Anker SoundCore Review: lots to like, except for the one thing that matters

Bluetooth has changed the audio game, making it possible to stream music to any speaker or device you can think of. Combine that with smaller portable speakers, and you have the ability to take the party wherever you go. Small speakers like the Anker SoundCore make it even easier always to have your music at your fingertips.

Anker SoundCore portable speaker review

If you’re on the go and like to have a soundtrack, the Anker SoundCore may be the thing you’re looking for. Let’s have a look at its features.

Look and Feel

The Anker SoundCore has a sleek, modern look, with the logo showing across the front of the speaker. There is a row of large buttons across the top with stylized logos for each (more about those later). The front grill is metal with a rubber casing around the rest of the speaker. It fits comfortably in the hand, measuring about  6 x 2. by 2 inches.

Anker SoundCore has an IPX5 rating meaning it can handle having water spilled on it and should be ok in the rain. It’s available in black and red.

Sound Quality: lacking

Anker has built dual full-range drivers, a separate bass port, and a digital signal processor to provide music that won’t get distorted, even at high volumes. Since the SoundCore is a small speaker, it struggles to fill the room, and you might find the high end is a little much when you push the volume up high. Not bad for the price, but not the loudest or best speaker out there.

The speaker has a bit of a raspy sound to it and the bass is on the thin side plus there’s a definitely lean to the higher end on this speaker.

Connections/ports

The buttons along the top are easy to see and press. There are buttons for power, volume up and down, pause/play, and a Bluetooth pairing button. The side has a USB port for charging, as well as an AUX in plug if you want to share music from another source.

There’s also a built-in noise-canceling microphone, allowing you to make calls through the speaker, though some other users have experienced some echoing when using the speakerphone. Voices definitely sound tinny and hollow.

There’s no app for the speaker, meaning you won’t be able to equalize or affect the sound in other ways unless the music app you’re using offers one.

Battery life/charging

One of the good features about this speaker is the battery on the SoundCore lasts up to 24 hours, which is pretty impressive for the size of this speaker, and you’ll likely find a single charge can last a whole week, depending on usage. The unit will power off if there’s no signal for 15 minutes. It takes about an hour to charge the speaker fully.

How Does SoundCore Compare to SoundCore Mini?

The SoundCore offers double the battery life than the mini, but for its size the Mini has better sound quality. The shape might also come into play if you place the speaker where it may be knocked over. The Mini offers a few more input options, including an SD card and FM radio.

Overall review

Overall there’s some pluses and minuses to this speaker.

The design is cool; it’s pretty simple but colorful. It’s light and portable and you can use it horizontally or vertically. The battery life is good and should get you a lot of life, plus it’s got water resistance.

The biggest downside is that the speaker quality is sub par. There’s just not enough fidelity in this speaker to make it worthwhile. It’s probably a lot better buy for kids or teens that are more concerned about portability and looks and less worried about sound.

For that reason, I’m not recommending he Anker Soundcore. It sells for about $49CAD/$29USD

If you are looking for a portable wireless speaker that’s got a similar look and size, check out my review of the Bose SoundLink Flex. There’s also the Sonos Move too, but that’s not my favourite and you can find out why in my reviews. I should also say those are significantly more expensive than Anker Soundcore.

What are the alternatives?

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