Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£90Audio output power:?Battery life:15 hoursIP rating:IP67Bluetooth version:?Weight:608 g

Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Review: Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

Ultimate Ears Boom 3
8.0/10

Overall score

Score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

7.6

Technical score

20%

9.4

User score

★Better than 97% of portable speakers
8.6

Value for money

Value for money
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

★Better than 99%
7.6

Technical score

Technical score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

32%

7.0

Audio

20%

7.3

Battery

18%

9.7

Durability

16%

6.3

Connectivity

8%

8.8

Controls

3%

8.8

Design

3%

6.2

Smart features

★Better than 95%
9.4

User score

User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

9.1

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 94%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker Ultimate Ears Boom 3

Technical score
Technical score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

32%

7.0

Audio

20%

7.3

Battery

18%

9.7

Durability

16%

6.3

Connectivity

8%

8.8

Controls

3%

8.8

Design

3%

6.2

Smart features

7.6
User score
User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

9.1

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.4
Popularity
Popularity
10/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Ultimate Ears Boom 3 has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than 92% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

8.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

8.6
Audio output power
?
Driver unit size
?
Number of drivers
2
This portable speaker has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
90 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 90 Hz which is higher than that of 79.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.6% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
?
Maximum Bluetooth range
45 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 45 m which is longer than that of 96.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.9% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth profiles supported
A2DP; HFP
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Battery life
15 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 15 hours which is longer than that of 67% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.5% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
3,200 mAh
This portable speaker has a battery capacity of 3,200 mAh which is larger than that of 63.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.8% of portable speakers.
Charging time
2 hours
This portable speaker has a charging time of 2 hours which is shorter than that of 72.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 22.6% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
10 W
This portable speaker has a maximum charging input power of 10 W which is higher than that of 44.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 26.1% of portable speakers.
Built-in rechargeable battery
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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IP rating
IP67
This portable speaker has an IP rating of IP67 which provides better ingress protection than 80% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 19.1% of portable speakers.
Water resistance
yes
This portable speaker is water resistant. 38.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
yes
This portable speaker is dust resistant. 48.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
1 m
This portable speaker has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m which is deeper than that of 52.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 47.4% of portable speakers.
Drop resistance
yes
This portable speaker resists accidental impacts. 67.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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On-device controls placement
?
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
yes
This portable speaker supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
no
This portable speaker does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
608 g
This portable speaker weighs 608 g which is lighter than that of 58.3% of portable speakers.
Height
18.4 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 18.4 cm which is taller than that of 70.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Width
7.3 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 7.3 cm which is narrower than that of 91.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% of portable speakers.
Depth
7.3 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 7.3 cm which is shallower than that of 60.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.5% of portable speakers.
Carry options
strap/handle/shoulder
Show more
Companion app name
?
Firmware updates
yes
This portable speaker supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
?
Voice assistant support
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Ultimate Ears Boom 3 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IP67 vs IPX5).
    IP67 vs IPX5
  • 35 m longer Bluetooth range
    This portable speaker has a longer Bluetooth range than the average portable speaker (45 m vs 10 m).
    45 m vs 10 m
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    This portable speaker provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 10 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (90 dB vs 80 dB).
    90 dB vs 80 dB
  • 5 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
    5 vs 0
  • 1 hours shorter charging time
    This portable speaker has a shorter charging time than the average portable speaker (2 hours vs 3 hours).
    2 hours vs 3 hours
  • 17.4% higher user score
    User score
    9.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Ultimate Ears Boom 3
    the average portable speaker
    Ultimate Ears Boom 3 has a higher user score than the average portable speaker (9.39 vs 8).
    9.39 vs 8
  • 13.7% better value for money
    Ultimate Ears Boom 3 offers better value for money than the average portable speaker (8.58 vs 7.5).
    8.58 vs 7.55
  • 2.38x more popular
    Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is more popular than the average portable speaker (10 vs 4.21).
    10 vs 4.21
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    This portable speaker provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
  • 10 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (90 dB vs 80 dB).
    90 dB vs 80 dB
  • 78 ms lower audio latency
    This portable speaker has lower audio latency than the average portable speaker (7 ms vs 85 ms).
    7 ms vs 85 ms
  • 35 m longer Bluetooth range
    This portable speaker has a longer Bluetooth range than the average portable speaker (45 m vs 10 m).
    45 m vs 10 m
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 1 hours shorter charging time
    This portable speaker has a shorter charging time than the average portable speaker (2 hours vs 3 hours).
    2 hours vs 3 hours
  • 3 hours longer battery life
    This portable speaker has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (15 hours vs 12 hours).
    15 hours vs 12 hours
  • 600 mAh more battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (3,200 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    3,200 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IP67 vs IPX5).
    IP67 vs IPX5
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • Resists accidental impacts
    This portable speaker resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
  • Floats in water
    This portable speaker floats in water, while the average portable speaker does not float in water.
  • 5 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
    5 vs 0
  • 4 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (4 vs 0).
    4 vs 0
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • Supports party mode
    This portable speaker supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
  • Has a programmable button
    This portable speaker has a programmable button, while the average portable speaker does not have a programmable button.
    Has a user-programmable physical button.
  • 10.8 cm narrower
    This portable speaker is narrower than the average portable speaker (7.3 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    7.3 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 30 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (90 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    90 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 2 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (90 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    90 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 6 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (18.4 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    18.4 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 30 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (90 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    90 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 2 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (90 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    90 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 6 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (18.4 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    18.4 cm vs 12.4 cm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

