Latest news with #Boom2
CNET
08-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
My Favorite Bluetooth Speaker Is the Cheapest I've Ever Seen for Amazon's Prime Day Sale
With many us worried about tariffs raising prices on electronics, Amazon Prime Day seems like the perfect time to scoop up a deal on Anker electronics. That includes the Anker Soundcore Boom 2, which is now available in the black model on sale for $90, or 36% off, at Amazon for Prime members. I awarded the Soundcore Boom 2 a CNET Editors' Choice among the list of best Bluetooth speakers because it's well-priced and delivers impressive sound, making it an excellent value. There are plenty of Bluetooth speakers to choose from but the Soundcore Boom 2 stands out for its compact, waterproof design and great value for the money. Compared with its competitors, this mini boom box speaker is already a good deal at its list price of $140. But for under $100, this is an excellent Prime Day deal. However, we suggest acting fast, as Amazon deals like this one tend to go quickly. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. I liked the original Soundcore Motion Boom, which made our list of the best Bluetooth speakers and was one of the better mini boom box Bluetooth speaker values in the past few years. It's also on sale for $70 for Prime Day. The 3.66-pound Boom 2 is priced a little higher but sounds substantially better, with 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. Anker Soundcore Boom 2 speaker specs Here are the details about this mini boom box Bluetooth speaker. Drivers: 50-watt, 4-inch racetrack subwoofer and dual 15-watt tweeters 50-watt, 4-inch racetrack subwoofer and dual 15-watt tweeters Dimensions: 11.65 x 7.28 x 3.98 inches 11.65 x 7.28 x 3.98 inches Weight: 3.66 pounds 3.66 pounds Battery life: Up to 24 hours at moderate volume levels Up to 24 hours at moderate volume levels Bluetooth version: 5.3 (100-foot or 30-meter wireless range) 5.3 (100-foot or 30-meter wireless range) Water-resistance rating: IPX7 (fully waterproof and floatable) IPX7 (fully waterproof and floatable) Additional features : Built-in light show, customizable EQ, PartyCast 2.0 (link additional Anker speakers) : Built-in light show, customizable EQ, PartyCast 2.0 (link additional Anker speakers) Universal remote: Included Roku remote controls most TVs Why I like this Anker speaker The speaker's design isn't sleek or eye-catching but it's attractive enough and just the right size -- neither too big nor too small -- and you can choose among three colors, although only the black model is available for the Prime Day deal. It also seems pretty durable, although it doesn't have a dust-resistance rating. The Boom 2 is fully waterproof (IPX7-rated) and floats should it fall into a body of water. Additionally, there's a USB-out port to charge your devices. Battery life is also good. The speaker's rated for up to 24 hours of playback at moderate volume levels (it charges via USB-C, which is good) and you can tweak the sound and customize the lighting with the Soundcore app for iOS and Android. Battery life does dip if you engage the bass boost or activate the LED lighting. Read more: Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Review Another Anker speaker to consider If you're looking for even more powerful sound, Anker makes the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus. A bigger speaker, it puts out more sound with similar features to the Boom 2. However, it costs around $250 (on sale for $175), and I don't think it sounds twice as good as the Boom 2 (more like 25% to 30% better). Still, it's also a good value. Read more: Best Tech Gifts Under $100 Want to check out the competition? We've tested and reviewed the best Bluetooth speakers this year, with Bose, Beats and Soundcore all featured on our list. And just in case you're on the hunt for more discounts, our dedicated shopping team at CNET has compiled the best Prime Day deals. Why this deal matters The Anker Soundcore Boom 2 is already a great deal as one of our top choices for a compact Bluetooth speaker. Summer is the perfect time to pick one up for all your get-togethers, and the Soundcore Boom 2's waterproof design makes it ideal for the beach or pool. With electronics prices likely to rise with the looming tariffs, the Prime Day deal maybe your best chance to score this speaker for under $100.
