Why does it feel like you have to spend a fortune to get a decent portable speaker? With flagship models from big brands easily topping $150, many of us are left wondering if great sound and durability have to come with a premium price tag. In 2025, the answer is a definitive “no,” thanks to a market flooded with budget-friendly powerhouses.
The real challenge is finding the diamond in the rough. That’s why we’re zooming in on a perennial best-seller that consistently punches far above its weight class: the Cambridge Soundworks OontZ Angle 3 Ultra. This review will determine if it still holds the title as the best cheap waterproof Bluetooth speaker for savvy shoppers this year.
Get ready to discover how a speaker this affordable can offer rich stereo sound, an ironclad waterproof design, and a battery that just won’t quit.
Product Overview
- PORTABLE SPEAKER – At just 5.3 inches long and weighing only 10 ounces, this mini Bluetooth speaker is made to travel, w…
- IPX5 WATER-RESISTANT DESIGN – Enjoy music in the shower, on beach days, or at pool parties with this water-resistant Blu…
- ZERO DISTORTION – This small speaker can get surprisingly loud, with a powerful 12 watts of output voltage. It provides …
The OontZ Angle 3 Ultra is the third generation of one of the most popular budget speakers on the market, and it’s been refined to near perfection for its price point. It’s an affordable portable speaker designed around a unique triangular shape, which isn’t just for looks; it’s engineered to provide stability and direct sound upwards towards the listener.
The core of the Angle 3 Ultra is its impressive audio hardware. It packs two precision neodymium drivers that deliver clean mids and highs, while a proprietary passive bass radiator handles the low end. This setup is powered by a 14-watt digital amplifier, which is significantly more powerful than what you’ll find in most speakers in this price range. This allows it to create surprisingly rich and loud stereo sound from a compact frame.
Its durability is a headline feature, making it a true outdoor waterproof bluetooth speaker.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Audio Output: 14 watts of digital stereo sound power.
- IPX7 Waterproof Rating: This is a crucial feature. An IPX7 portable speaker is certified to be fully submersible in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, making it completely worry-free for use by the pool, at the beach, or even as a shower bluetooth speaker ipx7.
- Exceptional Battery Life: Boasts up to 20 hours of playtime on a single charge, a figure typically reserved for more expensive models.
- Bluetooth 5.0: Ensures a quick, stable wireless connection up to 100 feet away from your device.
- OontZ Wireless Dual Stereo: A standout feature that allows you to connect two OontZ Angle 3 Ultra speakers together to play in left-right stereo for a massive 28-watt sound field.
- Built-in Microphone: Includes a mic for hands-free speakerphone calls.
This speaker is engineered to deliver the maximum amount of audio performance and durability for the absolute minimum cost.
Performance & User Experience
On paper, the OontZ Angle 3 Ultra is impressive. In practice, it’s even better. The first thing that strikes you is the sheer volume this little speaker can produce. The 14-watt amplifier makes a huge difference, allowing it to get significantly louder than competitors like the JBL Go 3 or Anker Soundcore 2 without distorting.
The stereo separation is another highlight. Because it has two distinct drivers, you get a genuine sense of left and right channels, which makes music sound more dynamic and immersive. The audio is crisp and clear, with a focus on vocals and instrumentals. It’s a loud affordable bluetooth speaker that doesn’t sacrifice clarity for volume.
Anecdotal Evidence:
We used the Angle 3 Ultra as our primary speaker during a weekend camping trip that was plagued by intermittent rain. It sat on a picnic table through several downpours and kept playing flawlessly. Its 20-hour battery was no joke either; we used it for hours each day and never had to recharge it over the three-day trip. Its performance solidified its reputation as a long battery life cheap speaker.
Of course, a speaker at this price point has its trade-offs. The bass, while present and punchy, won’t give you the deep, sub-bass rumble of a larger, more expensive speaker. For bass-heavy genres like EDM or trap, it can feel a bit thin. Additionally, its triangular plastic body, while functional, doesn’t have the premium feel of fabric-covered or metal-bodied competitors.
Comparison with Similar Products
The sub-$50 speaker market is a battlefield. The OontZ Angle 3 Ultra faces off against giants like Anker and JBL. Here’s a quick look at how it stacks up against its main competition in 2025.
| Feature | OontZ Angle 3 Ultra | Anker Soundcore 2 | JBL Go 3 |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 | IP67 (Dustproof & Waterproof) |
| Power Output | 14W (Stereo) | 12W (Stereo) | 4.2W (Mono) |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours | Up to 24 hours | Up to 5 hours |
| Key Feature | Wireless Dual Stereo Pairing | Enhanced Bass Technology | Ultra-Portable Design |
| Price Range | $35 – $45 | $35 – $45 | $40 – $50 |
Unique Selling Points & Differentiators:
- OontZ Angle 3 Ultra: Its primary advantages are power and stereo sound. At 14 watts, it’s the most powerful speaker in this direct comparison, and its ability to pair with another unit for true wireless stereo is a feature rarely seen at this price. This makes it the best choice for those who want the biggest, fullest sound for their money.
- Anker Soundcore 2: The Soundcore 2’s edge lies in its slightly superior battery life and Anker’s reputation for well-rounded bass. While not as loud as the OontZ, some users may prefer its warmer sound signature.
- JBL Go 3: The Go 3 is all about portability and design. It’s significantly smaller, features a trendy, rugged design with an integrated loop, and has the added benefit of being dustproof (IP67). However, its mono driver and short 5-hour battery life make it less suitable for anything beyond short, casual listening.
The OontZ Angle 3 Ultra carves out its space by being the undisputed audio performance champion of the budget category.
