Short answer: the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 for better sound quality, the Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 for the lower price, though neither ranks well in its class. The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 ranks #139 of 144 medium speakers, rated 2.1/5, at $200. The Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 ranks #143, rated 2.0/5, at $69.99, $130.01 cheaper. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 144 medium speakers; for better sound, the Earfun Uboom L ranks #1 at $49.79.
The case for the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4: IP67 rated, floats, and finally uses USB-C charging. Watch for: A lot of distortion at higher volumes.
What the Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 does well: Tank-like build quality - reviewers have frozen it, dropped it, and buried it in sand with no issues. The tradeoff: Barely any bass, “pathetic sounding” said Jay’s Reviews of the line generally.
Buy the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
If battery life is a priority, the Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 is rated for 30 hours versus 20 hours for the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 | Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $200 | $69.99 |
| Ranked | #139 of 144 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #143 of 144 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | - |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyUp up to 50 speakers) | - |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| Dimensions | 3.4” x 3.4” x 8.9” (87 x 87 x 225 mm) | 8.6” x 4.2” x 4.6” (218 x 107 x 117 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 50x50mm full-range + 2x 55x86mm passive radiators | 4.5” (114mm) woofer |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes (via app) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) | 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg) |
| Maximum SPL | 91dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (mounting clip) |
| Power Bank | - | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | - | 10W |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 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
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4: $200 Amazon eBay
Older model: the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 (rated 3/5).
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 →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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
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Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2: $69.99 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Altec Lansing Lifejacket 3, rated 2/5.
Pros: Tank-like build quality - reviewers have frozen it, dropped it, and buried it in sand with no issues. IP67 rated; doubles as a power bank. Universal mounting clip for a bike, kayak, or backpack. Built-in speakerphone with voice-confirmed caller ID.
Cons: Barely any bass, “pathetic sounding” said Jay’s Reviews of the line generally. Gets distorted with a lot of bass. No true wireless stereo pairing between two units, unlike the Lifejacket 3. Only available used now.
Full Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 10W |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.6” x 4.2” x 4.6” (218 x 107 x 117 mm) |
| Drivers | 4.5” (114mm) woofer |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (mounting clip) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg) |
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