The Oontz Angle 3 is nothing special to look at, but when it comes to affordable and splashproof outdoor options, this Bluetooth speaker will perform well for a smaller price tag.

When a Bluetooth speaker for less than $85 is sitting pretty with over 20,000 positive reviews, it’s easy to say that our interest was piqued. The Oontz Angle 3 is a simple black affair with no frills or fashion. This unassuming offering by Cambridge Soundworks is surprisingly powerful for what it is, producing noticeably clear sound quality. For such a small package, it actually manages to push out a larger sound than expected, and it has a habit of compensating for stressful ranges by toning them way down rather than risking distortion. The OontZ Angle 3 has two bigger brothers, the Plus and the Ultra, both of which add on things like longer battery life and linkable Stereo Mode if you’re willing to pay for them. If not, the Angle 3 more than covers any expectations of a value-priced option.

If the raving hype is to be believed, this could very well be the best budget outdoor Bluetooth speaker on the market today, so let’s see what Cambridge Soundworks’ OontZ Angle 3 has to offer that makes it worth all this attention.

Contents

DESIGN & BUILD | Unassuming & Subtle

The OontZ Angle 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is not bad looking, it really isn’t. It is safe and functional. The black, lightly rubberized exterior with rounded edges is a comfortable design that doesn’t push any expectations or limits. With an IPX5 rating, it is splash proof, so taking it to the beach, into the shower, or down by the pool is perfectly acceptable as long as it doesn’t get dunked in the drink. A built-in microphone allows you to use it as a speakerphone for calls, and it operates both vertically and horizontally. A 30-foot reach sounds short, but many other compact Bluetooth speakers share the same range. With a high-top volume, impressive audio clarity, and decent bass performance, the OontZ Angle 3 manages to hold its own for its size, even exceeding expectations.

“…inputs are hidden behind a rubber gasket, preventing sand, grit, and water from sneaking in…”

This speaker’s build quality is such that it can take a bit of damage before finally succumbing. Because its resistance is only IPX5, it should never be placed in or under water. The charging and 3.5mm aux-in inputs are hidden behind a rubber gasket, preventing sand, grit, and water from sneaking in and shorting out the internals. Its battery life is touted to last 12 hours at 2/3rds volume, while its big brother, the Angle 3 Plus, claims 30 hours. Again, you get what you pay for, and if you’re willing to upgrade for a little more, you should go for it.

OontZ Angle 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review full view

OontZ Angle 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review full view

SAFETY & DURABILITY | Simple Survival

While the design team likely won’t win any awards for the OontZ Angle 3’s appearance, its ability to impede water damage and survive bumps, drops, even being run over by one reviewer’s truck is rather impressive. The only worrisome chink in the Angle 3’s armor is the rubberized gasket that protects the ports, but as long as you don’t stretch or tear the covering, there shouldn’t be any issues. It won’t live through a submersion, so keep it a safe distance from the pool, unless you just plan on replacing it immediately afterward anyway. The inclusion of a 3.5mm aux input is a great feature, giving the speaker a greater range of applications.

“…ability to impede water damage and survive bumps, drops, even being run over by one reviewer’s truck…”

Remember a moment ago when I mentioned that a reviewer had run over his OontZ Angle 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker with his truck and it still worked? Expect that to be the exception, not the rule, but the event does prove a point. This speaker is solid and carries a bit of heft, giving it a stable feel. You can drop it, and it’ll just keep on ticking, but please don’t attempt to re-enact the truck scenario. The Angle 3 might be a great value, but there’s no need to spend more than is necessary.

OontZ Angle 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review waterproof

OontZ Angle 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review waterproof

PERFORMANCE | Better than Expected

Ease of Use

The OontZ Angle 3 is just as elegant to use as it is in appearance. Pair and off you go. As with any Bluetooth speaker, a few reviewers have mentioned connectivity complaints, but these are far between. It connects quickly and simply, just follow the directions and you’re set. The 3.5mm input makes connecting an older or non-Bluetooth enabled device a piece of cake. The Angle 3 cannot be paired up for Party or Stereo Modes without an extra dual-channel adapter, but its bigger brother, the Angle 3 Ultra, does offer that feature. So, if you’re planning a big party then consider that.

Best Features

Choosing the best feature for such a simple and clean device is a difficult task simply because everything comes together on equal levels to create something that is affordable without being cheap. The OontZ Angle 3 is no award-winning stand-out winner, but it does exactly what it claims to: delivering clear, quality audio at a great volume with a bigger than life bass over Bluetooth technology without costing an arm and a leg. Really, the whole picture is its best feature, because it pulls it all off so well.

OontZ Angle 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review splash

OontZ Angle 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review splash

LONGEVITY & PRICE | More than Worth It

Because of the pure level of feedback regarding the OontZ Angle 3, there’s a great variance in reviews regarding the OontZ Angle 3’s long-term survivability. Some people have been using theirs for years, others claim the speaker barely lasted 90 days. If you’re looking for something that you know you can rely on for years to come, you might want to consider something a little more robust. However, if your main goal is just to play music while plowing through dunes on your side-by-side or would rather not take the risk of losing a more expensive speaker during a trip to the beach, this will work just fine.

Be sure to check the current OontZ Angle 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker – Amazon price here.

Cambridge Soundworks’ Oontz Angle 3 has an MSRP of $84.99, making it the most highly reviewed and arguably most affordable value option for outdoor Bluetooth speakers available today. The price is extremely reasonable and more than worth the cost, so long as you understand that you’re getting what you pay for: great sound, stable design, splash proof weathering.

OontZ Angle 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review front

OontZ Angle 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review front

Pros

Cons

  • Connectivity issues reported
  • No extra features or frills

THE BOTTOM LINE | Valuable at its Price

Cambridge Soundworks’ OontZ Angle 3 is a great portable Bluetooth speaker for taking outdoors, but not because it’s the most resilient thing on the market. Don’t make the mistake of dismissing its value simply because of the low price point. When it comes to kids wanting to enjoy music by the pool without the risk of losing a more expensive speaker, the OontZ Angle 3 is a great alternative. When an attractive design isn’t a must, and you just need something that can weather the outdoors without complaint, you’d have a tough time finding something more streamlined than this. If you’re looking for something a little more robust and featureful, or even something a bit more eye-catching, we’ve got a few other ideas over at our Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers right here!