Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker review bold sound and waterproof durability

Description

Bold Design and Durability

The Ultimate Ears BOOM 3, with its rugged yet stylish build, immediately stands out as a speaker that’s ready for anything. Its two-tone performance fabric isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it’s engineered for extreme conditions, inspired by materials used in motorcycle jackets and fire equipment. I took this speaker on a camping trip, and it survived being tossed into a backpack, a bit of rain, and even a drop onto rocky terrain. The IP67 waterproof rating is no joke either—this thing floats! I had it by the pool, and when it inevitably took a dive, it kept playing without missing a beat. The combination of dustproofing and waterproofing makes it feel practically indestructible.

Immersive Audio Performance

I wasn’t sure what to expect from a speaker this compact, but the 360° sound genuinely surprised me. It delivers bold, immersive, and crystal-clear audio that fills the room—or the outdoors, in my case. The deep bass is balanced, not overpowering, making everything from podcasts to party playlists sound great. I tested it with a range of genres, and it handled everything brilliantly, from the subtle highs of acoustic tracks to the thumping lows of EDM. The frequency range of 90Hz to 20kHz ensures you get a full-bodied sound experience.

Magic Button and App Integration

The Magic Button on top might seem like a gimmick at first, but it’s surprisingly convenient. It lets you play, pause, and skip tracks directly from the speaker, without fumbling for your phone. I even set up custom playlists using the BOOM app, which works seamlessly with platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. The app also unlocks other features like PartyUp, which allows you to pair multiple speakers for a surround sound experience. I tried linking it with a friend’s older BOOM 2, and the syncing was flawless.

Key Benefits:

• 360° sound for immersive audio experience.
• Magic Button for hands-on control.
• Rugged, waterproof build that floats.

Battery Life That Keeps Up

Battery life is often where portable speakers fall short, but this one’s a champ. With 15 hours of playback on a single charge, I never had to worry about it dying mid-session. The 2-hour charging time is quick enough that it’s ready to go again in no time. I haven’t tried the optional POWER UP charging dock, but the idea of wireless charging sounds like a great add-on for frequent users.

Limitations

While I loved most aspects of the product, there are a few areas for improvement.

• The Bluetooth range of 45 meters is decent, but walls or obstacles can interfere.
• It lacks a 3.5mm aux input, which could’ve been handy for non-Bluetooth devices.
• The Magic Button is great, but it takes a bit of getting used to for first-timers.

Competing Products

When comparing this to similar options, like the JBL Charge 5 and the Sony SRS-XB33, the BOOM 3 holds its ground with its waterproofing and durability. The Sony model offers slightly more bass, but it’s bulkier and not as portable. Meanwhile, the JBL Charge 5 has a built-in power bank, which is convenient, but it doesn’t float or feel as rugged as the BOOM 3. The BOOM 3’s design and app integration make it a standout for those who want a balance of performance and portability.

Smart Spending

Given its features, this speaker feels like a solid investment for music lovers on the go. It’s not the cheapest option, but the durability, sound quality, and smart features justify the price. Whether you’re by the pool, camping in the wilderness, or simply hanging out at home, this speaker delivers where it matters most. It’s worth every penny for those who prioritize portability and reliability.

Additional information