Soundcore’s latest outdoor-focused Bluetooth speaker, the Boom 3i, is ideal for users who want reliable audio during outdoor adventures — especially on the water — the Anker subsidiary said Wednesday. The company emphasized the little wireless speaker’s toughness and floatable design.
So don’t worry about dropping it in the pool, lake, river or ocean — in fact, you might want to.
Soundcore Boom 3i speaker
This rugged, 50-watt outdoor speaker features IP68 waterproofing and a floatable design with saltwater resistance. Features includes BassUp 2.0, Bluetooth 5.3, 16-hour playtime and stereo pairing with a second speaker.
- Floatable design
- Fully waterproof
- 16-hour battery life
- At its compact size, don't expect everyone on the lake to hear it
The $139.99 speaker combines a floating design with military-grade durability, Soundcore said. That positions the speaker as a direct competitor to similar offerings that Apple users might pair with their devices for outdoor entertainment. But the Boom 3i looks tougher than most.
Designed to stay afloat and survive rough conditions
The Boom 3i’s most distinctive feature is its ability to float upright in water while maintaining optimal sound projection, Soundcore said. This floating capability builds on previous Soundcore models, ensuring the speaker remains stable and audible even when accidentally dropped in pools, lakes or ocean waters. And with 16 hours of battery life per charge, the speaker aims to provide all-day audio for extended outdoor activities without requiring frequent recharging.
Durability extends beyond water resistance with the speaker’s IP68 rating, allowing it to withstand submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The device features a specialized protective coating that offers five times the saltwater resistance of conventional speakers. Soundcore said it tested the speaker with 240 hours of salt spray exposure with no signs of corrosion.
For users concerned about drops and impacts, the Boom 3i can survive falls from up to one meter onto concrete surfaces, making it suitable for poolside parties, camping trips, and beach gatherings where accidents are likely.
Audio performance tailored for outdoor spaces
Photo: Soundcore
The speaker’s audio system centers around a 40W, 3.7 by 2-inch woofer paired with a 10W, 0.65-inch tweeter, supplemented by dual bass radiators. This configuration aims to deliver clear high frequencies while maintaining strong bass response in open outdoor environments where sound typically dissipates quickly.
Soundcore’s BassUp 2.0 technology provides an additional 3dB bass boost when activated. That can double the bass output compared to similarly sized competing models, according to Soundcore. For users wanting expanded soundstage, the Boom 3i supports True Wireless Stereo pairing. That allows two units to create dedicated left and right channels for stereo separation.
Smart features accessible through mobile app
The Soundcore mobile app unlocks several practical features for outdoor use. Users can customize EQ settings to match their listening preferences and control the speaker’s programmable LED light show. The lights synchronize with music playback through bass radiators on both sides of the unit.
Three specialized functions add utility beyond standard audio playback. The Emergency Alarm feature generates a 96-decibel alert by holding the BassUp button for five seconds. That could be useful for outdoor safety. Voice Amplifier mode lets users record and broadcast voice messages through the speaker. And Buzz Clean activates internal vibrations to remove accumulated dust and debris from the device.
Availability and pricing options
This rugged, 50-watt outdoor speaker features IP68 waterproofing and a floatable design with saltwater resistance. Features includes BassUp 2.0, Bluetooth 5.3, 16-hour playtime and stereo pairing with a second speaker.
- Floatable design
- Fully waterproof
- 16-hour battery life
- At its compact size, don't expect everyone on the lake to hear it
The Boom 3i launches at $139.99 on Amazon and Soundcore, with initial availability limited to adventurer black and deep ocean blue color options. Two additional colors — jungle green and desert rose brown — will become available in late June or early July.
And what’s more, a premium bundle featuring a carry handle and magnetic case will arrive later this summer for $149.99 in blue or black colors.
From from: Soundcore or Amazon
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
