Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Soundcore Boom 3i

Last updated: October 12, 2026

Short answer: the Soundcore Boom 3i, if you are buying new. The Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 ranks higher than it (#5 vs #31 of 175 medium speakers, 4.4/5 vs 4.0/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Soundcore Boom 3i is still sold new at $118.99.

Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Soundcore Boom 3i

The Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 is the better-sounding, lighter choice. A very neutral good sounding inexpensive small speaker with quite deep bass for the size. At 1.3 lbs (590 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Soundcore Boom 3i at 1.7 lbs (783 g). It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Soundcore Boom 3i. Watch for: Slight DSP tuning issue which makes bass get lighter at times at very low volumes, examples in oluv’s video.

The Soundcore Boom 3i is the longer-running pick. 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 12 for the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 lacks. Watch for: Not quite as good as a JBL Charge 5, doesn’t go quite as loud or sound quite as balanced, but very very close.

Buy the Soundcore Boom 3i if you want one new; the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 is discontinued, so only look for it used.

Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 Soundcore Boom 3i
Price$60 Discontinued$118.99
Ranked#5 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers#31 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
AppYesYes
Aux InputNoNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)56Hz56Hz
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)16 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYesYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBCSBC, AAC
Built-in MicrophoneYesYes
EQYes (9 band)Yes
IP RatingIPX7IP68
Bluetooth Latency150ms-
Maximum SPL99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)-
Party ModeNoNo
Power BankYes (USB-A, 5V/1A)-
Power InputUSB-CUSB-C
StereoYesNo
OmnidirectionalNoNo
TWSYesYes
Weight1.3 lbs (590 g)1.7 lbs (783 g)
Bluetooth Version5.05.3
Dimensions8” x 2.8” x 2.7” (204 x 72 x 69 mm)8.3” x 3.3” x 3.1” (210 x 85 x 78.5 mm)
Drivers1.75” (44mm) x 2 active drivers and one passive radiator94mm woofer + tweeter
Amplifier Power20W (10W × 2)50W
Digital Aux InputNoNo
Lights-Yes
Strap-Yes (detachable strap)

How Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 compares with other leading options:

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 Boost “upgraded” 2021: $60 Discontinued eBay

Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 ranking card

Older model: the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 (ranked lower, rated 4.2/5). See every Soundcore Boost generation.

Pros: A very neutral good sounding inexpensive small speaker with quite deep bass for the size. This upgraded version has a usb-c port while the old one has micro usb. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Slight DSP tuning issue which makes bass get lighter at times at very low volumes, examples in oluv’s video. Discontinued and no longer sold new.

ReleasedJul 2021 (5 years ago)
Amplifier Power20W (10W × 2)
AppYes
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)56Hz
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Bluetooth Latency150ms
Bluetooth Version5.0
Built-in MicrophoneYes
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions8” x 2.8” x 2.7” (204 x 72 x 69 mm)
Drivers1.75” (44mm) x 2 active drivers and one passive radiator
EQYes (9 band)
IP RatingIPX7
Maximum SPL99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeNo
Power BankYes (USB-A, 5V/1A)
Power InputUSB-C
StereoYes
TWSYes
Weight1.3 lbs (590 g)

Soundcore Boom 3i: $118.99 Amazon $118.99 B&H Photo Video $129.99 Soundcore $129.99 eBay

Soundcore Boom 3i ranking card

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

ReleasedJun 2025 (1 year ago)
Amplifier Power50W
AppYes
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)56Hz
Battery Life16 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC, AAC
Bluetooth Version5.3
Built-in MicrophoneYes
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions8.3” x 3.3” x 3.1” (210 x 85 x 78.5 mm)
Drivers94mm woofer + tweeter
EQYes
IP RatingIP68
LightsYes
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeNo
Power InputUSB-C
StereoNo
StrapYes (detachable strap)
TWSYes
Weight1.7 lbs (783 g)