When Anker introduced the Soundcore Pro+ in 2017, it was clear the brand wanted to step beyond pocket‑sized speakers. The Pro+ arrived with a rectangular matte‑black body, a metal grille, and a weight of around 760g. Substantial enough to feel serious, yet still portable. At 204 × 72 × 69mm, it wasn’t a “throw‑in‑your‑bag” mini speaker, but rather a compact powerhouse designed for tabletops, patios, and travel. The IPX4 splash resistance meant it could shrug off rain or kitchen spills, although it wasn’t built for full immersion like JBL’s Charge series. The design leaned utilitarian rather than flashy. It was a speaker that looked like it meant business, prioritising durability and practicality over fashion. For many buyers, that was exactly the appeal: a device that could sit confidently on a desk or travel bag and deliver reliable sound without fuss.
Pairing is straightforward thanks to Bluetooth 4.2 and NFC quick‑pairing. Tap‑to‑connect is convenient for Android users, while the speaker automatically reconnects to the last device. Range reaches around 20m in open space, and an AUX input offered wired playback. The absence of aptX or LDAC reflects its era, but for casual streaming from Spotify or YouTube, the connection is stable and reliable. In practice, the Pro+ is easy to live with: quick to pair, consistent in performance, and versatile enough to handle both wireless and wired sources. In fact, it’s still a household favourite to this very day, so is the level of quality within.
Performance and Strengths
Inside, the Pro+ packs four drivers — two full‑range units and two tweeters — supported by dual passive radiators. Together they deliver 25W RMS output, a big leap from Anker’s earlier models. With BassUp technology, low frequencies are dynamically boosted, giving pop and dance tracks extra thump. Mids are clear enough for podcasts and vocals, while treble stays smooth without harshness. For its size and price, the Pro+ produces a room‑filling sound that could handle small gatherings or backyard listening. The headline feature isn’t just audio, it’s endurance. The Pro+ carries an 8,000mAh battery, delivering up to 18 hours of playback depending on volume. Charging takes four-to-six hours via micro‑USB, but the battery doubles as a power bank, outputting 5V/2A to charge phones and tablets. This dual‑purpose design makes the Pro+ more than a speaker, just as has been continued with the likes of the Motion+, Motion Boom, Motion Boom Plus, and Flare+. On trips, it is both entertainment and back-up power, which was a rare combination in 2017. That practicality helped it stand out against rivals of the day that focused solely on sound. For buyers who wanted more than a pocket speaker but weren’t ready to pay JBL or Bose prices, the Pro+ was a revelation. It offered – and still offers – loudness, longevity, and utility in one package, and that blend of strengths defined its reputation, and keeps it going strong even nowadays.
Limitations and Competition
Looking back, the Pro+ also shows the limits of its era, though. Micro‑USB charging now feels clunky compared to modern USB‑C, and the absence of aptX or LDAC support capped audio fidelity at standard Bluetooth quality. The IPX4 rating offered basic splash resistance but couldn’t compete with the fully waterproof designs of JBL’s Charge series, which made them more appealing for poolside or rugged outdoor use. At 760g, the Pro+ was portable but not truly lightweight, and its design leaned more utilitarian than stylish. At launch, the Pro+ retailed around £89.99 / $99.99, competing with JBL’s Charge 3 and UE’s Boom 2. JBL offered stronger waterproofing and slightly more refined bass, while UE leaned on stylish design and 360° sound. Anker’s Soundcore Pro+ carved out a niche as the value‑driven powerhouse: louder than expected, longer‑lasting than most, and practical enough to double as a charger. It wasn’t the most polished, but it was the most versatile at its price, and it packs a great punch even in the market today, working very well indeed even with Switch 2.
Legacy and Verdict
The Soundcore Pro+ wasn’t just another Bluetooth speaker; it was a turning point for Anker. By proving the brand could deliver big sound, long battery life, and practical extras at a mid‑range price, it paved the way for later models like the Soundcore Motion+ and Motion Boom, which refined waterproofing, codec support, and design. Today, the Pro+ feels dated in some respects, but it remains fondly remembered as one of the first truly versatile portable speakers in Anker’s lineup. For many, it was the product that showed Soundcore could compete with JBL and UE — not just on price, but on features and endurance. Judged in its own time, the Pro+ earns its place as one of Anker’s most important mid‑range speakers, paving the way for the Motion series and later successes.
