Skip to main content

UE refreshes its Wonderboom waterproof speaker with longer battery life, new colors

Ultimate Ears (UE) has just dropped a new version of its popular Wonderboom Bluetooth speaker, and while not much has changed, you know the old saying: if it ain’t broke …

The Wonderboom 3 keeps the $100 price intact, along with= size, shape, and its iconic, oversized volume buttons. It also keeps all of the other features that havemade it such a handy companion for the pool, beach, or patio, like its 360-degree sound pattern, IP67 water and dust resistance, and its ability to bob like a cork if you chuck it in the water.

Recommended Videos

You can still stream music to two Wonderboom 3 speakers simultaneously, and there’s also a stereo-pairing mode for a true left-right speaker experience. Somewhat surprisingly, UE has even chosen to keep the MicroUSB charging port instead of adopting the newer and almost ubiquitous USB-C connection.

UE Wonderboom 3 seen hanging next to lanterns.
Ultimate Ears

So what’s changed? The third=generation model gets longer battery life (14 hours versus 13 hours on the Wonderboom 2) and longer Bluetooth range (141 feet versus 98 feet), plus it’s available in four new colors: Hyper Pink, Performance Blue, Active Black, and Joyous Brights. UE has also taken a step toward making its speakers more sustainable. The fabric grille is now made of 100% recycled polyester, according to the company, and the speakers contain a minimum of 31% post-consumer recycled plastic.

UE still backs the Wonderboom 3 with a two-year warranty, which is considerably longer than average, and it has designed the speaker to withstand some pretty tough abuse — you should be able to safely drop it from a height of up to five feet.

If all of that sounds like the Wonderboom 3 might be the portable Bluetooth speaker you’ve been looking for, you can order it staring August 17 at ultimateears.com, and probably all of the usual online and physical retailers.

Simon Cohen
Simon Cohen is a contributing editor to Digital Trends' Audio/Video section, where he obsesses over the latest wireless…
Sony’s ULT Power Sound headphones and speakers go big on powerful bass
Sony ULT Wear and ULT Field 1.

Sony has announced a line of wireless audio products under a new sub-brand called ULT Power Sound (or ULT for short). They look familiar because they are the next-gen versions of three of Sony's existing product lines: Extra Bass headphones, portable Bluetooth speakers, and tower-shaped party speakers.

They'll all be available this spring, but Sony hasn't given exact timing for release dates.

Read more
KEF launches a more affordable version of its coveted LSX II bookshelf speakers
A single sage green KEF LSX II LT wireless speaker.

If you've ever gazed longingly at KEF's beautiful LSX lineup of compact wireless bookshelf speakers but perhaps less longingly at their $1,400+ sticker prices, then get ready to swoon over the company's new LSX II LT Wireless Hi-Fi Speakers, which are available today for a more manageable $1,000.

KEF announced today the LSX II LT (we assume LT stands for "light"?) that it is calling a "streamlined version of KEF's LSX II speakers." They are the newest member of KEF's powered LS Wireless Collection that includes the midsized LS50 Wireless II bookshelf speakers and the powerful LS60 Wireless floor-standers.

Read more
JBL upgrades its 2024 wireless headphones with massive battery life
JBL Live 770NC in white.

JBL Live 770NC in white. JBL

JBL always brings tons of new products to CES, and CES 2024 is no exception. In addition to new wireless earbuds and Bluetooth speakers, the Harman-owned brand has debuted six new Live and Tune wireless headphones models in both on-ear and over-ear designs.

Read more