Anker Soundcore Motion Boom Plus Bluetooth Speaker Review

Portable speakers have become essential companions for modern life, whether at garden parties, camping trips, or simply filling a room with music without the clutter of wires. Anker’s Soundcore brand has steadily built a reputation for delivering impressive audio at accessible prices. The Motion Boom Plus – successor to the original Motion Boom – is positioned as its most powerful portable yet, boasting 80W of output, IP67 waterproofing, and a design that recalls the boombox era. The question is whether this speaker offers more than just brute force.

Design and Build

The Motion Boom Plus is unapologetically bold in appearance. At 2.4kg, it is not the kind of speaker that slips easily into a backpack, yet the built‑in handle and detachable strap make it practical to carry. The design prioritises function over luxury, with rugged plastics and exposed drivers that emphasise durability. That toughness is backed by an IP67 rating, ensuring the unit is fully dustproof and waterproof. It even floats if dropped in water, which makes it a natural fit for poolside use or beach trips. The port covers are stiff, which can be inconvenient when charging, but this is the trade‑off for maintaining a watertight seal.

Features and Connectivity

Anker has equipped the Motion Boom Plus with a strong feature set for its price point:

– 80W output from two 30W woofers and two 10W tweeters, with titanium drivers for improved treble clarity;
– BassUp Technology for real‑time bass enhancement;
– 13,400mAh battery offering up to 20 hours of playback, with real‑world use at high volume closer to 12–15 hours;
– USB‑C input (5V/3A, ~5.5 hours for a full charge) and USB‑A output for powerbank functionality;
– Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint pairing;
– Soundcore app support for custom EQ, firmware updates, and the option to disable voice prompts;
– Multi‑speaker modes: TWS (True Wireless Stereo) for left/right separation with two units, and PartyCast 2.0 to link multiple Soundcore speakers for synced playback;
– AUX input for wired connections.

The absence of Wi‑Fi or voice assistant integration reflects the focus on portability and simplicity. This is a speaker designed for outdoor use rather than as a smart home hub.

Sound Quality

The Motion Boom Plus is tuned with outdoor performance in mind. The default profile leans heavily into bass, which helps compensate for low‑end loss in open spaces. Indoors, this emphasis can overwhelm smaller rooms, creating a slightly muddy presentation. The Soundcore app’s EQ is a valuable tool for tailoring the sound. Adjustments reveal a more balanced profile, with mids that allow vocals to cut through and treble that benefits from the titanium drivers. High frequencies still lack the refinement of more expensive rivals, yet the overall clarity is impressive for the price. At its best, the Motion Boom Plus delivers room‑filling sound with surprising presence, easily loud enough for outdoor gatherings. The BassUp mode adds extra punch for dance and hip‑hop tracks, although acoustic and vocal‑driven music benefits from a more restrained setting. The flexibility to customise EQ profiles ensures the speaker adapts well to different genres.

Everyday Use

The Motion Boom Plus thrives in outdoor environments. It has the stamina to provide music throughout a day at the beach or a night of camping, and the strap and handle make it easy to transport despite its size. The powerbank function is particularly useful at festivals or long events, allowing phones and other devices to be topped up directly from the speaker. Indoors, the speaker is less refined. The bass can dominate smaller spaces, and the coarse volume steps make it difficult to achieve very low listening levels. For casual use, however, it remains more than capable, and its sheer output ensures it never struggles to fill a room.

Comparisons

– Versus JBL Xtreme 3: The JBL offers a more premium finish and a more balanced sound signature, particularly in the treble. The Motion Boom Plus, however, delivers similar waterproofing and greater volume at a significantly lower price.
– Versus Sony SRS‑XG300: Sony’s model has a sleeker design and more advanced app integration. Anker’s option wins on raw value, battery life, and output power.
– Versus Soundcore Motion Boom (non‑Plus): The Plus model adds tweeters, more power, and a wider soundstage. For those seeking a true party speaker, the upgrade is worthwhile.

Everyday Impressions

The Motion Boom Plus is consistently praised for its ability to deliver loud, clear sound in outdoor settings. The battery life is strong enough to last through extended use, although maximum volume reduces stamina. The rugged build inspires confidence, with the waterproofing and floating design proving genuinely practical. Some may note that the plastics feel utilitarian compared to premium rivals, and the button backlights can be difficult to see in bright sunlight, yet these are minor compromises in a product that prioritises durability and performance.