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The Anker Soundcore Boom Plus is the largest and most powerful outdoor Bluetooth speaker from Soundcore. Its durable boombox design and IP67 waterproof rating make this perfect for outdoor parties at home, at the beach or camping.
If you’re looking for a portable speaker that delivers high-quality sound, or you’re simply looking for a convenient and versatile audio device, the Boom Plus could be the perfect fit.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| soundcore Anker Motion Boom Plus Bluetooth Speaker, Portable... |
£119.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Soundcore Boom Plus vs Soundcore Boom vs Tribit StormBox Blast Specification
| Specification | Motion Boom Plus | Motion Boom | Tribit StormBox Blast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Output | 80W | 30W | 90W |
| Bass Button | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Drivers | 2 x 30W Woofer 2 x 10W Tweeter | 2 x 15W Full Range | 2x30W woofers 2x15W tweeters |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5 | 5.3 |
| App / EQ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant Support | Yes | No | |
| Multi-Speaker | PartyCast 2.0 / TWS | TWS | TWS |
| AUX | Yes | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Battery Life | 20 hours | 30 hours | |
| Battery Capacity | 13,400mAh | 10,000mAh | 18650(3.6V*9 2200mAh) |
| RGB | No | No | Yes |
| Charge Out | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Charge Port | Type C | Type C | Power Lead |
| Size (in inches) | 15.31 x 5.51 x 7.7 | 13.62 x 5.83 x 7.87 | |
| Size (cm) | 40.5 x 22.6 x 16.3 cm (W x H x D) | ||
| Weight (in lbs) | 5.29 | 4.41 | 12.1 pounds (approx.) 5450g |
The Soundcore Boom Plus is a significant upgrade to the original Soundcore Boom. It boasts a larger size, higher wattage, and an improved design, all of which contribute to a superior sound quality. The Boom Plus is equipped with two 30W woofers and two 10W tweeters. This is a considerable improvement from the two full-range drivers found in the original Boom. The twin passive radiators in the Boom Plus enhance bass response, delivering a powerful and well-balanced sound.
The Boom Plus also features a higher battery capacity, a larger power output, and a more extensive frequency range. Its superior IP67 rating indicates that it’s fully dustproof and capable of withstanding temporary immersion in water.
Earlier this year, I reviewed the Tribit StormBox Blast, which I would regard as the main competitor to the Soundcore Boom Plus. This has a higher RRP than the Boom Plus, but is consistently discounted down to the same price of £170.
The StormBox Blast is significantly larger and heavier than the Boom Plus, weighing nearly double. It is a more powerful speaker at 90W, and it has a larger 18650mAh battery. It also has “XBass LED Light Show,” which will flash the RGB lights in unison with the music.
I’d say the Tribit StormBox Blast is a marginally better speaker if you just want a good loud speaker for parties. While both speakers are undoubtedly large, the Boom Plus is much more conveniently sized, and I don’t think you lose out on too much with the 80W vs 90W power output. I’d also say that the EQ and the app, in general, are superior with the Boom Plus.
Design and Build
The Soundcore Boom Plus boasts a robust and solid build. The speaker is primarily constructed from hard plastic with a metal grill, ensuring durability. It features a sturdy handle and a detachable shoulder strap, making it convenient to carry around.
Its bulky frame houses two 10W and two 30W woofers, delivering a combined 80W of stereo output.
You also have dual large passive radiators located at either end.
The IP67 rating means it’s dust-tight and fully waterproof, allowing it to withstand exposure to the elements, making it an ideal companion for outdoor activities.
While this is a large speaker, and I wouldn’t say it is particularly attractive, it is half the weight and significantly smaller than the Tribit StormBox Blast.
Connectivity
The Soundcore Motion Boom Plus has Bluetooth 5.3 and can be paired with up to 2 devices simultaneously. It also has a 3.5mm aux input for wired connectivity. The speaker can be used as a power bank to charge devices via its USB-A output port. Connectivity range is up to 20 meters. The speaker supports SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs, but lacks support for higher quality aptX.
It also supports PartyCast, which is Soundcore’s speaker-pairing tech and allows you to link various devices in its ecosystem for a much larger sonic output. You can connect over 100 Soundcore speakers in one PartyCast group.
If you want proper stereo sound with the Boom Plus, it needs pairing with a second Boom Plus.
