Labor Day might mark the end of summer, but that doesn’t mean I won’t stop using — and testing — Bluetooth speakers outdoors. One of my top picks remains the Anker Soundcore Boom 2, which I awarded a CNET Editors’ Choice designation last year and which sits near the top of our best Bluetooth speakers list because it sounds impressive for its size and price and it’s easy to tote around. The black model is currently on sale for $100 for Prime members — $40 off its list price of $140 — which makes it one of the best Bluetooth speaker values out there, especially with tariffs affecting electronics prices. You can read my full review here.
I liked the original Soundcore Motion Boom, which also made our list of the best Bluetooth speakers and was one of the better mini boom box Bluetooth speaker values in the last few years. It goes for $85 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, dual 15-watt tweeters
- Dimensions: 11.65 x 7.28 x 3.98 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
Why I like this Anker Bluetooth 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. There’s also a USB-out port to charge your devices.
The battery life on the Boom 2 is solid. The speaker is rated for up to 24 hours of playback at moderate volume levels (it charges via USB-C, which is great). Plus, you can edit 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 sends out more sound with similar features to the Boom 2. However, its list price is 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 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. Labor Day is the perfect time to pick one up for all your end-of-summer get-togethers, and the Soundcore Boom 2’s waterproof design makes it ideal for outdoor gatherings. With electronics prices likely to rise due to tariffs, this speaker is a good chance to make sure you’re getting the most for your money.
For more good tech at a discount, check out our roundup of the best Labor Day deals.
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Curated discounts worth shopping while they last.
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