoor Boost button for outdoor environments; use the new Podcast Mode to make vocals sound rich and clear
- 14 Hours of Boom: With a battery that lasts throughout the day, this waterproof portable speaker booms on with up to 14 hours of playtime, so you can soak up every moment
- Waterproof, Dustproof, and Floatable: IP67-rated this Bluetooth waterproof speaker can be submerged in 1m of water for 30 min; protected from dust; ideal for the pool, beach, or shower
- Double Up for Stereo: Pair up two WONDERBOOM 4 portable Bluetooth speakers for even bigger sound; press once to double up; press again for true stereo from both speakers, with left and right channels
| Consideration | WONDERBOOM 4 | JBL Clip 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Carrying | Portable speaker with a loop; a separate carabiner can be used to clip it to a bag, according to SoundGuys. | Integrated hook; RTINGS describes it as more portable. |
| Sound direction | Omnidirectional presentation, according to SoundGuys. | Mono and forward-firing, according to SoundGuys. |
| Battery and loud playback | RTINGS says it lasts longer and sounds less compressed at high output than the Clip 5. | RTINGS says it does not last as long and is more compressed at high output than the WONDERBOOM 4. |
| Sound adjustment | No app support, as reported by SoundGuys. | The JBL app includes EQ options, according to SoundGuys. |
Choose the Clip 5 if its integrated hook or app EQ better suits your priorities. Choose the WONDERBOOM 4 if wide-angle sound and the comparative battery and high-output advantages identified by RTINGS matter more. Neither set of tradeoffs makes one the right pick for every listener. RTINGS comparison; SoundGuys review.
Who should buy the WONDERBOOM 4?
- Consider it for a compact bag speaker, walks, poolside listening, or small-group use where 360-degree sound and portability are useful.
- Look elsewhere if you need speakerphone calls, an AUX connection, detailed app EQ, or stronger bass at high volume.
- Upgrade selectively if you own a WONDERBOOM 3: USB-C and Podcast EQ are the clearest additions, while the sound is described as similar.
Local pricing, stock, package contents, and warranty terms depend on the retailer and market; the available official product page is for Australia and does not establish universal retail details.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
