Ever had that heart-stopping moment when your expensive gadget gets too close to the water? A recent survey revealed that water damage is one of the top three causes of smartphone and electronics failure. In 2025, as we take our music everywhere from the shower to the seaside, a speaker’s ability to survive a splash—or even a full submersion—is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.
This is where the demand for the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker IPX7 has exploded. But with a sea of options, which one delivers the best sound, durability, and features without sinking your budget? Today, we’re diving deep into a top contender that promises premium features at a wallet-friendly price: the Anker Soundcore Flare 2.
We’ll explore its 360° sound, mesmerizing light show, and rugged build to determine if this is the ultimate go-anywhere audio companion you need this year.
Product Overview
The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is designed to be the life of the party, whether it’s on your desk or by the pool. It’s a portable waterproof bluetooth speaker that blends immersive audio, a dynamic light show, and a robust, take-anywhere design into one compelling package.
- Outdoor-Proof Speaker: Portable design with IPX7 waterproof protection to safeguard against splashes, waves, and water v…
- 24H Non-Stop Music: With Anker’s world-renowned power management technology and a 5,200mAh Li-ion battery, the soundcore…
- Powerful Sound: The speaker features 12W power with enhanced bass from dual neodymium drivers. An advanced digital signa…
Its signature feature is the 360° immersive sound. Dual back-to-back drivers and thumping passive bass radiators are engineered to deliver sound in every direction, ensuring everyone in the vicinity gets the same high-quality audio experience. This is amplified by Anker’s proprietary BassUp technology, which uses a custom digital signal processor to analyze and enhance bass frequencies in real-time for a much deeper punch.
But the Flare 2 isn’t just about sound; it’s a feast for the eyes too. Dual light rings at the top and bottom of the speaker pulse, phase, and shine to the beat of your music, offering multiple customizable modes and colors through the Soundcore app.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Audio Output: 20W of powerful 360° sound delivered by dual drivers and passive radiators.
- IPX7 Waterproof Rating: This is the core of its durability. An ipx7 rated bluetooth speaker can be fully submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, meaning it can handle rain, splashes, and even being dropped in the pool without missing a beat.
- Battery Life: A 5,200 mAh Li-ion battery promises up to 12 hours of continuous playtime, perfect for a full day of tunes.
- Beat-Driven Light Show: Dual LED rings offer 6 different lighting modes to match your mood and music.
- Soundcore App Control: The companion app allows you to customize the EQ for your perfect sound profile and tailor the light show to your liking.
- PartyCast Technology: Want to amplify the sound? You can link over 100 Soundcore Flare 2 speakers together from a single device to create a massive, synchronized sound and light experience.
- Bluetooth 5.0: Provides a rock-solid, stable connection up to 20 meters away.
This speaker is built not just to play music, but to create a complete audiovisual experience, making it a fantastic pool bluetooth speaker or shower bluetooth speaker ipx7.
Performance & User Experience
Putting the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 to the test reveals that its real-world performance largely lives up to the hype, especially considering its price point.
The 360° sound is immediately noticeable. Placing the speaker in the center of a room or outdoor patio creates a genuinely immersive feel, eliminating the “sweet spot” problem that plagues many directional speakers. The audio is crisp and clear, with vocals and highs coming through cleanly. With BassUp activated, the low-end is surprisingly powerful for a speaker of this size, making it great for pop, electronic, and hip-hop genres.
The light show adds a fun, dynamic element. While some may see it as a gimmick, it’s well-executed and genuinely enhances the listening experience during evening get-togethers. The lights react accurately to the beat, and the ability to customize them in the app is a great touch.
Anecdotal Evidence:
We took the Flare 2 on a weekend kayaking trip. It got splashed repeatedly and sat in a puddle at the bottom of the boat for hours, all while blasting music without issue. Back at the campsite, its 360° sound was perfect for providing background music for the whole group. The battery lasted the entire evening and into the next morning at a moderate volume.
However, there are a couple of drawbacks. The advertised 12-hour battery life is achievable with the lights off and volume around 50%. Turn the lights on and crank the volume, and you’re looking at closer to 5-6 hours. Additionally, while the bass is strong, audiophiles might find it a bit less defined and nuanced compared to more expensive competitors like the Sony or JBL models.
