The Speaker That Goes Everywhere
A friend brought this speaker to a beach day last summer and I was impressed enough to buy my own. Been using it for about six months now, and it’s become my go-to for portable audio.
What Makes It Different
The cylinder shape is the first thing you notice. Most Bluetooth speakers are shaped like bricks, but the Boom 3 stands upright and projects sound in 360 degrees. In practice, this means you can put it in the middle of a group and everyone hears it equally well.
It’s also surprisingly loud for its size. I’ve used it in the backyard, at the beach, and at small gatherings, and it fills the space without struggling.
Build Quality and Durability
This thing is genuinely rugged. The fabric exterior has taken some abuse - sand, drops, getting knocked off tables - and it still looks basically new. There’s a bungee loop thing on the back that’s useful for hanging it or attaching it to stuff.
The IP67 water resistance is legit. It’s been rained on, splashed at the pool, and dropped in a creek (accident). Still works perfectly. Apparently it can float too, though I haven’t tested that on purpose.
Sound Quality
For a portable speaker, the sound is really good. Bass is punchy considering the size, mids are clear, and it gets loud without distortion. It’s not going to replace a proper sound system, but for outdoor use and casual listening, it delivers.
The 360 sound projection actually works well - there’s no “wrong” direction to face it. I usually just set it down wherever and it sounds fine from all angles.
One criticism: at maximum volume, the bass can get a little muddy. I usually keep it around 80% and it sounds better.
Battery Life
UE claims 15 hours and that’s pretty accurate in my experience. I’ve taken it camping for a weekend and only charged it once. The battery indicator in the app is helpful - gives you a percentage so you know where you stand.
Charging takes a few hours with the included cable. Nothing fast, but not a big deal since the battery lasts so long.
The App
The UE Boom app lets you adjust the EQ, set an alarm (the speaker wakes you up with music), and pair multiple Boom speakers together. The EQ presets are useful - I usually use the one that boosts bass a bit.
You can also use the app to check battery level and turn the speaker on remotely, which is occasionally useful.
Things I’d Change
- No aux input - Bluetooth only, which is fine 95% of the time but occasionally annoying
- Charging port cover is fiddly - It’s waterproof because of a tight rubber cover, but that cover is annoying to open
- Button placement - The volume buttons are hard to distinguish by feel, so I usually just use my phone
Compared to JBL Flip
The obvious competitor is the JBL Flip series. Having used both, here’s my take:
The Flip has slightly better bass and a more traditional shape that fits in cup holders. The Boom 3 has better durability, the 360 sound, and in my experience, longer battery life.
If portability is key and you’re mostly using it at home, maybe Flip. If you want something genuinely rugged that you can take anywhere without babying it, Boom 3.
Who Should Get This
- People who want a speaker for outdoor activities
- Anyone who needs durability (camping, beach, pool)
- Folks who host small gatherings
- Someone looking for a gift that’s broadly useful
Maybe Skip If
- You want the absolute best sound quality (get something bigger)
- You need an aux connection
- You want something super compact (there’s a Boom mini)
Final Thoughts
Six months in, I reach for this speaker constantly. It lives in my bag when I’m traveling and on my kitchen counter when I’m home. The combination of durability, good sound, and excellent battery life makes it easy to recommend.
It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s one of those products that just works reliably every time.
Current pricing may vary by retailer.