Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Review

I have previously reviewed the superb Soundcore Boom Plus, and it has continued to be the main portable Bluetooth speaker I use.  

Anker launched a new version of the smaller Boom earlier this year. The new Boom 2 has been redesigned to have a smaller volume but is substantially louder thanks to the new 50W Racetrack Subwoofer; it has then had some additional LED lighting that synchronises with your music.

Features

• Powerful Bass Performance: Hear the bass in every song with a racetrack subwoofer that adds depth and clarity. And with BassUp 2.0, you can adjust the bass EQ and boost the output from 60W to an incredible 80W max.
• 2.1 Stereo Sound: A 50W racetrack subwoofer and dual 15W tweeters produce clear highs and deep bass, balanced by smart crossover technology, for a captivating audio experience.
• Play All-Day Anywhere: Boom 2 outdoor speaker keeps the music going for 24 hours on a single charge, and with the built-in power bank, you can charge your phone wherever you are.
• IPX7 Waterproof and Floatable: Boom 2 outdoor speaker is made to handle any adventure, so you can listen without worries at the beach, by the pool, or in the rain.
• Your Sound, Your Way: Boom 2 outdoor speaker uses the customisable pro EQ to find the ideal sound for any song or vibe. And with PartyCast 2.0, you can connect up to 100+ speakers to take the party to the next level.

Soundcore Boom 2 vs Soundcore Boom

Boom 2 vs Boom Plus

I have never reviewed the smaller Soundcore Boom, but I love the Boom Plus.

Technically, the Boom 2 is just as loud as the Boom Plus, going up to 80W, but I find that the Boom Plus handles this power better with less distortion at higher volumes and superior bass that sounds more well-rounded.

However, as you can see from my pictures, the size difference is substantial, which makes the Boom 2 a more convenient speaker to own, giving you more flexibility with where and when you are likely to use it.

Design / Build Quality

The Soundcore Boom 2 has an updated design, being more rectangular and less curvy than the previous speaker.

Similar to the previous models, it is not an overly attractive speaker, especially in comparison to the Motion X500/X600. It is more functional with its durable, high-quality fabric and rubber materials that feel premium to the touch. It then has a IPX7 waterproof rating, which means it can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal companion for outdoor activities such as beach trips or pool parties. The speaker also floats, so you don’t have to worry about it sinking if it accidentally falls into the water.

The dimensions have changed a lot as well. The older speaker was wider and taller, but the Boom 2 is higher, which reduces the overall footprint.

The Boom 2 has a smaller overall volume, but they have somehow managed to cram in a 50W Racetrack Subwoofer, which allows the Boom 2 to be twice as loud and much more capable with bass.

The subwoofer diaphragms on the side of the speaker have now also been updated with RGB, which will synchronise with your music.

The speaker is constructed with durable, high-quality fabric and rubber materials that feel premium to the touch.

The top of the speaker features a control panel with buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, volume control, and play/pause. There is also a button to activate the BassUp 2.0 feature, which boosts the bass output from 60W to 80W. The back of the speaker houses a USB-C port for charging and a USB-A port for charging other devices using the speaker’s built-in power bank.

Soundcore App

The Soundcore app, available for both iOS and Android, allows you to customize the sound profile of the Boom 2 using the built-in EQ. The app offers several preset EQ modes, such as “Balanced,” “Voice,” and “Treble Boost,” as well as the ability to create your own custom EQ settings. The app also lets you control the LED lighting effects, with options to choose from various colour schemes and patterns that sync with your music.

Sound Quality

The Soundcore Boom 2 delivers impressive sound quality for its size, thanks to its powerful 50W Racetrack Subwoofer and dual 15W tweeters. The speaker produces clear, detailed highs and deep, punchy bass that remains distortion-free even at high volumes. The BassUp 2.0 feature further enhances the bass response, adding extra depth and impact to your music.

The default sound has more accentuated treble than the larger Boom Plus; in my kitchen, with lots of hard surfaces, it did sound a bit harsh at times, but moving it into my office smoothed things out. I tend to prefer more bass, and enabling the BassUp mode makes a significant difference and balances out those highs. Impressively, the speaker doesn’t distort much at higher volumes like you would expect from a speaker this size.

Lighting Effects

One of the unique features of the Soundcore Boom 2 is its built-in LED lighting system. The speaker features a ring of LED lights around the base that synchronizes with your music, creating a dynamic and immersive audio-visual experience. The lighting effects can be customized using the Soundcore app, with options to choose from various color schemes and patterns.

While the lighting effects are a fun addition, they may not be to everyone’s taste. Some users may find them distracting or gimmicky, while others may appreciate the added visual element. Ultimately, the lighting effects are a matter of personal preference and do not impact the speaker’s overall sound quality.

Battery Life

The Soundcore Boom 2 boasts an impressive 24-hour battery life, allowing you to enjoy your music all day long without needing to recharge.

I haven’t timed the battery performance, but I did use it for a week in my Kitchen for a couple of hours per day and it was still going strong.

The speaker also features a built-in power bank, allowing you to charge your smartphone or other devices on the go.

Charging the speaker itself is quick and easy, thanks to the included USB-C cable. It takes approximately 4 hours to fully charge the Boom 2 from empty, which is reasonable given its large battery capacity.

Price and Alternative Options

The Soundcore Boom 2 is available now for £120 from Soundcore or £108 on Amazon.

The older Boom is £90, or at the time of writing, it is just £67 on Amazon, though it is significantly less powerful.

The larger Boom Plus is £140, and this regularly drops down to £120.

Overall

The Anker Soundcore Boom 2 is an excellent portable Bluetooth speaker that offers powerful sound, long battery life, and unique features like LED lighting and a built-in power bank. Its compact, waterproof design makes it ideal for outdoor use, while its customisable EQ and lighting effects allow for a personalised audio-visual experience.

I personally prefer the Boom Plus. Even though they have the same power output, the Plus model sounds better. While the Boom 2 doesn’t suffer from much distortion, the Plus can handle louder volumes better, and I find the overall bass superior. But due to the size, they are quite different speakers. The Boom 2 is much more conveniently sized.

On the flip side, I probably prefer the Boom 2 to the Motion X500 and maybe even the X600. Again, this is purely based on the power/sound quality vs price. In contrast, the Motion speakers are more attractive and have Spatial Audio sound features.

While the speaker’s price may be higher than some budget options, its overall performance and feature set justify the cost for those seeking a high-quality, versatile portable speaker. Whether you’re a music lover, party host, or outdoor enthusiast, the Soundcore Boom 2 is a solid choice that delivers impressive sound and style wherever your adventures take you.