Anker Soundcore Flare 2 review: A new excuse to party by the pool

Wireless + waterproof + LED light show = sounds like summer; Solid omnidirectional audio; Can sync up to 100 speakers;

Setting up PartyCast mode is complex; No way to check battery charge level directly on the speaker; Useless quick-start guide;

Anker SoundCore Flare 2 Review

The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 ($79.99) is a lot of Bluetooth speaker for the price. It's portable, it's waterproof, and it can produce an LED light show that syncs with whatever you're listening to. On the audio front, the drivers can get loud and project a decent sense of bass depth for the speaker's size. So while it isn't necessarily a standout, the Soundcore Flare 2 represents an excellent value, delivering solid sound from a modest, waterproof frame. Design Available in black, with multi-color LED light strips lining the top and bottom panels, the SoundCore Flare 2 measures roughly 6.4 by 3.5 inches (HW). Its cylindrical exterior is lined with cloth speaker grille that covers the 20-watt drivers and dual passive bass radiators. The base is lined with rubber to keep the speaker from moving around due to vibrations. The SoundCore Flare 2 has an IPX7 rating, which means it can handle water pressure or being submerged up to one meter, so it can definitely withstand rain or poolside...

The portable Anker Soundcore Flare 2 speakers delivers solid audio and cool LED lights in a waterproof design for a fair price.

Relatively solid audio for the size and price; IPX7 waterproof rating; Speakerphone functionality; LED light strips can flash various colors to the beat

Not much deep bass; EQ in app cannot be customized