Two years later, I'm still waiting for a real Soundcore Boom 3

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve recommended the Soundcore Boom 2. At $129, it’s already a solid buy, but it regularly drops to around $89 during sales, making it one of the best values in portable Bluetooth speakers.

That’s why I’m surprised we’re still waiting for a Boom 3. Yes, the Boom 3i exists, but it isn’t a proper Boom 2 successor. Launched last year at $139, the Boom 3i is a smaller, rugged speaker with a 40W woofer and 10W tweeter — a great pool companion, but it doesn’t come close to the Boom 2’s 80W output or its footprint. I think of it as a cousin, not a replacement. The speaker that carries the Boom 2’s torch still hasn’t arrived.

After living with the Boom 2 for more than two years, I’ve realized there are only a handful of things I’d like Soundcore to improve. More importantly, there are plenty of things I hope it doesn’t change.

The Soundcore Boom 2 still gets almost everything right

The Boom 2 nails the fundamentals. It gets loud enough for a backyard BBQ thanks to its 80W 2.1-channel setup, delivers plenty of bass without sounding boomy, is surprisingly lightweight for its size, and even floats if someone accidentally knocks it into the pool.

The customizable LED lights add a bit of fun without feeling over the top, the Soundcore app gives you a full EQ instead of just a few presets, and the built-in USB-A port can even charge your phone in a pinch.

Best of all, it does all of that while staying affordable. When it drops below $100, there aren’t many Bluetooth speakers I’d recommend before it.

What should Soundcore improve on the Boom 3?

That’s exactly why I think Soundcore should be careful with the Boom 3. I don’t want a larger speaker, more power, or a complete redesign. I just want Soundcore to modernize a few areas while leaving everything else alone.

Give it a proper IP68 rating

The Boom 2 already floats and carries an IPX7 water resistance rating, so it’s clearly designed for the outdoors. The one thing it’s missing is dust protection. Whether you’re taking it to the beach, camping, or just leaving it in the backyard, an IP68 rating would make the Boom 3 feel even more at home in the great outdoors. Soundcore clearly knows how to do this — the smaller Boom 3i already carries an IP68 rating. The Boom 3 deserves the same.

Replace USB-A with a modern USB-C port

The Boom 2 already charges over USB-C, but it still relies on a USB-A port to charge your phone. I’d love to see Soundcore replace that with a second USB-C port.

A second USB-C port could charge your phone faster and double as a wired audio input. JBL has already adopted USB-C audio across its recent Bluetooth speakers, so this wouldn’t be a new idea. It would simply bring the Boom 3 in line with what other flagship portable speakers already offer.

A tougher exterior without adding weight

The Boom 2 is lightweight, and I wouldn’t want Soundcore to change that. But after using speakers like the Motion 300, I’d love to see the Boom 3 adopt a little more of the Motion 300’s rubberized exterior.

Sure, the plastic housing keeps the weight down, but it also picks up scratches more easily than I’d like. A few silicone-coated panels or rubber bumpers would help it shrug off everyday bumps and bruises without making it noticeably heavier. It doesn’t need a complete redesign, just a little more protection for a speaker that’s meant to be thrown into the back of a car or taken to a campsite.

Make the battery replaceable

The Boom 2 already has the hardware to stay relevant for years. A swappable battery would make sure the battery isn’t the first thing that forces you to replace it. JBL has already adopted replaceable batteries on the Xtreme 4 and Xtreme 5, and I’d love to see Soundcore do the same.

Bring back the 3.5mm AUX input

This is the least likely item on my wishlist, but there are still times when a simple wired connection is the easiest solution — plugging into a projector, older audio gear, or a device with flaky Bluetooth. If Soundcore could fit a 3.5mm input into the Boom 3 without making it larger or more expensive, I’d happily take the extra flexibility.

Until then, I’ll keep recommending the Boom 2

Until Soundcore gives me a reason to stop, I’ll keep recommending the Boom 2. Companies often chase bigger specs with every generation, but the Boom 2 doesn’t need reinventing. It just needs updating. If Soundcore keeps everything people already like and fixes a handful of small annoyances, I have a feeling the Boom 3 will become the Bluetooth speaker I recommend most all over again.