W
whathifi.com
14/09/2018
Summary of the review
T
trustedreviews.com
13/02/2019
Summary of the review
U
uk.pcmag.com
22/06/2020
Summary of the review
E
expertreviews.co.uk
06/07/2020
Summary of the review
R
rtings.com
24/02/2021
Summary of the review
T
techradar.com
23/06/2021
Summary of the review
S
soundguys.com
05/05/2025
Summary of the review
P
pcmag.com
22/06/2020
Summary of the review
I
imore.com
19/11/2018
Summary of the review
F
forbes.com
25/06/2019
Summary of the review
I
igorslab.de
24/09/2019
Summary of the review
T
techgearlab.com
20/11/2018
Summary of the review
H
hifi.de
12/01/2021
Summary of the review
C
chip.de
23/01/2019
Summary of the review
I
igorslab.de
24/09/2019
Summary of the review
H
heise.de
10/09/2019
Summary of the review
C
coolblue.de
14/06/2024
Summary of the review
C
computerbild.de
12/10/2018
Summary of the review
H
homeandsmart.de
16/08/2019
Summary of the review
D
digitec.ch
24/09/2018
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Ultimate Ears Boom 3

  • Excellent rugged build quality and high durability against drops
  • IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating with a buoyant design that floats in water
  • Immersive 360-degree sound projection suitable for outdoor gatherings
  • Convenient Magic Button feature for one-touch music playback and playlist control
  • Impressive wireless Bluetooth range reaching up to 150 feet
  • Lightweight, compact, and highly portable cylindrical design
  • Long-lasting battery life offering up to 15 hours of playtime
  • Party Up app feature allows linking with up to 150 compatible Ultimate Ears speakers
  • Inclusion of a customizable graphic EQ and presets via the companion app

What customers don't like about Ultimate Ears Boom 3

  • Outdated Micro-USB charging port instead of modern USB-C
  • Lacks deep low-end bass extension and can sound slightly top-heavy or flat
  • No built-in microphone, preventing use as a speakerphone for voice calls
  • Missing a 3.5mm auxiliary input port for wired audio connections
  • The wireless Power Up charging dock must be purchased separately
  • The companion app can occasionally feel finicky or restricted to select music streaming platforms
  • Audio quality lacks some clarity and precision at maximum volume levels

Verdict

The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is a highly durable, cylindrical portable Bluetooth speaker measuring 184mm tall by 73mm wide and weighing 608 grams. It features two 1.5-inch full-range drivers and two passive radiators that deliver an immersive, 90 dB 360-degree sound signature with balanced mids and highs. Main advantages include its rugged IP67 dustproof and waterproof design that allows it to float in water, a prolonged 15-hour battery life, an expanded 150-foot Bluetooth wireless range, a built-in top "Magic Button" for convenient playback control, and the PartyUp feature to daisy-chain over 150 compatible speakers. However, notable drawbacks include its lack of a built-in microphone for speakerphone calls, the omission of a 3.5mm auxiliary input for wired connections, a lack of deep sub-bass, and reliance on an outdated micro-USB port instead of USB-C for charging.

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