Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM Play Black
Score: 79/100
Soundcore Boom 3i
Score: 78/100Rankings
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM PLAY is an ultra-portable cylindrical Bluetooth speaker offering 10 hours of playtime, IP67 durability and a 40 m range. Its modest SPL of 79 dBC and mono design requiring a second unit for true stereo limit its loudness and flexibility. Ideal for active users seeking lightweight, rugged speakers for outdoor adventures.
The Soundcore Boom 3i is a rugged outdoor speaker delivering 50 W output and powerful BassUp 2.0 bass, with an IP68 rating and floating design for water use. Its 830 g weight and lack of auxiliary input or power-bank functionality make it less portable and versatile. Ideal for active users who prioritize durability and bass over lightweight convenience.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
10 hours | 16 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 318 gbest | 830 g |
— | 50 Wbest | |
40 mm | 94 mmbest | |
40 mbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 168 minutesbest | — |
1 years | 1.5 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 10 hours | 16 hours |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 318 g | 830 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 104x95.3x95.3 mm mm | 78.5×85×210 mm mm |
IP Rating | IP67 | IP68 |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 1.5 years |
Audio(2) | ||
Frequency Response (Hz) | 80-20000 Hz Hz | 56-20000 Hz |
Driver Size (mm) | 40 mm | 94 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the WONDERBOOM PLAY for its feather-light build, IP67 durability and impressive 40 m Bluetooth range, noting that it delivers a surprisingly big, 360° soundstage for its size. However, they criticize its mediocre sound accuracy, limited low-frequency extension and a lower maximum SPL of 79 dBC, which makes it less loud and less precise than earlier Wonderboom versions.
Everyday users love the speaker's portability, floating capability and long battery life, frequently mentioning how easy it is to take to the beach, pool or on hikes. Common praise centers on the loud bass relative to its size and the hassle-free pairing. Recurring complaints focus on the lower overall volume compared with previous models and the need to buy a second unit for true stereo sound.
Editors and professional sources commend the Boom 3i for its rugged construction, IP68 waterproofing, and innovative floating capability, while emphasizing the strong bass output achieved through BassUp 2.0. The Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and PartyCast/TWS features are also highlighted as reliable for group listening, though independent deep-dive reviews are limited.
User feedback in the available data is minimal, with no explicit pros or cons recorded. The official product description suggests users appreciate the bass performance and floatability, but there is no concrete evidence of recurring praise or complaints from everyday consumers.
