When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the OontZ Angle 3 by Cambridge SoundWorks stands out in its class. Designed and engineered in the USA, this speaker combines innovative design, impressive audio capabilities, and practical features that make it a top choice for many music enthusiasts. This comprehensive review will delve into the key aspects of the OontZ Angle 3, providing an in-depth look at its performance, design, features, and overall value.
Design and Build Quality
The OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth speaker boasts a unique triangular design that not only looks stylish but also enhances its functionality. This design allows the speaker to be placed either horizontally or vertically, offering flexibility in placement and ensuring optimal sound dispersion. The speaker is compact and lightweight, making it highly portable and easy to carry around.
The build quality of the OontZ Angle 3 is commendable. Despite its plastic construction, it feels sturdy and durable. The IPX5 water resistance rating adds to its ruggedness, protecting it against water splashes, making it an excellent choice for outdoor use. Whether you’re at the beach, by the pool, or caught in a sudden rain shower, the OontZ Angle 3 can withstand the elements, providing peace of mind and uninterrupted music enjoyment.
Audio Performance
Sound Quality
The OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth speaker is designed to deliver high-quality audio performance. It features a stereo output mode with a maximum output power of 12 watts. This power, combined with its advanced audio drivers, ensures clear and balanced sound across different music genres.
One of the standout features of the OontZ Angle 3 is its ability to produce crystal clear sound without distortion, even at maximum volume. This makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings, where you might need to crank up the volume. The speaker handles mid and high frequencies well, providing detailed and articulate sound.
Bass Performance
While the OontZ Angle 3 excels in clarity and volume, its bass performance is somewhat limited. The speaker has an uneven sound profile, particularly lacking in low-bass frequencies. This might be a drawback for those who enjoy bass-heavy music genres like EDM and hip-hop. However, for general music listening, the bass response is adequate, delivering a balanced and pleasant listening experience.
Soundstage
Another area where the OontZ Angle 3 could improve is its soundstage. The speaker has a relatively narrow soundstage, meaning the sound feels more centered and less immersive. This is not uncommon for portable Bluetooth speakers, but it’s worth noting for those who prioritize a wide and immersive audio experience.
Connectivity
Bluetooth Range
The OontZ Angle 3 utilizes Bluetooth 5.0 technology, which offers significant improvements over previous versions. One of the most impressive features of this speaker is its wireless range, which extends up to 100 feet. This ensures a stable and strong connection, allowing you to move around freely without worrying about losing signal.
Pairing and Compatibility
Pairing the OontZ Angle 3 with your devices is straightforward and hassle-free. It is compatible with a wide range of devices, including iPhones, Android phones, tablets, and laptops. The advanced antenna design further enhances connectivity, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audio experience.
AUX-In and Hands-Free Functionality
In addition to Bluetooth, the OontZ Angle 3 comes with a built-in AUX-IN jack. This allows you to connect the speaker to non-Bluetooth devices using a 3.5mm Line-In cable (cable not included). This feature adds versatility, making the speaker suitable for a broader range of audio sources.
The speaker also features a built-in microphone, enabling it to function as a hands-free speakerphone. This is particularly useful for taking calls without having to disconnect from the speaker, adding convenience to its list of features.
Battery Life
Battery performance is a crucial factor for portable speakers, and the OontZ Angle 3 does not disappoint. It is equipped with a powerful rechargeable battery that provides up to 14 hours of playtime on a single charge. This extended battery life ensures you can enjoy your music for an entire day without needing to recharge. Whether you’re hosting a party, going on a road trip, or simply using it throughout the day, the OontZ Angle 3 has the stamina to keep the music going.
Portability and Durability
Size and Weight
The OontZ Angle 3 is designed with portability in mind. Its compact size allows it to fit easily into a backpack or even a large pocket, making it an ideal travel companion. The lightweight design further enhances its portability, ensuring it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk when you’re on the move.
Water Resistance
Durability is another strong suit of the OontZ Angle 3. The IPX5 water resistance rating means the speaker can handle water splashes from any direction. This makes it suitable for outdoor activities and ensures it can withstand the occasional spill or splash. However, it’s important to note that while it is water-resistant, it is not fully waterproof, so it should not be submerged in water.
Value for Money
One of the most appealing aspects of the OontZ Angle 3 is its affordability. Given its range of features and performance capabilities, it offers excellent value for money. The speaker delivers a well-rounded audio experience, robust connectivity options, and impressive battery life, all at a budget-friendly price point. This makes it accessible to a wide audience, from casual listeners to more discerning audiophiles.
Comparison with Competitors
When evaluating the OontZ Angle 3, it’s useful to compare it with other popular portable Bluetooth speakers in its class.
JBL Flip 4
The JBL Flip 4 is another highly regarded portable Bluetooth speaker. It offers similar water resistance (IPX7) and slightly better bass performance. However, it comes at a higher price point compared to the OontZ Angle 3. The OontZ Angle 3 offers a better value proposition for those who prioritize affordability without compromising too much on sound quality.
Anker Soundcore 2
The Anker Soundcore 2 is another strong competitor. It offers excellent battery life and a durable design with an IPX7 rating. However, the Soundcore 2 has a more pronounced bass, which some users might prefer. The OontZ Angle 3, with its balanced sound profile and extended Bluetooth range, offers a compelling alternative, especially for those who value clarity and connectivity.
Bose SoundLink Micro
The Bose SoundLink Micro is known for its superior sound quality and compact design. However, it is significantly more expensive than the OontZ Angle 3. While the Bose speaker might offer a richer audio experience, the OontZ Angle 3 provides a more affordable option with impressive features and solid performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Portability: Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around.
- Battery Life: Up to 14 hours of playtime ensures long-lasting performance.
- Water Resistance: IPX5 rating provides protection against water splashes.
- Bluetooth Range: Extended wireless range up to 100 feet.
- Affordability: Offers excellent value for money.
- Hands-Free Functionality: Built-in microphone for taking calls.
Cons
- Bass Performance: Lacks deep bass, which might be a drawback for bass enthusiasts.
- Soundstage: Narrow soundstage limits the immersive experience.
- Audio Latency: High audio latency on iOS and Android can be an issue for video playback.
Final Verdict
The OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth Speaker by Cambridge SoundWorks is a well-rounded portable speaker that excels in several key areas. Its unique design, impressive connectivity, and solid battery life make it a versatile and practical choice for a wide range of users. While it may not offer the deepest bass or the widest soundstage, it delivers clear and balanced sound, making it suitable for various listening environments.
Given its affordability and feature set, the OontZ Angle 3 is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly portable speaker without sacrificing essential features. Whether you’re at home, on the go, or enjoying the outdoors, this speaker provides a reliable and enjoyable audio experience.
Recommendations
For those considering the OontZ Angle 3, here are a few recommendations to maximize your experience:
- Use in Multiple Settings: Take advantage of its portability and water resistance by using it both indoors and outdoors.
- Pairing with Multiple Devices: Utilize its strong Bluetooth range to connect with various devices around your home or office.
- Enhancing Bass Performance: If you’re a bass enthusiast, consider using an external equalizer app to tweak the sound to your liking.
- Protective Case: Invest in a protective case to further safeguard the speaker during travel or outdoor activities.
In conclusion, the OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth Speaker is a reliable and affordable choice that offers a blend of good sound quality, durability, and portability. Its feature set and performance make it a standout option in the budget portable speaker market, providing excellent value for those seeking a versatile and practical audio solution.