We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.
Most outdoor speakers claim they can handle water. The Soundcore Boom 3i goes further: it’s fully waterproof and dustproof with an IP68 rating, but it also resists saltwater, which is still rare at this size and price. That matters if your weekends involve beaches, boats, or the ocean rather than a backyard patio. Also, it floats, and more importantly, it does so facing upward, which keeps the drivers out of the water and the sound clear. That one detail makes a real difference when waves or movement would normally flip a speaker onto its side. The Boom 3i usually sells for $129.99, but it’s currently down to $79.99, its lowest price so far, according to price trackers .
It weighs a little over three pounds and comes with a shoulder strap, so carrying it to a beach or campsite doesn’t feel like a chore. And pushing up to 50 watts, the Boom 3i is loud enough to cover a small gathering of about eight people without sounding strained.
The sound quality is solid but not dramatic. You get punchy mid-bass and a warm tone, but very little deep bass, which is expected from a compact, front-facing speaker. There’s a BassUp button on top if you want more low-end emphasis, and the Soundcore app includes a nine-band equalizer for finer tuning. Battery life sits around 15 to 16 hours at moderate volume, and you can keep listening while charging over USB-C.
The Boom 3i’s interesting extras include a Buzz Clean mode, which plays a low-frequency tone to shake sand and grit out of the speaker after a beach day. It works surprisingly well, though you may still need to rinse or shake it afterward. Plus, there’s an emergency alarm and voice amplifier built in, which could be useful for kayaking or group outings, even if they’re not things you’ll use often. On the downside, the speaker reportedly down-mixes stereo audio to mono unless you pair it with a second unit, and the app doesn’t show an exact battery percentage.
All said, this isn’t the speaker for indoor listening or detailed sound. It’s for water-heavy trips where durability matters more than finesse. At this price, it’s a strong option for that specific use case.
