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There are a lot of good portable Bluetooth speakers to choose from. But if you don’t want to dig through the bottomless pit of options, just get the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 ($150). Its combination of good sound, size, ruggedness and accessible price point make it a no-brainer buy. That’s why it’s the king of all the Bluetooth speaker’s we’ve tried.
Since Ultimate Ears released the first Boom in 2013, it’s become a mainstay pick. The Boom 3, released in 2018, carries on the legacy. Its true 360-degree design lets it fill up a room with ease. Two 2-inch drivers and two passive radiators deliver good and loud audio with surprisingly punchy bass. Battery life of up to 15 hours and IP67 waterproof ratings make it extremely beach- and pool party-friendly. Oh, and it floats.
If you want to splurge for an upgrade, the available Power Up dock replaces the Boom’s micro-USB cable with a wireless-charging cradle. And the Megaboom 3 offers everything the Boom has, but bigger (for an extra $50).
But even that is a little too much to worry about, you really can’t go wrong with a classic.
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