The Soundcore Boom 2 is a mini boombox-style Bluetooth speaker with a carry handle, an 80 W peak output, IPX7 waterproofing and a claimed 24-hour battery. CNET found it delivers impressive sound for its size and gave it an Editors' Choice award for 2024, while TechGearLab measured 33 hours 48 minutes of playback and a peak of 99.8 dB. Both note it has no dust-resistance rating, and TechGearLab heard compression at full volume and found the highs a little dull. It suits people who want a loud, bass-heavy speaker for parties, the pool or a campsite; anyone who wants something pocketable or a neutral, detailed sound should look elsewhere.
Full review
Big bass and almost 100 dB from a lunchbox-sized box
CNET says the Boom 2 has more than double the power rating of the original Motion Boom, so it plays louder with more bass and better clarity at higher volumes from two tweeters and a subwoofer. TechGearLab measured it at 99.8 dB and rated its bass 8.1, well above the category average, noting that the BassUp mode raises subwoofer power from 50 to 80 watts. Its reviewers liked it most with hip-hop, rap and R&B, but found the highs duller than they would like and heard jarring compression at the top of the volume range. They also found the front-facing drivers make the sound directional, with reduced lows from behind.
Waterproof, floats and charges a phone
CNET rates the build as attractive enough and seemingly durable, highlighting IPX7 waterproofing, the fact that it floats, USB-C charging and a USB-out port for topping up a phone. TechGearLab dropped it several times and found it still sounded and worked the same, although some bits could break off and the charging-port cover is likely to pop open, so it advises keeping that port closed near water. Neither source found a dust rating. TechGearLab also reports fast app set-up, adjustable EQ presets, multipoint pairing and PartyCast 2.0 linking, but noted occasional connection stutters and a Bluetooth range of around 52 ft in its use.
Long battery, but not a pocket speaker
Battery life is the standout in TechGearLab's testing: 33 hours 48 minutes, enough to play for two days non-stop, against a 24-hour claim. CNET adds that running the bass boost or LED lights cuts that figure, and TechGearLab notes that using it as a power bank drains it faster. The cost is size. TechGearLab measured it at 3.7 lb and 12 x 4 x 7 in, around the size of a six-pack, and found it filled about half a backpack, although the large plastic handle made it easy to carry by hand from room to room or down the street.
Strong value for a party speaker
CNET concludes that little competes with the Boom 2's sound at its price and that it holds its own against the more expensive JBL Charge 5, even if premium speakers such as the Bose SoundLink Max have better tonal balance. TechGearLab calls it a great-value choice for people prepared to give up some portability for big bass, and said it sounds almost as good as party speakers costing several times more. Buyers who want pristine clarity, it advises, will need a bigger budget.
Strengths
- +Ran for 33 hours 48 minutes in TechGearLab's battery test, beating its 24-hour rating
- +Measured 99.8 dB at full volume, loud enough for a mid-sized gathering
- +IPX7 waterproof and floats if it falls into water
- +Bigger, bassier sound than smaller rivals such as the Bose SoundLink Flex
- +USB-out port lets it charge a phone or other device
Watch-outs
- −Weighs 3.7 lb and takes up about half a backpack
- −Sound compresses and distorts at the highest volume
- −No dust-resistance rating
How it compares
The Boom 2 is much larger than the JBL Clip 5: TechGearLab measured 3.7 lb against 0.6 lb, and the Clip 5 carries an IP67 dust and water rating where the Boom 2 is IPX7 waterproof only. In exchange, TechGearLab measured the Boom 2 at 100 dB to the Clip 5's 87 dB and recorded 33.8 hours of battery against 8.8. It is a bigger, louder alternative to the Sony SRS-XB100 and Anker Soundcore 2 for users who do not need a speaker that fits in a pocket.
Rating sources
Counts as 4.26/5 in our score — this publisher's 34 scores on the site average 4.21, so its scores are adjusted down to compare fairly with other publishers.
“Anker Soundcore Boom 2 8.5 ... Pros & Cons Excellent value Fairly compact yet delivers impressive sound”
Counts as 3.79/5 in our score — this publisher's 138 scores on the site average 3.66, so its scores are adjusted up to compare fairly with other publishers.
“Overall Score 66”
Our 4.0 score is the average of these published ratings, each adjusted for how strictly its publisher scores. More about methodology.
