Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 is a Take-Anywhere Speaker That Sounds Bigger Than It Looks

Looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker that will not disappoint in terms of performance? The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4, priced at $51.44 (was $100), is an ideal fit. It fits neatly into daypacks or backpacks without adding weight, yet produces music that penetrates through even small spaces and outdoor gatherings with startling power.

This speaker is 4 inches tall and weighs 15 ounces, making it easy to pick up and move with one hand, whether you’re setting it up or simply repositioning it. On top, there is an elastic loop that can be clipped into your backpack or bike handle without bulking up. The device is coated in a fabric finish and has some excellent rubberized portions at the ends to keep it gripping even when your hands are damp and soggy. Plus, it’s made to withstand some punishment: the IP67 rating means you can put it in a muddy puddle and still know it’ll work, and the fact that it floats means that if you drop it in a pool or lake, it’s less of a nightmare and more of a ‘oh well, I’ll just fish it out’.

The sound is, frankly, pretty impressive all things considered. See, the configuration of the two active drivers and some passive radiators is set up such that it’s nice and open, which is wonderful news for anyone who wants to use it from a table or on the ground, and it works nicely no matter how you hold it, so you don’t have to worry about setting it perfectly. The bass, while not ridiculously deep, has a great weight to it, and the vocals are audible whether you’re listening to a podcast or just chilling out to some music.

There are also some extremely cool features to look out for. For example, tapping the button at the bottom activates the Outdoor Boost feature, which helps cut through background noise and get the sound through loud and clear. You can even pair a second WONDERBOOM 4 to get proper stereo separation, which is a game changer for larger rooms or sharing with a friend because it provides a considerably wider soundscape without requiring any additional cords or downloading anything. It also has multipoint Bluetooth connections, which allow you to couple with two devices at the same time and effortlessly switch between them.

The controls are simple to use, with volume buttons right up front for quick adjustments on the go. Everything else, including power, pairing, and playback controls, is conveniently located up top. The good news is that you don’t have to be a tech whiz to get started; simply plug it in, flip the switch, and you’re ready to go. You’ll have up to 14 hours of gameplay, which should provide for a road trip, a few shorter sessions, or a full day of work, plus some evening listening before you need to recharge. When you’re done, simply grab a standard USB-C cable to get back up and running.