The UE Wonderboom 3 is my secret weapon for summer time enjoyable

For years, Ultimate Ears has cultivated a popularity for crafting high quality Bluetooth audio system designed for lively, out of doors use, even when they’re additionally completely suited to a comfy evening in. Among the firm’s audio system are even designed to not go just by the pool, however in the pool as properly. With colourful designs, massive quantity buttons, and considerably complicated names, UE audio system are typically sturdy, transportable, and greater than able to sustaining a vigorous occasion and searching good doing so. The Wonderboom 3, specifically, is famous for being the most effective UE audio system for its dimension and value.

I examined out the Wonderboom 3 to see the way it holds up and compares to different transportable Bluetooth speakers . This is what I discovered.

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Specs, value, and availability

The UE Wonderboom 3 is on the market from Amazon, Finest Purchase, Walmart, Goal, and instantly from UE.com. It retails for round $100, although you will doubtless be capable of discover it discounted as UE promotes its new lineup of next-gen audio system. Of word is the stereo encompass the Wonderboom 3 offers, setting itself other than mono Bluetooth audio system. It is available in a wide range of distinct colours with foolish names that typically denote pink, inexperienced, blue, lavender or a beige and lightweight inexperienced combo. I examined the black mannequin.

What I preferred in regards to the UE Wonderboom 3

High quality sound, nice design

The Wonderboom 3 provides spectacular stereo sound that is crispy, clear, and immersive at most volumes. It may not maintain a big late-night social gathering, however it ought to help a decent-sized gathering in a yard or park. The stereo setup, with left and proper channels, might not be tremendous distinct just because the speaker is comparatively small, however it does assist put the Wonderboom 3 forward of equally sized and priced rivals. The speaker might be paired with one other Wonderboom 3, with every speaker taking the left and a proper channel respectively, permitting for a much more fulfilling and complete listening expertise.

The wraparound grille additionally signifies that sound emits in each course, including a little bit of comfort and flexibility on the subject of use.

The sturdy building and elemental safety make the Wonderboom 3 a terrific speaker for out of doors use. It is rated IP67, giving it resilience in opposition to rain and splashes. It may be submerged for as much as half-hour, although I do not advocate testing the Wonderboom 3 on this method, primarily since you will not be capable of hear the sound it produces underwater that properly. The Wonderboom 3’s make-up additionally provides safety in opposition to mud, basically permitting you to take this speaker to the seaside, park, or on a hike with out a lot fear. It may be dropped from about 5 toes with out concern for injury to its integrity. The Wonderboom 3 definitely feels strong too, and whereas I am not inclined to throw across the speaker to my buddies just like the individuals do in UE commercials for some cause, I am not involved about it falling over, dropping, or shifting round when in use exterior.

When it comes to portability, I discovered the extra stout Wonderboom to be simply as transportable and straightforward to retailer as earlier entries within the UE household, if no more. I particularly loved the bungee loop material that lets you dangle or clip the speaker. The actual fact it is coloured to match the big quantity buttons on the speaker is a pleasant contact.

Certainly, it is also an aesthetically pleasing speaker, even the fashions which might be simply black. The Wonderboom 3 has a specific enjoyable really feel that’s superfluous to the sound high quality however that I take pleasure in as a easy one that likes a pop of coloration and placing design. It is useful that aesthetics aren’t an alternative to audio high quality however an addition to it.

The Wonderboom 3’s controls are easy. The three buttons on the highest of the unit are conveniently organized, albeit not probably the most intuitive. The ability button is the small, depressed choice with a single LED line to point it is on or off (it is not the button I initially assumed would flip the speaker on). The middle button serves a number of makes use of: you may play or pause music, skip to the following music, or use it to pair up with one other speaker. A 3rd button lets you pair through Bluetooth.

On the underside of the speaker is an virtually hidden function that is value utilizing. There is a button that lets you activate the Outside Increase function, an audio preset designed to optimize sound if you’re in an open house missing partitions and surfaces. The distinction in sound is not important, however you’ll undoubtedly discover the enhance.

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The JBL Go 3 is a lot better geared up for out of doors treks this summer time.

What I disliked in regards to the Wonderboom 3

Dated connections and gradual charging

Of all of the Wonderboom’s drawbacks, one is extra egregious than the remaining, partially as a result of expectations surrounding electronics. I can settle for a scarcity of highly effective bass and a few slight distortion or discomfort when the amount is ready to the max. That is not essentially an anomaly with audio system of this dimension and value.

Nonetheless, it is annoying that the Wonderboom 3 nonetheless makes use of a micro-USB cable for charging. The speaker does include a cable, which is useful, however I might relatively not have a bunch of various cords anymore. With so many merchandise harnessing the facility and comfort of USB-3, I might a lot relatively have a Wonderboom that may use one too so I can simply change out gadgets. It is not a lot an issue at house, however it might get annoying when you’re touring because it very doubtless may be the one gadget requiring such a wire.

The Wonderboom 3 begins to lose a little bit of oomph when you’re out in an open space and at a distance. It provides crisp and clear audio that is sufficient to fill a gathering of 15 to twenty individuals, however it will not be the guts of a bigger group in a much bigger house. And whereas it might preserve that soirée going with a good battery lifetime of about 14 hours, it does take over two hours to cost absolutely, so be sure you’re able to go. The shortage of quick charging is a bummer, however it’s not a dealbreaker.

The Wonderboom 3 cannot connect with UE’s companion app, which wasn’t a problem for me, however others may be aggravated. Have in mind additionally that it might solely join with different Wonderbooms, and never completely different UE speaker fashions.

Do you have to purchase the Wonderboom 3?

The UE Wonderboom 3 is a dependable and sturdy Bluetooth speaker that serves as a worthwhile companion for anybody who needs a speaker on the transfer with them. It might probably replenish a smaller room inside and serve properly outdoor and on the go, notably when you’re taking to extra vigorous adventures. The pleasing look an design, with its massive quantity buttons, gentle exterior, and coloration choices, additionally make it enjoyable to have a look at and have round those that care about aesthetics, like me. It is well worth the funding at a reduced value, and regardless of newer fashions supplanting it, there may be nonetheless worth available, particularly as UE audio system are inclined to final for a few years.

Nice, however exhibiting its age

Final Ears Wonderboom 3

A great mixture of dimension, model, sound and waterproof design makes this speaker very onerous to beat.