Ultimate Ears has announced the next generation of their Boom speakers, as well as the release of a new model – the Everboom – in a further attempt to cement their place among the best speakers out there.
The Wonderboom, Boom and Megaboom have all received updates which promise to improve sound through enhanced deep bass radiators. They are also made of more recycled materials than their predecessors and, significantly, now feature USB-C charging ports.
Meanwhile, the brand-new Everboom is designed for adventure. Jonah Staw, general manager of Ultimate Ears said, "Our users have dynamic lives that require a soundtrack as adaptable and resilient as their various activities. Everboom is our answer to their call for a portable speaker that marries robustness with superior sound quality. It's meant to be a core part of their explorations."
What's The Best has tested the Everboom and found it to offer substantial power in a robust, user-friendly unit. Read our full review here.
1.
Everboom
Best for adventurers
Ultimate EarsWaterproof, dust-proof, and floatable, Everboom owners can drop this speaker in a bag (or attach, using the provided carabiner) and take it with them wherever they go. Small enough to carry one-handed, the Ultimate Ears unit weighs only 960g and boasts a wireless range of 55 metres. Plus, with a battery life of 20 hours, you shouldn’t be left lugging a silent speaker about on your travels.
Read our full review here.
Pros
- Immersive 360-degree sound
- Substantial power in a tactile, portable unit
- User-friendly and robust
- Quick to charge and long battery life
Cons
- Residual noise post-pause
- Design and colourways will not be for all
| Drivers | Two 2.23 x 2.21in (56.6x 56.2 mm) active full range transducers and two 49.4x87mm passive radiators |
| Audio power | 84 dBC (normal) and 85dBC (outdoor) in the anechoic chamber 3 |
| Connectivity | For audio playback: smartphones, tablets and other devices that support Bluetooth |
| Battery life | 20 hours |
| Charging time | Approximately one and a half hours |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Dimensions | 110mm (L) x 85mm (W) x 205mm (H) |
| Weight | 960g |
| IP rating | IP67 |
Other newly announced features include a podcast mode for the Wonderboom and an updated UE Boom app for the other speakers – now with ‘megaphone’. When this is enabled, users can speak into their phone’s mic and have their voice projected through the speaker.
2.
Wonderboom 4
Best for travel
Ultimate EarsThe new and improved Wonderboom continues to offer 'ultraportability' with the new benefits of outdoor boost, podcast mode and a USB-C port.
What's The Best's Ryan Houghton had this to say: "The Wonderboom 4's powerful audio output and pleasing level of precision is a marvel of budget speaker technology, and its 360-degree sound quickly immerses large spaces, even the outdoors, with a gut-punching sound.
"With a name like the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4, you'll hardly be surprised to learn that its shining feature has to be its bass, which is simply sublime."
Read the full review.
Pros
- Small but mighty
- Floatable
- New podcast mode
Cons
- Not necessarily appropriate as standalone speaker
3.
Boom 4
Best for small spaces
Ultimate EarsEasy to pack or stay out on the side, the Boom has the 'magic button' and the new UE signature acoustic with deep bass.
Steven Shaw was impressed: "The clarity is excellent, volume is punchy (topping out at 85 dB), and it doesn't get too distorted even at full blast.
"Is it going to match the best of the best? Of course not, but it isn't meant to. It's meant to be a great compact speaker that delivers superbly clear sound at an affordable price. And in that respect, it does an excellent job. Inevitably there are a few compromises, but this is a great little speaker, that I would definitely recommend."
Read more here.
Pros
- Magic button
- New UE signature acoustic with deep bass
- Minimum of 52 per cent recycled plastic
Cons
- Not all colourways currently available
4.
Megaboom 4
Best for battery life
Ultimate EarsWith an impressive battery life and sound, the Megaboom offers an alternative to the Everboom at a lower price.
Kyle Purves tested the Megaboom and said: "The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 sports a spatial design that projects its sound out 360 degrees around it. This means that no matter where you are in relation to it, the sound projection is consistently excellent.
"I often find that trying to pick out the perfect place and angle for a speaker can be annoying, so I'm a big fan of the fact you can just place the Megaboom 4 anywhere and get excellent results."
Find out more in Kyle's review.
Pros
- 360-degree sound
- 20 hour battery life
- Tough
Cons
- Not as powerful as the Everboom
Everboom is available in Charcoal Black and Azure Blue (exclusive to John Lewis).
Wonderboom 4 is available in Active Black, Hyper Pink, Cobalt Blue (exclusive to John Lewis), Lilac (exclusive to Amazon) and Joyous Bright.
Boom 4 and Megaboom 4 are available in Active Black, Cobalt Blue (exclusive to John Lewis), with Raspberry Red and Enchanting Lilac launching in January 2025.
Everboom and the new fourth generation speakers join the Epicboom and Hyperboom to complete the Ultimate Ears Boom range.
5.
Epicboom
Best for parties
Ultimate EarsBigger than the Everboom – the Epicboom brings even more sound for not much more in price.
Pros
- Big sound
- Light for size
- Magnetic carry strap
Cons
- Battery life doesn't match the Everboom or Hyperboom
6.
Hyperboom
Best for large events
Ultimate EarsThe Hyperboom is the largest speaker in the Boom range, offering the greatest sound intensity and the longest battery life.
Pros
- Adaptive EQ
- Up to 24 hours battery life
- Loudest in range
Cons
- Not as portable
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