Comparison with Similar Products
The market for the best waterproof bluetooth speaker ipx7 is crowded with excellent options. The Anker Soundcore Flare 2’s main appeal is its feature-to-price ratio. Here’s how it compares to two other popular choices in 2025.
| Feature | Anker Soundcore Flare 2 | JBL Flip 5 | Sony SRS-XB23 |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 | IP67 (Dustproof & Waterproof) |
| Power Output | 20W | 20W | Not specified, but comparable |
| Sound Profile | 360° Immersive Sound | Directional, Punchy Sound | Directional, “Extra Bass” |
| Key Feature | Beat-Driven Light Show | 11 Color Options, PartyBoost | Shockproof, Saltwater Resistant |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours | Up to 12 hours | Up to 12 hours (10 with Extra Bass) |
| App Control | Yes (EQ & Light Customization) | No | Yes (EQ Customization) |
Unique Selling Points & Differentiators:
- Anker Soundcore Flare 2: Its killer combination is the 360° sound and the integrated light show at a budget-friendly price. The PartyCast feature, allowing a connection of over 100 speakers, is also far more expansive than JBL’s or Sony’s systems for creating a party atmosphere. It’s the undisputed value king for features.
- JBL Flip 5: The jbl flip 5 waterproof speaker is a benchmark for a reason. It offers a more refined, punchy, and arguably more accurate sound signature that many users prefer. Its build quality feels exceptionally rugged, and its simple, no-fuss operation is a major draw for those who don’t need lights or complex app controls.
- Wireless Bluetooth streaming
- 12 hours of playtime
- IPX7 waterproof
- Sony SRS-XB23: The sony waterproof bluetooth speaker stands out with its superior durability. The IP67 rating adds dust protection, and it’s officially rated as shockproof and saltwater resistant, making it the best choice for harsh beach or marine environments. Its “Extra Bass” mode is also a major draw for bass lovers.
- Play it loud with EXTRA BASS sound
- Waterproof, rustproof, dustproof and shockproof IP67 design for worry-free usage
- Power through any playlist with up to 12 hours of battery life
The Flare 2 carves its niche by offering a fun, feature-packed experience. While the JBL may have slightly better audio purity and the Sony is tougher, neither can match the Flare 2’s blend of immersive sound, visuals, and affordability.
Pricing & Value
The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 typically retails for around $79, though it can often be found on sale for closer to
60−60−65. This pricing places it firmly in the “budget-premium” category, offering features usually found in speakers costing twice as much.
In terms of value, the Flare 2 is almost untouchable. For less than the price of a single JBL Flip 5, you get a speaker that is also fully waterproof, has similar power and battery life, and adds a customizable 360° light show and full app control with EQ settings. This makes it an incredibly cheap waterproof bluetooth speaker without feeling cheap in its performance or build.
If your primary concern is getting the absolute most features and fun for your money, the Flare 2 provides exceptional value. It’s an easy recommendation for students, families, or anyone who wants a versatile outdoor waterproof bluetooth speaker without breaking the bank. It proves that you don’t need to spend over $100 to get a fantastic, durable, and great-sounding product.
Customer Reviews & Feedback
The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is a customer favorite, boasting stellar ratings across major online retailers. It holds an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon from over 50,000 ratings, which speaks volumes about its widespread appeal.
Here’s a summary of what verified users are saying:
- Amazing Value for Money: This is the most consistent theme. A top review states, “I can’t believe this speaker was under $80. The sound quality and bass response rival speakers I’ve heard that cost $150 or more.”
- The Light Show is a Hit: Many users, especially those with families, love the visual element. One parent wrote, “My kids are obsessed with the lights. It turned our regular backyard evening into a mini dance party.”
- Solid Waterproofing: Numerous reviews confirm the IPX7 rating holds up. “I use this as my shower bluetooth speaker ipx7 every single day. It’s been soaked hundreds of times and still works like new,” commented one user.
