Short answer: the Soundcore Mini. It ranks #13 of 62 small speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $29.99 and is still sold new; the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 ranks #57 (rated 2.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Soundcore Mini is the better-sounding, longer-running choice. It also has an FM tuner and microSD playback. It is rated for 15 hours of battery against 10 for the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2. At 0.4 lbs (200 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 at 0.6 lbs (250 g). The catch: Bass does not reach as deep as higher-ranked speakers.
Why pick the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2: Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. Watch for: Huge lack of bass.
Buy the Soundcore Mini. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Mini | Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #13 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #57 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| FM Tuner | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (200 g) | 0.6 lbs (250 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 | 4.2 |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Amplifier Power | 5W | 8W |
| Dimensions | 3.7” x 3.6” x 3.6” (94 x 92 x 91 mm) | 5.5” x 3” x 1” (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2” (50mm) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75”) full-range drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~120Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Soundcore Mini: $29.99 Amazon $29.99 Lowest Soundcore $39.99 eBay
Newer model: the Soundcore Mini 3, ranked higher, rated 4.1/5, released 2021 (also discontinued). See every Soundcore Mini generation.
Pros: Anker Soundcore Mini uses 1x 2” (50mm) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator. Its 200 g, claimed 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, aux input and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. It also has an FM tuner and microSD playback.
Cons: There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Bass does not reach as deep as higher-ranked speakers.
Full Soundcore Mini review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2016 (10 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 5W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.7” x 3.6” x 3.6” (94 x 92 x 91 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2” (50mm) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (200 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2: $100 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. Metal grille with a faux-leather back and a small kickstand. 8-10 hour battery life. Measured bass extension of ~120Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Huge lack of bass. Sounds very thin and tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 8W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~120Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 3” x 1” (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75”) full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (250 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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