JBL Charge 4 vs Ultimate Ears BOOM 3

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Charge 4 compared with BOOM 3
JBLCharge 4Ultimate EarsBOOM 3
Overview
Released20182018
Sound
TypePortable speakerPortable speaker
Dolby AtmosNoNo
DriversOne 50 × 90 mm driver and two passive radiatorsTwo 2-inch drivers and two 2 × 4-inch passive radiators
Amplifiers30 W RMS–
Frequency response60 Hz – 20 kHz; signal-to-noise ratio over 80 dB90 Hz–20 kHz; maker maximum sound level 90 dBC
Connections
Wi-FiNoNo
BluetoothYesYes
AirPlayNoNo
Voice assistantsNoneNone
BluetoothBluetooth 4.2; A2DP 1.3 and AVRCP 1.6; two phones or tablets can connect and take turnsA2DP wireless audio; maker claims up to 45 m mobile playback range and pairing with up to eight source devices
PortsUSB-C charging, USB-A power-bank output (5 V / 2 A maximum) and 3.5 mm audio input; port types confirmed by SoundGuys and TechRadarMicro-USB charging; optional POWER UP charging dock
Streaming–Bluetooth audio from compatible phones, tablets and other devices
Multi-roomConnect+ links more than 100 compatible speakers; original Connect speakers require a compatible firmware upgrade, which the maker offers for Charge 3PartyUp links up to 150 BOOM and MEGABOOM speakers across generations, according to the launch release; two BOOM 3 speakers can form a stereo pair (What Hi-Fi and TechRadar)
App–BOOM & MEGABOOM app; four equaliser presets and custom tuning; remote power control
Design
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 20 hoursUp to 15 hours
Water and dust resistanceIPX7IP67
Weight0.965 kg0.608 kg (better)
Battery life detailUp to 20 hours depending on volume and content; 27 Wh (3.6 V, 7,500 mAh) lithium-ion polymer battery; 4 hours to charge at 5 V / 2.3 ARechargeable lithium-ion battery; maker claims 15 hours of playback
Controls–Volume +/–, power and Bluetooth pairing; Magic Button for play, pause and skip. Launch playlist shortcuts supported Apple Music on iOS and Deezer Premium on Android
MicrophonesNo microphone for phone calls (SoundGuys)–
Size220 × 93 × 95 mm (W × H × D), following the maker's W × D × H specification184 mm high, 73 mm wide
ColoursDesert Sand, Mustard Yellow, Dusty Pink, Grey Stone, River Teal, Fiesta Red, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black, Steel White and Forest Green at launchLaunch colours Night, Sunset, Lagoon and Ultraviolet
In the boxCharge 4, USB-C cable, quick start guide, warranty card and safety sheet; no mains adaptor listedBOOM 3, Micro-USB cable, quick-start guide

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