Constructive criticism from users often centers on a few key points:
- Micro-USB Charging: In 2025, the use of a Micro-USB port instead of the more modern USB-C is a common complaint. “It’s my only device that still uses Micro-USB. It’s a small annoyance, but I wish it was USB-C like everything else,” a reviewer noted.
- App Connectivity Issues: A small number of users report occasional glitches with the Soundcore app, such as difficulty saving EQ settings or connecting to the speaker.
Despite these minor gripes, the overwhelming consensus is that the Soundcore Flare 2 delivers an outstanding experience that far exceeds its price tag.
Pros, Cons & Expert Analysis
After a thorough evaluation, we can break down the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 into its core strengths and weaknesses.
Pros:
- Excellent 360-Degree Sound: Fills any space with rich, immersive audio.
- Fantastic Value Proposition: Delivers premium features at a budget-friendly price.
- Fully Waterproof (IPX7): Built to withstand full submersion, making it worry-free for outdoor and poolside use.
- Engaging Beat-Driven Light Show: Adds a fun, customizable visual element to the listening experience.
- Robust App Control: The Soundcore app allows for deep customization of both EQ and lighting.
- PartyCast for Massive Sound: The ability to link over 100 speakers is a huge plus for parties.
Cons:
- Outdated Micro-USB Port: Lacks the convenience and faster charging of the modern USB-C standard.
- Battery Life Dips with Lights & Volume: The 12-hour claim is only realistic under moderate use.
- Bass Can Lack Nuance for Audiophiles: While powerful, the bass isn’t as tight or detailed as more expensive options.
Expert Analysis:
The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is a masterclass in product positioning. Anker identified a gap in the market for a fun, feature-rich, and affordable waterproof speaker and executed it perfectly. It may not have the audiophile-grade sound signature of a premium sony waterproof bluetooth speaker, but it’s not trying to.
Its goal is to be the best all-around entertainer for the average consumer, and it succeeds brilliantly. For most users, the audio quality is more than good enough, and the added benefits of the light show, 360° sound, and full waterproofing make it a more compelling package than many of its pricier rivals. It remains one of the smartest buys in the portable audio market in 2025.
Final Verdict
So, is the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker IPX7 for you? If you prioritize value and features, the answer is an enthusiastic yes.
It strikes an incredible balance between price, performance, and fun. You get a speaker that sounds great from every angle, can survive a dunk in the pool without question, and brings a party to life with its dynamic light show. Its durability and impressive feature set make it the perfect waterproof speaker with long battery life for everyday adventures.
While it makes small compromises with its charging port and battery life at max settings, these are minor flaws in what is otherwise an outstanding package. For the price, you simply will not find another speaker that offers this much.
If you want a speaker that delivers joy, reliability, and powerful sound without emptying your wallet, the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is the undisputed champion.
Ready to light up your next adventure? Check the latest price and reviews on the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 now!
FAQs
1. Is the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 good for outdoor use?
Absolutely. With its IPX7 waterproof rating, durable fabric finish, and 12-hour battery life, it is an ideal outdoor waterproof bluetooth speaker. Its 360° sound is also perfect for open spaces where listeners may be spread out.
2. Can you turn the lights off on the Soundcore Flare 2?
Yes. You can easily turn the lights off by pressing the light button on top of the speaker or through the Soundcore app. Turning them off will also significantly extend the battery life.
3. Does the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 float in water?
No, the Soundcore Flare 2 does not float. While it is fully waterproof and will not be damaged by submersion, it will sink if dropped into a pool or lake.
4. How does PartyCast work on the Flare 2?
PartyCast allows you to wirelessly link over 100 Flare 2 speakers. You designate one speaker as the “primary” and then sync all other “secondary” speakers to it. They will all play the same music and synchronize their light shows for a massive party effect.
5. Is the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 better than the JBL Flip 5?
It depends on your priorities. The Flare 2 is better value, offering 360° sound and a light show for a lower price. The jbl flip 5 waterproof speaker offers a slightly more refined and punchy directional sound and a more established brand name, but lacks the extra features.
Have you tried the Anker Soundcore Flare 2? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
