You Can Buy the Soundcore Boom 2 Speaker for $100 Right Now
If you want a speaker that can handle splashes by the pool or a day on the boat, you might want to consider the IPX7-rated Soundcore Boom 2 , especially since the price has dropped to $99.99 from $129.99. It has a serious kick and LED lights that sync to the beat, and it floats, so if it accidentally takes a dip in the pool, you’re still fine (Bluetooth won’t work underwater, though).
The Boom 2 delivers 80W of power with two 15W tweeters and a 50W woofer, but turning off the Bass Up mode drops the output to 60W, according to PCMag’s review , so it’s not as powerful without additional bass boost. It’s also worth noting that you only get a Bluetooth connection (no Wi-Fi), but you can connect it to another Boom 2 speaker for stereo sound. Plus, its plastic exterior may seem a little plain compared to other speakers like the JBL Flip 6 ($129.95), which has a nicer finish.
Like most portable speakers, it’s not immune to draining the battery faster if you turn up the volume or keep flashing the LEDs—and while it takes about 5.5 hours to fully charge, Anker claims you can get up to 24 hours of playback at moderate volumes . with everything turned off. You can adjust sound and light settings, adjust and change brightness, and more using the companion app on your phone.
A similar option is the Sony SRS-XB23 , currently priced at $89.95, down from $129.99.