Well, I have watched technology fly forward, and it's amazing now to have perfectly good products that don't even have a chance to wear out before better ones come along. I still have "wired" portable speakers, that still sound pretty terrific, including the classic Soundmatters Fox LV2 (an amazing sounding speaker) which is still running at $150, which is what I paid for it, years ago.
I then picked up the well-reviewed Photive Cyren in the "budget" class Bluetooth speakers, simply because I didn't want to shell out another few hundred dollars just to cut the cord, so to speak, and I picked that one out of a wide range of choices, including such offerings as the DKnight, the OontZ, etc., and was incredibly impressed with the sound and quality. I still use it.
A trip to my local phone store, buying a new phone, later got me to shell out for the UE Boom -- I seriously thought the in-store music was coming from the store sound system, and was stunned it was just a single UE Boom pumping out the tunes. Clever marketing savvy there, and hearing it was what sold me on it. So, I added the UE Boom, and, once again based on hearing a demo, later got the UE MegaBoom, for outside events.
Of course, that's a pretty big speaker, the MegaBoom, and, while it sounds nice, I was starting to run up against the reality that super portability is not going to bring big, beautiful noise and the trade off for superior sound is losing the "throw it in the backpack and go" benefit. But, I had a good range, from the small Photive up to the Mega UE, so I figured all was well. Who needs more speakers, right???
Well, of course we all do, haha, and while all of my old speakers (even my very first external speaker ever, my HDMX that runs on AA batteries), are still in near perfect condition, continuing advances in technology does tend to draw us in to see what's new and better, and, if I see that something truly is an upgrade, and isn't just marketing obsession, like a certain phone named after a piece of fruit, then I'm okay with trading up (or adding) from existing tech for the latest new thing. Plus, we all like our toys, so there's that too, right?
Well, what I didn't know, until a short while ago, was that Anker even made speakers. I was (and am) a huge fan of their accessories, like basic charging cables, wall chargers and portable charge packs. I think they are a great company, so, when I was looking for a very small portable speaker that was up to the great outdoors, I came across the Anker SoundCore Sport, the smaller version of this XL model.
My usual "speaker research" is listening to sound tests online, and, thankfully, a lot of folks take the time to put out some really great reviews, comparing and contrasting, plus you can learn a lot from written reviews from tech magazines and so forth, and generally, if you compare and contrast long enough, a top choice emerges. That's what led to me buying the Anker SoundCore Sport (which I review on its own merits) and, honestly, I was pretty stunned with how amazing it sounded, for its size, and for its serious durability.
Since none of my larger speakers are as bomb proof as what Anker made, with the small SoundCore, research on a larger speaker that can take a beating is what led to finding this SportCore XL. Again, cross referencing and listening to comparative audio clips, this is the one that stood out, even against other Anker products, and this seemed to be the one that gave the most sound and the best sound in the smallest and most durable package.
Fresh off of my happiness with the smaller version of this model, the purchase of the XL here was an easy one.
To say this is the best speaker on earth is ridiculous, of course, but, as of October 2016, I do feel it is the strongest offering on the market, right now, if one factors in price, portability, and versatility of use based on a very sturdy design. It's like Anker just hit the perfect sweet spot here, making it just big enough to really pump out some well balanced sound -- hitting the best all around range of base, mids and treble -- at a very respectable volume level (more than loud enough for any practical needs, really, in a portable speaker of this range) yet still small enough to beat the bigger guys in portability, while frankly producing superior audio. It even beats its own brand, the Premiere, which has too much base, and, obviously being bigger, beats its own small cousin, the very small (but a winner for its size) SoundCore Sport. Add in the tank-like properties, long battery life and a very affordable price, and this is just an outstanding buy.
Up against anything else, you're hard pressed to find anyone to beat this speaker. You either spend far more (to not really get sound that is vastly richer), wind up lugging around something larger, or, for around the same price and size, or more, you don't get the ruggedness and durability factor here -- an element which, by the way, does not detract at all from the quality of the audio. Few speakers, at any price, can even boast the 15 hour battery life of this tough brick. So, Anker has knocked it out of the park here, and based on this one, I have a feeling they will continue to lead the way in advancing sound engineering quality while keeping prices far below so-called audiophile brands that cost three to five times (or more) than this beauty.
I like too that it is super easy to use -- large, uncomplicated buttons -- fires up instantly (and doesn't have the annoying voice yelling at you about "PAIRING," like other brands) and connects instantly, has terrific Bluetooth range, and, as already mentioned, gives you 15 hours of fun time, not to mention you can drop it, dunk it, or cover it in dust and it won't even skip a beat.
I really could not find any brand that has brought all of these elements together, giving you something this portable, this affordable, this durable, and that sounds THIS GOOD. I favor a broad scope of music, from rock to classical, from ambient to all ranges of European trance, and all of it, and any of it, is a joy on this mighty boom box. While nothing is left to extreme, the beauty is in the balance -- you truly get a full soundscape, with just enough of every element to give great listening pleasure.
