Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 Review – Powerful Sound and 20-Hour Battery Life

Experience robust sound and long-lasting battery life with Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4, a Bluetooth speaker that knows how to keep the party going.

Why the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 Stands Out

If you’ve ever been on the hunt for a Bluetooth speaker that doesn’t just talk the talk but walks the walk with booming bass and a marathon battery life, the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 deserves your attention. While I wouldn’t say it’s a universal recommendation like the charmingly compact UE Wonderboom 4, the Megaboom 4 confidently carves its niche as a premium, no-fuss party companion.

After spending quality time testing it, one thing was clear: this speaker shines brightest when spinning pop and dance tracks. If your playlists are full of upbeat, bass-driven anthems, prepare to be impressed. However, complex rock or alternative tunes can get a bit lost in the mix, so if you're a diehard fan of Linkin Park or Rise Against, you might want to explore other options.

The signature UE design is truly iconic — bold, tactile volume buttons that are easy to find without looking, combined with an IP67 rating that means this speaker laughs in the face of water and dust. Yes, it can survive a dunk in the pool and keep on playing. Moving from Micro-USB to USB-C charging is a small but significant update, proving UE’s commitment to modern convenience.

Dive into the Ultimate Ears app, and you’ll find a customizable equalizer to tweak vocals or bass to your liking. Plus, the PartyUp feature lets you sync multiple UE speakers for a seamless sound experience across rooms or outdoor spaces. But the real game-changer? A whopping 20 hours of battery life—double what some competitors like the Sonos Roam 2 offer. It’s a beast for those who want their music to last all night without scrambling for a charger.

Price and Release Info

• Released: June 2024
• Price: Approximately $149 (around $149)

The Megaboom 4 dropped in June 2024 and positioned itself as one of the priciest in the UE family, sitting just above the Everboom and Epicboom models. You’ll find it in four vibrant colors: Active Black, Cobalt Blue, Raspberry Red, and Enchanting Lilac.

Competitors in this price range include the Sonos Roam 2 and JBL Charge 5 (often discounted), with the more affordable UE Boom 4 also offering a similar vibe at a lower price point.

Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 Specs at a Glance

Key Features That Make Megaboom 4 Tick

• 20-hour battery life keeps the tunes rolling longer than most
• USB-C charging finally replaces the outdated Micro-USB port
• Magic Button offers instant playlist playback with one press

USB-C adoption took its sweet time arriving for UE, but when it did with the Megaboom 4, it felt like a breath of fresh air. Apart from this, the speaker is nearly identical to its Megaboom 3 predecessor. So, if you don’t mind the charging port, snagging a discounted Megaboom 3 could still do the trick.

One delightful addition is the Magic Button—a one-touch wonder on the speaker’s top. Hold it (even if the speaker is off), and after a few seconds, your chosen playlist kicks off. This little trick is a party starter's dream, sparing you the phone shuffle. Keep in mind, though, it only works with Apple Music (iOS), Spotify, and Amazon Music (Android). Users of other platforms might feel left out.

The app’s EQ presets are neat, with five options to choose from. The default “Signature” mode sounds balanced, but if you fancy beefing up the bass or treble, you have a custom mode ready to save your settings.

Megaboom 4’s volume can fill a room on its own, but PartyUp lets you link compatible UE speakers to amplify your soundscape across spaces. Just double-check compatibility before buying more units.

The battery life is a highlight—20 hours means you’re set for an all-night bash or a weekend camping trip without worrying about charging. That’s a major edge over the Sonos Roam 2.

Functionality Rating: 4/5

Iconic UE Design Meets Practical Durability

• Classic UE style with bold volume buttons
• IP67 water and dust resistance
• USB-C port sealed with a protective flap

I’ve been a long-time fan of UE’s design, often grabbing their speakers for office tunes or outdoor parties. Those oversized volume buttons not only look cool, they’re genuinely useful—easy to find and press even in the dark.

The Megaboom 4 looks nearly identical to the Megaboom 3, sporting a cylindrical shape that’s as functional as it is stylish. This design disperses sound in all directions, perfect for gatherings where everyone should feel the beat.

In an eco-conscious move, UE used over 54% recycled plastic in Megaboom 4’s construction—something I appreciate in a world drowning in single-use tech. Despite this, the speaker feels robust and hefty in the hand, weighing in at 935 grams.

