Ultimate Ears is an audio brand you’ll commonly stumble upon when searching for the best portable Bluetooth speakers. Their Boom speakers are critically acclaimed and revered by bass lovers wanting impactful sound in travel-friendly designs. The same can be said about their entry-level Wonderboom speakers — specifically the Wonderboom 3, which shares the same durability and similar sound quality but in a more affordable and smaller package.
Any changes implemented on this threequel were made underneath the speaker’s damage-proof sheath. Audio quality remains boomy, though it’s moderately refined for optimal frequency response. Battery life and connectivity are also stronger.
The lack of special features and limited ecosystem support make the Wonderboom 3 seem more like a director’s cut than a full-fledged sequel. Still, the speaker is a valid purchase, especially since it’s frequently on sale these days.
The UE Wonderboom 3 can be best described as a boom-bastic bargain that polishes up several series hallmarks, including audio, battery life and wireless performance.
What I liked about it
Balanced, bass-forward sound
This third-generation speaker pumps out loud, boom-filled sonics. Some critics argue that it doesn’t sound any different from the preceding Wonderboom 2, but I beg to differ. Anyone with precise hearing will notice the improvements in mid- and high-range transparency. Instruments and vocals are slightly clearer on contemporary and instrumental recordings.
I kick-started the testing process by playing N.E.R.D.’s “Run to the Sun” by the poolside. The funky percussion, slapping bass line and swirling synths projected beautifully across the swimming area, thanks to UE’s fantastic 360-degree soundstage that produces full, spacious audio. That same energy transferred over to hard rock classics like AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.” The opening guitar riff was electrifying, and singer Brian Johnson’s rasping vocals sounded clean and commanding over the rip-roaring production. I could even identify highs on the back end; the cymbals were strikingly resonant.
There is no EQ, nor multiple presets to personalize sound. Instead, UE gives you an Outdoor Boost mode, which raises frequencies and volume amplification. The results are mostly satisfying. I enjoyed the increase in treble and vocal range when listening to the Ohio Players’ “Love Rollercoaster” and other upbeat tracks.
Lengthy playtimes
A full charge is said to last roughly 14 hours. That’s close to accurate. Just keep in mind that high volume and multi-pairing with a second Wonderboom 3 unit will decrease playtime. During testing, I received 12 hours of music playback at about 70% volume, which was sufficient for several days of moderate listening (three to four hours daily). A full charge only required 2.6 hours. Many of the best portable chargers with a USB-A port can also be used to recharge the speaker. The Wonderboom 3 can also double as a power bank via USB-A to USB-C charging cable, though I don’t have that accessory to test this claim.
Durable and practical
UE speakers are best known for their remarkably rugged designs. Like the previous entries in this series, the Wonderboom 3 is built from extremely durable plastic with IP67-resistant coating for dirt, dust and water protection. You can leave it submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes and it won’t suffer any damage. I don’t recommend it, but it’s good to know that the speaker won’t short-circuit if accidentally dropped in the pool.
Despite the roughly 1-pound Wonderboom 3 being heavier than some compact Bluetooth speakers, it’s conveniently small to pack up and take anywhere. Adding to the speaker’s appeal is seamless usability. UE’s control setup is effective and user-friendly. Most buttons are multifunctional, so you can execute commands through a variety of single, double or long presses. On the bottom there’s a button with a tree logo to activate Outdoor Boost mode. The only function not available is “previous track.”
Bluetooth 5.3 provides reasonable wireless range (up to 40 feet), and Google Fast Pair instantly connects the speaker to recognized Android devices. The Wonderboom 3 is compatible with iOS/macOS and Windows machines as well.
What I didn’t like about it
An extremely scarce feature set
UE continues to overlook the Wonderboom series on the feature front. There’s nothing beyond Google Fast Pair and Outdoor Boost. The Wonderboom 3 doesn’t even support the UE Boom app, which would have given it some cool perks, such as a customizable EQ, one-touch playlists and tap controls. The company could have at least programmed the speaker with the same four presets in the app.
However, the most puzzling omission is USB-C charging. If Apple can redesign its fifteenth-generation iPhone to support this charging solution, then there’s no excuse for UE.
No backward compatibility
Something I loved about the Wonderboom 1 and Wonderboom 2 was that they could be paired together for wider stereo sound. Why the Wonderboom 3 doesn’t let you pair to either version is a mystery. You can only pair two of the same model. The Wonderboom 3 won’t pair with any of UE’s midrange or luxury Boom speakers either.
Bottom line
It’s easy to rag on a budget Bluetooth speaker with confined functionality. The severely limited feature set and out-of-date charging solution are both valid frustrations. At the same time, it’s difficult not to appreciate a mini-bass blaster that delivers fantastic battery life, sound and sturdiness the way the Wonderboom 3 does. Its powerful low-end delivery with clean midrange and enhanced volume output creates vibrant audio that very few low-priced rivals can match. The same can be said about its battery life and water and dust protection.
So, if you’re thinking about grabbing a portable waterproof speaker for under $100, the latest Wonderboom model can be of great service.
