Is it worth Money : For music aficionados this is perhaps the best speaker in the market with an affordable price tag. The price varies but it is below $100 everywhere. But Amazon provides various versions at much reduced price. Anker Soundcore Boost can be had at Amazon at $44.99 ( original price $59.99 ), while its mini version can be had at $16.99 (original price $ 21.99 ). Anker Soundcore Flare + can be had at Amazon at $69.99 ( original price $ 99.99 ) while Anker Soundcore Pro + is at $50.99 ( original price $ 89.99). Besides through Amazon you can have also Anker Soundcore Headphones at $29.99 ( original price $ 39.99 ).
The users have eulogised the product for its quality besides its price range. The product has earned 5 star rating from many of its users. D Miyo giving 5 star rating believes it is easily the best wireless speaker under $80. Similarly Kim Williams with identical rating calls it the overall winner of all BT speakers. Jacob too gives it 5 star rating with the note that Anker truly stands behind its products. And Thor Hong says that you get the feeling that the people from Anker really know what they are doing.
How many ways it can connect to the speaker :
It is truly a smart speaker with various connection options. It can be connected with audio cable input with combination of 3.5 mm and also with Bluetooth and battery. But sorry it can’t be connected with the speaker phone or mike. But connection to Google Assistant is restricted as it can be connected only with audio input of Google or it can be connected with Bluetooth. Connection to Alexa also is restricted and you can connect with audio input of Alexa or with Bluetooth. Same stands with Siri also and audio input of Siri can be connected or it can be connected with Bluetooth.
Anker Soundcore Boost Battery Capacity: The battery life may not be exactly 24 hours as claimed by Anker but yeah a continuous listening of 6 to 7 hours can be guaranteed and even then you have 50% of battery left. The battery charging from 0 to 100 % takes about 5 hours and once fully charged you can listen for two days. But battery life also depends on at what volume you are listening. At medium pitch you can surely expect the battery to last longer as several users have said.
Water proof : Anker Sound Core Boost has been provided with IPX5 rating meaning it is safe from any water intrusion. IPX rating basically tells you the level of protection of a device from outside water or dust intrusion. This International Protection Marking Standard is a certificate that is provided to any electronic gadget after proper testing. IPX5 certificate means a gadget that is sprayed with water jet stream would do no harm to the gadget. Anker Soundcore Boost has passed the test and hence given IPX5 certificate. Thus the gadget can be taken even outside for use and is safe from any water intrusion.
Build Quality : In shape Anker Soundcore Boost is rectangular and in size it is 8 inches x 2.8 inches x 2.7 inches . The weight is approximately 500 gms. On the front side is a grille with Anker logo. There are buttons on top for volume control and also for the song changes. If we press the button twice it skips to the next song. And if the button is pressed for over 15 seconds it is connected to Google Assistant and Siri.
Its sound quality is extremely good with 20 W of powerful crisp and vial dual performance drivers and twin passive subwoofers. With mono directional speakers ,meaning the sound coming only from the front makes the sound clear . Lows and Bass are unaltered with a natural feel with no sound alterations. The sound of instruments in the music are clear even in high volumes. And with its shape and weight and being IPX 5 water resistant the speaker can be slipped in a bag and can be carried anywhere.
Anker Soundcore Boost and Oontz Angle 3 : The lowest price found for Anker Soundcore Boost has been $ 22.99 while that of Oonz Angle 3 has been $25.99. In terms of popularity on basis of online purchase that is calculated daily Anker Soundcore Boost has raced ahead of Oonz Angle 3. While Anker’s popularity stands at 84/100 that od Oonz is 66/100 , a big difference indeed. In terms of weight both speakers have nearly the same weight. Incidentally neither Anker Soundcore Boost nor Oontz Angle 3 is dustproof. Battery charging for Anker takes around 5 hours for full battery but there is no data on time of battery charging of Oontz Angle 3. Both the speakers do not have power banks, meaning none has the ability to get charged while playing. Both speakers have 2 drivers each but while Anker has subwoofers Oontz doesn’t have any. Bluetooth range of Anker is 20 metres while that of Oontz is 9.1 metres.
UE Boom 3 : In terms of sound UE Boom 3 can’t be considered a good speaker but is liked for its other features and also its design that makes it popular. Besides it is amazingly waterproof and even being submerged into water for over 30 minutes it keeps playing without any damage to its exterior or sound. Thus it is also called a floating speaker. Then UE Boom 3 can also boast of its strong battery and can keep playing for early 15 hours once charged fully. The only hitch is its price tag that stands at $129.99. Also its is a bit heavier at over 600 gms. But in terms of sound quality it has lagged behind its competitors in the market. But still popular among the beach goers who prefer loud sound than clear ones.
Bose Sound Link Micro : Priced at $99 this handy speaker has its own features. It can be attached even to the bicycles or other modes of transport and you enjoy the music while cycling or driving. You can have a bargain for its trail as it has 90 days free trial with free shipping charge and also free return shipping charge. Though it has only 6 hours of battery life when charged but the makers claim the bass sound that it emanates during the period is much superior to other speakers in the market. In terms of being waterproof it has IPX7 rating and the makers claim that instead of putting an outer layer for water protection it has put a silicone layer inside so that the water even if creeps inside doesn’t reach the technology inside. Bose Sound Link Micro has earned mixed response. While it is appreciated for being portable and easy carrying and also for its sound some users have criticised it for poor audio and video calling. Yeah its longevity is praiseworthy and is very popular among the youths.
Tribit X Sound Go : Priced at $32.99 without the case and at $42.98 with the case this speaker is used specially in water, in rains, in shower, in the pools. A complete water proof speaker with IPX7 rating it is again a popular item among the youth. A cordless connectivity to all Bluetooth devices and 24 hour battery life are the features that thwarts any tension of charging and also wires. With a 12 W speraker and in built microphone this ultra portable speaker has created raves in the younger generation. It is marketed by Amazon and has received all accolades from the users specially for its price that is affordable for all.
JBL Flip 5 : A costly item indeed compared to other speakers in the market but this brand would give you ample satisfaction forgetting the extra price you have paid for. With a 20 W speaker and 12 hour playing battery it has received much higher ratings for its performance though the price is a consideration that haunts many. Priced at nearly $140 it has the weight of over 500 gms. Its race track shaped driver delivers booming bas sound . With IPX 7 water resistant rating it is again the speaker that is portable for all destinations. The purchasers have the choice to for 11 distinct colours that the speaker is available in. Bluetooth connection is wireless thus again shading the concern for cord. Its rugged rubber housing keeps the speaker safe from outside or inside damage even if meets and fall. Moreover it can be kept both horizontal and vertical and that makes no difference in its functioning. An all weather companion this speaker also has received high praise for its features and functioning. Receiving 4 and half star rating JBL Flip 5 is popular despite its higher price. The users believe it has given the satisfaction they were yearning for and its price despite higher has not been a hurdle for its popularity.
Sam has been a Smart Things expert for years and the author of DIY SmartThings. Recently he’s really more into Nest smart devices and has a lot of experience with all sorts of projects from converting a regular Home to completely a smart home with the background degree in Electronics.