Soundcore Flare 2: Party speaker with 360° sound for $69/69€

The Anker Soundcore Flare has not necessarily been the best loudspeaker in the past, but it is a practical party allround package. Logically, an improved version has now been released. The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 can even be connected to up to ten like-minded speakers.

• Soundcore Flare 2
  • at Soundcore for $69 | Amazon for $69 | Amazon.de for 69€ | Amazon.co.uk for £64.99 | Amazon.com.au for $104.51

Technical data of the Soundcore Flare 2

More LEDs

“Same name, same design,” was the motto at Anker. The manufacturer sticks to the almost cylindrical design of the predecessor, just like the material used. The loudspeaker consists largely of a textile jacket, which even allows an IP67 protection class. This means that the Soundcore Flare 2 is not only dustproof, but also protected against temporary submersion. The Soundcore logo is still emblazoned on the front.

In contrast to the first generation, however, there are now two light rings made of LEDs, one at the top and one at the bottom as a base, as with the first generation. As with the predecessor, these can be controlled on the device itself, but also via the Soundcore app (download: Android | iOS).

With 360° sound

How the Soundcore Flare 2 sounds in the end, we can only judge after a test. It is at least promising that two 10 W drivers are now integrated instead of the two 6 W drivers from the predecessor. In addition, there are also two passive radiators, which support the sound in the low frequency range. Anker promises 360° sound, but with “only” two speakers this is a bit pompous. In addition there is Soundcore’s BassUp technology, which additionally emphasizes the bass.

Compared to the first generation, the battery has been increased from 4,400 mAh to 5,200 mAh. However, there is also an additional LED ring that needs to be powered. Nevertheless, 12 hours playing time should be possible, which should outlast even the most stubborn party guest.

Like its predecessor, the Soundcore Flare 2 is compatible with the Soundcore app and you can control various lighting effects and the equalizer. But this could be especially interesting in combination with several Flare 2 speakers. After all, you can connect up to ten of these loudspeakers with each other, in the Flare 1 this function is still limited to two of them.

Evaluation

The Soundcore Flare 2 will probably be available for $80 soon, which makes it basically as expensive as the first generation. With a little luck you can get the Soundcore Motion+ in the same price range, which probably offers a better sound. But the Flare 2 is rather the party cannon with partly useful extensions. As we advertise the feature to be able to connect several speakers, we expect a corresponding package price for several speakers, otherwise it would be quite expensive. Should we test the Flare 2 as soon as it’s available?