When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the market spans from basic personal audio to premium party powerhouses. Today we're comparing the recently released Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM ($229.99) with the value-focused Anker Soundcore 2 ($44.99), two speakers that showcase just how wide this range can be.
The portable speaker market has evolved significantly in recent years. The EPICBOOM, released in September 2023, represents the current state of premium portable audio technology. It incorporates advanced features like adaptive EQ (which automatically adjusts sound settings based on your environment) and 360-degree sound projection. Meanwhile, the Soundcore 2, despite being an older design from 2017, remains popular due to its excellent value proposition and reliable performance.
The EPICBOOM delivers impressive audio through a sophisticated three-driver system: two 45mm drivers for mids and highs, plus a substantial 120mm woofer for bass. This configuration helps explain its robust sound profile, especially in larger spaces. The speaker can reach 94 dBC (decibels C-weighted, which measures sound similar to how human ears perceive it), making it suitable for outdoor gatherings and medium-sized parties.
What's particularly noteworthy is the EPICBOOM's 360-degree sound projection. Unlike traditional forward-firing speakers, it disperses sound evenly in all directions, making it ideal for central placement in a room or outdoor space. The adaptive EQ feature continuously adjusts the sound profile based on the speaker's environment - a technical achievement that wasn't available in portable speakers just a few years ago.
The Soundcore 2 takes a more traditional approach with its dual 6-watt drivers. While this might seem modest compared to the EPICBOOM, it's important to understand that wattage alone doesn't tell the whole story. The Soundcore 2 implements Anker's BassUp technology, which analyzes and adjusts low frequencies in real-time to enhance bass output from its compact frame.
The EPICBOOM's IP67 rating means it's fully dustproof and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. It's also designed to float, making it genuinely pool-friendly. In contrast, the Soundcore 2's IPX5 rating protects against splashes and light rain, but not submersion.
Size and weight differences are substantial:
Here's where things get interesting - the less expensive Soundcore 2 actually outperforms the EPICBOOM in battery life:
This difference reflects their different power requirements. The EPICBOOM's larger drivers and more powerful amplification naturally consume more energy. Both use lithium-ion batteries, but the EPICBOOM's higher power output means more frequent charging despite its larger battery capacity.
The EPICBOOM offers several modern conveniences:
The Soundcore 2 keeps things simple:
While neither speaker is specifically designed for home theater use, the EPICBOOM's superior sound quality and 360-degree projection make it a decent temporary solution for small rooms. Its higher maximum volume and better bass response help with movie soundtracks, though it won't replace a proper surround sound system.
The EPICBOOM truly shines outdoors, where its powerful output and outdoor boost mode help it maintain clear sound even in open spaces. The Soundcore 2 performs adequately for personal listening or small gatherings but struggles to fill larger outdoor areas.
For parties, the EPICBOOM's ability to pair with other speakers (up to 150!) and its higher volume capability make it the clear choice. The Soundcore 2 works better as personal audio or background music for small gatherings.
The five-fold price difference between these speakers reflects their different target markets. The EPICBOOM justifies its higher price through:
The Soundcore 2 delivers impressive value through:
Choose the EPICBOOM if:
Choose the Soundcore 2 if:
Both the EPICBOOM and Soundcore 2 excel in their respective categories. The EPICBOOM represents the current state of premium portable audio technology, while the Soundcore 2 shows how much quality you can get in a budget-friendly package. Your choice should ultimately depend on your primary use case and budget constraints.
For most users, the decision comes down to intended use: if you need a powerful speaker for parties and outdoor events, the EPICBOOM is worth the investment. If you're looking for a personal audio solution or travel companion, the Soundcore 2 offers exceptional value without compromising on essential features.
| Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM ($229.99) | Anker Soundcore 2 ($44.99) |
|---|---|
| Sound Output - Determines volume capacity and audio quality | |
| 2x45mm drivers + 120mm woofer, 94 dBC max volume | 2x6W drivers, ~80 dBC max volume |
| Audio Features - Affects sound customization and versatility | |
| Adaptive EQ, 360° sound, outdoor boost mode, app-based EQ | Basic EQ, BassUp technology, directional sound |
| Water Resistance - Important for outdoor and poolside use | |
| IP67 (fully waterproof, dustproof, floatable) | IPX5 (splash resistant only) |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use duration | |
| 17 hours playback | 24 hours playback |
| Connectivity - Impacts range and connection stability | |
| Bluetooth 5.3, 55m range, NFC pairing | Bluetooth 4.2, 20m range |
| Size & Weight - Affects portability | |
| 16.2 x 11.9 x 24.1 cm, 2kg (party-sized) | Compact design, 318g (travel-friendly) |
| Smart Features - Enhanced functionality | |
| App control, multi-speaker pairing (up to 150), customizable presets | Basic controls only, no app integration |
| Best Use Case - Helps match to buyer needs | |
| Outdoor parties, large rooms, pool/beach use | Personal listening, desk use, travel |
The Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM ($229.99) is significantly better for outdoor parties with its 94 dBC maximum volume, 360-degree sound, and outdoor boost mode. The Anker Soundcore 2 ($44.99) is better suited for personal listening or small gatherings.
The Soundcore 2 offers longer battery life at 24 hours, compared to the EPICBOOM's 17 hours. However, the EPICBOOM uses more power due to its larger drivers and higher volume output.
The EPICBOOM has superior water resistance with IP67 rating and can be submerged up to 1 meter, while the Soundcore 2 has IPX5 rating for splash resistance only.
The Soundcore 2 is significantly more portable at 318g and compact size, while the EPICBOOM weighs 2kg and is considerably larger.
The price difference is justified if you need higher volume, better sound quality, and more features. The EPICBOOM offers premium features, while the Soundcore 2 provides excellent value for basic use.
The EPICBOOM delivers superior sound quality with its three-driver system and advanced EQ features. The Soundcore 2 offers good sound for its size but can't match the EPICBOOM's audio performance.
The EPICBOOM can pair with up to 150 compatible speakers and offers NFC pairing, while the Soundcore 2 only supports basic single-device Bluetooth connection.
Both work well indoors, but the EPICBOOM's 360-degree sound makes it better for filling larger rooms. The Soundcore 2 is ideal for personal listening or small spaces.
The EPICBOOM offers app control, customizable EQ, and multiple presets. The Soundcore 2 has basic controls only with no smart features.
The EPICBOOM offers superior Bluetooth range at 55 meters with Bluetooth 5.3, while the Soundcore 2 has approximately 20 meters range with Bluetooth 4.2.
The Soundcore 2 is better suited for travel due to its compact size and lighter weight. The EPICBOOM is less practical for travel but offers better sound quality.
For casual listening, the Soundcore 2 offers excellent value and sufficient quality. However, if budget allows and sound quality is important, the EPICBOOM provides a superior listening experience.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: techradar.com - ultimateears.com - youtube.com - tomsguide.com - ultimateears.com - cdw.com - connection.com - bestbuy.com - ultimateears.com - community.anker.com - forums.androidcentral.com - community.anker.com - youtube.com - community.anker.com - community.anker.com - wirelessplace.com - cnet.com - youtube.com - walmart.com - us.ankerwork.com - support.soundcore.com
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