Short answer: the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3. It ranks #107 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.0/5, at $191.99; the B&O Beosound Explore ranks #142, rated 2.5/5, and costs $294.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 is the better-sounding pick. A tough waterproof speaker that floats and shrugs off drops, with a long 20 hour battery for beach and pool days. The tradeoff: Not stereo, barely any bass.
The B&O Beosound Explore is the longer-running, lighter choice. A rugged waterproof speaker with an anodized aluminum design, a strap and carabiner, and a long real world battery. It is rated for 27 hours of battery against 20 for the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3. At 1.4 lbs (631 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 at 2 lbs (925 g). It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3. Watch for: Huge lack of bass extension compared to competitors, overly hot ringing treble.
Buy the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the B&O Beosound Explore and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A tough waterproof speaker that floats and shrugs off drops, with a long 20 hour battery for beach and pool days.
A rugged waterproof speaker with an anodized aluminum design, a strap and carabiner, and a long real world battery.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 | B&O Beosound Explore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $191.99 | $294.99 |
| Ranked | #107 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #142 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 70Hz | ~70Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 27 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 91dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyUp up to 50 speakers) | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| Weight | 2 lbs (925 g) | 1.4 lbs (631 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.2 |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange | 2x 1.8” (46mm) full-range drivers |
| Dimensions | 3.4” x 8.9” x 3.4” (87 x 225 x 87 mm) | 3.2” x 4.9” x 3.2” (81 x 124 x 81 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | Yes (UE | BOOM app) | Yes (Bang & Olufsen app) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (App EQ) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (carabiner) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Amplifier Power | - | 60W |
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