This page contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
A good outdoor speaker needs to handle splashes, dust and the occasional drop while still filling an open space with sound. In this comparison, we look at six models from soundcore for the backyard, the pool or a beach trip.
Key factors to consider include waterproof rating, battery life, sound output, and any extra features like floating capability or multi-speaker linking. For more on placement and power, see our outdoor speaker setup guide.
Every specification on this page comes from the manufacturer’s own product page, checked on 29 October 2026. We have not used these products ourselves, so the picks are based on published specifications only.
For a complete backyard entertainment setup, also read our outdoor entertainment essentials checklist.
How we chose these
- Waterproof and dust resistance: Look for IP ratings that match your environment, from IPX7 for submersion to IP67 or IP68 for dust-tight protection.
- Battery life: Longer playtime means less frequent charging, especially for camping or all-day events.
- Sound output: Wattage and driver size affect how well the speaker fills an open space.
- Portability and extra features: Floating designs, built-in power banks, and multi-speaker linking add convenience.
All models are from soundcore; they differ in size, power, waterproof rating and extra features.
Comparison table
| Product | Waterproof Rating | Battery Life | Sound Output | Floats | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boom 3i | IP68 | 16 hours | 50W | Yes | 5x saltwater resistance, survives 1 m drops |
| Motion Boom | IPX7 | 24 hours | Not stated | Yes | Titanium drivers, up to 40kHz highs |
| Trance Go | IPX7 | 24 hours | 98dB | No | PartyCast 100+, USB charge-out |
| Motion Boom Plus | IP67 | 20 hours | 80W | No | 13,400mAh battery, detachable strap |
| Boom 2 Plus | IPX7 | 20 hours | 140W max | Yes | 30W fast charging, built-in power bank |
| Select 3 | IP67 | 12 hours | 8W | Yes | 360-degree light show, PartyCast 2.0 |
Sound output is given in watts (W) or decibels (dB) as stated by soundcore; battery life figures are soundcore’s own claims.
1. soundcore Boom 3i: for pool and beach use with saltwater resistance
Soundcore says the Boom 3i delivers 50W of sound with bass as deep as 56Hz using BassUp 2.0 and DSP. It has an IP68 rating, meaning it is fully dust-tight and waterproof, and it floats upright in water so the sound stays forward. The speaker is about the size of a water bottle and includes a detachable strap for easy carrying.
- Resists salt, perspiration, and spray with 5x saltwater protection (soundcore)
- Can handle drops from 1 meter (3.28 ft) without damage (soundcore)
- 16-hour playtime and app control with Voice Amplifier and Emergency Alarm (soundcore)
Pros: Floats and stays upright in water; saltwater-resistant; compact and portable
Cons: Shorter battery life than some larger models; no multi-speaker linking mentioned
Check the soundcore Boom 3i on Amazon
2. soundcore Motion Boom: for long-lasting sound on camping trips
The Motion Boom uses pure titanium diaphragm drivers that can reach high frequencies up to 40kHz for clearer sound, according to soundcore. It has an IPX7 waterproof rating and floats if it falls in water. The built-in battery provides up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge.
- BassUp technology analyzes and intensifies low frequencies in real-time (soundcore)
- Fully waterproof and floats (soundcore)
- 24-hour playtime (soundcore)
Pros: Very long battery life; titanium drivers for clear highs; floats
Cons: Sound output wattage not stated; no dustproof rating (IPX7 only)
Check the soundcore Motion Boom on Amazon
3. soundcore Trance Go: for parties with multi-speaker syncing
Soundcore states that the Trance Go can reach up to 98dB of sound and uses an oversized passive radiator with BassUp for intense bass. It supports PartyCast technology to link over 100 speakers from a single device. The IPX7 casing is fully waterproof, and the battery lasts up to 24 hours, with a USB port to charge other devices.
