Short answer: the Soundcore 2. It ranks #106 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.0/5) at $29.99 and is still sold new; the Harman Kardon Esquire 2 ranks #155 (rated 2.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Soundcore 2 is the better-sounding, longer-running pick. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 8 for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. It is rated IPX7 against IPX4 for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Harman Kardon Esquire 2.
The case for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2: Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. The catch: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume.
Buy the Soundcore 2. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Harman Kardon Esquire 2 is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore 2 | Harman Kardon Esquire 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | $200 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #106 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #155 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (318 g) | 0.8 lbs (0.35 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.1 |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm fullrange | 4x 1.25” (32mm) full-range drivers |
| Dimensions | 6.6” x 1.9” x 2.2” (168 x 47 x 56 mm) | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.3” (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 12W | 16W |
| App | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX4 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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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 2: $29.99 Amazon $29.99 Lowest Soundcore $45.99 eBay
Newer model: the Soundcore 3, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Jan 2021. It adds app control and adjustable EQ, but drops the aux input. See every Soundcore 2 and 3 generation.
Pros: Soundcore 2 uses 2x 38mm fullrange. Its 318 g, claimed 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX7 protection, aux input and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use.
Cons: Its 70Hz to 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) specification points to limited deep-bass reach for the cabinet size. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment.
Full Soundcore 2 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 12W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.6” x 1.9” x 2.2” (168 x 47 x 56 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (318 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Harman Kardon Esquire 2: $200 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. Flat, compact design packs easily. USB charge-out for topping off a phone.
Cons: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2015 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.3” (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| Drivers | 4x 1.25” (32mm) full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (0.35 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Harman Kardon Esquire 2 vs Ultimate Ears Roll 2
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