Soundcore Boom 2 vs Boom 2 Plus: Is Smaller Better?
The Soundcore Boom 2 vs Boom 2 Plus is closer than their sizes suggest. The Plus brings more bass and volume, but the smaller Boom 2 is the speaker that impressed me most for its compact size.
By James · Picky Audio
· 4 min read
QUICK TAKE
For the Soundcore Boom 2 vs Boom 2 Plus, I think the Boom 2 is the better-value pick if you want a more compact speaker. It is half the weight, yet the sound it pushes out really exceeds its small size.
Choose the Boom 2 Plus if size is not a concern. It is louder, delivers fuller and deeper bass, and has an attachable shoulder strap plus a 3.5 mm audio jack.
| Soundcore Boom 2 | Soundcore Boom 2 Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1.7 kg / 3.7 lb | 3.8 kg / 8.5 lb |
| Sound at 50% volume | Very similar tuning and sound signature to the Plus | About 4 dB louder than the Boom 2 |
| Maximum volume | About 92 dB at 1 m | About 96 dB at 1 m |
| Bass | Punchy, but less full than the Plus | Fuller and deeper, though it can get boomy |
| Portability | More compact overall | Attachable shoulder strap for hands-free carrying |
| Connections | No 3.5 mm audio jack | Includes a 3.5 mm audio jack |
| Water resistance | Waterproof and floats facing upwards | Waterproof and floats facing upwards |
How different are the Boom 2 and Boom 2 Plus?
Outside of size, the two speakers are almost identical. They have the same build quality, buttons and lights, and both are waterproof speakers that can float in water with the drivers facing up.
The Boom 2 weighs 1.7 kg (3.7 lb), while the Boom 2 Plus weighs 3.8 kg (8.5 lb). The Plus is much larger, although its attachable shoulder strap makes it easy to carry hands-free. It also adds a 3.5 mm audio jack, which the Boom 2 does not have.
Does the Boom 2 sound close to the Boom 2 Plus indoors?
At around 50% volume and below, the Boom 2 holds up remarkably well. I levelled the samples because the Plus was about 4 dB louder at that volume, and the two speakers sounded very similar in tuning.
Both have forward mids, crisp detailed treble that does not get harsh, punch in the bass and a very full sound. The Plus still has fuller bass that reaches a little deeper. My complaint with both is that bass can become a little boomy, more so on the Plus.
Which Soundcore speaker is louder outdoors?
At maximum volume, I measured the Boom 2 at about 92 dB from 1 m away and the Boom 2 Plus at about 96 dB. That 4 dB difference is quite noticeable.
Past 70% volume, the Plus makes a more dramatic jump in bass fullness. Bigger drivers and more power mean it sounds better overall, but the smaller Boom 2 still surprised me in this outdoor test.
Boom 2 or Boom 2 Plus: which is the better value?
I love the Boom 2 Plus. It is a great all-around speaker, and it is the clear choice if you do not mind the larger size and want the better overall sound.
Still, the Boom 2 impresses me more. Its compact size makes what it can put out feel more surprising, which is why I think it is the better-value speaker for people who want something smaller.
Questions I keep getting
Is the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus louder than the Boom 2?
Yes. In my maximum-volume outdoor test, the Boom 2 Plus measured about 96 dB at 1 m, compared with about 92 dB for the Boom 2.
Does the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus have more bass than the Boom 2?
Yes. The Boom 2 Plus has fuller bass that hits a little deeper, particularly above 70% volume, although its bass can also sound more boomy.
THE VERDICT
If you want compact size and better value, I would go with the Boom 2. If you do not mind the larger speaker, the Boom 2 Plus is the way to go for louder output and fuller bass. Stay picky.
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