The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers surprisingly powerful sound in a compact and stylish package. Its rugged design makes it perfect for taking on any adventure, from pool parties to camping trips. In this comprehensive review, we'll dive deep into the Wonderboom 3's features, performance, and overall value, providing you with all the information you need to decide if it's the right speaker for you.
Design and Build Quality
The Wonderboom 3 boasts a playful yet robust design that instantly catches the eye. It's available in a wide range of vibrant colors, each with a unique texture that adds a touch of personality. The speaker's circular shape and compact size (approximately 4.5 inches in diameter) make it easy to hold and transport.
One of the standout features of the Wonderboom 3 is its impressive durability. It's IP67 certified, meaning it's completely waterproof and dustproof, allowing you to confidently take it to the beach, pool, or even a dusty desert environment without worrying about damage. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys listening to music in unpredictable conditions.
The speaker's build quality is top-notch. It's constructed from durable materials that can withstand bumps, scratches, and even accidental drops. The top of the speaker features a soft rubberized surface that provides a secure grip, while the bottom boasts a non-slip base that keeps it stable on any surface.
Sound Performance
While the Wonderboom 3 may be small, don't let its size fool you – it packs a powerful punch in terms of sound quality. Ultimate Ears has equipped it with a 360-degree sound system that delivers rich, balanced audio across all frequencies. The bass is surprisingly deep and impactful for a speaker of this size, and the treble is clear and crisp, resulting in a detailed and enjoyable listening experience.
Whether you're listening to your favorite playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks, the Wonderboom 3's audio performance consistently impresses. Its wide soundstage and clear vocals make it ideal for listening to various genres, from pop and rock to classical and jazz. The 360-degree sound ensures that everyone within a reasonable radius can enjoy the music, making it perfect for group gatherings and outdoor parties.
Features
The Wonderboom 3 is packed with a host of features that enhance its usability and overall appeal. Some notable features include:
-
Bluetooth 5.0: The Wonderboom 3 utilizes Bluetooth 5.0 technology, which offers a stable connection with a longer range, reducing the chance of dropped calls or audio interruptions.
-
Long Battery Life: With up to 13 hours of playtime on a single charge, the Wonderboom 3 is more than capable of keeping the music flowing throughout the day and into the night.
-
Outdoor Boost: This feature automatically adjusts the speaker's sound to optimize it for outdoor environments, ensuring that you get the best possible listening experience regardless of your surroundings.
-
Double Up Mode: The Wonderboom 3's Double Up mode allows you to pair two speakers together wirelessly, creating a stereo soundstage for an even more immersive listening experience.
-
Voice Assistant Compatibility: You can use the Wonderboom 3 to access your smartphone's voice assistant, like Siri or Google Assistant, for hands-free control of your music, calls, and other functions.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Impressive sound quality for its size
- Durable and waterproof design
- Long battery life
- Outdoor Boost and Double Up modes
- Vibrant color options
- Portable and easy to carry
- Good value for the price
Cons:
- Limited bass extension compared to larger speakers
- No equalizer settings
- No built-in microphone for phone calls
- Pricey compared to some other Bluetooth speakers in its class
Who is the Wonderboom 3 For?
The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is an excellent choice for a wide range of users. Here are some specific scenarios where it excels:
- Outdoor enthusiasts: Its rugged design and waterproof capabilities make it ideal for taking on hiking trips, camping adventures, and beach days.
- Pool partygoers: The Wonderboom 3 can handle the splashes and spills of a pool party without breaking a sweat.
- Music lovers on the go: Its portable size and long battery life make it perfect for taking your music with you wherever you go.
- People looking for a stylish and functional speaker: The Wonderboom 3's vibrant colors and unique design make it a stylish addition to any environment.
Comparison to the Competition
The Wonderboom 3 faces stiff competition in the portable Bluetooth speaker market. However, it stands out from the crowd with its robust design, impressive sound quality, and useful features. Here's how it stacks up against some of its main rivals:
- JBL Flip 6: The JBL Flip 6 is another popular portable Bluetooth speaker that offers excellent sound quality and durability. However, it lacks the Wonderboom 3's 360-degree sound and unique design.
- Bose SoundLink Flex: The Bose SoundLink Flex is a smaller and more portable option than the Wonderboom 3. However, it doesn't quite match the Wonderboom 3's sound quality or durability.
- Tribit Stormbox Micro: The Tribit Stormbox Micro is a more affordable alternative to the Wonderboom 3, but it falls short in terms of sound quality and features.
Final Verdict
The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is a compelling portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers powerful sound, a rugged design, and a host of useful features. Its impressive sound quality, long battery life, and waterproof capabilities make it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, music lovers on the go, and anyone looking for a stylish and functional speaker.
While it may be slightly more expensive than some of its rivals, the Wonderboom 3's overall value and performance make it a worthy investment. If you're looking for a compact, durable, and great-sounding Bluetooth speaker that can withstand the rigors of everyday life, the Wonderboom 3 is definitely worth considering.
FAQs
Q: Does the Wonderboom 3 have a built-in microphone for phone calls? A: No, the Wonderboom 3 does not have a built-in microphone, so you cannot use it for phone calls.
Q: Can I connect the Wonderboom 3 to multiple devices at the same time? A: No, the Wonderboom 3 can only be connected to one device at a time. However, you can easily switch between devices by connecting to the new device.
Q: How long does the Wonderboom 3 take to charge? A: The Wonderboom 3 takes approximately 3 hours to fully charge using the included USB-C cable.
Q: Is the Wonderboom 3 compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto? A: No, the Wonderboom 3 is not compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Q: What is the Wonderboom 3's range? A: The Wonderboom 3 has a Bluetooth range of approximately 30 feet.
Q: Does the Wonderboom 3 come with a carrying case? A: The Wonderboom 3 does not come with a carrying case, but you can purchase one separately.
Q: Can I use the Wonderboom 3 for voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant? A: Yes, the Wonderboom 3 is compatible with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. You can use the voice assistant feature to control your music, make calls, and more.
Q: Can I charge the Wonderboom 3 while using it? A: No, the Wonderboom 3 does not support charging while in use.
Q: Is the Wonderboom 3 compatible with other Ultimate Ears speakers? A: Yes, the Wonderboom 3 is compatible with other Ultimate Ears speakers that support Double Up mode.
Q: Can I use the Wonderboom 3 as a speakerphone? A: No, the Wonderboom 3 does not have a microphone and cannot be used as a speakerphone.