Pricing & Value
This is where the OontZ Angle 3 Ultra truly shines. The speaker is almost always available for under $50, and frequently drops below $40 during online sales events. This isn’t just a good price; it’s an exceptional one.
For that price, you’re getting a speaker that is not only fully waterproof but also delivers 14 watts of true stereo sound and a 20-hour battery life. When you consider that a flagship speaker with similar specs (albeit with better bass and materials) can cost four to five times as much, the value proposition is off the charts. It’s a prime example of a best bluetooth speaker under $100—and it comfortably clears that bar.
For anyone who needs a durable, reliable speaker for travel, outdoor activities, or just listening around the house without investing a lot of money, the OontZ Angle 3 Ultra represents one of the best dollar-for-dollar values in the entire consumer electronics market. There are very few products that deliver this much for so little.
Customer Reviews & Feedback
With hundreds of thousands of reviews online, the OontZ Angle 3 Ultra is a certified crowd-pleaser. It maintains an incredibly high average rating, typically 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, which is a testament to its consistent quality and performance.
Here’s what thousands of verified buyers have to say:
- Shockingly Loud and Clear: This is the most common point of praise. A top-rated review sums it up perfectly: “I am blown away by the volume and clarity from this little speaker. I use it in my workshop and can hear it perfectly over the sound of my tools.”
- Incredible Battery Life: Users consistently confirm the long playtime. “I took this on a week-long vacation and only had to charge it once. The battery just lasts forever,” one customer wrote.
- Truly Waterproof: Many reviews are from users who have put the IPX7 rating to the test. “It fell off my paddleboard into the lake. I fished it out, and it was still playing. I’m a believer,” said one happy adventurer.
Of course, no product is perfect. The most common critiques include:
- Bass Response: As we noted, some users wish for deeper bass. “It’s great for rock and podcasts, but for rap and electronic music, it’s missing that low-end thump.”
- Charging Port Cover: A few users find the rubber flap covering the charging and aux ports to be a bit flimsy or difficult to open and close.
Despite these minor issues, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. Customers feel they received a product that dramatically over-delivers on its low price.
Pros, Cons & Expert Analysis
Let’s distill everything down into a clear summary of the OontZ Angle 3 Ultra’s strengths and weaknesses.
Pros:
- Exceptional Volume & Clarity: The 14-watt stereo drivers produce sound that is loud, clear, and distortion-free, outperforming its price rivals.
- Unbeatable Price: Offers an incredible set of features for a fraction of the cost of big-name competitors.
- Fully Waterproof (IPX7): Built to withstand rain, splashes, and even full submersion.
- Massive 20-Hour Battery Life: Provides true all-day (and all-night) listening.
- Wireless Stereo Pairing: The ability to link two speakers creates an immersive sound experience that’s unmatched in this category.
Cons:
- Limited Deep Bass: Lacks the sub-bass rumble that bass-heavy music fans may crave.
- Basic Design and Materials: The all-plastic construction is functional but lacks a premium feel.
- Uses Micro-USB: While not a dealbreaker, the charging port is not the modern USB-C standard.
Expert Analysis:
The OontZ Angle 3 Ultra is a testament to smart engineering and a clear understanding of its target audience. Cambridge Soundworks focused on the three things most budget-conscious buyers care about: volume, battery life, and durability. By excelling in these areas and compromising on less critical aspects like deep bass and premium materials, they created a product that dominates its niche.
It’s not trying to be a Sonos Roam or a JBL Charge. It’s trying to be the absolute best speaker you can buy for under $50, and in that, it succeeds spectacularly. It’s a product we recommend without hesitation to anyone who wants a reliable, great-sounding speaker on a tight budget.
Final Verdict
After extensive review, the verdict is clear: the OontZ Angle 3 Ultra is, without a doubt, still the best cheap waterproof Bluetooth speaker you can buy in 2025.
It is a product that defies its price tag at every turn. You get powerful, clear stereo sound, a battery that lasts for days, and a fully waterproof design that gives you the freedom to take your music anywhere. The addition of a true wireless stereo pairing feature is just the icing on the cake, offering a level of audio immersion that is unheard of at this price point.
While you could spend more for deeper bass or a fancier design, you will struggle to find another speaker that offers this much raw performance and utility for so little money. It is the undisputed champion of value and the perfect choice for anyone who believes great sound shouldn’t be a luxury.
If you’re ready for a speaker that delivers big sound without the big price, this is the one. Check the latest price and thousands of reviews on the OontZ Angle 3 Ultra now!
FAQs
1. Is the OontZ Angle 3 Ultra really fully waterproof?
Yes. It has an IPX7 certification, which means it can be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. It’s perfect for the shower, beach, or pool, but it does not float.
2. How long does the battery last at maximum volume?
The advertised 20-hour battery life is based on listening at about 2/3 volume. If you play the speaker consistently at maximum volume, you can expect the battery life to be closer to 8-10 hours, which is still excellent for its class.
3. Can you pair the OontZ Angle 3 Ultra with other OontZ models?
No. The OontZ Wireless Dual Stereo feature only works with another OontZ Angle 3 Ultra speaker. You cannot pair it with the regular Angle 3, Angle 3 Pro, or other models.
4. Does the OontZ Angle 3 Ultra have good bass?
It has surprisingly good bass for its size and price, delivered by a passive radiator. It is clear and punchy, but it will not produce the deep, room-shaking sub-bass of a larger, more expensive speaker.
5. Can I answer phone calls on the OontZ Angle 3 Ultra?
Yes. It has a built-in microphone and can be used as a hands-free speakerphone. You can answer and end calls directly from the speaker.
What do you think is the most important feature in a budget speaker? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
