We’ve had an Ultimate Ears Boom speaker atop our list for years now, and for good reason. The middle child of the UE portable lineup is fun and convenient, and puts out some of the most pleasant and balanced sound for its size on the market. The Boom 4 is our latest 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’ve spent a few days listening to the latest version, and even as the world has changed around it, the latest Boom still hits all the right notes for smooth, clear, and groovy sound. As before, the waterproof cylinder comes in multiple colors, is as durable as a chunk of wood, and gives you over 100 feet of Bluetooth range. It has a two-year warranty and connects to the UE app to unlock an EQ, connection 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 shake the room even if the “room” is the Great Outdoors, the latest Charge from JBL ($180) is an ultra-portable banger. The speaker is IP67-rated against dust and moisture and offers a great battery life. It has up to eight different finishes and the ability to charge your phone while off the grid. Its tubular shape is designed to fit neatly into your hand, and just as important, it’s capable of kicking the party right off if you want it to. It’s not a blunt instrument, but its prodigious and frankly unlikely low-frequency response never stops surprising. If it’s portable party time you’re after, JBL has you covered in fine style. —Simon Lucas
20-hour battery life, USB-C charging, IP67 dust/water resistance