Ultimate Ears’ Wonderboom 2 was a fantastic piece of gear, so you can’t blame the firm for adding just minor modifications to the third version. So here’s the Wonderboom 3.
The portable powerhouse looks, sounds, and even has the same old micro-USB connection. In actuality, the only changes are an additional hour of battery life, marginally improved Bluetooth range, and the use of more ecologically friendly materials.
That makes the Wonderboom 3 a little less exciting, especially for anyone who has the previous model. But that doesn’t change the fact that this is a fantastic option for a lightweight, portable, waterproof Bluetooth speaker that can take a beating and keep going.
Design & build
Chunky, colourful design
Waterproof – and even floats
Eco-friendly materials
The Wonderboom 3 resembles the Wonderboom 2. It’s truly similar, with the exception of a modest update to the spectrum of bright, vibrant colors it comes in.
That’s not really a criticism, because Ultimate Ears got it right the first time, and this chubby little speaker is just as endearing as ever. It’s small enough to stuff in a backpack without thinking twice, light enough to carry around all day, and durable enough to withstand the experience.
The really brave can throw this into a bath or swimming pool.
also easy to use, with only a few simple controls on top for Bluetooth, power, and playing, and two massive volume buttons on the side that you can’t miss, so anyone at a party can take it and figure out what to do.
It’s as durable as ever, with an IP67 dust and water-resistance designation that allows it to withstand splashes and short dips. It’s even meant to float, so the courageous may toss it into a bath or swimming pool, though I admit I haven’t done so yet.
The only significant difference this year is that Ultimate Ears has modified the materials beneath the surface. It currently contains at least 31% post-consumer recycled plastic and is covered in a 100% recycled polyester fabric. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified packaging is included.
Sound quality & features
Powerful, well-rounded sound
Optional ‘Outdoor Mode’
Stereo pairing with another Wonderboom 3 (but not 2)
The Wonderboom 3 looks and sounds identical to the Wonderboom 2. Simply put, Ultimate Ears has made no changes to the sonics of this speaker.
But, once again, it can get away with it since it very well nailed things the last time. The Wonderboom 3 produces bright, well-rounded sound that is well-suited to most genres. There’s enough bass to offer depth and warmth without being overbearing, rounded mids, and a relatively thin high-end – but it’s enough.
Outdoor Mode is also back, triggered by a single push of a tiny button buried on the speaker’s underside and marked with a tree emblem. This reduces the bass and increases the treble, allowing the sound to travel further in large outdoor venues and providing a nice second auditory alternative.
Bluetooth handles all audio, which has been upgraded with a range of up to 40m and quick and easy connection. When we evaluated the Wonderboom 2, we bemoaned the absence of a traditional cable connection option, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem any longer – you were going to use Bluetooth anyway, right?
You may also purchase a second Wonderboom 3 and link the two to increase the loudness or make a stereo pair. The main gripe here is that, despite the same sounds, you can’t pair this with an earlier model, causing unnecessary irritation for existing owners and causing confusion as customers pick up the otherwise similar speakers and ask why they won’t work together.
Battery & charging
Up to 14 hours’ battery
Micro-USB charging
First, the good news: Ultimate Ears has boosted an hour to the Wonderboom’s already excellent battery life, bringing it to 14 hours on a single charge.
That means it can easily stay all night at a party and can operate for a few days of intermittent use while traveling. However, there is no quick visual indication of the current battery level, so you’ll need to top it up every now and then if you’re unsure how much is left in the tank.
The bad news is that it charges using Micro-USB rather than the more contemporary USB-C. That’s another Wonderboom 2 relic, but it’s completely undesirable at this point.
This is simply an unnecessary inconvenience.
None of the other electronics I use on a daily basis charges through Micro-USB, so bringing this on vacation involves an extra cord I wouldn’t have to care about otherwise. Unless you have a really old Android device, your phone will not utilize the same port. This is just a needless annoyance.
Price & availability
The Wonderboom 3 costs $99.99/£89.99, which falls just short of what we consider an affordable Bluetooth speaker. There are less expensive options available, but you always get what you pay for.
Verdict
The Wonderboom 3 is a fantastic portable Bluetooth speaker, but don’t let the name fool you into thinking it’s an improvement from an older model – it’s essentially identical to the Wonderboom 2.
Of course, the switch to eco-friendly materials is good, as is the extra hour of battery life, but the decision to remain with Micro-USB is the closest thing to a severe problem, revealing how old the design truly is.
Existing Wonderboom owners may be disappointed to learn that, while employing the same sonics, this cannot be coupled with earlier versions, but the rest of us will be able to enjoy a booming little Bluetooth speaker.
Hello This is AG.
I am a Tech lover and I have long been a promoter and editor for a shopping company, I have followed smartphones and headphones and others. I covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews.
