STEREO GUIDEverdict
As one of the smallest and most affordable Bluetooth mobile speakers, the Anker Soundcore 3 still impresses in the review with a decent sound.
Pros
- mature sound with rich upper bass
- Very favorable price
- Party mode with up to 100 devices
- Equalizer via app
Cons
- somewhat muffled voices, low resolution
- Not particularly protected against the ingress of dirt and dust
- No analog input like its predecessor
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Sound: tonal balance / transparency5.5
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Tone: Bass / Dynamics5
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Ease-of-use / Connectivity9
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Price/Performance10
The predecessor of the Anker Soundcore 3 was already one of the top sellers on Amazon, even though the brand is still relatively new in the business. At 17.5 centimetres in landscape format, it marks the smallest class of mobile Bluetooth speakers that can boast virtual room display. Accordingly, the small briquette contains two full-range drivers with titanium diaphragms, which are intended to provide a stereo image. In order to get the most adult bass possible out of this tiny volume, two passive cones work at the front and rear of the cabinet. They replace the bass reflex channel in terms of function, but save space compared to one.
Application possibilities and connectivity
With its IPX7 classification, the Anker Soundcore 3 is already one of the submersible devices that should not mind a half-hour dip in the water. The USB-C socket is sealed accordingly, but like the cover grille, it offers no protection against sand and dust. In the hard outdoor use you should clean these places from time to time.
You wouldn’t expect any special tricks at this low price, and yet the manufacturer offers a free Soundcore app for iOS and Android, which features a bass boost and equalizer function, among other things.
According to the manufacturer, one battery charge provides up to 24 hours of operation. However, this is calculated at low volumes and can be significantly less in outdoor party mode. Nevertheless, the 5,200 mAh battery offers a mature performance that would even suit more expensive speakers.
How the Anker Soundcore 3 could be used in practice
The connection via Bluetooth was problem-free and the handling is also very good in practice. This allows a carrying loop to be attached to the corresponding eyelet. Despite the lack of colored markings, the keys are easy to recognize due to their relief structure and size, and operation is completely unproblematic.
And if the dynamic capabilities of the Soundcore 3 are not enough, up to 100 (!) identical devices can be paired in party mode (“PartyCast”). Or connect two to form a stereo pair, although the two functions are mutually exclusive.
Soundcore 3 vs Soundcore 2: These are the differences
One of the main differences lies in the performance of the two speaker generations: The Soundcore 3 is equipped with two 1.5-inch Titan.Manbran drivers and two passive radiators and, according to Anker, reaches high frequencies of up to 40 kHz. The Soundcore 2, which is still available, only has dual neodymium drivers and only one passive radiator. In addition, the Soundcore 3 achieves a stereo power output of 8 watts per channel, while the Soundcore 2 only delivers 6 watts per channel according to the operating instructions.
There are also differences in terms of multi-speaker connectivity. As already mentioned, the Soundcore 3 supports PartyCast technology, which allows up to 100 speakers to be paired with each other. In comparison, the Soundcore 2 only supports the TWS function (True Wireless Stereo), which enables a connection with two speakers.
Another advantage of the Soundcore 3 is the app support: the EQ settings can be individually adjusted via the Soundcore app, a function that is not available on the Soundcore 2. The Soundcore 3 also scores points for its charging function, as it has a modern USB-C port, while the Soundcore 2 still relies on a micro USB port.
One point where the Soundcore 2 is ahead, however, is the analog AUX input. This makes it possible to connect wired devices, a function that is no longer available on the Soundcore 3.
Sound review: Soundcore 3 by Anker
Considering the size and the price, the quite full sound of the Anker Soundcore 3 was absolutely convincing. Vocals sounded a bit dull at times and lacked detail. But otherwise, the small Bluetooth speaker from Anker delivered both a rich bass foundation and a decent attack.
Of course, dynamics between the loud and quiet tones are lost if the volume is turned up and the acoustic possibilities of the small mini bar are fully exploited with the help of the DSP limiter. The controller chip then has to cut the bass in order to avoid distortion or even damage to the drivers. However, the Anker Soundcore 3 easily copes with even this without sounding completely unpleasant or losing detail. What should not be forgotten is that such protective measures also apply to competitors that are two or three times as expensive.
Anker Soundcore 3: conclusion and alternatives
In its price and size class, the Anker has little competition to fear. Comparable models from other manufacturers cost significantly more. And the Soundcore 3 is superior to the Soundcore 2 in almost all respects. Only for those who need an analog connection to connect audio devices via cable is the Soundcore 3 not an alternative to its predecessor: Anker has removed the AUX input with the model change.
Technical specifications: Anker Soundcore 3
- Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: 56 Euro
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 17.4 x 6 x 5.7 cm
- Weight: 372 g
- Battery life up to 24 hours
- Features: Bluetooth version: 5.0, waterproof according to protection class IPX7, PartyCast
- More at: www.de.soundcore.com
