Short answer: the B&O Beosound Explore, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #142 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 2.5/5, at $294.99. The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 ranks #171, rated 2.1/5, at $200, $94.99 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 177 medium speakers; for better sound, the EarFun Uboom L ranks #2 at $49.79.
The case for the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4: A tough waterproof speaker that floats, with USB-C charging, a long battery and PartyUp linking. The tradeoff: A lot of distortion at higher volumes.
The B&O Beosound Explore is the better-sounding, longer-running pick. A rugged waterproof speaker with an anodized aluminum design, a strap and carabiner, and a long real world battery. It is rated for 27 hours of battery against 20 for the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4. At 1.4 lbs (631 g) it weighs much less than the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 at 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg). It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4. Watch for: Huge lack of bass extension compared to competitors, overly hot ringing treble.
Buy the B&O Beosound Explore. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $94.99 you would save on the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A tough waterproof speaker that floats, with USB-C charging, a long battery and PartyUp linking.
A rugged waterproof speaker with an anodized aluminum design, a strap and carabiner, and a long real world battery.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 | B&O Beosound Explore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $200 | $294.99 |
| Ranked | #171 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #142 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Bang & Olufsen app) |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 27 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyUp up to 50 speakers) | - |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.2 |
| Dimensions | 3.4” x 3.4” x 8.9” (87 x 87 x 225 mm) | 3.2” x 4.9” x 3.2” (81 x 124 x 81 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 50x50mm full-range + 2x 55x86mm passive radiators | 2x 1.8” (46mm) full-range drivers |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (via app) | Yes (App EQ) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) | 1.4 lbs (631 g) |
| Maximum SPL | 91dB (Manufacturer specified) | 91dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (carabiner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~70Hz |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Amplifier Power | - | 60W |
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