Anker Soundcore 3

The Soundcore 3 is the smart budget buy. It gives you stereo sound waterproofing an insane 24-hour battery and app EQ control at a price that undercuts most competitors.

OVERVIEW Anker has built a reputation for delivering exceptional value and the Soundcore 3 is a textbook example. This speaker hits way above its price class with dual full-range drivers and a passive radiator that produce real stereo sound with surprising depth. The BassUp feature is not just marketing hype press the button and you can hear the low-end tighten up and gain authority making electronic pop and hip-hop tracks sound noticeably more energetic. The IPX7 waterproof rating means it can survive full submersion in water so poolside or bathroom use is completely safe. But the headline feature here is the 24-hour battery life that is genuinely enough for a weekend camping trip without needing to recharge. USB-C charging gets you back to full quickly and the Soundcore app gives you a 9-band EQ so you can tailor the sound exactly to your taste. It is not the most premium-looking speaker the design is a bit generic but when you consider the price versus what you get it is one of the smartest purchases you can make in portable audio. KEY FEATURES - BassUp technology provides a noticeable and satisfying bass boost at the press of a button - IPX7 waterproof rating means the speaker survives full submersion in up to 1 metre of water - 24-hour battery life is class-leading and genuinely lasts through multi-day trips - Stereo sound from dual full-range drivers creates a wider more immersive soundstage than mono speakers - Custom EQ via the Soundcore app gives you full control over the sound profile with a 9-band equaliser - USB-C charging ensures modern compatibility and fast recharge times TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - Speaker Type: Stereo portable Bluetooth - Drivers: 2x full-range passive radiator - Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 USB-C - Waterproof: IPX7 - Battery: 24 hours - Weight: 535 grams PROS + Battery life is actually outstanding at 24 hours easily double what most competitors offer + IPX7 waterproofing means you can use it in the shower by the pool or in the rain without worry + BassUp feature makes a real audible difference to low-end performance + Soundcore app with 9-band EQ offers deep customisation rare at this price + Overall value proposition is hard to beat for budget-conscious buyers CONS - Sound quality is good but average for the category it competes rather than excels - No built-in speakerphone for hands-free calling - Design is somewhat bulky compared to similarly priced speakers and looks a bit utilitarian VERDICT The Soundcore 3 is the smart budget buy. It gives you stereo sound waterproofing an insane 24-hour battery and app EQ control at a price that undercuts most competitors.