Anika Begay
We’ve had the Ultimate Ears Boom speaker at the top of our list for years now, and for good reason. The middle child of UE’s portable range is fun and comfortable, and produces some of the most pleasing and balanced sound for its size on the market. The Boom 4 is our final pick, with the most notable difference from 2018’s Boom 3 (9/10, WIRED recommends) being a USB-C charging port. Why mess with near-perfection, right?
We spent a few days listening to the latest version, and even though the world has changed around it, the latest Boom still hits all the right notes for smooth, clear, groovy sound. As before, the waterproof cylinder comes in multiple colors, is as sturdy as a block of wood, and gives you over 100 feet of Bluetooth range. It comes with a two-year warranty and connects to the UE app to unlock EQ, connect to other Ultimate Ears speakers, and more. —Ryan Waniata
15-hour battery life, USB-C charging, IP67 dust/water resistance
★ Also great: If you like to rock the room even if that “room” is the Great Outdoors, JBL’s latest Charge ($180) is an ultra-portable banger. The speaker is IP67-rated for dust and moisture and offers great battery life. It has up to eight different finishes and the ability to charge your phone when you’re off the grid. Its tubular shape is designed to fit perfectly in your hand, and just as importantly, it can get the party started if you want it to. It’s not a dull instrument, but its prodigious and frankly unlikely low-frequency response never ceases to amaze. If it’s portable party time you’re looking for, JBL has you covered in style. —Simone Lucas
20-hour battery life, USB-C charging, IP67 dust/water resistance
