The other location is the rear. Although the soft plastic isn’t exactly a fingerprint magnet, you’ll want to wipe it down sometimes to keep it looking “new out of the box.” I don’t like it when companies plaster their logo all over their products, but Anker does it in a subtle way that doesn’t detract from the speaker’s overall design. In a manner, it almost completes the speaker’s shape and serves to set it apart from the other tiny rectangles in this group.
Anker Soundcore 3 review: Design
The Soundcore 3 is about the same size as the Sonos Roam, but is a little bit lighter at 13.0 ounces and 6.75 x 2.25 x 2.25 inches. The portable speaker is simple to throw into a backpack and carry around, just like the Roam. To loop through the attaching hook at one end of the cabinet, a carry strap is provided. Transporting the speaker from room to room or around the yard is made more secure by the strap being wrapped around your palm in this way. The Soundcore 3’s rectangular shape gives it a more practical appearance than some of the portable Bluetooth speaker models we’ve highlighted in our list of the best Bluetooth speakers. But it features nicely rounded edges and a rubberized coating that appear to be effective for guarding against bumps and scrapes when travelling. The only drawback I can see is that the black version reviewed here marked quite easily and showed fingerprints within seconds of being unboxed. However, the finish is pleasant to the touch. These can be easily cleaned off with a short wipe with a damp, lint-free cloth, though. The Soundcore 3 is waterproofed to an IPX7 standard, which means it will remain protected from water infiltration even when submerged in up to 3 feet of water (about 1 metre) for 30 minutes. This makes it the ideal choice for poolside gatherings or playing in bathrooms.
Anker Soundcore 3 review: Built
Similar to the Anker Soundcore 2, the Anker Soundcore 3 is a rectangular Bluetooth speaker. Although we don’t currently test for water resistance, it is built reasonably well and has an IPX7 rating. In contrast to the Soundcore 2, it comes with a companion app that has presets and a graphic EQ for adjusting the speaker’s audio. Additionally, it has a carrying strap that you may fasten to one of its sides, which is useful for carrying it around. Sadly, it doesn’t get very loud and exhibits some compression problems at maximum volume, so your audio might not sound very clear when you listen at higher volumes. You can buy this speaker from its official website
Anker Soundcore 3 review: Connectivity
The Anker can’t access your home Wi-Fi network, but given the price, this is hardly a complaint. Once you’ve established a Bluetooth connection, voice commands may be provided to your smart playback device in the usual way. I was able to use Siri voice commands on my iPhone 12 Pro to choose tracks and stream playback through third-party music streaming services like Spotify. The UE Megaboom 3 supports numerous DJs simultaneously, whereas the Soundcore only supports one source at a time for connection. However, you can link many Soundcore devices together at once. In fact, according to Anker, you can wirelessly connect over 100 Soundcore speakers and sync music to each of them using PartyCast. Unfortunately, I didn’t have access to another Soundcore model to test out this feature. The Bluetooth 5.0 range hasn’t been indicated by Soundcore, yet communication remained steady even when streaming from different parts of the house.
Anker Soundcore 3 review: Performance
It has a companion app, unlike the Soundcore 2, that provides presets and a graphical EQ for adjusting the speaker’s sound. If you wish to carry it around, there is also a strap that you can fasten to the side. At higher volumes, your audio might not sound as clear because it doesn’t go very loud and has some compression problems. For just $39.99, Anker’s Soundcore Mini 3 Bluetooth waterproof speaker provides a tonne of value. For instance, the Soundcore app allows you to modify the EQ. Most other choices in the sub-$50 outdoor speaker category are unable to provide this. Although it’s unclear if EQ is actually necessary for a speaker this compact, the Soundcore mini 3 provides respectable audio performance for its size and price, with respectable hands-free quality.
Anker Soundcore 3 review: Battery Life
This little speaker claims a battery life of 24 hours. Our thorough research showed that the Soundcore 3 can play music for 16.75 hours, earning it a mid-range rating. It’s an excellent speaker to take with you when you go camping or somewhere else where you might be without power for a few days. A speedy charge using a USB-C cable is what you can anticipate when you get back to civilization.
Anker Soundcore 3 review: Price
Anker’s Soundcore Mini 3 Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker offers a ton of value for just $39.99. For example, unlike the majority of other choices in the under-$50 outdoor speaker category, you can adjust the EQ with the Soundcore app. While it is unclear whether EQ is necessary for a speaker of this size, the Soundcore mini 3 offers respectable audio performance and decent speaker phone quality for its size and price. Still, the $59.99 Sony SRS-XB12 its slightly better overall performance.
Anker Soundcore 3 review: Conclusion
Given the speaker’s small size, the solid construction, long battery life, and above-average sound reproduction are impressive. SharePlay appears to be a useful feature for those who want to sync multiple Soundcore speakers for even louder sound, and ultimately, this kind of performance and flexibility will give the Soundcore 3 an advantage over many Bluetooth options at this price.
