The Ultimate Ears (UE) Wonderboom 3 is the latest addition to the popular Wonderboom series of portable Bluetooth speakers. Known for its compact size, rugged design, and excellent sound quality, the Wonderboom series has been a favourite among music enthusiasts. The Wonderboom 3 continues this tradition while offering several improvements over its predecessor, the Wonderboom 2.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about the Wonderboom 3, including its features, performance, and how it stacks up against the competition. We will also address some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you make an informed decision.
Overview of the Wonderboom 3
Released in mid-2022, the Wonderboom 3 comes with several enhancements, including extended battery life, improved Bluetooth range, and better sound quality. This compact speaker is designed for those who love taking their music on the go, whether it’s to the beach, park, or just around the house. The Wonderboom 3 retains the same iconic cylindrical shape, fabric finish, and large volume control buttons as its predecessors but comes in new color options and boasts a more eco-friendly build.
Key Features of the Wonderboom 3
Enhanced Sound Quality
The Wonderboom 3 is known for its 360-degree sound output, providing a more immersive listening experience compared to other speakers in its class. With an improved frequency range, the Wonderboom 3 delivers deeper bass and clearer highs, making it perfect for all genres of music.
Extended Battery Life
One of the most significant upgrades in the Wonderboom 3 is its battery life. The speaker now offers up to 14 hours of playtime on a single charge, a notable improvement from the 10 hours offered by the Wonderboom 2. This makes it an ideal choice for long outings and events.
Rugged and Durable Design
The Wonderboom 3 maintains its rugged reputation with an IP67 rating, making it waterproof, dustproof, and able to float on water. This feature is perfect for pool parties, beach outings, and even shower use. The build quality ensures that the speaker can withstand drops from up to 5 feet without damage.
Bluetooth Range and Connectivity
The Wonderboom 3 offers an extended Bluetooth range of up to 40 meters (131 feet), compared to the 30 meters (98 feet) offered by the Wonderboom 2. This improvement allows users to move around more freely without worrying about losing connection.
Eco-Friendly Construction
In a bid to be more environmentally friendly, the Wonderboom 3 is made from a minimum of 31% post-consumer recycled plastic. This move aligns with the growing demand for more sustainable and eco-conscious products.
Stereo Pairing and Multi-Device Connectivity
Like its predecessor, the Wonderboom 3 supports stereo pairing, allowing you to connect two Wonderboom speakers for an even more powerful audio experience. However, it does not support pairing with other Ultimate Ears speakers like the Boom or Megaboom series.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Wonderboom 3 stays true to the classic look of the series, with its cylindrical shape and fabric-covered exterior. The large volume buttons are still prominently featured, providing a tactile and easy-to-use interface. The new color options add a fresh touch, including Joyous Brights, Hyper Pink, and other trendy hues. The speaker also comes with a handy loop for easy carrying or attaching to bags.
Despite its compact size, the Wonderboom 3 feels solid and robust in hand. The speaker’s IP67 rating not only makes it waterproof but also ensures it’s dustproof, making it suitable for outdoor adventures. Its ability to float in water is a unique feature that sets it apart from many competitors, ensuring it stands out as a top choice for beach or poolside use.
Sound Performance
When it comes to sound quality, the Wonderboom 3 delivers an impressive performance that belies its small size. The 360-degree sound output ensures a uniform audio experience, regardless of where you are positioned relative to the speaker. This feature is particularly useful for outdoor use or group gatherings, where people may be scattered around the speaker.
The improved frequency response range of the Wonderboom 3, particularly in the lower end, provides richer bass without sacrificing clarity in the mid and high frequencies. The sound is crisp and clear, and the volume levels are more than adequate for most outdoor settings. While it may not compete with larger speakers in terms of sheer power, it certainly punches above its weight class.
Portability and Ease of Use
Weighing just under 1 pound, the Wonderboom 3 is highly portable and easy to carry around. The built-in loop adds to its portability, making it easy to hang on bags, bikes, or in the shower. Pairing the device with a smartphone or tablet is straightforward and quick, with no special apps required.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life has always been a crucial factor for portable speakers, and the Wonderboom 3 does not disappoint. With up to 14 hours of playtime, it offers enough juice for an entire day of music. Charging is done via a micro-USB port, which is a bit of a letdown as most new devices are moving towards USB-C. This is one area where Ultimate Ears could improve in future iterations.
How Does Wonderboom 3 Compare to Competitors?
When compared to other portable speakers in its price range, the Wonderboom 3 holds its own remarkably well. Its closest competitors include the JBL Flip 6, Sony SRS-XB13, and Bose SoundLink Micro. While each has its strengths, the Wonderboom 3 stands out for its combination of sound quality, ruggedness, and portability.
JBL Flip 6: Offers slightly better bass and more detailed sound but is larger and heavier than the Wonderboom 3.
Sony SRS-XB13: Provides good sound quality in a smaller package but lacks the 360-degree sound capability.
Bose SoundLink Micro: Known for its superior sound clarity but is more expensive and has a shorter battery life than the Wonderboom 3.
Pricing and Availability
The Wonderboom 3 is competitively priced, generally retailing between $80 to $100, depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. It is widely available both online and in major electronics stores, making it an accessible option for most consumers.
FAQs
What is the battery life of the Wonderboom 3?
The Wonderboom 3 offers up to 14 hours of battery life on a single charge, depending on the volume level and usage conditions.
Is the Wonderboom 3 waterproof?
Yes, the Wonderboom 3 is IP67-rated, making it waterproof, dustproof, and capable of floating on water. It can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without damage.
Can I pair two Wonderboom 3 speakers for stereo sound?
Yes, the Wonderboom 3 supports stereo pairing, allowing you to connect two speakers for a more immersive audio experience.
Does the Wonderboom 3 support Bluetooth multipoint?
No, the Wonderboom 3 does not support Bluetooth multipoint, which means it cannot connect to multiple devices simultaneously.
What is the Bluetooth range of the Wonderboom 3?
The Wonderboom 3 offers an extended Bluetooth range of up to 40 meters (131 feet) in open spaces.
Is the Wonderboom 3 compatible with the Ultimate Ears app?
No, the Wonderboom Three does not have app support, unlike some other Ultimate Ears speakers.
What are the colour options available for the Wonderboom 3?
The Wonderboom 3 comes in several new colours, including Joyous Brights and Hyper Pink, among others.
How do I reset the Wonderboom 3?
To reset the Wonderboom Three , press and hold the power button and the volume down button simultaneously until you hear a sound indicating that the reset is complete.
Does the Wonderboom 3 support voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant?
No, the Wonderboom Three does not have built-in support for voice assistants.
What type of charging port does the Wonderboom 3 have?
The Wonderboom Three uses a micro-USB charging port.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Three is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a compact, portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers excellent sound quality, rugged durability, and impressive battery life. Its ability to provide 360-degree sound, along with features like waterproofing and the ability to float, makes it ideal for outdoor activities and adventures.
While it does have some limitations, such as the absence of a USB-C charging port and app support, the Wonderboom 3’s strengths far outweigh these minor drawbacks. Priced competitively, it offers great value for money and is a worthy addition to the lineup of portable speakers in 2024. Whether you’re a music lover, an adventurer, or just someone looking for a reliable speaker for everyday use, the Wonderboom Three is worth considering.
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