Review: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3, Small Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – Active Black – Delivers impressive loudness and clarity

Explore the sounds of Wonderboom 3 speaker through an in-depth, informative, and entertaining review... Read more

Specifications

Brand	Ultimate Ears
Model Name	WB3
Speaker Type	Speaker System
Connectivity Technology	Bluetooth, USB
Special Feature	Bluetooth, Stereo Pairing, 360degrees Sound, Passive Radiator, Floatable, IP67, USB Charging Port

Introduction: My First Impression of the Wonderboom 3

Today, I want to share my thoughts and experiences on the latest offering from Ultimate Ears: the Wonderboom 3. With its predecessors – Wonderboom 2 and 1 – creating quite a stir in the market, I was quite excited to see how the brand has advanced its line.

An Eager Unboxing: The Initial Letdown

As I unboxed the Wonderboom 3, I was immediately taken aback by the device’s micro USB charging port. In the rapidly-progressing year of 2022, the use of these older forms of connectors instead of the commonly-accepted USB-C seems considerably dated. This was quite a letdown and I was hoping that this initial disappointment wouldn’t be a precursor to the rest of my review.

Examining the Fun and Funky Design

On a brighter note, the design element of the Wonderboom 3 was rather appealing to me. Its unique shape is certainly an attention-grabber, and the large, quirky buttons on top added a playful touch. However, the shape also left me puzzled about its purpose and placement of internal components, delivering a mix of intrigue and bewilderment even before I switched it on.

First Impression Verdict:

1. Pros: Eye-catching, unique design with hard-to-miss buttons.
2. Cons: Dated micro USB charging port and confusing shape.

So, these were my first impressions. It was a mixed bag – the device’s intriguing design managed to pique my interest as much as its outdated charging port disappointed me.

In-Depth Overview: Let’s Discuss the Features

• Wonderboom 3 has large, easy-to-operate controls
• Incorporates intriguing ‘outdoor mode’
• Effortless pairing process with MP3 player

It’s time for us to dive in deep and explore the various features the Wonderboom 3 has to offer us. Let’s embark on this journey together, critiquing every detail and assessing whether this gadget constitutes value for money or not.

Up Close with the Controls

The first thing you can’t help but notice when interacting with the Wonderboom 3 are its massive buttons. They are literally unmissable ! On the top, we’ve got the standard buttons: Bluetooth, power, play and pause. I appreciate them for their huge size, making it a breeze to operate.

The Odd micro USB Port

Admittedly, I was somewhat disappointed with the choice of a micro USB port. Come on, it’s 2022, and I reasonably expected USB-C. Unfortunately, the Wonderboom 3 falls short in this department.

The Outdoor Mode

The Wonderboom 3 comes equipped with the outdoor mode , a feature I found intriguing. I even subjected it to a quick outdoor test to determine the difference it makes. Though there are noticeable differences depending upon the ambiance, I’ll reserve my judgment for now.

Fuss-free Pairing with my MP3 Player

Let’s return to a positive note. Pairing the Wonderboom 3 with my MP3 player was a cinch. As soon as I switched it on, it was ready to pair with my device. The straightforward process was a pleasant surprise, with no barriers or glitches.

That concludes our in-depth overview of the Wonderboom 3’s features. There are hits and misses, but overall, it’s a well-rounded package.

Sound Quality: How does it Really Perform?

• Wonderboom 3 sound is impressively loud and powerful
• Presents unique 360-degree sound experience
• Improved but still room for enhancements

The excitement peaked when I finally turned it on, and the sound greeted me. The first impression? I’d say a distinct ‘wow’. It seemed a little more powerful than the previous generations.

Initial Impressions: Is it Better than the Previous Generations?

It sounds promising. But as a true audio enthusiast, you know that the first impression is just that – the first impression. So, I put the Wonderboom 3 to the test for a deeper dive into its capabilities.

How Loud Does the Speaker Really Get? Putting it to the Test

The Wonderboom 3 does not shy away from flaunting its mighty sound. With it cranked all the way up, it was louder than I expected, and this definitely was a good surprise. But how loud does it really get? So, I tested it using both pink noise and regular music.

The Unique 360 Degree Sound: Hitting the wall and Bouncing Back

The defining feature that has always set the Wonderboom range apart is its 360-degree sound . You’d expect the same of the Wonderboom 3 and it does not disappoint. The sound travels from around the speaker and hits the walls before bouncing back. With the enclosure I was in, it probably sounded a bit louder than it actually was. However, the surround sound experience was brilliant, encasing the room in equal, soul-stirring sound irrespective of the listener’s position.

After exploring the sound quality in-depth, I can say that while it is definitely an upgrade from its predecessors, there are a few aspects that need improvement. But let’s not rush; there’s more to dissect about the Wonderboom 3’s performance.

