Short answer: the Soundcore Boom 3i. It ranks #31 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $118.99 and is still sold new; the Harman Kardon Esquire 2 ranks #155 (rated 2.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Soundcore Boom 3i is the better-sounding, longer-running option. Looks to be designed as a direct competitor to the JBL Charge 5 with a very similar sound profile, warm tuned with boosted bass. It is rated for 16 hours of battery against 8 for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. It is rated IP68 against IPX4 for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Harman Kardon Esquire 2 lacks. The catch: Not quite as good as a JBL Charge 5, doesn’t go quite as loud or sound quite as balanced, but very very close.
The Harman Kardon Esquire 2 is the lighter choice. Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. At 0.8 lbs (350 g) it weighs much less than the Soundcore Boom 3i at 1.7 lbs (783 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the Soundcore Boom 3i lacks. The catch: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume.
Buy the Soundcore Boom 3i. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Harman Kardon Esquire 2 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Boom 3i | Harman Kardon Esquire 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $118.99 | $200 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #31 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #155 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX4 |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.1 |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 3.3” x 3.1” (210 x 85 x 78.5 mm) | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.3” (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| Drivers | 94mm woofer + tweeter | 4x 1.25” (32mm) full-range drivers |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (783 g) | 0.8 lbs (0.35 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W | 16W |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | - |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Soundcore Boom 3i: $118.99 Amazon $118.99 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Looks to be designed as a direct competitor to the JBL Charge 5 with a very similar sound profile, warm tuned with boosted bass. Better value for the money than the JBL Charge 5. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Not quite as good as a JBL Charge 5, doesn’t go quite as loud or sound quite as balanced, but very very close. An earlier firmware version had some bass distortion, update your firmware in the Soundcore App
Full Soundcore Boom 3i review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 3.3” x 3.1” (210 x 85 x 78.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 94mm woofer + tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (783 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Oluv Patreon: SoundCore Boom 3i - first impressions & EQs More from Oluv’Sone →
- Mateusz Cholewa: Soundcore Boom 3i vs Tronsmart Mirtune C3 Plus More from Mateusz Cholewa →
- Picky Audio: Compact Speaker BEAST! 🔥 soundcore Boom 3i More from pickyaudio →
- Clinch Audio Bass: Mirtune C3 Plus 50w VS SoundCore Boom 3i 50w
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore Boom 3i vs JBL Charge 5
- Soundcore Boom 3i vs JBL Charge 5 Wifi
- Soundcore Boom 3i vs Cleer Audio Scene
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- Soundcore Boom 3i vs Bogasing G4
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Harman Kardon Esquire 2: $200 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. Flat, compact design packs easily. USB charge-out for topping off a phone.
Cons: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2015 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.3” (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| Drivers | 4x 1.25” (32mm) full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (0.35 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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