Its IP67 rating means it’s no stranger to adventure—whether it’s a splash in the pool (yes, it floats!) or dusty trails, the Megaboom 4 is ready. The USB-C charging port’s tight rubber cover keeps dirt and moisture out.

Design Rating: 4.5/5

Sound Quality That Sets the Mood

• Best performance at high volumes
• Pop and dance tracks pack a punch with deep bass
• Rock and complex genres sound less balanced

Now, for the heart of the matter—the sound. While I’m genuinely impressed, it’s not perfect. Megaboom 4 is at its happiest blasting pop tunes.

Take Britney Spears’ classic “Oops!... I Did It Again”—the speaker delivers bouncy bass, crisp cymbals, and vocals that don’t drown in the mix. Perfect for backyard parties or outdoor hangouts.

Charli XCX’s “Apple” also shines here, with a bass line that hits hard and a rhythm that makes you want to move.

This speaker is built for those energetic, dance-heavy playlists and loves to crank the volume. For a more introspective listening session, it struggles a bit.

When I switched gears to Chevelle’s “Send the Pain Below,” things got tricky. At low volumes, the song felt muffled, and the speaker seemed confused by the dense rock layers. Distorted guitars sounded harsh and overwhelmed the bass during the chorus. If rock or metal dominate your playlists, you might want to consider alternatives.

Sound Quality Rating: 3.5/5

Value for Money

One area where Megaboom 4 truly impresses is value. Despite inflation and tech price hikes, it hit the market at the same $149 price point as the Megaboom 3 did back in 2018—a rare treat these days.

If you own a Megaboom 3 that’s still running strong, there’s little reason to upgrade unless your battery life has taken a hit or you’re eager to ditch Micro-USB.

UE also offers the Boom 4, a more budget-friendly sibling priced around $125, which sacrifices about 5 hours of battery life and some bass oomph.

All things considered, if you want a reliable, loud, and virtually indestructible speaker for weekend adventures, the Megaboom 4 is worth every penny.

Value Rating: 4.5/5

Rating Summary

Other Speakers to Consider

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4

At about $70-$80, the Wonderboom 4 is a gem with sturdy build and surprisingly punchy sound. Perfect if you want a simple upgrade for your smartphone audio.

Sonos Roam 2

If sound quality, portability, and Wi-Fi connectivity are your priorities over battery life, the Sonos Roam 2 is a solid pick. It fits easily in bags and delivers the signature Sonos audio detail.

How I Tested the Megaboom 4

• Two weeks of use indoors and in a public garden
• Paired mainly with Android devices like OnePlus 12 and Motorola Edge 60 Pro

I explored a wide range of genres: pop, dance, heavy metal (Lamb of God), hyperpop (100 Gecs), and rap (Kendrick Lamar), beyond the ones mentioned earlier.

Using Megaboom 4: What You Should Know

• The Ultimate Ears BOOM app is available for download on app platforms, allowing EQ customization and speaker linking
• The Magic Button works best with Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music, which might require VPN for some users based on location
• USB-C charging is hassle-free with any modern cable

"The Magic Button is a genius way to instantly start the party without fumbling through your phone." – Music Tech Enthusiast

Conclusion

The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 is a powerhouse designed for those who crave long battery life and punchy, party-ready sound. It might not be the best fit for rock aficionados or those seeking audiophile precision, but for pop lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, it hits all the right notes. Its rugged design and IP67 rating ensure you can take it anywhere without worry, while the Magic Button adds a fun, practical twist to your music experience.

Thinking of upgrading your sound setup? What’s your go-to genre for testing speakers? Share your thoughts and favorite songs to spin on your wireless speaker!

FAQ

• What is the battery life of the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4?
  It offers up to 20 hours of continuous playback on a full charge.
• Does the Megaboom 4 support wired AUX input?
  No, this model does not include an AUX port; it connects solely via Bluetooth.
• Can I pair multiple speakers for synchronized playback?
  Yes, using the PartyUp feature, you can link compatible UE speakers for multi-room sound.
• Is the Megaboom 4 waterproof?
  Yes, it has an IP67 rating, making it dustproof and water-resistant, even submersible.
• What charging port does the Megaboom 4 use?
  It uses a modern USB-C port for charging, sealed with a protective flap.

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