To date, it really exceeds anything else I have, for getting the sound just right -- no mush, no fade, no tinny highs or muffled lows -- and, while my other speakers are still not outdated, really, from any standpoint of wear or tear, it seems they have certainly been outplayed. This is the new kid on the block, and for all that it brings, without a hefty price tag, it's just the top player in the game.
I would recommend this above any other choice, based on boom for the buck, large sound while still keeping things portable, and the long list of other perks, such as the long battery life, 18 month warranty, a company that stands solidly behind its products if anything ever would go wrong, and, obviously, it's industry leading tough as nails design.
It's just amazing to have no compromise here. You're not lugging around a huge piece, you're not limited in where you can take it, you don't need to worry about it powering down on you anytime soon at all, you still get really and truly impressive sound quality and you spent less than any of its near competitors.
This is a speaker I can easily and very highly recommend, and, while it's rare to be able to say it, I would go so far as to say there just really is no better option for the combination of wins provided here, and this is a case where spending more would actually get you less. Pretty incredible, and I definitely look forward to what Anker brings, in the months and years to come.
A five star choice that is simply the best.
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Product Description
Anker SoundCore Sport XL
The Tough Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker with Impressive Volume
From ANKER, the Choice of 20 Million+ Happy Users
Industry-Leading Technology
99% Positive Amazon Feedback
Powerful Audio Technology
Connect via Bluetooth 4.1 and instantly enjoy crisp, dynamic sound with impressive volume from the 8W stereo speakers and rumbling bass from the dual passive subwoofers up to 66 ft from your device.
Tough and Durable
Shock-resistant, IP67-rated waterproof and dust-tight. Easily withstands extreme conditions and tough treatment. Perfect for partying on your next big adventure.
Long Battery Life
SoundCore Sport XL has an incredible 15-hour playtime from the built-in high-capacity lithium-ion battery, allowing you to enjoy music all day wherever you go (Playtime varies according to volume level and audio content).
Built-In USB Charging
A 5V 1A output keeps your phone or tablet charged when you're outdoors.
Compare with similar items
This Item  SoundCore Sport XL Outdoor Portable Bluetooth Speaker - 16W Output and 2 Subwoofers, IP67 Waterproof Weatherproof Shockproof, 66ft Bluetooth Range, 15H Playtime, Built-in Mic, USB Charging Port |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | $79.99 | -38% $49.95 List: $79.95 | $67.60 | $79.99 | $79.99 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Battery life | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Bluetooth connectivity | ||||||
| Sold By | — | Wonders Tech | Huppins | AnkerDirect | Wonders Tech | Wonders Tech |
| power source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| connectivity tech | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, Auxiliary, TF Card | Bluetooth, Auxiliary, TF Card |
| speaker type | Subwoofer | Woofer | Outdoor | Outdoor | Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker | Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker |
| mounting type | Plug Mount,Freestanding | Wall Mount | Clip On,Freestanding | Type-C | Smartphone | Freestanding |
| weight | 599 grams | — | 239 grams | 0.69 kilograms | — | 5.59 pounds |
| control method | — | touch | touch | touch | touch | — |
| model name | SoundCore Sport XL | Extreme Boom | — | A3133 | Extreme Boom | Extreme Boom |
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Reviews with images
Bluetooth Speaker Comparison -- 2017 Edition
I was in need of a new portable speaker, and like many of you, I was a little overwhelmed after doing an Amazon search and finding literally tens of thousands of options to choose from. It's especially frustrating because probably the most important part of the product -- how good it sounds -- is not something you can really evaluate until after you physically have it. So I picked four speakers to compare: Cambridge Soundworks OontZ Angle 3 Plus, Anker SoundCore Sport XL, Geek Beats Jolt5, and the JBL Flip 4.First, the Cambridge SoundWorks OontZ Angle 3 PLUS Bluetooth Speaker with 30-Hour Playtime - Richer Bass Greater Sound Quality & 10W+ Loud Volume, Water Resistant Splashproof, Portable Wireless Speaker, is a slightly larger version of the best-selling speaker on Amazon with over 17,000 reviews and a $30 price tag, and this only costs $5 more, so why not give it a shot? I chose Anker SoundCore Sport XL Outdoor Portable Bluetooth Speaker - 16W Output and 2 Subwoofers, IP67 Waterproof & Dustproof, Shockproof, 66ft Bluetooth Range, 15H Playtime, Built-in Mic, USB Charging Port, partially because I have other Anker products that I'm pretty happy with, but also because the 66-foot advertised range seemed like it could come in handy if I were working in the backyard with my phone in my pocket and the speaker sitting on the porch. I selected the GEEK BEATS JOLT5 10W X-Bass Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speaker and USB Power Bank - Green. IP65 Water and Dust Resistant with 5200mAh Samsung Battery. because it's the same price as the Anker, it has an average of 4.9 stars (wow!), and it can be used as a battery to charge your phone. And finally, I chose the JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Black) because in my search, I kept seeing the JBL Flip 3 pop up in reviews for other speakers, and this is the newest (and supposedly slightly better) version of that