soundcore Select 3 (full name: Anker soundcore Select 3 Portable Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker, model A3172 or similar) is a compact, budget-friendly portable Bluetooth speaker from Anker’s soundcore line. Released around 2024, it’s designed for outdoor use, travel, beach days, or casual indoor listening—emphasizing 360-degree sound, waterproofing, and long battery life in a small package.

It’s a step up from older models like soundcore 3 in design (more rounded/360° focus) but keeps entry-level pricing and features—great for picnics, poolside, or parties without needing high-end audio.

Key Features and Specifications
- Sound: 8W output with a single full-range driver + passive radiator for 360-degree dynamic sound (omnidirectional playback—no “front-facing” directionality issues).
- Bass & Tech: BassUp technology (boosts low-end for punchier sound), clear highs/mids for balanced listening.
- Water/Dust Resistance: IP67 rating (fully waterproof + dustproof; floats in water, survives submersion up to 1m for 30 mins—ideal for beach/pool/rain).
- Battery Life: Up to 12–20 hours playtime (varies by volume; 20h in some listings/tests at moderate levels), rechargeable via USB-C (~3–4 hours full charge).
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 (stable up to ~10m range), no app EQ/customization in base model (some variants may support basic app control via soundcore app).
- Design: Lightweight (~1.27 lbs / ~577g), portable (fits in bags easily), black or other colors, simple buttons (power, volume, pairing), no PartyCast/multi-speaker linking in this model.
- Other: Built-in mic for hands-free calls, durable build for outdoors.
Performance and User Feedback

It delivers surprisingly good 360° sound for its size/price—decent volume, clear vocals, and boosted bass for casual music (pop, hip-hop, podcasts). Waterproofing works well (users submerge it in pools without issues), and battery lasts long for all-day use. Drawbacks: Not as loud/detailed as higher-watt models (e.g., soundcore Motion+ or JBL Flip), directionality is average (360° but less focused), and no advanced app EQ. Reviews (2024–2025) average 4.5–4.6/5—praised as “best waterproof speaker under $50” for value, portability, and reliability (YouTube hands-on call it a strong JBL Flip competitor on a budget).