Soundcore Boom Go 3i Review: A Palm-Size Speaker That Travels Well
Part of The Remote Work Travel Guide: Set Up an Office Anywhere
What we liked
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Fun RGB lights
- Can work as a backup battery bank
What we didn't
- Heavy for its size class
- RGB drains the battery fast
- Trouble pairing with a second phone
Quick take
The Soundcore Boom Go 3i is Anker’s palm-size Bluetooth speaker with IP68 protection, around 15W of output and roughly a day of playback.
Where to buy: Soundcore Boom Go 3i by Anker on Amazon (typically about $30 to $45).
My take
It’s one of the best-reviewed Bluetooth speakers, and I like the RGB option. But the battery dies much faster than I expected with the lights on, and honestly it’s very heavy for its size class. That’s why I carry my Bose SoundLink Flex instead: about the same weight, and it’s Bose. No lights, but less gimmicky. If it were much lighter, like earlier versions, I’d choose it. One benefit is that it can work as a backup battery bank, which helps when airlines restrict how many power banks you can carry. The downside is I connected it to one phone and couldn’t connect it to my other phone, and that bothers me.
What it is
It’s built to survive pools, sand and drops, with BassUp tuning for a fuller sound than its size suggests and Bluetooth for fast pairing. A strap makes it easy to hang in a shower or on a bag.
Where it fits on the road
Rental rooms come with silence or a TV. A small speaker turns a short-let into somewhere that feels like yours: music while cooking, a podcast in the shower, and something to bring to the beach without fear of salt water.
“If it were lighter, yes. At this weight I’d rather carry the Bose.”
Reggie R.
How it compares
- JBL Clip 5. Similar size and clip design; popular rival.
- Bose SoundLink Micro. Premium sound, higher price.
- Phone speaker. Free, thin sound.
Small comforts that make long stays easier
Long stays work best with a few personal touches: a speaker, a travel steamer for shirts, and a cervical roll for unfamiliar pillows. For DJ practice, use in-ear monitors instead, since Bluetooth adds latency.
Price and value
Expect to pay about $30 to $45, though prices on Amazon move often, so check the current listing before buying. Fair value for a narrow use: a tough, well-reviewed speaker held back by weight. If you want lights, it’s fun; for pure sound and travel weight, the Bose SoundLink Flex is my pick.
How I scored it
The 3.0-out-of-5 score is led by my own recorded thoughts, checked against what buyers report across retailers, weighed on value, build quality and how well it fits a travel and remote-work life. Read the full method on the editorial policy page.
3 tips to get the most out of it
- Rinse it with fresh water after the beach. Salt dries on the grille.
- Don’t use it for DJ cueing. Bluetooth latency makes beatmatching impossible.
- Charge it with your phone cable. It uses USB-C.
FAQ
Is it waterproof?
IP68, so it handles submersion and dust.
Can I pair two?
Check the app for stereo pairing support.
Battery life?
Around a day at moderate volume.
Who it’s for (and who should skip it)
Good if you want RGB lights and a backup battery bank in one. Skip it if weight matters; get the Bose SoundLink Flex. Planning more than this one purchase? Start with the Remote Work Travel Guide for the full portable office setup.
Bottom line
A tough, well-reviewed speaker held back by weight. If you want lights, it’s fun; for pure sound and travel weight, the Bose SoundLink Flex is my pick.
Our experience, in combination with what others say.