speaker.Sound Comparison: Sitting in my living room and swapping around between the four options, it's clear that the Flip 4 is the most, well, clear. Considering it's also the most expensive, I kinda expected that to be the result. Surprisingly, the OontZ was a solid second place with a bit more rumble in its bass compared to the Flip 4 but at the cost of less clarity. The Anker and Jolt5 were noticeably flatter in their sound, seeming to favor the lows instead of an overall range, and this caused some distortion at higher volumes. When I took the speakers outside, it's a slightly different story. With the speakers on the patio, I walked into the yard about 25 feet and compared the sound quality again, and again I'd put the Flip 4 in the top spot. This time, however, I'd actually say the Anker was a solid number 2. At this distance, the distortion from having the volume up the whole way was not very noticeable and didn't detract from the music I was playing, and the Anker is a bit louder than the OontZ. The Jolt5 is a distant last place being not only flat but also not as loud. It's comparable to listening to the radio on a boombox from the 90s.Bluetooth Range: With the speakers inside, all four started cutting in and out around the same spot about 30 feet away. It's around a corner, so having a wall in the way seems to even the odds here. Having an open space outside didn't seem to make a difference to the Jolt5, though, as it still broke up around 30 feet. The product page on Amazon says 33 feet, so that's pretty accurate. The OontZ fared a bit better and almost made it to the back gate about 60 feet away. The Anker is pretty spot on with its advertised 66-foot range as it went a bit further than the OontZ, even onto the other side of the gate and almost into the road. The Flip 4 was still going strong when I got to the other side of the road and couldn't go any further in a straight line, maybe 75 feet.Other Things: Depending on what exactly you plan on using your speaker for, and just for comparison's sake, there are some differences that may be worth note:-- All four speakers come with a mini-USB to USB charging cable but not the plug. If you've charged a cell phone in the last 10 years or so, however, you should probably already have one.-- The Jolt5 and OontZ come with a 3.5mm cable so you can plug your phone right into it instead of using bluetooth (though all four speakers have this option, just not the cable).-- The Anker and Jolt5 have a USB port so they can be used as a portable battery to charge your phone.-- The Anker, Flip 4, and Jolt5 have hand straps. The OontZ does not come with one nor have a place to attach one.-- The Anker, Flip 4, and Jolt5 have audible cues when they power on or off. The OontZ is silent. All four speakers do, however, make a noise when you successfully pair a device through bluetooth.-- All four speakers are splash resistant, but only the Anker and Flip 4 are likely to live if they fall into the water (submersible up to 30 minutes)-- The Anker and Jolt5 are shock resistant, so they likely won't shatter if you drop them-- The OontZ has the longest battery life (30 hours) and the Flip 4 has the shortest (12 hours)-- The Flip 4 can be paired with other Flip 4's (through an app) to provide a wireless multi-speaker experience. There are Bluetooth adapters that would allow you to do this with the other speakers if you wanted, as well as physically connecting them with 3.5mm cables.-- The Flip 4 comes in a variety of colors.-- They are all roughly the same size, just differently shaped (see pics)Conclusion: The best bang for your buck is the OontZ Angle 3 Plus. It's a measly $35 and sounds almost as good as the $100 Flip 4, especially inside. In addition to being inexpensive, you can literally keep it blaring music for an entire day. It's not quite as loud outside as the Anker or Flip 4, but it's also half the price. If you're willing to pay for premium sound, go with the Flip 4 or even the Flip 3 if you want to save 20 bucks. Supposedly the sound is comparable, just the Flip 4 has a longer playtime. It really is noticeably clearer compared to the other options, so if you were using it with a projector to watch a movie, for example, the rumbling and distortion aren't going to drown out the dialogue, and likewise vocals on a music track don't get lost in the rest of the noise. If you're planning on a bunch of outside activities, like mountain biking or camping, the ruggedness of the Anker and ability for it to charge your phone makes it your best bet. I didn't do a drop test with any of these, but the Anker feels like a rubberized brick and would probably survive a fall. Other than battery life, there's no reason to ever choose the Jolt5 over the Anker, especially considering they are the same price. The Jolt5 is just worse in every way, and I honestly don't understand its 4.9 rating.The Jolt5 is going back. The Flip 4 is staying. I'm still debating between the Anker and OontZ and may keep them both since the cost combined is still less than a Flip 4.EDIT: After further testing, the Anker is going back and I'm keeping the OontZ. When plugged in with a 3.5mm cable, the sound is dramatically better with way more bass and a louder volume. And it's still somehow the cheapest one.TL;DR:-- On a budget? Cambridge SoundWorks OontZ Angle 3 Plus-- Best sound? JBL Flip 4 (though I do wish it had a bit more bass)-- Most likely to survive the apocalypse? Anker SoundCore Sport XL
Top reviews from other countries
Gilberto Gtz.
Sonido buenísimo
Reviewed in Mexico on November 21, 2018
Gilberto Gtz.
Reviewed in Mexico on November 21, 2018
Images in this review
SeB54
Excellent produit que je racheterai sans hésiter.
Reviewed in France on January 16, 2017Gianluca Borrello
OTTIMO PRODOTTO, SPECIE IN RELAZIONE AL PREZZO
Reviewed in Italy on March 1, 2017