Loud music can excite any situation or mood. Be it a party or dinner, we all want music around us, don’t we? Most of the speakers today are wireless and portable. Today we will compare the JBL Charge 4 and UE Boom 3. With very few similarities, the JBL Charge and the UE Boom have a lot of differences. But in the end, both have excellent audio capabilities.
Our Verdict
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Between the two speakers, we would go with the JBL Charge 4. The choice is because JBL has an extended battery life with easy app control. So, if you are in between a party, you do not want your speakers to run out of battery. However, in other aspects, the UE Boom 3 is the right choice as well. To understand further, let’s take a more in-depth look by comparing the JBL Charge 4 and the UE Boom 3.
In the previous differences, we did mention that the speakers are portable and wireless. But wouldn’t it be fun if it had something so we could hang it on to something? Well, the UE Boom 4 has heard your call. It has a bungee hanger that can be attached to the bike, tree branches, or anywhere you wish. Hence it makes it easier to carry around the speaker.
2. On-Device Control
There are buttons on both the device where you can” control the music, turn the device on or off, play, and pause the songs. However, the UE Boom 3 has a unique feature called as “Magic” button. This button allows you to play/pause your songs, switch between songs, and when you press it for long, it pops up with your favorite playlist. But the feature is only available in Apple Music on iOS and Deezer Premium in Android.
3. Waterproof
If you are looking for speakers that you can use for a pool party or even in the shower, both the JBL Charge 4 and the UE Boom 3 are waterproof. But the UE Boom 3 has a slight advantage over the JBL Charge because of the rating. In terms of waterproof rating, UE Boom 3 has a rating of IP67. The classification means that the speaker can withstand water splashes, dips, and will work even when submerged underwater for up to 30 minutes.
However, the JBL Charge 4 has a rating of IPX7. This rating is for devices that can withstand splashes. But it cannot work after it is submerged underwater wholly.
So, if you are looking for a device with better waterproof ratings, go for the UE Boom 3. But, if you just want to listen to music while having a shower, then the JBL 4 does the job.
4. Charge Your Smartphone
We are pretty sure that most of you have faced the problem where your phone loses charge when it is playing music for the speaker. But with the JBL Charge 4, you can play your music from the smartphone as well as recharge your phone simultaneously. This makes sure the party does not die because of your phone charge.
5. Range
Any device which works on Bluetooth saves a lot of data and power. That’s precisely what the JBL Charge 4 and the UE Boom 4 offers. Both speakers can be functioned through Bluetooth. But there is a difference in the range on which they operate.
The JBL Charge 4 works with a Bluetooth range of 30ft. The field limits you being near to your speaker all the time if you want music without any interruptions.
However, the UE Boom 4 has a Bluetooth range of up to 150 ft. That’s a massive difference between the UE Boom 4 and the JBL Charge 4. So, it means you can listen to your favorite music without any interruptions and even change tracks from a long distance.
6. Run Time
The battery life of a speaker is essential if you are taking your speakers with you for a camping trip, or a party or anywhere where there are no sockets to charge. For this, we require a speaker with extended run time. So, between the two, the JBL Charge 4 has a run time of 20 hours, that’s a lot of time you can go without charging. So, the next time you go camping we are pretty sure it will be helpful. Even considering the volume and the usage, the battery life is a perfect feature.
On the other hand, the UE Boom 3 has a run time of 15 hours. That is 5 hours less than JBL. That’s a huge difference. But the UE Boom 3 has a charge time of 2.5 hours, whereas the JBL Charge 4 has a charge time of 5.5 hours. So, in the case of battery life, the JBL Charge 4 is the right choice. But if you are looking for a faster charging time, then the UE Boom 3 is better as it recharges the battery within 2.5 hours.
7. 3.5 mm Input
If we want to connect the speaker to your old TV or any device that supports Bluetooth connections, then JBL is there for your rescue. It has a 3.5mm input that allows you to connect the speakers to your TV, smartphones, and even an old radio. For this, you do not also require any Bluetooth connections. This feature provides you with a continuous flow of music.
8. Charging Dock and Design
What if you ran out of battery suddenly? Well, you don’t have to worry as the UE Boom 3 can charge using a charging dock. Because of this, you don’t have to find an outlet outside. Unfortunately, the JBL does not come with any dock. But if you need one, you can invest in the right charging dock.
