Soundcore’s Boom 2 is a waterproof boombox-style Bluetooth speaker with outstanding portability that lends itself well to outdoor use. While it looks similar to the original Soundcore Motion Boom, it has many benefits over its predecessor, now featuring lighting effects and improved audio performance.
Introducing The Boom 2
Soundcore’s original Motion Boom was a popular speaker, praised for its high volume levels and ease of portability. The Boom 2 is the latest upgrade to the original Motion Boom and brings with it some exciting new features. Like its predecessors, this speaker is versatile and portable. Whether you’re after a stationary speaker for your bedroom or one that can join you on your outdoor adventures, the Boom 2 is up to the task. Continue reading to see how we found the speaker during testing, examining its sound quality, battery performance, features, and more.
What’s in The Box
- Soundcore Boom 2 Speaker
- 60 cm USB-C to C Cable
- Quick Start Guide
Design, Durability & Portability
8.1/10 Durability
9.0/10 Portability
7.8/10 Weatherproofing
The Boom 2 is a lightweight speaker with a boombox-style design. The built-in handle ensures effortless portability, while the durable plastic shell protects the speaker from damage. It includes IPX7 waterproofing, which allows it to be used around bodies of water, and it even floats.
The Boom 2 is named after the classic boombox speaker design popular in the 80s. A boombox-style design is marked by its built-in handle and multiple drivers, usually placed on either side of the speaker. The Boom 2 is smaller than traditional boomboxes but features a built-in handle and has drivers on both sides of the speaker and in the center.
The entire shell of the speaker is made from durable plastic, which makes it extremely light. Weighing just 3.65 lbs, it can be lifted using a single finger. The front grille is silver and can look like metal in images, but it is also made from durable plastics. It features an IPX7 waterproof rating, making it safe to use in the rain, and is also protected from submergence in water for up to 30 minutes.
The Boom 2 has a bit more flare than the original Motion Boom, especially with its colorful bass radiators on either end of the speaker. A built-in light set behind transparent ribs creates a touch of vibrance, especially in low light. The lighting effects and colors can be adjusted for a customized look.
Because it’s so light, the four rubber stands under the speaker are essential in reducing movement caused by vibration. The built-in handle forms a part of the speaker and is highly durable, with some texture on the underside to reduce slipping in the hand.
Additionally, it is available in three colors: black, green, and blue.
Connectivity
Bluetooth Version: 5.3
Bluetooth Range: Up to 100 meters
Outputs: USB-A
Utilizing the latest in Bluetooth technology, the Boom 2 can retain stable connections at a distance with relatively low latency. While there isn’t an aux-in, it does offer a USB-A output that can be used to charge your phone or other USB devices.
Its wireless connectivity uses Bluetooth 5.3, one of the latest iterations. In turn, it has a reliable wireless connection, even at a distance. During our testing, we maintained a stable connection for up to 10 meters indoors through several brick walls and close to 50 meters with a direct line of sight.
The ports are located behind a waterproof seal on the back of the speaker and consist of a USB-C input for charging the Boom 2 and a USB-A output to use the speaker’s battery for phone charging.
The Boom 2 retains the TWS pairing offered by the Motion Boom, but we couldn’t establish a connection between these two speakers, suggesting the Boom 2 can only be paired with another Boom 2. If you’re unaware of what TWS is, it’s a way to connect two speakers together so each speaker becomes a dedicated stereo channel. This helps to improve soundstage and overall coverage.
Using the PartyCast feature, up to 100 Boom 2 speakers can be connected in unison to cover a larger area. This differs from TWS in that it doesn’t involve stereo connectivity.
Controls
On-speaker controls are intuitive and comprehensive. They control volume, track skipping, pairing, and more. A BassUp button allows users to easily toggle it on or off while also controlling the lighting effects. Additional controls are available through the mobile app.
The controls are easy to reach and are located on the upper front of the speaker. Four circular buttons control the speaker’s connectivity and bass boost. Additionally, a single elongated button in the center controls volume and tracks. The four circular buttons have a backlighting that makes them easy to see in the dark, but there isn’t any lighting on the elongated center button.
Sound Quality
6.4/10 Bass Performance
7.1/10 Mid-tone Performance
6.3/10 Treble Performance
8.9/10 Volume
5.7/10 Balanced Sound
The Boom 2 has crisp sound quality that retains its clarity through most of its volume range. It can get very loud, reaching an SPL of 93.3 dB. While it lacks deep bass, the mobile app can adjust the sound to your preferences with 9-band and full-band EQ options. Additionally, several EQ presets can be toggled between.