Tom's Guide
06-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
I review Bluetooth speakers for a living, and you can save up to $130 on these awesome pre-Prime Day deals right now
Some of the best early Prime Day deals are the ones we least expect. I certainly wasn't expecting the JBL Xtreme 4 speaker to drop to its lowest ever price this early on in the sale period. While Prime Day officially starts on July 8th and runs until July 11th, it's never to early to get some of the best Bluetooth speakers at an absolute steal. I've rounded up my favorite early Prime Day deals, including speakers from iconic brands like JBL and also underdogs like Soundcore. Right now you can save $130 on the JBL Xtreme 4 and $20 on the Soundcore Boom 2. Who can say if these prices will get lower? I'd grab these deals now before the Prime Day chaos begins! I awarded the JBL Xtreme 4 a delicious 4 stars in my review last year. Yes, I reviewed this speaker a year ago, but I haven't stopped thinking about it. Everything about the Xtreme 4 is iconic: the bass, the party mode, the design. It's the gorpcore 40W bass speaker of my dreams. I'll say it now: the Xtreme 4 is the GOAT of portable speakers. The JBL party doesn't stop there. JBL's awesome Boombox range is like the Xtreme line on steroids. In our 4-star review, we loved the booming bass and the Boombox 3's ability to fill a large outdoor area. Although it's a heavy speaker, the rugged design and all-day (24 hour) battery life means it'll keep the party going regardless. It'll play even in torrential rain — it's IP67 rated. Yes, this is only a savings of $20, but the Boom 2 was already an absolute steal. A speaker of this caliber at just $119 is almost unheard of — I get my hands on enough speakers to know that by now. The Boom 2 has a massive 80W power, meaning it will go loud. Like the much pricier JBL options, the Boom 2 has a 24 hour battery life and IP67 rating, so it'll be able to follow you anywhere. Marshall consistently makes some of the best audio gear out there, and the Stanmore III is no different. This awesome amp-lookalike speaker has a 3.5mm jack input and RCA input, so you can hook it up for even higher-quality music. The speaker has designated bass and treble dials so you can turn up the bass all the way if you so desire. Yes — another JBL speaker. Well, that's because JBL just doesn't miss with its Bluetooth speakers. Although the Flip 7 came out earlier this year, the Flip 6 shouldn't be forgotten about. Especially at this awesome price. It's now below $100, which is an awesome deal for this pocket-sized 30W speaker. It's IP67 and has a 12 hour battery life, meaning it's perfect to chuck in your backpack for all day outdoor listening.
Newsweek
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Best Outdoor Speaker
Vote for the best outdoor speaker! Atrium 6 | Polk Audio Photo courtesy of skynesher/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of skynesher/iStock by Getty Images Bring your outdoor patio to life with the Atrium 6. Sold as a pair, these small speakers are incredibly powerful, filling large spaces with high-quality sound output accentuated by punchy bass. The Speed-Lock Mounting System enables you to install with one hand, and because they exceed industry standards for environmental endurance, you can leave them out in the rain, wind or snow. Beats Pill | Beats by Dre Photo courtesy of Beats by Dre Photo courtesy of Beats by Dre Offering surprising sound quality for its size, the Beats Pill boasts a larger racetrack woofer that pushes 90 percent more air than its original. Compatible with Apple and Android devices, this Bluetooth speaker has a 24-hour battery life and can sync with another Beats Pill for double the sound. And its waterproof rating means you can bring it by the pool with no worries. Beosound Explore | Bang & Olufsen Photo courtesy of Bang & Olufsen Photo courtesy of Bang & Olufsen While you'd normally cringe if your Bluetooth speaker fell in sand or water, owners of the Beosound Explore just smile, knowing its IP67 rating means it's fully dust and waterproof. A scratch-resistant, anodized aluminum shell protects the exterior in the most remote locations—just clip it onto your gear and go. As you set up camp, the rubber base grips the ground, and its extended battery provides 27 hours of playtime. Boom 2 | Soundcore (Anker) Photo courtesy of SolStock/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of SolStock/iStock by Getty Images The Boom 2's integrated handle and music-synced light show make it obvious that it's meant to go places and bring the party with it. The clear 2.1-channel setup is enhanced with Soundcore's BassUp 2.0 technology, which is activated at the touch of a button. A whole new level of waterproof, the Boom 2 actually floats, so you can even confidently paddleboard with it. Epicboom | Ultimate Ears Photo courtesy of Ultimate Ears Photo courtesy of Ultimate Ears Minimalistic and modern, the Epicboom is an eco-conscious speaker made of post-consumer recycled plastic and 100% recycled polyester. Its design is complemented by components like the Outdoor Boost button, which kicks it up an extra decibel for big sound if you're hosting a cookout. Users also praise the customizable EQ with four programmed presets that elevate your listening experience. FreeSpace 360P Series II | Bose Photo courtesy of Bose Photo courtesy of Bose Blending seamlessly into the existing landscape, the FreeSpace 360P Series II stays hidden while soothing sounds fill your garden because of its 360-degree coverage. Though the speaker is small, it offers a frequency range down to 60 hertz, which is what you'd expect from a brand like Bose. Pesky squirrels or curious dogs pose no real threat to this permanent install either since it is tamper resistant. IPX5 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker | BolaButty Audio Direct Photo courtesy