Soundcore App and EQ Customisation
The Soundcore app (available on iOS and Android) allows full customization of the EQ with adjustable bands and presets like SoundCore signature, voice, treble boost and balanced. It is worth noting that there are far fewer EQ presets with this speaker than there are with the excellent Soundcore earbuds.
It also has Soundcore’s BassUp technology that can intensify bass at the touch of a button. The app provides firmware updates and sets the auto power-off time.
Sound Quality
The Soundcore Boom Plus delivers an impressive sound performance. The combination of its dedicated woofers and tweeters, paired with the passive radiators, results in a robust and well-balanced sound.
I found that the mids were well-balanced, with vocals and instruments having good clarity. There seems to be a bit of roll-off with the highs, but I prefer this as it makes the speaker less sharp. This is especially true for a speaker that’s geared up towards being a party speaker, where you will play it quite loud. Of course, you can also tweak the EQ to suit your own preferences.
The speaker’s BassUp feature enhances the bass, adding a punch to your audio without distorting the overall sound quality. I personally like the BassUp feature, but it can be a bit overbearing for some genres.
Whether you’re listening to music with intense bass or tracks with intricate details, the Boom Plus ensures a clear and immersive audio experience.
While it is not as powerful as the Tribit StormBox Blast, I’d say it is more than powerful enough for most situations. I typically only play it at up to 50% volume in our large kitchen/diner, and that’s loud enough to hear it around the home, as well as annoy my neighbours outside.
Battery Life
The Boom Plus is powered by a 13,400mAh battery, providing up to 20 hours of playtime on a single charge.
Battery life will be reduced at louder volumes and with the bass-up function enabled.
While the battery performance is less impressive than the Tribit, it should still ensure that you can enjoy your favourite tunes all day long without worrying about recharging the speaker.
As this is charged via USB-C, it is possible to extend the life with a decent power bank or portable power station.
The battery can also be used to charge smartphones and tablets when not in use. It takes about 5 hours to fully charge the speaker.
The speaker also features a power-saving mode, which can be set to turn off after a certain period of inactivity.
Price and Alternative Options
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| soundcore Anker Motion Boom Plus Bluetooth Speaker, Portable... |
£119.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The Soundcore Boom Plus has an RRP of £169.99, and I would say it is worth that price. However, it regularly drops down to around £120, which I think is a superb price point.
At the time of writing (13th September), if you buy directly from Soundcore the Boom Plus is available for:
- US:
- Listed Price: $179.99
- $40 off discount code: WS7DEKNLXR
- Final Price: $139.99
- EU:
- Listed Price: €179.99
- €50 off discount code: WS7DJBCADO
- Final Price: €129.99
- UK:
- Listed Price: £169.99
- £40 off discount code: WSCP5XPZAB
- Final Price: £129.99
The Tribit StormBox Blast is the best alternative I have used. It is louder, and I’d say it sounds a bit better for a party, but it is significantly larger, and has an RRP of £230. It regularly sells for £170, but I’d take the Boom Plus at £120 over this.
Tronsmart has the 60W Bang for £120, the 50W Bang Mini for £80, or the 40W Bang SE for £80. The Bang Mini is worth considering if you want something as affordable as possible, but it is nowhere near as good as the Soundcore or Tribit.
JBL has a variety of large and loud party speakers. The JBL Xtreme 3 is a popular option with a 100W output but commands a high price of £230+. Impressively, it only weighs 2kg.
Or, if you want something really loud, they have the JBL Boombox 3, which can go up to 180W when on AC mode or 136W when used on battery.
Finally, JBL also have the PartyBox range; the PartyBox Encore is 100W and £250
Anker Soundcore Boom Plus Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review
Summary
The Soundcore Boom Plus is a solid choice for anyone seeking a powerful, portable, and versatile Bluetooth speaker. Its impressive sound performance, robust build, and extensive features make it a worthy investment. Whether you’re planning an outdoor adventure or simply want to enjoy high-quality sound at home, the Boom Plus won’t disappoint. I am inclined to say this is a better speaker than the Tribit StormBox Blast, due to the lower price point, USB-C charging, half the weight and smaller dimensions.
Overall
95%-
Overall - 95%95%
Pros
- Regular discount to £130, making this a bargain for such a powerful speaker
Cons
- Battery life isn’t amazing with the volume dialled up
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2024-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
