Short answer: the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4, if you are buying new. The Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 ranks higher than it (#14 vs #170 of 175 medium speakers, 4.2/5 vs 2.1/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 is still sold new at $200.
The Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 is the better-sounding, lighter pick. At 1.3 lbs (590 g), Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 combines 1.75” x 2 active drivers + passive radiator with Bluetooth and aux. At 1.3 lbs (590 g) it weighs much less than the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 at 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg). It keeps a wired aux input, which the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4. The catch: Careful placement is still important for balanced bass.
The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 is the longer-running, tougher choice. IP67 rated, floats, and finally uses USB-C charging. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021. It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. Watch for: A lot of distortion at higher volumes.
Buy the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4, since the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 | Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $60 Discontinued | $200 |
| Ranked | #14 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #170 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (via app) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IP67 |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | 1.75” x 2 active drivers + passive radiator | 2x 50x50mm full-range + 2x 55x86mm passive radiators |
| Amplifier Power | 20W (10W × 2) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | 8”H x 2.8”W x 2.7”D (203 x 71 x 69 mm) | 3.4” x 3.4” x 8.9” (87 x 87 x 225 mm) |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (PartyUp up to 50 speakers) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 91dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Strap | - | Yes (built-in loop) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021:
- Soundcore Motion 300 vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
- Soundcore Motion+ vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
- B&O Beosound A1 vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
- B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021: $60 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5, released Jul 2021 (also discontinued). It adds power bank charging and stereo pairing, but drops the aux input. Water resistance goes from IPX5 to IPX7. See every Soundcore Boost generation.
Pros: At 590 g, Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 combines 1.75” x 2 active drivers + passive radiator with Bluetooth and aux. Claimed 12 hours (manufacturer specified) battery life, ipx5 protection and stereo playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. A great sounding, neutral speaker.
Cons: Careful placement is still important for balanced bass. This old version charges over micro-USB. Discontinued.
Full Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W (10W × 2) |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8”H x 2.8”W x 2.7”D (203 x 71 x 69 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.75” x 2 active drivers + passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs JBL Flip 6
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs JBL Flip 7
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs JBL Charge 6
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs B&O Beosound A1
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs Xiaomi Sound Party
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs Tribit Xsound Mega
- See all 74 comparisons
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4: $200 Amazon $200 eBay
Older model: the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 (ranked higher, rated 3/5). See every Ultimate Ears Wonderboom, Boom and Megaboom generation.
Same family: the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 (smaller model, ranked higher, rated 2.9/5) and the Ultimate Ears Boom 4 (smaller model, ranked higher, rated 2.9/5).
Pros: IP67 rated, floats, and finally uses USB-C charging. 20 hour battery life. ‘PartyUp’ feature syncs multiple UE speakers together.
Cons: A lot of distortion at higher volumes. Rolled off treble. Not very loud. They really screwed this up
Full Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.4” x 3.4” x 8.9” (87 x 87 x 225 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 50x50mm full-range + 2x 55x86mm passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (via app) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 91dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyUp up to 50 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Ultimate Ears MegaBoom 4 vs Sony ULT Field 1 😧 $200 vs $128 Cylinder Bluetooth Speaker Matchup More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Ultimate Ears MegaBoom 4 vs W-King D320 🔋Does Paying More Get You Less? 😧
- Smart Home Sounds: UE Everboom Review PLUS All-New Wonderboom 4, Boom 4 & Megaboom 4 More from Smart Home Sounds →
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