The Sound Test Breakdown: Multiple Genres, One Speaker

• Wonderboom 3 has surprisingly impressive volume
• Bass performance is underwhelming
• Vocals and classical music delivery is excellent

Alright, let’s dive into one of the most important aspects of any speaker – the sound quality. To give you an all-rounded view, I’ve tested the Wonderboom 3 across multiple genres of music. Let’s plunge into the details, shall we?

Cracking the Volume Up: Testing with Pink Noise

First things first, I considered it essential to gauge just how loud this speaker could get. Using pink noise to test, the volume was more impressive than I anticipated. The speaker, surprisingly, really roared to life at full volume. However, I do raise the question if it may be too loud in enclosed spaces.

Checking the Bass: A Little Disappointment

Given the speaker’s possible dominance in volume, I crossed over to the territory of bass and, frankly, it was a bit of a letdown. To test it, I chose some bass-heavy music, and what I found was that the bass output could sometimes come across as lacking and rather underpowered.

Switching to Vocals: A Better Experience Awaits

Moving on to test the speaker’s mastery of vocals, it much better hit the spot. The vocal clarity was crisp and clean, free from any distortions—making your favorite tracks come to life. Needless to say, this saves the day for the Wonderboom 3, especially for vocal-centric genres or podcasts listener.

Suitability for Different Genres: Is Classical Music Its Strength?

Where the speaker truly shines, though, is when it came to classical music. The notes were clear, providing a rich listening experience. The speaker delicately handled the highs, mids, and lows, giving a balanced output. It makes you feel as if you’re in a concert hall. So, for all you classical music lovers out there, this one’s a sure hit.

Overall,

while the bass does disappoint, the speaker’s performance across other genres seems to make up for it, depending on your musical preference. For bass-heads, this might not be the go-to speaker, but if you are into vocals or classical, it’s right up your alley.

A Surprising Discovery: Where is the Driver Housed?

• Wonderboom 3 has unpredictably located sound drivers
• Two drivers and passive radiators contribute to 360-degree sound
• Unique design offers distinct audio experience

As I was navigating the various features of the Wonderboom 3, something really caught my attention. While playing the music and observing the speaker from all angles, it dawned on me that I couldn’t figure out where the actual sound driver was located. I wondered, could it be concealed within the eccentric design? Or was it placed at a unique location unlike most speakers? Curiosity piqued, I decided to take a further look.

An Unexpected Teardown: Looking for the Mystery Driver

Note: Teardowns can potentially void your warranty, so proceed with caution. But as I’ve always believed, a thorough review should not shy away from illuminating corners that are typically left unexplored. And so, driven by sheer intrigue, I decided to dive into the internals of the Wonderboom 3.

Locating a tiny tool from my toolkit, I gently pried open the top and the cover. To my surprise, it was easier than I’d anticipated. Pro tip: always look for small gaps or holes – once you discover a gap, lift it gently to avoid damaging the clips holding the speaker together.

Unveiling the Inner Workings: Two Drivers Here, Two There

You know that moment when you crack open a product and behold its inner workings for the first time? It’s a fascinating experience for a reviewer, akin to an archaeologist uncovering an ancient artifact. Peeling off the fabric was an effortless operation, and what I discovered inside was remarkable.

Mounted sideway were two drivers. This unconventional placement immediately set this speaker apart from typical designs. An added surprise was the presence of two passive radiators on each side – an interesting design choice, contributing to the 360-degree sound output.

A Live Test: Watching the Drivers in Action

With the speaker now dissembled, I thought what better way to demonstrate its unique design than a live test. I played a song and watched in awe as the hidden drivers vibrated to the beat. There was something oddly satisfying about witnessing the sound waves being created, giving a tangible sense to the audio experience.

In conclusion, the Wonderboom 3 impresses with its unique design and layout, even if it did make me resort to a teardown to figure it out. Yes, the bass could use some improvement, and the non-standardized USB port isn’t my favorite feature. But, the audacious design makes up for some of these shortcomings, offering a unique audio experience – if you’re willing to pay the price.

Weighing the Pros and Cons: Is it Worth the Price?

• Wonderboom 3 provides superior sound, stylish design
• Drawbacks include high price, lackluster bass

Now that we’ve unboxed the speaker and tested it extensively, it’s time to consider if it’s worth its price. A review isn’t complete without weighing the desirable features against the potential drawbacks and, of course, the price tag. So, without further ado, let’s dive into it.

Pros: Superior Sound and Stylish Design

The Wonderboom 3 certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to loud and clear sound. Its ability to project the sound at a 360-degree angle enhances the listening experience to a great extent. The volume is more than satisfactory, and there’s virtually no angular point where sound distortion becomes noticeable. You might even be tempted to wonder if the speaker has any limitations at all!

On the aesthetic front, its unique design is eye-catching. It’s a style statement that not only delivers outstanding sound but can also add character to any space it occupies.

