The small and compact Soundcore Bluetooth speaker from Anker not only sounds good, it is also often available at an affordable price.
The Soundcore 2 in particular is often reduced in price at the moment. But what exactly are the differences between the 2 and 3 models?
The highlights of the Soundcore 2
24 hours running time
The best thing about this speaker is undoubtedly its long battery life: according to the manufacturer, the speaker can play music for a full 24 hours.
I think this figure is very optimistic, but one thing is clear: the battery lasts a really long time. Exactly how long depends on factors such as volume, connection type and temperature.
By comparison, the slightly smaller JBL Go 3 has a battery life of just 5 hours.
Water and dust resistant
Nobody wants to go diving with a speaker, but with the Soundcore 2 it would theoretically be possible.
It is IPX7 certified and can therefore not only withstand a little rain, but can even fall into water.
So you don’t have to worry at the next garden party if you forget it outside overnight.
Connection for external sources
If you don’t want to play the music via Bluetooth, you can also connect a source directly via cable.
The Soundcore 2 has a 3.5mm jack input, i.e. a standard headphone plug. This variant can save some battery power, for example, as Bluetooth requires a lot of energy.
Soft surface
What it doesn’t say anywhere, but I particularly like: The Anker Soundcore 2 has a rubber surface that feels particularly soft and comfortable.
If you put the speaker down somewhere, it doesn’t slide off immediately, but remains very stable.
Differences between Soundcore 2 and Soundcore 3
More discreet logo
The biggest difference between the two models is immediately visible: the Soundcore 2 features a large Anker logo in white lettering on the front.
The successor Soundcore 3 is visually a little more discreet, with only a very small “Soundcore” at the bottom.
Identical battery life
The battery life is identical to the Soundcore 2: the manufacturer still claims 24 hours of playtime, but in reality the battery life depends on the volume and outside temperature and will be significantly less in most cases.
Nevertheless, the battery is very powerful. In contrast to the Soundcore 2, the successor is not charged with a micro USB plug, but with a USB plug.
More volume and bass
Something has audibly changed in the sound: The Soundcore 3 has a so-called passive membrane built into the back. This is like another speaker that does not emit sound directly.
It simply resonates and therefore provides more volume and bass. That’s why the Soundcore 3 sounds a little fuller and more balanced to me, and the bass is also a little stronger than its predecessor.
More stable Bluetooth connection
The new Soundcore 3 is equipped with better Bluetooth technology, which is called Bluetooth 5.0.
This should make the connection to the cell phone more stable and enable a greater range. The predecessor ran with Bluetooth 4.2.
Soundcore app for equalizer
Recently, there is also a separate app for the Soundcore speakers from Anker. This app does not work with the 2 series but only with the 3 series.
This can be used to adjust the sound and install firmware updates.
The Anker Soundcore isn’t right for you? In this article we present other outdoor speakers with Bluetooth.
Lars Grudzinski has been working as a sound and lighting technician since the 90s, was a DJ for electronic music, has a large collection of vintage speakers, and has been working for various radio stations in Germany for 20 years. At home, he enjoys high-quality home theater products such as soundbars and projectors and has installed an extensive Sonos system in his own home.