Short answer: the Ultimate Ears Boom 3, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #113 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 2.9/5, at $132.99. The Walla Sound ranks #163, rated 2.2/5, at $49.99, $83 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 177 medium speakers; for better sound, the EarFun Uboom L ranks #2 at $49.79.
The Walla Sound is the lighter option. A small shockproof speaker with an aux input, microSD playback and a built in microphone. At 0.7 lbs (300 g) it weighs much less than the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 at 1.3 lbs (608 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 lacks. Watch for: No bass, gets distorted when turned up.
The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is the better-sounding, longer-running pick. A rugged waterproof speaker that floats, with a fabric shell, a stable Bluetooth connection and PartyUp linking for many speakers. It is rated for 15 hours of battery against 8 for the Walla Sound. It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the Walla Sound. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Walla Sound lacks. Watch for: Not stereo, barely any bass, recessed treble.
Buy the Ultimate Ears Boom 3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $83 you would save on the Walla Sound does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A small shockproof speaker with an aux input, microSD playback and a built in microphone.
A rugged waterproof speaker that floats, with a fabric shell, a stable Bluetooth connection and PartyUp linking for many speakers.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Walla Sound | Ultimate Ears Boom 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.99 | $132.99 |
| Ranked | #163 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #113 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Amplifier Power | 10W (2 x 5W) | - |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~90Hz | 91Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IP67 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (300 g) | 1.3 lbs (608 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 2.7” x 2.7” x 6.3” (68 x 68 x 160 mm) | 7.2” x 2.9” (184 x 73 mm) |
| Drivers | 30mm metal diaphragm driver | 2x 2” active drivers + 2x 2” x 4” passive radiators |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC |
| App | No | Yes (Ultimate Ears BOOM & MEGABOOM app) |
| EQ | No | Yes (via app) |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (PartyUp up to 50 speakers) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 87dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Strap | - | Yes (built-in loop) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Ultimate Ears Boom 3 compares with other leading options: