This Compact, Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Offers the Best Value for My Money

CNET

15-07-2025

With many of us worried about tariffs raising prices on electronics, I'm always looking for products that offer good value. If a Bluetooth speaker is on your list of things to buy, I highly recommend the Anker Soundcore Boom 2. I awarded the Soundcore Boom 2 a CNET Editors' Choice among the list of best Bluetooth speakers 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. That's especially true when you can find it on sale. Right now the black version is $20 off at Amazon.
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. It goes for $110 on Amazon. 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
50-watt, 4-inch racetrack subwoofer and dual 15-watt tweeters Dimensions: 11.65 x 7.28 x 3.98 inches
11.65 x 7.28 x 3.98 inches Weight: 3.66 pounds
3.66 pounds Battery life: Up to 24 hours at moderate volume levels
Up to 24 hours at moderate volume levels Bluetooth version: 5.3 (100-foot or 30-meter wireless range)
5.3 (100-foot or 30-meter wireless range) Water-resistance rating: IPX7 (fully waterproof and floatable)
IPX7 (fully waterproof and floatable) Additional features : Built-in light show, customizable EQ, PartyCast 2.0 (link additional Anker speakers)
: 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, 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 relatively good value.
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.
Why this deal matters
The Anker Soundcore Boom 2 is already a great deal as one of our top choices for a compact Bluetooth speaker. Summer is the perfect time to pick one up for all your get-togethers, and the Soundcore Boom 2's waterproof design makes it ideal for the beach or pool. With electronics prices likely to rise with the looming tariffs, this speaker is a good chance to make sure you're getting the most for your money.