of FOTOGRAFIA INC./iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of FOTOGRAFIA INC./iStock by Getty Images Weighing just over 1 pound, this compact speaker from BolaButty Audio Direct fits in the palm of your hand to go anywhere. Once there, you can connect to your friend's same model with TWS pairing for an immersive experience, complete with LED lights that move with the beat. Throw it in your bag for the pool; its modest price and IPX5 rating provide peace of mind during splash fights. Middleton | Marshall Photo courtesy of andreswd/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of andreswd/iStock by Getty Images Designed to replicate Marshall's iconic guitar amps and speaker cabinets, the Middleton is popular with musicians loyal to the brand's signature sound. With four drivers and dual passive radiators, this speaker produces a cinematic atmosphere for outdoor movie nights, and sudden rainstorms are no big deal because of the IP67 rating. On-board bass and treble adjusters also allow you to fine-tune your music without opening the Bluetooth app. Move 2 | Sonos Photo courtesy of Sonos Photo courtesy of Sonos Sonos, the inventors of wireless multi-room audio, knows better than anyone else how to create amazing sound without the need for exterior cords. The Move 2 is a prime example of this modernization, working over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and automatically tuning its output through Trueplay technology to best fit the acoustics of its surroundings. These drop, dust and water-resistant speakers effortlessly link up with other Sonos products, too. Photo courtesy of SolStock/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of SolStock/iStock by Getty Images Original: Gen 3 | TurtleBox Now in its third generation, the TurtleBox Original maintains its rugged character by still being 100% drop, crush and dustproof. It can also handle being submerged for up to 30 minutes, although that's unlikely to happen since it floats in fresh and salt water. The new Party Mode allows you to pair your speaker with some other TurtleBox models, and the battery provides up to three days of playtime. OSD BTP-650 | Outdoor Speaker Depot Photo courtesy of gorodenkoff/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of gorodenkoff/iStock by Getty Images The OSD BTP-650 offers solid quality for a reasonable price; the model is sold in a set of two so that you can create a surround-sound experience on your deck with just one product. And the sound is crisp and clear, thanks to their composite resin low resonator cabinets. Constructed to make it through bad weather, these speakers have a powder-coated rust-resistant aluminum grill and an IP54 rating. Range Rugged Bluetooth Speaker | Outdoor Tech Photo courtesy of Outdoor Tech Photo courtesy of Outdoor Tech A mountain peak-inspired exterior instantly sets the Range Rugged Bluetooth Speaker apart from competitors. This is no boring, brick-shaped portable speaker. Its unique shape isn't just for show—360-degree sound waves escape from every angle. Make it the centerpiece of an evening cocktail party, and its LED lights will delight guests while its IPX7 rating will protect it from their drinks. RSM-650 | Klipsch Photo courtesy of skynesher/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of skynesher/iStock by Getty Images If you love to host outdoor parties, you'll want to consider the RSM-650 speakers, which are ideal for big backyards. Klipsch is known for high efficiency and low distortion in its products, and this model's use of patented mumps technology and the Tractrix Hyperfold Port are an ear-winning example of both. With wide coverage and robust bass, this pair of speakers will have your neighbors dancing in their yards. Sonance Patio Series 4.1 Photo courtesy of FOTOGRAFIA INC./iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of FOTOGRAFIA INC./iStock by Getty Images With four satellite speakers and one in-ground subwoofer, the Sonance Patio Series 4.1 floods spaces of up to 1,000 square feet with clear, even sound. Simply stake the speakers discreetly into your home's bushes, find a corner wall for the subwoofer and connect the five units to start jamming. An additional set can be integrated for even greater coverage. ULT FIELD 7 Wireless Portable Speaker | Sony Photo courtesy of andreswd/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of andreswd/iStock by Getty Images The ULT FIELD 7 Wireless Portable Speaker from Sony gets insanely loud with incredibly powerful bass (activated by the handy ULT button) that can rattle a room. Water- and dustproof, the speaker holds its own outside. Additional features like a mic input and an ambient light display help facilitate those late-night karaoke jam sessions. About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@ Our Featured Panelists Aly Walansky writes regularly about food news and trends. She has been a food journalist for over twenty years and has covered everything from budget shopping to recipes to culinary travel content for national publications that include the Food Network, Southern Living, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, The Kitchn and more. She was ranked among top 10 journalists of 2023 and top 10 freelance journalists in 2024, as well as #1 food journalist of 2022, by Muck Rack. Follow her at Mike Shubic is a seasoned road trip travel video blogger, traversing the byways of the world looking for those hidden gems of the road. From unique destinations, unexpected discoveries, creative cuisine, intriguing inns to exciting attractions…the road is his page. The experiences are his ink. And every 300 miles, a new chapter begins. Whether you live vicariously or by example, Mike will do the exploring so you can have an adventure. Learn more at Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist. Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.