Looking to dig deeper? Our measurements and technical data are captured in-house using REW and a UMIK-2 for precise data. Testing was done using the balanced sound preset at a 75-80% volume.
In our SPL measurements, the Boom 2 produced a maximum SPL of 93.3 dB measured at a meter from the speaker.
Our frequency response chart illustrates the speaker’s sound signature and visually interprets the speaker’s strengths and weaknesses.
Bass
The Boom 2 has somewhat subdued bass with the balanced EQ preset active with the BassUp 2.0 feature turned off. With these settings, the speaker retains a neutral sound. When the BassUp feature is toggled on, the low-frequency presence shows a noticeable increase. Tracks spring to life with more full sound but aren’t over-emphasized, allowing the midrange to shine through. The Soundcore Signature preset adds more elevation to the lows for additional low-end.
Midrange
The Boom 2’s lower and middle midrange frequencies are mostly balanced, albeit emphasized. There is a dropoff towards the upper midrange frequencies, a common trait in Bluetooth speakers. Manufacturers opt for this tuning to reduce clutter in the mix. Despite some recessed frequencies in this area, vocals and instruments in the midrange still sound clear and distinct.
Treble
The treble is also mostly balanced but is under-emphasized and lends itself to a slight lack of brightness. If you find the Boom 2 a bit dull, you can always adjust the sound with either the EQ presets or custom EQ options. The Treble Boost option brings more vibrancy and life to the treble frequencies. The Soundcore Signature preset also elevates the treble, along with the bass.
Dynamics & Soundstage
The soundstage is generally good, with the Boom 2 producing stereo sound. However, the drivers face in one direction, and the speaker doesn’t have a broad sound dispersion. The dynamic range is fairly good for an affordable speaker, but distortion can be heard after the 85-90% volume level.
While the Boom 2 is affordable compared to similar speakers, it boasts impressive sound quality, with excellent clarity and a dynamic sound that can be adjusted through the associated app. It gets very loud for a speaker of its size; it can fill a small to medium-sized room with sound and cover a relatively large outdoor area, too. This makes it great for social gatherings.
Regardless of what genre you listen to, the Boom 2 is up to the task. While the sound is inherently quite balanced, the BassUp 2.0 feature adds some extra low-end, which is particularly well-suited to EDM and Hip-Hop, where the bass is, in many cases, what carries the track.
The sound is a clear upgrade from the Motion Boom; it retains the same high-volume capabilities that made it stand out from the competition while improving the sound signature and dynamics, which results in less distortion at high volume.
Battery Life
Charging Type: USB-C
Manufacturer Playtime: Up to 24 hours
Tested Playtime: 16 Hours 48 Minutes
Charging Time: 4 Hours 56 Minutes
Soundcore states that the Boom 2’s battery can last up to 24 hours; during our testing, we got just shy of 17 hours of playtime. The variation between the manufacturer’s estimates and testing is partly due to volume changes, lighting effects, and BassUp 2.0 utilization, all impacting how long the battery lasts. It takes around 5 hours to recharge the speaker once the battery is depleted fully. Overall, the battery performance is impressive but falls short of the similar Tribit Stormbox Blast. Still, the Boom 2 will easily last a week before needing charging with a couple of hours of use per day.
Mobile App
Soundcore’s recent investments in technology are clear to anyone familiar with their products. Their mobile app is one of the best we’ve tested, with new speaker releases carrying plenty of features and adjustments directly from the app. Customize the sound with the EQ presets or custom 9-band graphic EQ. The full-band equalizer can make graphic EQ micro-adjustments for a more comprehensive control. The app is available on Apple and Android.
Soundcore Boom 2
Overall, there’s little to fault with the Boom 2. Sure, there could be a little more bass, and it could have included a dust-protection rating. Still, it's very well suited to anyone looking for a speaker that can be used effectively indoors or outdoors. Its lightweight build, loud volume, built-in lighting, and clear sound make it a great choice for social gatherings. The Soundcore Boom 2 is an impressive speaker and is priced extremely reasonably for what it has to offer.
Product Brand: Soundcore
3.9
Pros
- Lightweight, portable design
- Produces a lot of volume
- Customizable lighting effects
- Great battery life
Cons
- Mediocre sound dispersion
- Lacks deep bass
