The speaker is well built and has been completely redesigned: the UE BOOM 3 is instantly recognisable as a UE product, but there are a few things that are different compared to previous versions. Gone is the soft plastic bumper where the plus and minus buttons in the centre of the speaker used to be. Instead, it has been replaced by a slimmer plastic strip on the back of the speaker.
The UE BOOM 3 is wrapped in IP67 waterproof fabric for durability and grip. It can hold up well in the rain and gives you the peace of mind that you can take it outside and keep it dry. What’s more, the UE BOOM 3 floats just like the WONDERBOOM, so even the smallest features add up to great value. It’s not just the outside that’s built tough – UE also claims that this speaker is drop-proof. I didn’t do a drop test from a building, but they withstood rolling off my bed with no problems.
The Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 is a portable Bluetooth speaker with a built-in hook so you can hang it from your bag or rucksack on the go. It is small, lightweight and, although we have not tested it at present, it is also IP67 dust and water resistant. Unfortunately, the factory sound profile is a little uneven and not very loud. However, with the Ultimate Ears app’s graphic EQ and presets, you can adjust its sound to your liking.
The Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 is also suitable for outdoor use. This amazingly well-made speaker has an IP67 dust and waterproof rating, although this has not been tested at present. It is battery-powered for easy portability and has a built-in hook so it can be attached to a bag or rucksack. The 360-degree design also provides an open sound field, so you can listen from any angle and feel the realism. However, it is unfortunate that it does not produce very loud sound.
The UE Boom 3 is a solid little speaker that addresses the problems of its predecessor, the UE Boom 2. With a 15-foot wireless range and improved water resistance, it is certainly an improvement over its predecessor, but Ultimate Ears has yet to achieve perfection with the UE Boom 3. At this price point, it is puzzling that Ultimate Ears has not made significant improvements in sound quality. While powerful, it lacks clarity and accuracy, especially in the lower mids and highs. However, the ability to change the equaliser settings is a good thing.