If you’re looking for a pair of budget speakers, Anker has the answer for you

For several weeks now we’ve been testing two Anker speakers: the Anker SoundCore 2 and the Anker SoundCore Boost. These are two models that dominate the mid-range Bluetooth speaker market. And with good reason.

In this review, we will focus on comparing the two models and explain why these two are considered among the best Bluetooth speakers in their price range.

Anker is a Chinese company founded in 2011 by Steven Yang, a former Google engineer who decided to leave Big G to work on devices that are characterized by a competitive price and reliable quality. And, Anker’s products stand out precisely for their good value for money: these speakers are no exception.

Anker SoundCore 2

The SoundCore 2 (Check on Amazon.com) is a small speaker, ideal to carry around, with a silicone coating, incredible autonomy, and splash resistance (IPX5 certification), which makes it a great companion for trips and everything else. Speaking of autonomy, Anker says that the battery of the SoundCore 2 lasts up to 24 hours of playback at medium volume: our tests confirm this claim.

But the autonomy is not the only pro of this device: inside there are two 6W speakers (for a total power of 12W), which guarantee a decent sound quality, especially considering the price at which this speaker is sold.

As always it is necessary to point out that this is not a product for audiophiles, but the sound quality of this small speaker is really enviable, compared to other devices in the market. Compared to the first generation Anker improved the bass, which was definitely the weak point of the speaker.

The volume is high enough to fill a medium-sized room without much trouble.

The speaker has an audio jack and a microphone that lets you answer calls or interact with the voice assistant: it is really difficult to ask for more, for just (Check on Amazon.com).

Anker SoundCore Boost

The SoundCore Boost (Check on Amazon.com) costs and it has by far the best quality/price ratio for those looking for a home speaker, able to manage well practically any kind of music. The Boost also has an IPX5 certification, so you can take it to the pool.

Inside we find two speakers and a pair of subwoofers, for a total power of 20W: in principle, the sound of this speaker is one of the best you can find in this price range. The bass is full-bodied and sounds incredibly good, and the mids are also clear and well balanced. If we have to find a flaw it would be the highs, which are less crystalline than we would have liked. However, for the price, it is a small drawback.

The Boost gets its name from the BassUp button, which “pumps” the bass: this can make a big difference, especially at medium volume, making the music even more engaging, without distorting the nature of the song. However, at maximum volume, it is best to keep the function off, in order to maintain a more balanced sound.

This device sports a 5,200mAh battery: Anker declares 12 hours of autonomy at medium volume, but in our tests, the speaker lasted for about 10 hours. This is still a good result, but obviously not comparable to the autonomy of the SoundCore 2. On the side, covered by a flap, we also find a standard USB port, which allows us to use this device as a power bank.

Finally, two words on the build quality: although it does not have a particularly sophisticated design, the lines are pleasant, suitable for any living room and the speaker solidly builds and robust.

At (Check on Amazon.com), it is one of the best speakers you can buy in this price range.

Conclusion

These two portable Bluetooth speakers have impressed us with their quality/price ratio: we recommend the SoundCore 2 (Check on Amazon.com) to those who are more interested in a portable speaker, with long-lasting battery life to always carry around; on the other hand, we recommend the SoundCore Boost (Check on Amazon.com) to those who want a home speaker, with superior sound quality but limited autonomy.