I've tested a lot of portable Bluetooth speakers so I'm used to people asking me for recommendations. I like to point them to our list of the best Bluetooth speakers but I also mention that I awarded a CNET Editors' Choice to the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 because it's well-priced and delivers impressive sound, making it an excellent value.
There are plenty of Bluetooth speakers to choose from but the Soundcore Boom 2 stands out for its compact, waterproof design and great value for the money. Compared with its competitors, this mini boom box speaker is already a good deal at its list price of $140. Right now Amazon has the black model on sale for $120, or 14% off, at Amazon for Prime members. That makes this a well-timed Fourth of July deal and an excellent early Prime Day deal. However, we suggest acting fast, as Amazon deals like this one tend to go quickly.
I liked the original Soundcore Motion Boom, which made our list of the best Bluetooth speakers and was one of the better mini boom box Bluetooth speaker values in the past few years, selling for about $80. The 3.66-pound Boom 2 is priced a little higher but sounds substantially better, with more than double the power rating of the original, so it not only plays louder but kicks out more bass and offers better clarity at higher volumes (it's equipped with two tweeters and one subwoofer). It also has a couple of built-in LED lights to help create that party vibe.
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Anker Soundcore Boom 2 speaker specs
Here are the details about this mini boom box Bluetooth speaker.
- Drivers: 50-watt, 4-inch racetrack subwoofer and dual 15-watt tweeters
- Dimensions: 11.65 x 7.28 x 3.98 inches
- Weight: 3.66 pounds
- Battery life: Up to 24 hours at moderate volume levels
- Bluetooth version: 5.3 (100-foot or 30-meter wireless range)
- Water-resistance rating: IPX7 (fully waterproof and floatable)
- Additional features: Built-in light show, customizable EQ, PartyCast 2.0 (link additional Anker speakers)
- Universal remote: Included Roku remote controls most TVs
Why I like this Anker speaker
The speaker's design isn't sleek or eye-catching but it's attractive enough and just the right size — neither too big nor too small — and you can choose among three colors. It also seems pretty durable, although it doesn't have a dust-resistance rating. The Boom 2 is fully waterproof (IPX7-rated) and floats should it fall into a body of water. Additionally, there's a USB-out port to charge your devices.
Battery life is also good. The speaker's rated for up to 24 hours of playback at moderate volume levels (it charges via USB-C, which is good) and you can tweak the sound and customize the lighting with the Soundcore app for iOS and Android. Battery life does dip if you engage the bass boost or activate the LED lighting.
Read more: Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Review
Another Anker speaker to consider
If you're looking for even more powerful sound, Anker makes the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus. A bigger speaker, it puts out more sound with similar features to the Boom 2. However, it costs around $250 (on sale for $210), and I don't think it sounds twice as good as the Boom 2 (more like 25% to 30% better). Still, it's also a good value.
Read more: Best Tech Gifts Under $100
Impulse Buys Under $25 That Make Surprisingly Great Gifts
Want to check out the competition? We've tested and reviewed the best Bluetooth speakers this year, with Bose, Beats and Soundcore all featured on our list. And just in case you're on the hunt for more discounts, our dedicated shopping team at CNET has compiled the best Fourth of July and early Prime Day deals.
