Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Bluetooth Speaker Review

What the Soundcore Boom 2 actually is

This is Anker's mid-size party speaker, the one with the swappable subwoofer driver Anker calls BassUp and a ring of RGB lights around the woofer. It sits in the rough $80 to $130 range depending on sales, which puts it against the JBL Charge 5 and the smaller Flip 6 rather than the big boombox tier.

The pitch is simple. Big low end for the size, an LED light show synced to the music, and an IP67-style rating that means it survives rain, splashes and a dunk in the pool. It floats, which is a sillier and more useful feature than it sounds when someone inevitably knocks it off the edge.

How it sounds day to day

Bass is the headline and it delivers more thump than a speaker this size has any right to. Turn on BassUp and it gets noticeably louder and lower, which is the mode most people will leave it in for outdoor parties. Hip-hop, pop and EDM are where it shines.

The trade-off is the usual one for bass-forward speakers. Vocals and acoustic tracks can sound a little recessed and boomy at high volume, and it doesn't have the clean midrange separation of a pricier Sonos or a Bose SoundLink. Owners widely report it gets plenty loud for a backyard or a medium room. Push it to the absolute top and the low end can get muddy, but you're past conversation volume by then anyway.

Lights, battery and the party features

The light ring is the gimmick that earns its keep at night. It pulses to the beat, you can tune it in the Soundcore app, and it genuinely changes the vibe of a dark patio. The catch is obvious: running the lights eats battery. Anker quotes around 24 hours, and that's a lights-off, moderate-volume number. Crank it with the LEDs going and you'll get a fraction of that, so plan on charging before an all-day event.

You can pair two Boom 2 units for stereo or chain a bigger group of compatible Soundcore speakers, which is the cheap way to cover a longer yard. The app handles EQ and light modes. Build quality is sturdy and the waterproofing is the real deal, so it's an easy throw-in-the-bag speaker rather than a precious one.

Who should buy it and who should skip it

Buy it if you want a loud, rugged, bass-heavy speaker for pools, beaches, tailgates and patios, and you like the idea of a light show that costs you nothing extra. For the price it's one of the better party-focused picks, and it undercuts JBL on bass-per-dollar.

Skip it if you mostly listen to jazz, podcasts or acoustic music at low volume in a quiet room. You'll want something with a flatter, cleaner profile like a Sonos Roam or a Bose SoundLink Flex. Also skip it if portability matters more than punch, because it's chunkier than a Flip 6 and not something you slip in a jacket pocket.

The verdict

The Soundcore Boom 2 is a focused product that knows what it's for. Loud, waterproof, bass-first, and fun after dark. It won't satisfy a stickler for audiophile balance, and the lights will drain your runtime. For the money, it's an easy recommendation as an outdoor and party speaker, and a poor one as a dedicated living-room listening device.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 float?

Yes. It's designed to float and carries a high water and dust resistance rating, so it handles pool drops, rain and splashes without issue. Rinse off chlorine or salt water afterward.

How long does the battery last?

Anker rates it at roughly 24 hours, but that assumes lights off and moderate volume. With the LED light show running and high volume, expect significantly less, so charge it fully before a long party.

Is the Boom 2 better than the JBL Charge 5?

For bass and the light show, the Boom 2 usually wins for the price. The JBL Charge 5 has a more balanced, slightly cleaner sound and a strong reputation. Pick the Boom 2 if you want thump and visuals, the Charge 5 if you want all-around tuning.