Bluetooth Speaker That Outshines the Competition

Gadgets with a unique twist always catch my attention, such as Lenovo’s Tab Plus boasting an exceptional array of JBL speakers or Nothing’s Android phones featuring captivating lights on their backs. These unique features, or schticks, not only add charm but, when practical, enhance the user experience significantly. The Soundcore Boom 3i Bluetooth speaker, priced at 0, presents a fascinating schtick: its ability to be submerged in water. While this concept might baffle anyone familiar with battery technology, for the right audience, it could be an exciting prospect.

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To elaborate, Soundcore has engineered the Boom 3i Bluetooth speaker to be exceptionally waterproof, achieving an impressive IP68 rating that signifies resistance to both water and dust. This classification does not merely suggest that you can immerse it in water; it encourages you to do so. The design ensures that the Boom 3i floats, with its weight strategically distributed to keep the speaker upright at all times. This means you can confidently take it to a pool, lake, or even the ocean—notably, Soundcore claims the Boom 3i is more resistant to saltwater than many other waterproof competitors. Naturally, I decided to put this claim to the test in my bathtub.

While my bathroom may not be the ideal setting to blast a powerful Bluetooth speaker, I undertook this experiment in the name of science. In my quaint neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, finding a pool that accommodates loud music is quite rare. However, during my float test, the Boom 3i exceeded expectations, showcasing vibrant RGB lighting that adds fun to the experience. What truly impressed me was not only its ability to float but also to deliver high-quality audio. Thanks to its weighted design, the side with the speaker grille remains upright, ensuring your music is not submerged or muted.

When using a Bluetooth speaker in a watery environment, there are some quirks to consider. For instance, the bass can create splashes, particularly if the Boom 3i is thrown into the water with the bass boost activated. You might witness water splattering from the tweeter sections, which can be amusing yet distracting. Fortunately, the inclusion of a “Bass” button on the speaker’s top allows you to toggle the bass output depending on whether you’re using it on land or in water. Once I discovered this feature, it elevated my overall experience with the speaker. As a tip, I highly recommend switching off the bass while enjoying music in wet conditions to avoid any unwanted splashes in your face.

Another crucial tip is to ensure the USB-C port located at the back of the speaker is securely sealed with the attached rubber stopper prior to submerging it in water, as this is the only point of entry for water that could potentially damage your speaker. I transitioned directly from charging the speaker to testing it in the bath, and everything remained adequately dry, but I was diligent in ensuring that the rubber stopper was firmly pressed shut before submerging.

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It’s impossible to overlook how LOUD the Boom 3i is, a fantastic trait that aligns perfectly with its design as an outdoor-friendly Bluetooth speaker. With a total power output of 50W, the Boom 3i surpasses other moderately loud speakers such as the JBL Charge 5, which I’ve previously used outdoors. In fact, the volume level is so substantial that I had to lower it while playing music in my apartment to avoid potential noise complaints. This isn’t an exaggeration—if you’re using this speaker outdoors, its sound output will definitely impress you, especially considering its weight of just 780 grams, significantly lighter than the JBL Charge 5, which weighs in at 960 grams.

Not only does the Boom 3i outperform the JBL Charge 5 in terms of volume, but it also boasts superior sound quality. I conducted a direct comparison by playing Daft Punk’s “Digital Love” on both speakers. While the JBL Charge 5 delivers decent sound quality, the Boom 3i clearly overshadows it. The Boom 3i offers a more nuanced sound profile, particularly excelling in the reproduction of midrange frequencies that the JBL Charge 5 tends to overlook.

In terms of audio performance, the Boom 3i may not quite match the Bose SoundLink Plus, which I tested recently, but it’s essential to remember that the Bose model costs almost three times more, making it an unfair comparison. Beyond its impressive capability to be submerged in water, I was pleasantly surprised by the sound quality of Soundcore’s latest offering. Considering the retail price of just $130 compared to the $180 for the Charge 5, the value proposition becomes even more enticing.

Although I’m not an outdoor enthusiast, if I were, I would appreciate several features of the Boom 3i, including the innovative “Buzz Clean” function. This feature, accessible through the Soundcore app, activates vibrations to help dislodge any pesky sand or dirt. Additionally, there’s an alarm feature that you can activate by pressing and holding the Bass button on the top of the speaker for five seconds—be warned, it’s quite loud. The Soundcore app also offers numerous functionalities, such as remote volume control and the ability to fine-tune the speaker’s EQ settings.

Battery life is another crucial aspect of an outdoor speaker, especially for those intending to use it while camping or in locations without easy access to power sources. Soundcore claims the Boom 3i can last up to 16 hours at 50 percent volume without bass boost, and based on my testing, that estimate appears accurate. One feature I would have liked to see, given that this is an outdoor speaker likely to accompany users to campsites, is reverse charging, but unfortunately, the Boom 3i does not have the capability to recharge your smartphone in a pinch. On a side note, I must mention that the design of the speaker resembles a brick or bomb, which isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing. While it may not be the most stylish speaker available, it earns some leniency for its impressive waterproof and durable qualities. Just be aware that if you attempt to take it on an airplane, you might catch the attention of TSA agents.

As I wrap up this review of the Boom 3i, it’s evident that there is little to criticize about this speaker. My experience testing Soundcore’s latest Bluetooth speaker has solidified my belief that it represents exceptional value in the realm of Bluetooth audio. It is rare to find a product that delivers such high-quality sound alongside a plethora of unique features at a competitive price point. At first glance, the Boom 3i may appear to be a gimmick, focusing on water resistance and buoyancy, but upon deeper examination, you’ll discover its overall performance is impressive, from sound quality to its sturdy, brick-like exterior.

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