Design & Construction

UE finally makes a comeback to the market with its newest speaker, the Megaboom 3. Continuing the legacy of Ultimate Ears products. This time, they updated their boom series. From the top, you will find the controls for Bluetooth Pairing, the Magic button and the power button. One feature that was missing from previous generations of UE speakers was the Magic button which help users control the play/pause with a single press and skip forward with a double press. On the front, you will find the iconic volume buttons. Pressing both at the same time will prompt you remaining battery life. As with all UE speakers, the Boom 3 does not disappoint in the durability department. The Boom 3 is shockproof, IP67 dustproof, waterproof and weights in at a rather hefty 608g, Durable mesh fabric covers its round body while, tough silicon texture layers the top and bottom, At the rear, there is the Micro-USB port covered up with a tight-seal flap that prevents water from entering. It also comes with a durable hang loop on the rear top which makes it easy to carry with one finger or hang anywhere. You can also opt to charge the Boom 3 with a Charge Up Dock available in a separate purchase so you don't have to open the flap and physically plug in your speaker every single time.

Sound Quality

UE didn't say that they re-design the speaker drivers with the Boom 3, but they have improve the sound setting slightly. The sound quality is much better than the previous Boom 2 speaker. At 50% volume, it can fill up a medium-sized room. The bass response is decent. Not very bassy but great for pop, classical and many other not bass-heavy genres. Highs sound very crisp and bright and mids are forward and loud. It does not distort at full volume. Users can also Party Up with other 150+ UE Speakers like the Megaboom 3, Boom 3, Megaboom, Boom 2 and Boom for louder sound via selection in the Boom app, available for download on the App and Play Store. The speaker offers 360° sound with strategically placed drivers. There are two 2 inch drivers and two 2 x 4 inch passive radiators, delivering a maximum sound level of 90 dBA and frequency range between  90Hz - 20kHz. Sound customisation is also possible in the app. There are a few presets including The Standard, Cramped Spaces and Bass Jump. Personally, I will stick to the The Standard to keep the sound clean and loud. Other presets seem to mess up the music. If you are feeling a little ambitious, you can opt to customise your very own. Additionally, the app allows you to connect to Apple Music or Deezer Premium to play your playlists. Lastly, the app also has a Block Party feature which allows 3 devices to be connect to same speaker so that friends can play DJ. 

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Connectivity & Portability

Bluetooth pairing is quick and simple. However, NFC is not offered and there isn't any mic for making/answering calls either. You may have hoped for an aux port, but sadly, UE has taken on the totally wireless future and removed that feature too. Its battery life peaks at a maximum of 15 hrs. The UE Boom 3 also recognises up to 8 Bluetooth devices.

 

PROS

• Durable Construction

• Great 360° Sound

• Modern Design

• Long Bluetooth Range

• Easy Bluetooth Pairing

• Bassy yet Articulate Sound

• A Range Of Colours

• Party Up Mode

• Block Party Mode

• Water & Dust-proof

• Drop-resistant

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CONS

• Lack of Mic For Answering Calls

• No Audio-in Port for Wired Usage

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The Bottom Line

The UE Boom 3 is a contender if you need a small wireless speaker for parties. Housing a 15 hrs battery, party-suited loud sound and a tough yet modern design. A range of colours is also offered to every type and gender of users.