There are loads of Bluetooth speakers to choose from -- and I test many of them here at CNET -- but Anker's Soundcore Boom 2 stands out for offering a really good bang for your buck, which is why I awarded it an Editors' Choice last year. Compared to the competition, this mini boom box speaker is ordinarily a good deal at its list price of $130, but it becomes a real bargain when it goes on sale, like it is now for Amazon's Big Spring Sale event. At $89, it's close to matching its lowest price to date.
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
- Dimensions: 11.65x7.28x3.98 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 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.
The speaker has built-in LED lights that pulsate to your music and change colors.
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 make a decent gift.
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. We've also pulled together all the best deals among Amazon's Big Spring Sale. And if you happen to be doing some early shopping for a soon-to-be-graduate in your life, check out our list of the best gifts for grads.