Short answer: the Ultimate Ears Boom 3. It ranks #89 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $109; the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A ranks #95 and costs $150, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 side: Rich and warm bass without muddying mix, crisp highs, excellent 15-hour battery life, stable Bluetooth connectivity, IP67 rated and floats, rugged fabric shell, can pair up to 150 speakers via PartyUp. The catch: Not stereo, barely any bass, recessed treble. You can tell from the micro USB that they are just feeding you the same crap hardware over and over, this is inexcusable for a product released in 2021.
The case for the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A: Doubles as a wireless surround speaker for Yamaha True X soundbars, or a standalone speaker via ‘Solo’ mode. The tradeoff: Not very deep bass, upper mids peak that makes voices sibilant.
Buy the Ultimate Ears Boom 3. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Ultimate Ears Boom 3 | Yamaha True X Speaker 1A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.00 | $150 |
| Ranked | #89 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #95 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 91Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyUp up to 50 speakers) | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 608 g | 1.1 lbs / 500 g |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 7.2" x 2.9" (184 x 73 mm) | 4.1" x 3.5" x 3.5" (105 x 90 x 90 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2" active drivers + 2x 2" x 4" passive radiators | 1x 55mm (2.2") full-range driver + 2x passive radiators |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes (via app) | No |
| Built in Microphone | No | No |
| Max Volume | 87dB | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| App | - | No |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Aux Input | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 10W |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Ultimate Ears Boom 3: $109.00 Amazon
Pros: Rich and warm bass without muddying mix, crisp highs, excellent 15-hour battery life, stable Bluetooth connectivity, IP67 rated and floats, rugged fabric shell, can pair up to 150 speakers via PartyUp
Cons: Not stereo, barely any bass, recessed treble. You can tell from the micro USB that they are just feeding you the same crap hardware over and over, this is inexcusable for a product released in 2021. Lots of mentions of failing batteries on amazon. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear.
Full Ultimate Ears Boom 3 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 91Hz |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.2" x 2.9" (184 x 73 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2" active drivers + 2x 2" x 4" passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (via app) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 87dB |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyUp up to 50 speakers) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 608 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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Yamaha True X Speaker 1A: $150 Amazon
Pros: Doubles as a wireless surround speaker for Yamaha True X soundbars, or a standalone speaker via ‘Solo’ mode. IP67 rated. Clear Voice technology boosts dialogue clarity.
Cons: Not very deep bass, upper mids peak that makes voices sibilant
Full Yamaha True X Speaker 1A review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 3.5" x 3.5" (105 x 90 x 90 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 55mm (2.2") full-range driver + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 10W |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs / 500 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Sony SRS-XB20
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Tribit Stormbox
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Sony SRS-XE300
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Bose SoundLink Color II
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Marshall Emberton III
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Marshall Emberton II
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Klipsch Groove/Heritage Groove
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Sony ULT Field 3