Soundcore Boom 3i Floating Bluetooth Speaker: features, specs and who it suits

The Soundcore Boom 3i (model D5100) is a rugged portable Bluetooth speaker from Anker's audio brand, built for beaches, boats, pools and campsites. Its main trick is that it floats and stays upright with the speaker facing up, so it keeps playing in the water instead of sinking or rolling over. Here is what its specs mean outdoors.

What IP68 and saltwater resistance mean

IP68 is a standard protection code with two parts. The "6" means the enclosure is dust-tight, and the "8" means it can be submerged in water under conditions set by the manufacturer. Soundcore describes the Boom 3i as fully waterproof and dustproof.

The brand also calls it "5x saltwater-resistant", aimed at sea spray, sweat and splashes, and says it won't rust or corrode. Salt is harder on electronics than fresh water, so it's sensible to rinse any outdoor speaker with fresh water after a day at the sea and let it dry, following the manual's guidance.

Floating playback

Soundcore calls this an industry-first feature. The speaker is shaped to float upright with the sound pointing up and forward, even when the water moves, and the brand says there is no distortion while it floats. That suits kayaking, fishing, paddleboarding and pool days, where a speaker would otherwise sit on the shore or in the boat. Floating also means it's easy to retrieve if it goes overboard.

Sound: 50W and BassUp 2.0

The speaker is rated at 50W and reaches bass as low as 56Hz, according to Soundcore. Its BassUp 2.0 mode and DSP (digital signal processing) tuning are meant to give punchier lows and clearer highs. As a general rule, small speakers can't reproduce very low notes the way a large home system can, so a figure like 56Hz is best read as a sign of a strong bass emphasis for its size. In open air, sound also spreads out more than it does in a room, so outdoor speakers are typically tuned to be loud.

Battery and connections

Soundcore lists 16 hours of playtime. Actual runtime usually depends on volume, so expect less at high levels. The speaker uses Bluetooth 5.3 and supports TWS (true wireless stereo), which pairs it with a second compatible speaker for wider sound. A companion app handles control and settings.

Extra features

• Voice Amplifier: lets the speaker project speech.
• Emergency Alarm: a loud alert sound.
• Buzz Clean: a function aimed at clearing water from the speaker.
• Detachable strap: for carrying or hanging it hands-free.

Soundcore says the speaker was drop-tested from 3.28 ft (1 m). It measures 8.3 x 3.1 x 3.3 inches (about 21 x 7.9 x 8.4 cm) and weighs 1.8 lb (about 0.8 kg), small enough for a bag or a bike pannier.

Who it suits

It suits people who spend time on or near water, such as kayakers, anglers, campers and beachgoers, and anyone who wants a speaker that can be left outside without worry. It's also a reasonable fit for pool parties and backyard get-togethers.

What to check before you buy

• Where you'll use it: if it mostly sits indoors, the waterproofing may matter less than size and sound.
• Volume and neighbours: a 50W outdoor speaker is loud, so check the rules at campsites and beaches.
• Phone or app support: confirm your device supports Bluetooth and can run the companion app.
• Charging: check what charging cable and power source the manual calls for.
• Care: read the manual on rinsing, drying and keeping any ports sealed.

The short version

• A rugged 50W portable Bluetooth speaker, model D5100, rated IP68 for dust and water.
• Floats upright with sound facing up; Soundcore calls it saltwater-resistant.
• BassUp 2.0 and DSP tuning, with bass down to 56Hz.
• Rated for 16 hours of playtime, with Bluetooth 5.3 and TWS pairing.
• Weighs 1.8 lb and comes with a detachable strap.

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