- Up to 98dB sound output (soundcore)
- PartyCast links 100+ speakers (soundcore)
- Built-in USB port charges other devices (soundcore)
Pros: Loud maximum volume; very long battery life; can charge your phone
Cons: Does not float; no dustproof rating (IPX7 only)
Check the soundcore Trance Go on Amazon
4. soundcore Motion Boom Plus: for big backyard sound with deep bass
The Motion Boom Plus delivers 80W of sound through two 30W woofers and 10W tweeters, with titanium drivers for improved treble, per soundcore. It has an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance and a 13,400mAh battery that provides up to 20 hours of playtime. A built-in handle and detachable strap make it easy to carry.
- 80W total output from dual woofers and tweeters (soundcore)
- IP67 water and dust resistant (soundcore)
- 20-hour playtime with 13,400mAh battery (soundcore)
Pros: High power output for large spaces; dust-tight; long battery life
Cons: Does not float; heavier and bulkier than smaller models
Check the soundcore Motion Boom Plus on Amazon
5. soundcore Boom 2 Plus: for powerful bass and fast charging
Soundcore says the Boom 2 Plus can output up to 140W max with BassUp 2.0 engaged, using dual 50W woofers and dual 20W tweeters. It is IPX7 waterproof and floatable, and it supports 30W fast charging to fully recharge in about 3 hours. A built-in power bank can charge other devices at 10W.
- 140W max booming bass with BassUp 2.0 (soundcore)
- 30W fast charging, full charge in 3 hours (soundcore)
- Built-in 10W power bank for phones (soundcore)
Pros: Very high maximum power; floats; fast charging; can charge other devices
Cons: No dustproof rating (IPX7 only); no mention of saltwater resistance
Check the soundcore Boom 2 Plus on Amazon
6. soundcore Select 3: for compact size with a light show
The Select 3 is a compact speaker with an 8W driver and a passive radiator that produces 360-degree sound, according to soundcore. It has an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating and floats in water. A 360-degree light show syncs to the music, and PartyCast 2.0 allows linking over 100 speakers.
- 8W speaker with 360-degree dynamic sound (soundcore)
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof, floats (soundcore)
- Up to 12-hour battery life (soundcore)
Pros: Floats; dust-tight; light show for parties; very portable
Cons: Lower sound output than larger models; shorter battery life
Check the soundcore Select 3 on Amazon
Which one fits you
| Your situation | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You want a speaker that can survive pool splashes and rain | Boom 3i, Motion Boom, Boom 2 Plus, Select 3 | These models float and have high waterproof ratings, so they stay safe around water. |
| You need all-day music for camping or beach trips | Motion Boom, Trance Go | Both offer 24-hour battery life, reducing the need to recharge during long outings. |
| You want to fill a large backyard with sound | Motion Boom Plus, Boom 2 Plus | Higher wattage and larger drivers provide more volume and bass for open spaces. |
| You want a light show for evening parties | Select 3 | The 360-degree lighting syncs with music to add atmosphere to gatherings. |
Practical tips
- Check the IP rating: IP67 or IP68 means the speaker is dust-tight and waterproof; IPX7 means it is waterproof but does not include a dust-resistance rating.
- Consider how you will use the speaker near water. Floating models are less likely to be lost if they fall into a pool or lake.
- If you plan to link multiple speakers for stereo or party mode, look for models with PartyCast or Auracast compatibility.
FAQ
Can I pair two of these speakers for stereo sound?
Soundcore says the Boom 2 Plus links multiple speakers with Auracast and is sold in a 2-pack, and the Trance Go and Select 3 use PartyCast to link over 100 speakers. Check each model’s listing for pairing options.
Are these speakers safe to use in saltwater?
The Boom 3i is specifically 5x saltwater-resistant, according to soundcore. Other models are waterproof but soundcore does not state saltwater resistance for them.
How long does it take to charge these speakers?
Charging times vary. The Boom 2 Plus supports 30W fast charging and can fully charge in about 3 hours. Soundcore does not list charging times for all models.
Sources
Specifications from each manufacturer’s product page, checked 29 October 2026: soundcore Boom 3i, soundcore Motion Boom, soundcore Trance Go, soundcore Motion Boom Plus, soundcore Boom 2 Plus, soundcore Select 3. Makers can change specifications; check the product page before you buy.
