When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, Ultimate Ears has long been a go-to brand for quality sound in durable packages. Today, we're comparing their latest offerings: the premium EPICBOOM ($229.99) and the compact WONDERBOOM 4 ($69.99), both released in the past year. Let's dive into what makes each unique and who they're best suited for.
Portable speakers have evolved significantly over the past decade. Today's buyers expect not just good sound, but also weather resistance, long battery life, and smart features. The key is finding the right balance for your needs between portability, sound quality, and price.
The EPICBOOM launched in August 2023, representing UE's latest premium portable speaker technology. The WONDERBOOM 4, released in June 2024, continues the popular ultra-portable line with some meaningful upgrades.
The physical difference between these speakers is striking. The EPICBOOM is substantial at 1.9kg (4.2 pounds) and stands 24cm tall - about the size of a large water bottle. It's portable, but you'll definitely notice it in your bag. The speaker's size allows for larger drivers and more powerful sound, but it's not something you'd casually toss in a beach bag.
In contrast, the WONDERBOOM 4 weighs just 420g (less than a pound) and is about the size of a coffee mug. This makes it genuinely portable - something you can throw in any bag without a second thought. Its small size does limit its sound capabilities, but that's the trade-off for true portability.
The EPICBOOM delivers impressive audio performance with its two 45mm drivers and 120mm woofer (these are the speakers inside that produce different frequency ranges of sound). This configuration allows for room-filling sound with notable bass presence and clear highs. At maximum volume (94 dBC), it can easily handle outdoor gatherings or fill a large room.
I've tested both speakers in various settings, and the EPICBOOM's sound quality is noticeably superior, particularly in these areas:
The WONDERBOOM 4, while smaller, still impresses with its sound. It uses two 40mm active drivers and passive radiators to produce surprisingly full sound for its size. Maximum volume (86 dBC) is lower, but it's more than adequate for personal listening or small group settings. The sound is clear and balanced, though bass naturally can't match its larger sibling.
Here's where we see a major difference in capability. The EPICBOOM offers:
The WONDERBOOM 4 takes a simpler approach:
At $229.99, the EPICBOOM sits in the premium portable speaker category. You're paying for:
The WONDERBOOM 4 at $69.99 represents excellent value, offering:
Both speakers have received upgrades in their charging capabilities:
EPICBOOM:
WONDERBOOM 4:
Both speakers feature IP67 ratings, meaning they're:
The WONDERBOOM 4 has an advantage here - it floats! This makes it perfect for pool parties without worry. Both speakers can handle rain, splashes, and drops, but the WONDERBOOM 4's smaller size makes it naturally more resilient to accidents.
The EPICBOOM offers more advanced connectivity:
The WONDERBOOM 4 keeps it simple:
Consider these key factors when choosing between these speakers:
Both speakers excel in their intended roles. The EPICBOOM is the clear choice for those seeking premium sound quality and advanced features, willing to handle a larger device and higher price tag. The WONDERBOOM 4 is perfect for those prioritizing portability and value, delivering impressive performance in a truly portable package.
My personal recommendation? If budget allows and you'll use it primarily at home or fixed locations, go for the EPICBOOM. The sound quality difference is noticeable, and the extra features are worth it. However, if you're frequently on the move or want a more versatile speaker, the WONDERBOOM 4 offers remarkable value and capability in a more portable package.
Remember, the best speaker is the one that fits your specific needs and use cases. Consider how you'll actually use it most often, and choose accordingly.
| Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM | Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 |
|---|---|
| Price - Consider value vs features needed | |
| $229.99 (premium features) | $69.99 (excellent value) |
| Size - Impacts portability and sound capability | |
| 241mm x 119mm x 162mm (like water bottle) | 104mm x 95mm x 95mm (like coffee mug) |
| Weight - Critical for true portability | |
| 1979g (4.2 lbs) - transportable but substantial | 420g (0.94 lbs) - genuinely portable |
| Sound Output - Maximum volume capability | |
| 94 dBC (fills large spaces) | 86 dBC (good for small groups) |
| Speaker Configuration - Determines sound quality | |
| Two 45mm drivers + 120mm woofer (fuller range) | Two 40mm drivers + passive radiators (compact design) |
| Battery Life - Time between charges | |
| 17 hours (longer sessions) | 14 hours (full day use) |
| Bluetooth Range - Distance from source | |
| 55 meters (whole home coverage) | 40 meters (standard range) |
| Water Resistance - Outdoor durability | |
| IP67 (waterproof/dustproof) | IP67 (waterproof/dustproof + floats) |
| Sound Features - Customization options | |
| Full EQ control, multiple presets, app support | Basic presets only (Outdoor/Podcast modes) |
| Speaker Pairing - Multi-speaker capability | |
| Works with most UE speakers | Pairs only with another WONDERBOOM 4 |
| Charging - Power connection | |
| USB-C fast charging (2.5 hrs full charge) | USB-C charging (2.7 hrs full charge) |
| Best Use Case - Primary intended purpose | |
| Home audio and larger gatherings | Personal audio and travel |
The EPICBOOM offers better overall sound quality and features, while the WONDERBOOM 4 provides better portability and value. The EPICBOOM is better if sound quality is your priority, while the WONDERBOOM 4 is better for travel and casual use.
The EPICBOOM costs $229.99, while the WONDERBOOM 4 is $69.99. The $160 difference reflects the EPICBOOM's larger size and advanced features.
The EPICBOOM offers 17 hours of playback, while the WONDERBOOM 4 provides 14 hours. Both are sufficient for all-day use, with only a 3-hour difference between them.
Yes, both the EPICBOOM and WONDERBOOM 4 have IP67 waterproof ratings. The WONDERBOOM 4 has an advantage of being able to float, making it more suitable for pool use.
The EPICBOOM is significantly louder at 94 dBC compared to the WONDERBOOM 4 at 86 dBC. This makes the EPICBOOM better for larger spaces and outdoor gatherings.
The EPICBOOM can connect with most other Ultimate Ears speakers, while the WONDERBOOM 4 can only pair with another WONDERBOOM 4 speaker.
The EPICBOOM provides notably better bass response due to its larger 120mm woofer, compared to the WONDERBOOM 4 which has smaller drivers and less bass impact.
The WONDERBOOM 4 is significantly more portable at 420g compared to the EPICBOOM at 1979g. The WONDERBOOM 4's compact size makes it ideal for travel and everyday carry.
The EPICBOOM offers full app control with EQ adjustment and feature customization, while the WONDERBOOM 4 has no app support and only basic preset modes.
Both are weatherproof, but the WONDERBOOM 4 is more practical for outdoor activities due to its size and durability. The EPICBOOM provides better sound coverage for larger outdoor spaces.
The EPICBOOM charges in about 2.5 hours, while the WONDERBOOM 4 takes approximately 2.7 hours. Both use USB-C charging.
For everyday personal use, the WONDERBOOM 4 offers the best balance of features and value at $69.99. If you need better sound quality and don't mind the larger size, the EPICBOOM at $229.99 is the better choice.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: techradar.com - ultimateears.com - youtube.com - tomsguide.com - ultimateears.com - cdw.com - connection.com - bestbuy.com - ultimateears.com - techradar.com - ultimateears.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - ultimateears.com - staples.com - bestbuy.com - ultimateears.com - youtube.com - forum.mygolfspy.com
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