The Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 speaker is designed for those who want to enjoy high-quality music on the go. This portable Bluetooth speaker is packed with features that make it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures, parties, and everyday use. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the various aspects of the Ultimate Ears BOOM 3, from its design and build quality to its sound performance and additional features.
Design and Build Quality
One of the standout features of the Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 is its design. The speaker is compact, cylindrical, and covered in a shimmering two-tone fabric that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable. This fabric is engineered for extreme applications, similar to those used in motorcycle jackets and fire equipment, ensuring that it can withstand tough conditions.
The BOOM 3 is designed to be super portable. It includes a built-in hook, making it easy to attach to a bag or backpack. This portability is enhanced by its lightweight construction, allowing users to carry it effortlessly wherever they go. Moreover, the speaker boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. This means it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes without any damage, and it is also dustproof. This makes it an excellent choice for use at the beach, poolside, or during outdoor activities in various environments.
Sound Quality and Performance
360-Degree Sound
One of the key selling points of the Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 is its 360-degree sound. This design ensures that the sound is evenly distributed in all directions, creating an immersive audio experience. Whether you’re in a small room or an open outdoor space, the BOOM 3 delivers a consistent and high-quality sound.
Sound Profile
Out of the box, the sound profile of the BOOM 3 may seem a bit uneven. Some users might notice that certain frequencies are more pronounced than others. However, this can be easily adjusted using the graphic EQ and presets available in the Ultimate Ears app. This customization allows users to tweak the sound to their liking, ensuring a more balanced and enjoyable listening experience.
Loudness
While the BOOM 3 provides clear and immersive sound, it does have its limitations when it comes to loudness. It might not get as loud as some users would prefer, especially in noisy outdoor environments. Despite this, its overall sound quality remains impressive, particularly for a speaker of its size and portability.
Battery Life
Longevity
The Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 is equipped with a rechargeable battery that offers up to 15 hours of playtime on a single charge. This long battery life makes it perfect for all-day events or extended outdoor adventures where access to a power source might be limited.
Charging Options
In addition to its impressive battery life, the BOOM 3 can be paired with the Power Up charging dock (sold separately). This dock allows for wireless charging, ensuring that the speaker is always ready to go on your next musical journey. This convenience means you can avoid the hassle of plugging in cables and simply place the speaker on the dock for a quick charge.
Durability and Waterproof Features
Waterproof and Dustproof
As mentioned earlier, the BOOM 3 has an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. This means it is completely waterproof and can even float on water. Whether it accidentally falls into the pool or gets caught in the rain, the BOOM 3 is designed to withstand such situations without any issues. This level of durability makes it a reliable choice for adventurous users who enjoy outdoor activities.
Virtually Indestructible
The construction of the BOOM 3 is robust, making it virtually indestructible under normal use conditions. The performance fabric and tough build ensure that it can handle rough handling, drops, and impacts. This durability is a significant advantage for those who want a speaker that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
User Interface and Controls
Magic Button
The Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 features the all-new Magic Button, which simplifies music control. This button allows users to play, pause, skip, and control streaming music directly on the speaker with just one touch. Additionally, users can set up custom one-touch playlists for various music services like Spotify, Amazon Music Unlimited, Amazon Prime Music, Apple Music, and Deezer Premium. This feature enhances the user experience by providing quick and easy access to music without needing to use a smartphone.
App Integration
The Ultimate Ears app adds another layer of functionality to the BOOM 3. Through the app, users can access the graphic EQ to adjust the sound profile, set up custom playlists, and even pair multiple BOOM 3 speakers for a surround sound experience. The app is user-friendly and adds significant value by allowing users to personalize their listening experience.
Connectivity
Bluetooth
The BOOM 3 connects wirelessly via Bluetooth, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The Bluetooth connection is reliable and offers a decent range, allowing users to control their music from a distance without interruptions.
PartyUp Feature
One of the standout features of the BOOM 3 is the PartyUp feature available through the Ultimate Ears app. This feature allows users to pair over 150 BOOM and MEGABOOM speakers to create the ultimate surround sound experience. Whether you’re hosting a large party or simply want a more immersive audio setup, the PartyUp feature makes it easy to connect multiple speakers and enjoy synchronized music.
Performance in Outdoor Environments
Portability
The Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 is designed with outdoor use in mind. Its lightweight and portable design, combined with the built-in hook, make it easy to carry around. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or spending a day at the beach, the BOOM 3 can be conveniently attached to your backpack or gear, ensuring you always have music with you.
Durability in Harsh Conditions
Thanks to its IP67 rating and robust construction, the BOOM 3 performs exceptionally well in harsh outdoor conditions. It can withstand exposure to dust, sand, and water, making it a reliable companion for outdoor adventures. The speaker’s ability to float adds an extra layer of convenience when used near water bodies.
Battery Life for Extended Use
The long battery life of up to 15 hours ensures that the BOOM 3 can keep the music going throughout the day. This extended battery performance is particularly useful for outdoor activities where access to power sources is limited. Users can enjoy uninterrupted music without worrying about recharging the speaker frequently.
Sound Customization and App Features
Graphic EQ and Presets
The Ultimate Ears app provides users with a graphic EQ and several presets to customize the sound profile of the BOOM 3. This feature allows users to adjust the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies to suit their preferences. Whether you prefer a bass-heavy sound or a more balanced audio experience, the app makes it easy to fine-tune the speaker’s output.
Custom Playlists
The app also allows users to set up custom one-touch playlists for popular streaming services like Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Deezer Premium. This feature simplifies music control and provides quick access to your favorite playlists with a single press of the Magic Button. It’s a convenient way to enjoy your preferred music without needing to navigate through your smartphone.
PartyUp Feature
The PartyUp feature in the Ultimate Ears app is a game-changer for social gatherings. By pairing multiple BOOM and MEGABOOM speakers, users can create a synchronized audio experience that fills larger spaces with high-quality sound. This feature is perfect for parties, events, and any situation where you want to amplify the music and create a lively atmosphere.
Overall Performance and Verdict
Strengths
The Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 has several strengths that make it a compelling choice for a portable Bluetooth speaker. Its durable and waterproof design ensures it can withstand tough conditions, making it ideal for outdoor use. The 360-degree sound provides an immersive audio experience, and the customizable sound profile allows users to tailor the sound to their preferences. Additionally, the long battery life and convenient charging options make it a reliable choice for extended use.
Weaknesses
While the BOOM 3 excels in many areas, it does have a few weaknesses. The out-of-the-box sound profile might not be ideal for all users, requiring some adjustments via the app. Additionally, the speaker doesn’t get as loud as some might prefer, which could be a drawback in particularly noisy environments.
Recommendation
Overall, the Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 is an excellent portable Bluetooth speaker that offers a great balance of durability, sound quality, and convenience. It’s well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and anyone who needs a reliable speaker for on-the-go use. With its robust design, impressive battery life, and versatile features, the BOOM 3 is a worthy investment for those who value high-quality audio in a portable package.
In conclusion, the Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 Speaker Review highlights the speaker’s strengths and weaknesses, providing a comprehensive overview of its features and performance. With its combination of durability, sound quality, and user-friendly features, the BOOM 3 stands out as a top choice for a portable Bluetooth speaker. Whether you’re heading to the beach, hosting a party, or simply enjoying music at home, the Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 is designed to deliver an exceptional audio experience.