The Anker Soundcore 3 is an entry-level portable Bluetooth speaker launched in early 2017. The wireless speaker has an IPX7 waterproof rating, which makes it an excellent choice for outdoor use. Because the speaker comes with a microphone, it can also be integrated with voice assistants such as Google Assistant and Siri, but this has to be correctly set up first through a smartphone. Its long battery life is in line with some of the best speakers in the industry (including the best Bluetooth speakers) since it offers up to 13.6 hours of playback time and only takes 3.6 hours to charge fully.
63
out of
109
Speakers
Anker Soundcore 3 Review
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Updated Jan 25, 2024 6:27 PM
Published
True Score
True Score is an AI-powered algorithm of product tests and customer reviews.
77
Mixed Reviews
77
3
Experts
90
10.8k
Consumers
Expert Rankings
(
3
)
The Anker Soundcore 3 delighted expert reviewers with its high build quality, incredible portability and fitness for outdoor use. Reviewers also liked that it had long battery life and that it produced clear and concise vocals. Still, they were not as pleased with its missing AUX input, narrow soundstage, and sound distortion at loud volumes.
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Product Snapshot
Overview
The Anker Soundcore 3 is an entry-level portable Bluetooth speaker launched in early 2017. The wireless speaker has an IPX7 waterproof rating, which makes it an excellent choice for outdoor use. Because the speaker comes with a microphone, it can also be integrated with voice assistants such as Google Assistant and Siri, but this has to be correctly set up first through a smartphone. Its long battery life is in line with some of the best speakers in the industry (including the best Bluetooth speakers) since it offers up to 13.6 hours of playback time and only takes 3.6 hours to charge fully.
Consensus
our Verdict
Expert testers were impressed with the build quality of the Anker Soundcore 3 and also commended its long battery life. Critics from Tom’s Guide were happy that at only 13 ounces, the Soundcore 3 was pretty easy to carry around. They were also pleased with its long battery life, which meant they could listen to music or watch movies for a long time before plugging it in. Reviewers from Rtings liked that its water resistance allowed for submersion and that its companion app had a graphic equalizer. During their sound tests, they were impressed with how balanced and clear the vocals were and agreed that the speaker would be ideal for listening to audiobooks and podcasts.
However, like the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 (which we’ve covered in our Anker Soundcore Flare 2 review, it also doesn’t have an AUX input. Testers were also not too pleased with its narrow soundstage, lack of WiFi connectivity, and reduced sound quality at max volume.
ReasonS to Buy
- Portable and lightweight
- Great battery life
- Support for voice assistants
- Clear vocal reproduction
- Water-resistant
Reason to Avoid
- No AUX input
- Narrow soundstage
- Sound distorts at higher volume
Anker Soundcore 3 Specs
 | Battery Life | 24 hrs |
 | Built In Microphone | Yes |
 | Charge Time | 4 hrs |
 | Depth | 2.36" |
 | Height | 2.24" |
 | IPX Rating | IPX7 |
 | Smart App | Soundcore |
 | Speaker Pairing | Yes |
 | Water Resistant | Yes |
 | Wattage | 16W |
 | Width | 6.9" |
 | Wireless Range | 20 m |
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Speakers based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
| Battery Life (Hours) | 15.175 |
| Volume Output (dB) | 84.45 |
| Low End Roll Off (Hz) | 229.565 |
| High End Roll Off (Hz) | 1,708.595 |
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Speakers based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
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Product Comparison
 Anker Soundcore 3 Review | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
True Score | 77 | 78 | 77 | 81 |
Ranking | # 63 / 109 | # 62 / 109 | # 69 / 109 | # 29 / 109 |
Market Context |
The Anker Soundcore 3 is an entry-level portable Bluetooth speaker launched in early 2017. The wireless speaker has an IPX7 waterproof rating, which makes it… |
The Anker Soundcore 3 is often compared to the Anker Soundcore Motion+ by buyers. The comparisons made are many, and some of them are based… The Anker Soundcore 3 is often compared to the Anker Soundcore Motion+ by buyers. The comparisons made are many, and some of them are based on weight and battery life. The Soundcore 3 is smaller in size and weighs 1.1 pounds, while the Motion+ weighs 2.3 pounds, but the Motion+ has a longer-lasting 15.5-hour battery life compared to the Soundcore 3’s 13.6-hour battery life. The Motion+ also has an AUX input, while the Soundcore 3 does not. |
The Anker Soundcore 3 has a graphic equalizer preset while the Anker Soundcore 2 does not, but the Soundcore 2 has a longer 15-hour battery… The Anker Soundcore 3 has a graphic equalizer preset while the Anker Soundcore 2 does not, but the Soundcore 2 has a longer 15-hour battery life compared to the Soundcore 3, which has a 13.6-hour battery life. However, the Soundcore 3 has a companion app, while the Soundcore 2 does not. We’ve covered much more about it in our Anker Soundcore 2 review. |
The Anker Soundcore 3 supports voice assistant use while the JBL Flip 5 does not, and it can also act as a speakerphone, unlike the… The Anker Soundcore 3 supports voice assistant use while the JBL Flip 5 does not, and it can also act as a speakerphone, unlike the Flip 5. The Soundcore 3’s battery life of 13.6 hours is much longer than the Flip 5, which lasts 8.2 hours. However, the Flip 5 only takes 2.6 hours to charge compared to the Soundcore 3, which takes 3.6 hours. |
Battery Life | 24 hrs | 12 hrs | 24 hrs | 12 hrs |
Built In Microphone | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Charge Time | 4 hrs | 4 hrs | 3 hrs | 2.5 hrs |
Depth | 2.36" | 3.2" | – | 2.71" |
Height | 2.24" | 10.02" | – | 2.9" |
IPX Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 | – | IPX7 |
Smart App | Soundcore | Soundcore | Yes | JBL Portable |
Speaker Pairing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Dig Deeper |
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Score Card
E
Expert Score
77
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
90
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
77
Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews
Expert Scores
Publications with higher Trust Ratings are given more weight.
100.6Category Trust Rating
56The Anker Soundcore 3 is passable for music. With its ‘Bass Up’ feature turned on,… Read MoreBy:
Lee Dunkley
43.1Category Trust Rating
64Anker’s Soundcore 3 is big on sound and battery life, but lightweight enough to be… Read MoreBy:
Michelle Powell
65.58Category Trust Rating
90The Anker Soundcore 3 is a portable and affordable little unit with exceptional battery life…. Read MoreBy:
Dagobiet Morales Alfaro
