The Anker Soundcore 2 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that boasts a combination of affordability, impressive battery life, and robust design. Designed for the on-the-go lifestyle, it promises to deliver an impressive audio experience with its compact form factor. This review delves into its key features, performance, and overall value, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for your portable audio needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Anker Soundcore 2 speaker sports a sleek and minimalist design, characterized by its rectangular shape and matte finish. Measuring just over 6.5 inches in length and weighing around 12.6 ounces, it is compact enough to fit easily into a backpack or even a large pocket, making it highly portable.
Durability
One of the standout features of the Soundcore 2 is its durability. It comes with an IPX7 rating, which means it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor use, as it can handle splashes, rain, and even accidental drops into water without missing a beat. The rubberized exterior further enhances its durability, offering a good grip and resistance to scratches and minor impacts.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor for portable speakers, and the Anker Soundcore 2 excels in this department. Equipped with a 5,200mAh Li-ion battery, it promises up to 24 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. This is a significant improvement over many competitors in the same price range, making it ideal for long trips, outdoor adventures, and day-long events.
Audio Performance
Sound Quality
The Anker Soundcore 2 delivers a sound quality that belies its small size and budget-friendly price. It features dual 6W drivers, providing a total output of 12W. This setup, along with an advanced digital signal processor, ensures clear and balanced sound. However, like many compact speakers, it does struggle with reproducing low bass frequencies. Despite this, the mids and highs are well-articulated, making it suitable for a variety of music genres.
Bass Performance
For a small speaker, the Anker Soundcore 2 offers a commendable bass response, thanks to its BassUp technology and patented spiral bass port. These features work together to enhance low-end frequencies, giving the bass more presence and punch. While it won’t replace a dedicated subwoofer, it provides a satisfying thump for casual listening.
Portability
Portability is one of the main selling points of the Anker Soundcore 2. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around. The speaker also features a sturdy lanyard loop, allowing you to attach it to bags, bikes, or other gear for added convenience during travel or outdoor activities.
Connectivity
The Anker Soundcore 2 is equipped with Bluetooth 4.2, providing a reliable wireless connection with a range of up to 66 feet. Pairing the speaker with devices is straightforward, and it maintains a stable connection even in environments with moderate interference. Unfortunately, it does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, limiting its functionality to Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Speakerphone Functionality
In addition to its primary function as a speaker, the Soundcore 2 also includes a built-in microphone, enabling speakerphone functionality. This is a useful feature for hands-free calls, especially when using the speaker in a home office or outdoor setting.
Usability
Controls
The Anker Soundcore 2 features simple and intuitive controls located on the top of the speaker. These include buttons for power, volume up/down, play/pause, and Bluetooth pairing. The tactile buttons are easy to use, even without looking, which is particularly handy for outdoor use.
Performance in Different Environments
Outdoor Use
The Soundcore 2 is well-suited for outdoor use, thanks to its durable design, IPX7 water resistance, and long battery life. Whether you’re at the beach, camping, or hosting a backyard barbecue, it can withstand the elements and provide hours of continuous playback. However, it’s worth noting that while the speaker is loud enough for small gatherings, it might struggle to fill larger open spaces with sound.
Indoor Use
Indoors, the Anker Soundcore 2 performs admirably in smaller rooms and personal spaces. Its clear sound and decent volume make it a good choice for bedrooms, kitchens, and home offices. However, in larger rooms, its limitations in volume and bass might become more apparent.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Portable Design: The compact and lightweight build makes it easy to take anywhere.
- Durability: IPX7 water resistance and a robust exterior ensure it can handle rough conditions.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge is impressive.
- Good Sound Quality: Clear mids and highs, with enhanced bass for its size.
- Easy Controls: Simple and intuitive button layout.
Cons
- Limited Bass: Struggles with deep bass frequencies, typical for small speakers.
- Volume: Doesn’t get very loud, which can be a drawback in noisy environments or large open spaces.
- No Sound Customization: Lacks features like an equalizer for personalizing sound.
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to other speakers in its price range, the Anker Soundcore 2 holds its own. Its primary competitors include the JBL Flip 4, Bose SoundLink Micro, and UE Wonderboom.
- JBL Flip 4: Offers slightly better bass and volume but comes at a higher price point.
- Bose SoundLink Micro: Superior sound quality and build but significantly more expensive and with shorter battery life.
- UE Wonderboom: Comparable durability and sound quality, but the Soundcore 2 edges out with its longer battery life.
Conclusion
In summary, the Anker Soundcore 2 speaker is a strong contender in the budget portable Bluetooth speaker market. It combines portability, durability, and long battery life with good sound quality, making it a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor use. While it has some limitations in bass reproduction and volume, these are relatively minor considering its overall value. If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable portable speaker, the Anker Soundcore 2 is certainly worth considering.
Recommendation
For those seeking a budget-friendly portable speaker that can deliver clear sound and withstand the elements, the Anker Soundcore 2 is an excellent choice. Its robust design, long battery life, and ease of use make it a great companion for outdoor activities, travel, and everyday use. While audiophiles might seek more premium options for enhanced sound quality, the Soundcore 2 provides more than enough for the average listener. Given its balance of price and performance, it stands out as a reliable and practical option in the crowded portable speaker market.
The Anker Soundcore 2 speaker review underscores its strengths in portability and durability, making it a top pick for those who need a dependable audio solution on the go.