When we talk about design, the UE Boom is better than the JBL Charge 3. It is more attractive due to the size of the speaker and the beautiful color tones. They offer five different types of color tones like Dusk, Lagoon Blue, Night Black, Sunset Red, and Ultraviolet Purple. Although the JBL has more color options, the extensive JBL system is no match to the compact design of the UE Boom.
9. App Control
When it comes to controlling your speaker with your phone, the JBL has not impressed us. But, the UE Boom 3 has much more control and is up to the expected level. Using the UE app, you can turn on or off the speaker and also adjust the EQ to your likings. It has other features where it allows you to keep an alarm with the music you want, pair your devices, and many other activities.
10. Audio Quality
Both JBL Charge 4 and the UE Boom 3 have fantastic audio quality. But both of them have different ways due to which they produce this sound. The UE Boom 3 has 360° audio, which means the audio is loud enough throughout the room. It will carry the music with a level of 90dB. This noise level is useful if you have a party, gathering or any occasions where a lot of people are present.
On the other side is the JBL Charge 4 does not have any 360° feature. But it does have a full frequency in the range of 60 Hz – 20Hz. Although UE Boom 3 has a rate of 90 Hz – 20Hz, it provides good quality sounds that are provided by the dual passive radiators.
With both these, you can pair them to the JBL Bluetooth speakers and the UE Boom 3 devices. You can do so if you require robust and stereo audio quality. It also lets you connect to the JBL Connect or the Megaboom 3, Boom 2, and 150 Boom 3 using the UE Boom’s App.
Features And Technical Specifications of JBL Charge 4
JBL is one of the well-known companies when it comes to speakers. One of their products is the JBL Charge 4. JBL Charge 4 has a total run time of 20 hours with a charge time of 5.5 hours. When it comes to size, it has a bulkier design than the UE Boom 3. You can play your music through Bluetooth, which can function unless and until you are in the range of 30ft from the device.
You can also play music by using the 3,5mm input, which you can connect to your TV and radio. When it comes to the audio quality, it is capable of producing sound up to 80 dB and works in the range of 90 Hz- 20 Hz. Additional features include the charging dock through which you can charge your phone without any outlets. If you’re interested in JBL Charge 4, do check out How JBL Charge 4 is in comparison to UE Blast.
UE Boom 3 has a more compact design when compared to the JBL Charge with dimensions 4 2.9 x 2.9 x 7.2 inches. It is available in 4 different color tones. About the audio, it has a 360-degree full quality, which is loud enough throughout the room. Although it has a run time of 15 hours, it has a faster charging rate of 2.5 hours.
Another fantastic quality is the waterproof feature. The speaker can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes and still would function. Hence, it is suitable if you want to hear music when you are in the shower as well. Bluetooth operates at a range of 150ft, so no matter how far you are, you can still control your music. It also comes with a bungee hanger with incredible app control.
Things We Like
Compact design
Water-resistant
Customizable EQ
360-degree audio quality
Things We Don't Like
15-hour battery life
No wireless charger
FAQs
1. How do I reset the JBL Charge 4?
To reset, you need to press the “Volume+” and “Bluetooth” at the same time.
2. Can I charge my JBL Charge 4 when it is wet?
You need to dry the charging port completely before charging.
3. Is my UE Boom 3 waterproof?
Yes, it is waterproof. It can even function even when the speakers were underwater for 30 minutes.
4. Does the UE Boom 3 have an AUX?
No, the UE Boom 3 does not have any auxiliary ports.
Bottom Line
 Both the speakers are equally the same in most of the cases. But we would recommend the JBL Charge 4 if you a traveler who needs a speaker without running out of battery.
On the other hand, the UE Boom 3 has better app controls and a compact design. Another difference is that UE Boom 3 is better than water-resistant. So, if you are a person who needs improved features, then UE Boom 3 is the right choice. If you like UE Boom 3, Check out the comparison between, UE Boom 3 and UE Blast.
JBL Charge 4 - Editor's Choice
4.9
Summary
JBL is one of the well-known companies when it comes to speakers. One of their products is the JBL Charge 4. JBL Charge 4 has a total run time of 20 hours with a charge time of 5.5 hours. When it comes to size, it has a bulkier design than the UE Boom 3. You can play your music through Bluetooth, which can function unless and until you are in the range of 30ft from the device.
Andrea is a Senior Content Editor who digs into the very minuscule details to give her readers the best hands-on experience of the products. She brings her years of research and engineering experience to help us consistently create immaculate engaging content and products that hold the highest technical integrity.
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