CNET’s top Bluetooth speaker for 2024

The Minnesota Star Tribune
June 16, 2024 at 7:00PM
The Soundcore by Anker Boom 2. (David Carnoy/CNET/TNS)
CNET considers the Soundcore by Anker Boom 2 the best new Bluetooth speaker. (David Carnoy/Tribune News Service)

Bluetooth speakers continue to improve each year, with an ever-increasing number of well-designed models that offer impressive sound for their compact size. At the top of our list is the Soundcore by Anker Boom 2. To see the complete list, visit CNET.com.

Soundcore by Anker Boom 2

CNET TAKE: We liked the original Soundcore Motion Boom, which made our best Bluetooth speakers list and was one of the better mini boom box Bluetooth speaker values over the past few years, selling for around $80. The 3.75-pound Boom 2 costs more ($130) but sounds substantially better. It has 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. It’s an impressive-sounding speaker for its size and a good value.

Waterproof (IPX7-rated) with a floatable design, the speaker’s battery life is rated at up to 24 hours at moderate volume levels (it charges via USB-C) and you can tweak the sound and customize the lighting with the Soundcore app for iOS and Android. There’s also a USB-out port to charge your devices.

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