Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen. It ranks #11 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $395. The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 ranks #107, rated 3.0/5, at $191.99, $203.01 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 is the louder option. A tough waterproof speaker that floats and shrugs off drops, with a long 20 hour battery for beach and pool days. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 98dB at full volume, against 93dB for the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen. Watch for: Not stereo, barely any bass.
The B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. A premium waterproof puck speaker with balanced sound, a built in strap, and a long battery for travel. Its bass reaches about 58Hz before falling 10dB, against 70Hz for the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3. At 1.2 lbs (558 g) it weighs much less than the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 at 2 lbs (925 g). It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 lacks.
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $203.01 with the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A tough waterproof speaker that floats and shrugs off drops, with a long 20 hour battery for beach and pool days.
A premium waterproof puck speaker with balanced sound, a built in strap, and a long battery for travel.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 | B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $191.99 | $395.00 |
| Ranked | #107 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #11 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 70Hz | 58Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 93dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyUp up to 50 speakers) | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | Pointing up |
| Weight | 2 lbs (925 g) | 1.2 lbs (558 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange | 3.5mm aluminium driver + 0.75 inch silk dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 3.4” x 8.9” x 3.4” (87 x 225 x 87 mm) | 5.2”W x 5.2”D x 1.8”H (133 x 133 x 46 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| App | Yes (UE | BOOM app) | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (built-in strap) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 90ms |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Amplifier Power | - | 60W total (2x 30W Class D) |
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