Take the party outdoors with a portable smart speaker!
Wireless and portable smart speakers are a great way to bring the fun wherever you go, and it’s also a big plus if they can withstand almost all weather elements, while also being both shock, and bump proof.
Today we’ll be looking at JBL Charge 4 and UE Boom 3, and we can already say that both of these smart speakers are great to have out on the pool, camping trips, and more since they are durable and can even handle getting submerged!
Additionally, you can also expect impressive audio capabilities, with a couple of differences, as well as the ability to pair up multiple speakers together to get that perfect stereo sound.
So, let’s get right to it and see which model suits you best!
Feel free to skip ahead to any part you prefer using our navigation system below.
JBL Charge 4 vs. UE Boom 3 — Differences
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Difference #1: Battery Run-Time – When you’re looking for a speaker that you can bring with you on your next camping trip, the battery life is probably a feature you want to keep an eye on.
This is where JBL Charge 4 comes out ahead with its impressive battery life going up to 20 hours depending on the volume and usage.
Compared to UE Boom’s 3 15 hour run time, that’s quite a lot!
However, the UE Boom redeems itself with its quick 2.5 hour charging time, vs. JBL’s 5.5 hours, so you’ll be back to listening to your favorite tracks in no time.
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Difference #2: Waterproof – While both models are designed to be waterproof, UE Bloom takes the edge with its IP67 rating, meaning that it can withstand to be fully submerged underwater for up to 30 minutes!
Of course, JBL can also be an ideal accompaniment to your pool party as it can easily float on water and has an IPX7 rating which means that while it can handle splashes, it shouldn’t however, be submerged underwater for longer than a few seconds.
Either way, both models can be a fun addition in the shower, kitchen, or anywhere else that tends to get wet.
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Difference #3: Bluetooth Pairing Range – Both smart speakers primarily use a Bluetooth Connection when paired up with a device such as your smartphone, for a fun and seamless listening experience.
However, the UE Boom 3 has a much further Bluetooth range of 150ft, compared to JBL’s 30 ft, which means that you can change tracks or switch playlists from a long distance!
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Difference #4: Bungee Hanger – UE Boom’s bungee hanger addition is handy for when you’re on the go. So you can easily attach your speaker to the bike, or bungee click up to a tree, making this compact speaker very easy to carry around and set up.
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Difference #5: 3.5 mm Input – JBL’s 3.5 mm input allows you to connect your smart speaker to your TV, radio, and smartphones without needing a Bluetooth Connections!
This can come in very handy when you want to connect an old-school device that doesn’t support Bluetooth, for an uninterrupted listening experience.
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Difference #6: Audio Quality – In terms of audio quality, both smart speakers produce an impressive audio output in different ways.
For example, the UE Boom 3 impresses us with it’s 360° audio abilities that will carry sound across the whole room at a higher volume of up to 90dBA, which can be especially useful when used outdoors or large spaces.
While JBL Charge 4 doesn’t include the 360° audio feature, it does, however, produce a wider range of its frequency response of 60Hz – 20kHz, compared to Boom’s 90Hz – 20kHz, as well as also gifting us with a much richer, and louder sound quality via the dual passive radiators.
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Difference #7: Charge Your Smartphone – With the JBL Charge 4, you have the ability to simultaneously play music from your smartphone, while also charging it!
This small, but handy addition ensures your phone battery doesn’t die while the party is going!
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Difference #8: App Control – Unfortunately, the JBL app isn’t of much use when it comes to streaming music or operating your smart speaker, while UE Boom’s app is far more impressive.
For example, you can both power on or off your speaker as well as customize the EQ to suit you, set a musical alarm, pair up devices, and more!
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Difference #9: On Device Control – While both devices feature the regular button controls such as the power on, off and the ability to adjust the volume, UE Boom also includes a unique control called the “Magic” button.
It allows you to play/pause as well as switch between tracks, and when long-pressed it even launches your favorite playlist, how great is that?
