Anker’s Soundcore brand has steadily built a reputation for delivering affordable audio gear that punches above its weight. The Motion Boom, released in late 2020, was designed as a rugged, portable Bluetooth speaker that could compete with the likes of JBL’s Charge and Sony’s SRS line, but at a fraction of the cost. With 30W output, titanium drivers, BassUp technology, and a 24‑hour battery life, it promised to be the go‑anywhere party speaker for under £100. Five years on, it remains a compelling option for those who value volume and durability over polish.
Design and Build
Unboxing the Motion Boom immediately sets the tone: this is a big, heavy speaker that feels more like a piece of outdoor kit than a lifestyle accessory. The packaging includes the speaker itself, a USB‑C charging cable, and a quick‑start guide. The unit’s built‑in carry handle makes it easy to lift out of the box, and once in-hand, its size is striking. Compared side‑by‑side with a smartphone, the Motion Boom dwarfs it, being roughly twice the width of an old iPhone 6 and about three‑quarters of its height, not including the handle.
The casing is IPX7 waterproof and buoyant, meaning it will float if dropped in water. That’s a rare reassurance for a speaker of this size, and it makes it genuinely pool‑party ready. The design is unapologetically chunky, with large, tactile buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, volume, play/pause, BassUp, and TWS (True Wireless Stereo) pairing. The top surface has a slightly rubberised grip, while the underside rests on sturdy rubber feet with protective seals. It’s not stylish in the way a Sonos Roam or Bose SoundLink is, but it’s built to survive the outdoors.
Features and Connectivity
Connectivity is handled via Bluetooth 5.0, with a stable range of around 30 metres. There’s no Wi‑Fi or smart assistant integration, but the Soundcore app adds real value, allowing EQ customisation and firmware updates. The app’s “PowerIQ charge out” feature also lets the Motion Boom double as a power bank, topping up a phone or earbuds via its USB‑A port. Stereo pairing is supported if you own two Motion Boom speakers, creating a wider soundstage.
The TWS button is dedicated to this feature, although its purpose isn’t immediately obvious without consulting the manual. For a speaker in this price bracket, the combination of app support, EQ control, and device charging is impressive.
Audio Performance
The Motion Boom’s dual titanium drivers and passive radiators deliver a sound signature that’s unapologetically bold. High frequencies extend up to 40kHz, giving treble more sparkle than would be expected from a rugged outdoor speaker. The BassUp DSP adds serious low‑end punch, and at moderate volumes the balance is pleasing, with vocals and instruments cutting through cleanly.
Testing it straight out of the box, the speaker had enough charge to connect immediately and play music. Switching BassUp on and off reveals a clear difference: with the feature engaged, basslines thumping with real authority, while turning it off softened the sound for a more neutral profile. At maximum volume, the bass remains strong, although the midrange can sound recessed and vocals lose some definition. Still, distortion is minimal, and the sheer loudness is remarkable for a sub‑£100 speaker. It’s not tuned for audiophiles, but for outdoor use, parties, or filling a large room, it excels.
Battery Life
Inside is a 10,000mAh battery, rated for up to 24 hours of playback. In practice, the Motion Boom comfortably delivers a full day of use at moderate volume. With BassUp engaged and volume pushed high, expect closer to 15–18 hours, which is still excellent. Charging via USB‑C takes around four hours. The speaker can also charge other devices. Plugging in a pair of Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro earbuds, for example, confirmed that the PowerIQ port works exactly as advertised, with the earbuds’ charging case lighting up instantly. This makes the Motion Boom a useful back-up power source on trips. A small LED indicates battery status: flashing red when critically low, solid red when running down, and white when sufficiently charged.
Everyday Usability
The Motion Boom is practical, above all else. The handle makes it easy to carry, the waterproofing means you don’t have to worry about rain or splashes, and the buoyancy is a clever touch that sets it apart from rivals. The weight gives it a reassuring sturdiness, yet it’s not the most portable option if you’re looking for something to slip into a bag. The controls are simple but effective. The power button requires a two‑second press to switch on, accompanied by a distinctive chime that feels more polished than older Soundcore models. The Bluetooth button flashes blue when searching for a device and turns solid blue once connected, making pairing straightforward. A separate TWS button handles stereo pairing with a second Motion Boom.
The central “D” button doubles as a play/pause control, and in testing it worked reliably with YouTube and music apps. Combined with the BassUp toggle, these physical controls make the Motion Boom easy to operate without needing to reach for your phone. The Soundcore app adds flexibility with EQ presets and customisation, letting you tame the bass or boost the mids if desired. For a budget‑friendly speaker, this level of control is a welcomed surprise. The lack of smart features or voice assistant support may disappoint some, but for many users, the simplicity is a strength. One feature missing compared to Soundcore’s Flare line is lighting. RGB effects that pulse to the beat would have added style for late‑night gatherings, but Anker kept the Motion Boom focused on sound and stamina.
Comparisons
Against rivals, the Motion Boom holds its own. JBL’s Charge 5 offers a sleeker design and slightly more refined tuning, but at a higher price. Sony’s SRS‑XB33 has extra features like lighting effects, but shorter battery life. The Motion Boom’s combination of volume, durability, and value makes it one of the best outdoor speakers in its price bracket.
Its successor, the Motion Boom Plus, improves on the formula with more drivers and higher output, but the original remains a strong budget choice. The Anker Soundcore Motion Boom is a rugged, affordable Bluetooth speaker that delivers far more power than its price suggests. Its strengths are clear: loud, bass‑heavy sound, long battery life, waterproofing, buoyancy, and portability. Its weaknesses are equally obvious: a bulky design, recessed mids at high volume, and a lack of smart features. For under £100, though, it’s hard to argue with the value. If you want a speaker that can survive the outdoors, fill a room or campsite with sound, and keep going all day, the Motion Boom is an excellent choice. It may not satisfy audiophiles, but for its intended audience, it hits the mark.
