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Head-to-head · Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers

Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) vs Soundcore Boom 3

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) and Soundcore Boom 3 score essentially the same (4.2 vs 4.2). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)
Ranked #5 in Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)
$149

The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) offers the same durable, waterproof design as its predecessor but with minor improvements to the control interface. SoundGuys praised its rugged build and IP67 rating, calling it ideal for outdoor use, though they noted lackluster EQ options and minimal hardware upgrades from the original. TechRadar user highlighted its daily reliability and portability, making it a solid choice for those seeking a dependable portable speaker for travel or outdoor activities.

Strengths
  • — IP67 rugged build for dust and water resistance
  • — Durable rubberized finish with metal speaker grill
  • — Improved control strip with dedicated Play/Pause button
Watch-outs
  • — Lackluster EQ options
  • — Minimal upgrades from 1st Gen
$149 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Soundcore Boom 3
Ranked #3 in Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
Soundcore Boom 3
$99

The Soundcore Boom 3 is a compact, portable speaker designed for outdoor enthusiasts and casual listeners. Reviewers noted its solid bass and overall sound quality for its size, with a durable IPX7 water resistance rating. However, it lacks advanced features like noise cancellation and has limited app support, with some users expressing concerns about the app's privacy practices and intrusive advertisements. It's best suited for users seeking a simple, rugged speaker for general use rather than audiophiles or those wanting premium audio experiences.

Strengths
  • — Compact and portable design suitable for outdoor use
  • — Solid bass response and overall sound quality for its size
  • — Built-in rechargeable battery with decent runtime
Watch-outs
  • — Limited app support and functionality compared to competitors
  • — No explicit mention of noise cancellation or advanced audio features
$99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)

The Bose SoundLink Flex offers a rugged IP67 build and improved control strip, but lacks the EQ customization of the JBL Charge 6 and the advanced features of the JBL Boombox 4. Compared to the Soundcore Boom 3, it provides better sound quality and durability, though it has minimal upgrades from its predecessor. Unlike the Bose SoundLink Max, it's more affordable but lacks powerful bass and call functionality.

Soundcore Boom 3

The Soundcore Boom 3 offers a compact design and solid bass for its size, but lacks the advanced app features and water resistance of the JBL Charge 6 and JBL Boombox 4. Compared to the Bose SoundLink Flex, it has less refined EQ options and minimal hardware upgrades, though it's more affordable. Unlike the Bose SoundLink Max, it doesn't offer premium sound quality or call functionality, making it a basic choice for casual users.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)Soundcore Boom 3
Weight589g320g
WaterproofIP67IPX7
BatteryUp to 12 hours3000mAh
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3, USB-CBluetooth 5.0
Dimensions203 x 45 x 89 mm8.27 × 3.35 × 3.09 in
Color OptionsAlpine Sage, Sandstone, Blue Dust, Black—
Frequency Response—56 Hz - 20 kHz
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