However, keep in mind that this feature is only available to Apple Music on iOS, and Deezer Premium on Android.
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Difference #10: Charging Dock – Ran out of battery? No worries! You can quickly charge your UE Boom 3 via a charging dock that you can bring with you wherever you go, so you don’t have to worry about looking for an outlet, especially when outdoors.
However, unfortunately, JBL doesn’t have a compatible dock, but you can also invest in a power bank such as the Anker PowerCore.
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Difference 11: Design – Without a doubt, we have to say that UE Boom 3 is the more attractive model when compared.
With its compact cylindrical size, and attractive duel color tones of Dusk, Lagoon Blue, Night Black, Sunset Red, and Ultraviolet Purple to choose from, you will surely find something to suit your taste.
While it’s true that JBL comes with even more color options to choose from, 10 to be exact, their simple one-tone design and its bulkier size of 8.66’’ x 3.74’’ x 3.66’’ is no match for Boom’s 2.9” x 2.9” x 7.2” compact dimensions.
JBL Charge 4 vs. UE Boom 3 — Comparison Chart
| JBL Charge 4 | UE Boom 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Run Time | Up to 20 Hours | Up to 15 Hours |
| Charge Time | 5.5 Hours | 2.5 Hours |
| Waterproof | Yes IPX7 | Yes IP67 |
| 360° Sound | No | Yes |
| Shock Proof | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Pairing Range | Up to 30ft | Up to 150ft |
| Bungee Hanger | No | Yes |
| 3.5 mm Input | Yes | No |
| Micro USB Charging Port | Yes | Yes |
| Can Charge Your Smartphone | Yes | N/A |
| Can Be Paired Up | Yes | Yes |
| App Support | Yes | Yes |
| Charging Dock | N/A | Yes |
| Maximum Sound Level | >80dBA | 90dBA |
| Frequency Range | 60Hz – 20kHz | 90Hz – 20kHz |
| Drivers | One large single driver, Two Passive Radiators |
Two 2” x 4” Passive Radiators |
| Dimensions | 8.66” x 3.74” x 3.66” | 2.9” x 2.9” x 7.2” |
| Finish | Black, Blue, Camouflage, Gery, Green, Pink, Red, Sand, Teal, White, and Yellow |
Dusk, Lagoon Blue, Night Black, Sunset Red, and Ultraviolet Purple |
JBL Charge 4 vs. UE Boom 3 — Things in Common
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Can be Paired Up – You can easily pair up to JBL Bluetooth speakers, as well as UE Boom 3 devices, to get that desired stereo audio quality for an even more powerful sound output.
You take that even further by connecting up to 100 JBL Connect + or build an impressive wall of sound by using UE Boom’s app to connect up to 150 Boom 3, Megaboom 3 or even the previous generation of Boom, Boom 2 and Megaboom speakers to really get that party going!
JBL Charge 4 vs. UE Boom 3 — Accessories
Be sure to check out the Ultimate Ears Power-Up Wireless Charging Dock, so your UE Boom 3 doesn’t run out of battery power when you’re on your camping trip, or at a pool party.
Whether you are moving or simply want extra protection for your smart speaker, take a look at the LTGEM Case for UE Ultimate Ears Boom 3, an ideal addition for those of you who wish to be extra careful!
Similarly for JBL, check out the , a perfect fit for your speaker that’s great for outdoor carrying.
JBL Charge 4 vs. UE Boom 3 — Our Thoughts
So, to sum it all up, while it’s true that Boom 3 is definitely more aesthetically pleasing with its dual color tone options and compact design, as well as well featured when taking the Ultimate Ears app and “Magic” button into account, JBL does bring a larger battery life and a more powerful audio delivery to the table.
In the end, you’re choosing between a product that comes with more perks and improved app control, or a simple yet sturdy, affordable device that can provide you with longer hours of fun.
However, if you are an avid adventurer that goes on long trips and desire a speaker that can withstand almost anything, then we feel UE Boom 3 is the way to go.
Last update on 2024-04-19 at 16:10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
