Choosing Between the Morel BIGGIE and Soundcore BOOM 2: A Complete Guide

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the landscape in 2024 offers some fascinating choices. Today we're comparing the recently released premium Morel BIGGIE ($299) with the more affordable Soundcore BOOM 2 ($129.99). These speakers take notably different approaches to portable audio, and understanding these differences is key to making the right choice for your needs.

Understanding Portable Bluetooth Speakers in 2024

The portable speaker market has evolved significantly in recent years. While basic Bluetooth connectivity was once enough to impress, today's buyers expect sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP), extended battery life, and sound quality that rivals traditional home speakers. Modern portable speakers need to balance multiple competing priorities: sound quality, battery life, durability, and portability.

A Tale of Two Approaches

The Morel BIGGIE represents a premium approach, focusing on audio fidelity and refined engineering. Released in mid-2024, it showcases Morel's decades of speaker engineering expertise. The company is known for designing and manufacturing their own drivers and tweeters, which allows them to optimize performance in smaller enclosures.

In contrast, the BOOM 2 takes a more practical approach, emphasizing durability and features while maintaining good sound quality. It's built to handle outdoor environments while delivering the powerful bass response many listeners prefer for portable use.

Deep Dive: Sound Quality

The BIGGIE's Audiophile Approach

The BIGGIE employs a sophisticated two-way design with a 1-inch soft dome tweeter and 4-inch woofer. This configuration, combined with 60 watts of Class D amplification (split 45W/15W between woofer and tweeter), delivers remarkably balanced sound. The speaker shows particular strength in the critical midrange (300 Hz to 3 kHz), where most vocals and instruments live.

What's especially impressive is the BIGGIE's bass response down to 60 Hz - unusual for a speaker this size. The custom DSP helps maintain sound quality across volume levels, though some users report it can't completely prevent distortion at maximum volume.

The BOOM 2's Power Play

The BOOM 2 takes a different path, using dual passive radiators alongside its main drivers to enhance bass response. Its 80W maximum power output (with BassUp 2.0 engaged) exceeds the BIGGIE's raw power, though pure wattage doesn't tell the whole story. The BOOM 2 emphasizes impact over accuracy, which works well for outdoor use where environmental noise can mask subtle details.

Build Quality and Durability

The BIGGIE showcases premium materials and construction, with an MDF cabinet that helps minimize unwanted vibrations. Its removable leather-like handle adds convenience, though at 5.7 pounds, it's not something you'll want to carry long distances.

The BOOM 2's IPX7 waterproof rating means it can handle full immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. This rugged construction makes it ideal for pool parties or beach trips - situations where you wouldn't want to risk the more delicate BIGGIE.

Battery Life and Charging

Both speakers offer impressive battery life, though real-world performance varies based on volume and feature usage. The BIGGIE claims 20 hours but typically delivers closer to 16 hours in testing. Its fast-charging capability is impressive - just 20 minutes provides about 4 hours of playback.

The BOOM 2 boasts 24 hours of playback and includes a power bank feature to charge other devices. This additional functionality can be particularly useful during outdoor activities or travel.

Modern Features and Connectivity

BIGGIE's Technical Excellence

The BIGGIE incorporates Bluetooth 5.3 with a remarkable 165-foot range. Its True Wireless Stereo (TWS) capability allows pairing two units for proper stereo separation. The upcoming Auracast support (via firmware update) will enable multiple users to connect simultaneously - a feature that could be game-changing for collaborative listening.

BOOM 2's Feature Set

The BOOM 2 matches the Bluetooth 5.3 specification and adds party-friendly features like beat-synced lighting effects and PartyCast 2.0, which allows connection of over 100 compatible speakers. While these features might seem gimmicky to audiophiles, they can enhance the social aspect of portable speakers.

Price and Value Consideration

At $299, the BIGGIE represents a significant investment. You're paying for superior sound quality, premium construction, and Morel's engineering expertise. For critical listening or home use where audio quality matters most, this investment can make sense.

The BOOM 2's $129.99 price point makes it more accessible while offering features the BIGGIE lacks. The waterproofing alone could justify the purchase for many users, and the additional features like lighting effects and power bank functionality add value.

How to Decide

The choice between these speakers largely depends on your primary use case and budget. Consider these scenarios:

Choose the BIGGIE if:

• Sound quality is your top priority
• You'll primarily use it indoors
• You appreciate premium engineering
• Budget allows for the investment
• You want the best vocal and instrumental reproduction

Choose the BOOM 2 if:

• You need waterproofing
• Outdoor use is common
• Maximum volume is important
• You want party-friendly features
• Value is a key consideration

Looking Forward

Both speakers represent different visions of what a portable speaker can be in 2024. The BIGGIE shows how far portable audio quality has come, while the BOOM 2 demonstrates the practical features possible at a more accessible price point.

The BIGGIE's upcoming Auracast support suggests Morel is committed to keeping the speaker current with new technology. Meanwhile, the BOOM 2's feature set shows how mature the portable speaker market has become, offering capabilities that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.

When making your final decision, consider where and how you'll use the speaker most often. The BIGGIE excels in controlled environments where its superior sound quality can shine, while the BOOM 2 is better suited to diverse environments where its durability and features provide more practical value.

Morel BIGGIE Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices

soundcore BOOM 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices