Anker SoundCore 2 Review

Introduction

Hello! Today we will take a look at the popular Anker SoundCore 2 speaker — one of the most frequently purchased portable Bluetooth speakers on AliExpress. The speaker is offered in all released versions.

The speaker features a low price, high build quality, compact size, clear and loud sound with deep bass, long battery life (up to 24 hours), convenient controls, and water protection standard IPX7. This means that the device is protected against water ingress when fully immersed in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.

Among the downsides: no memory card slot, no AUX cable included, and the case quickly gets dirty and collects dust.

Improvements Over the First Generation

Anker SoundCore 2 is a second-generation model of the original SoundCore speaker.

In this version, the water resistance level has been increased to IPX7 (previously IPX5), the battery capacity has been improved, and the location of the front blue indicator light has been changed (it has also become dimmer).

The Bluetooth module has been updated to version 5.0.

Specifications

• Charging time: 3 hours
• Input: 5V–2A
• Battery life: up to 24 hours
• Output power: 12W+
• Speakers: 2 × 1.5″
• Frequency response: 70Hz–20kHz
• Impedance: 4 ohms
• Bluetooth version: 5.0
• Bluetooth range: up to 20m (up to 50m in open area)
• Water resistance level: IPX7

Package Contents

The speaker was delivered in standard Anker packaging in white and blue colors. During delivery, the box got slightly crumpled. The packaging does not contain much technical information.

The package includes:

• The Anker SoundCore 2 speaker
• Branded micro-USB charging cable (length 50 cm)
• User manual

The AUX cable is not included — it needs to be purchased separately.

Design and Dimensions

The speaker turned out to be very compact and visually pleasant.

Its dimensions are 165 × 54 × 45 mm, and the weight is 408.3 grams.

The body is almost entirely made of black rubberized material. The front panel has a metal grill with a large ANKER logo.

The control panel is located on the top. It consists of large and comfortable buttons responsible for volume control, playback, and Bluetooth mode.

The speaker can be connected in stereo mode with another speaker of the same model.

There are two indicators:

• White/red — battery charge
• Blue — device operation mode (BT/AUX)

The back side of the device is completely empty (except for logos and inscriptions).

On the bottom part of the speaker are soft rubberized feet, providing vibration absorption and surface grip.

The right side of the speaker houses a rubber plug under which are the AUX input and microUSB port. The plug is tightly sealed, which prevents moisture and dust from entering.

Internal Structure and Teardown

To avoid damaging the case and water protection, I did not open the speaker myself. Based on photos from teardowns online, we can say that:

• Inside are two 6-watt speakers and one passive radiator
• There is a microphone for hands-free calls
• The battery consists of two 18650 batteries, each 2600 mAh, connected in parallel (total 5200 mAh)

User Experience

The rubberized material feels nice to the touch but collects dust and fingerprints well. It is difficult to clean.

The speaker doesn’t announce its actions with annoying voice prompts — only with short and quiet tones. This is great.

The declared Bluetooth range is 20 meters, but in practice, the speaker can connect even at 50 meters. Indoors, everything is also stable — no disconnections or glitches.

Sound Quality

The speaker produces a very loud and clear sound, especially for such a small size.

There is a low and pleasant bass, and all frequencies are well-balanced.

At maximum volume, the speaker does not crackle or rattle. Very cool.

Interestingly, the bass decreases slightly at volume levels above 50% — apparently, the speaker lowers the bass level to avoid distortion, slightly enhancing mids and highs.

When connected via AUX, the sound becomes noticeably louder — it’s unclear why.

Battery and Charging

• The manufacturer claims 24 hours of continuous music playback
• In our test, the speaker played for just under 23 hours at medium volume
• The speaker charges in exactly 3 hours (with a current of about 2A)
• The charge capacity was about 4700 mAh
• The speaker can play music while charging
• If idle for 10 minutes, it turns off automatically

Waterproof Test

We submerged the speaker in water — and everything works.

After drying, the speaker functions fully.

Conclusion

The Anker SoundCore 2 speaker turned out to be very high-quality and versatile:

• Excellent assembly
• Real IPX7 water protection
• Loud and clear sound
• Deep bass
• Long battery life
• Fast charging
• Works while charging
• Compact and stylish design

There are also downsides: no memory card support, no AUX cable included, and the case collects dust and prints — but overall, the speaker is very good.