This Affordable Bluetooth Speaker Is My Go-To for Outdoor Gatherings
With longer days and warmer weather kicking in, folks have started asking me for Bluetooth speaker recommendations because they're great for bringing to BBQs and the beach. 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 sounds exceptional for its affordable price, making it an excellent value.
I've tested more portable Bluetooth speakers than I can count here at CNET, and there are plenty on the market to choose from. But Anker's Soundcore Boom 2 stands out for its impressive sound and great value for the money, which is why I awarded it an Editors' Choice last year. Compared to its competitors, this mini boom box speaker is already a good deal at its list price of $140. And right now, the black model is on sale for $120, or 14% off.
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 over the last few years, selling for around $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: 50W 4-inch racetrack subwoofer and dual 15W tweeters
50W 4-inch racetrack subwoofer and dual 15W tweeters Dimensions: 11.65x7.28x3.98 inches
11.65x7.28x3.98 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 terribly sleek or eye-catching, but it's attractive enough and just the right size -- neither too big nor too small -- and you can choose between three color options. It also seems pretty durable, though 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.
Enlarge Image
The speaker has built-in LED lights that pulsate to your music and change colors.
David Carnoy/CNET
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 $180, 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 and would also make a decent gift.
Read more: Best Tech Gifts Under $100
Want to check out the competition? We've tested and reviewed the best Bluetooth speakers for 2025 with Bose, Beats and Soundcore all featuring on our list. And if you happen to be shopping for a soon-to-be-graduate in your life, check out our list of the best gifts for grads.
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