Anker’s Soundcore Boom 3i: The Ultimate Outdoor Speaker That Shakes Off Dust and Sand

If you love outdoor adventures but hate dealing with sand, dust, or water damage ruining your gear, Anker’s latest release might just be your new best friend. On June 3, 2025, The Verge senior reporter Andrew Liszewski unveiled the Soundcore Boom 3i, a rugged Bluetooth speaker built to survive—and thrive—in the toughest environments.

The Boom 3i isn’t just another waterproof speaker. It’s packed with clever features that make it stand out. The most unique is Buzz Clean Mode, which makes the speaker vibrate intensely to shake off dust and sand trapped in the grill. No more awkwardly blowing into your speaker or tapping it like an old TV—this thing literally cleans itself.

But that’s not all. With an IP68 rating, it’s fully waterproof and dustproof, and it even floats upright in water, making it perfect for pool parties or lakeside hangs. Anker even added a saltwater-resistant coating to prevent corrosion for up to two years—ideal for beach trips.

Anker clearly designed this speaker with emergencies in mind. It includes a 96dB emergency alarm for distress signals and a megaphone mode via the Soundcore app that turns your phone into a mic. Whether you’re lost on a hike or just trying to get your friend’s attention across the campsite, this speaker has your back.

For those who love a little flair, the Boom 3i also features LED lighting that syncs to your music or provides ambient lighting. And with 16 hours of battery life at 50% volume, it’ll last through even the longest adventures—though heavy bass or LED use will drain it faster.

Right now, the Boom 3i is available in Canada for $189.99 CAD, roughly $139 USD, but it hasn’t hit Anker’s U.S. store yet. If you’re looking for alternatives, The Verge has a handy guide to the best Bluetooth speakers, but few match the Boom 3i’s ruggedness.

This speaker is a dream for hikers, beachgoers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need durability without sacrificing sound quality. As Liszewski notes, while other speakers might offer better battery life, the Boom 3i’s self-cleaning tech and emergency features make it a standout for rough conditions.