Cons: High Price and Lackluster Bass

However, no product is without its challenges and the Wonderboom 3 is no exception. One significant drawback is its price. Retailing at 89 pounds, it’s on the higher end, especially if you compare it with other speakers offering similar features at more competitive prices.

The lack of rich, deep bass is another downside. While for some genres, the speaker does a splendid job, when it comes to bass-heavy music, it falls a bit short. The absence of that immersive ‘thump’ somewhat undermines the otherwise excellent sound experience.

Is the Wonderboom 3 a Good Investment?

Overall, it can be said that while the Wonderboom 3 does have some commendable attributes, the high price coupled with the lack of a good bass output may make you rethink if it’s truly a good investment. If you prioritize design and loudness over affordability and bass, this might be the go-to speaker for you. Otherwise, you might want to consider other alternatives in the market.

Final Verdict: My Candid Recommendations

So here we are, ready to wrap this review of the Wonderboom 3 up after a thorough exploration of its many features, design elements, performance metrics and more.

The Key Takeaways

Let me summarise: this speaker certainly scores in crucial areas such as design, loudness, and multi-angle sound clarity. It has its unique charm with the 360-degree sound projection and the stylish, chic appeal. However, don’t be too quick to swipe that card just yet.

Its cost – priced at about 89 pounds – might seem justifiable considering its unique 360-degree sound and loud volume but it struck me as unnecessarily high for what it offers in terms of overall sound experience. Particularly when it’s not delivering the best performance in the bass department.

So, Should You Buy it?

If you are not too particular about heavy bass and price, and more concerned about the loudness of sound with a wide dispersal range, then yes, Wonderboom 3 could be a great fit for you especially if you are a fan of genres like dance or classical music.

However, for those of us who like to feel the thump of the bass, this may not be the perfect match.

A Comparative Recommendation

Allow me to direct your attention to the JBL Flip 6. This could be an alternative choice for those of us who crave a bit more juice in the bass department. It’s comparable, and while not perfect, it offers an impressive overall audio experience.

Remember, when making your decision, prioritize your needs and preferences. No speaker is perfect, but the right one can make all the difference to your personal audio experience.

Here’s hoping this review has been comprehensive, unbiased, and most importantly, helpful in aiding your decision-making process. Good luck and happy listening!

Should you buy the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3, Small Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – Active Black?

Buy it if…

You Value Volume

The Wonderboom 3 impresses with its volume capabilities. It produces sound louder than anticipated, perfect for outdoor activities or parties.

You Enjoy a 360 Degree Sound Experience

This speaker is designed to produce equal sound in all directions, ensuring a full, rich audio experience no matter where you are in relation to the speaker.

You Appreciate Style & Functionality

The Wonderboom 3 has a stylish design with large, easily identifiable buttons and a unique shape that’s both functional and appealing to the eye.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re a Bass Lover

The speaker’s bass output isn’t as robust as some might prefer, so it might not satisfy users who especially enjoy strong, pounding bass in their audio experience.

Budget is a Concern

Retailing around 89 pounds, its price might feel steep for what it has to offer, particularly with alternatives like JBL Flip 6 on the market.

You Prefer USB-C

Despite being a newer model, it still relies on micro USB for charging, a potential inconvenience for those who’ve moved on to USB-C cables for their devices.

FAQ

Is the Wonderboom 3 speaker easy to pair with a device?

Yes, the speaker pairs easily with devices over Bluetooth. The reviewer was able to pair it with an MP3 player without issues.

Is the micro USB port a drawback?

The reviewer was disappointed that the device uses a micro USB port, instead of the more modern-and widely used- USB-C port. This may be a drawback depending on your personal preferences and existing equipment.

How good is the bass on the Wonderboom 3 speaker?

The reviewer found the bass on the Wonderboom 3 speaker to be less impressive, suggesting it wasn’t as strong as anticipated.

Is the sound of Wonderboom 3 louder than its previous versions?

Yes, according to the reviewer, Wonderboom 3 seems more powerful and louder than its previous versions.

Could the Wonderboom 3 be a good option for listening to different genres of music?

While the speaker performed well with vocals and classical music, it wasn’t as impressive with bass-heavy music. According to the reviewer, the speaker lacks strong bass.

What is the speaker’s design?

The reviewer found the design of the Wonderboom 3 stylish, it has large, noticeable buttons and a unique 360-degree sound feature.

What is the price of the Wonderboom 3 speaker?

The speaker is retailed at 89 pounds, which the reviewer believes is a bit high for its overall performance and features.

Is the Wonderboom 3 speaker a better choice than the JBL Flip 6?

According to the reviewer, while the Wonderboom 3 has its strengths, if sound quality, especially bass, is a high priority, the JBL Flip 6 might be a better option.