Short answer: the Soundcore Select 2S. Both are rated 3.4/5 for sound quality (#70 and #68 of 164 medium speakers), and the Soundcore Select 2S costs $39.99 against $59.99 for the Soundcore 3, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
Two closely matched iterations of Anker’s popular compact stereo platform. Both speakers share twin 1.5-inch titanium drivers with dual passive radiators, robust IPX7 waterproofing, and Soundcore app EQ support for fine-tuning sound.
Battery life vs multi-speaker features: The Soundcore 3 claims up to 24 hours of playback from its battery, making it the endurance leader for travel. The newer Soundcore Select 2S updates the Bluetooth radio with PartyCast 2.0 pairing support across 100+ compatible units and delivers slightly improved out-of-the-box midrange voicing.
Buy the Soundcore 3 if maximum single-charge battery longevity is your primary concern.
Buy the Soundcore Select 2S if you want PartyCast 2.0 multi-speaker pairing and the latest app EQ presets.
Buy the Soundcore Select 2S. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $20 less than the Soundcore 3.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore 3 | Soundcore Select 2S | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 | $39.99 |
| Ranked | #68 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #70 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz | 65Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Latency | 180ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) | Yes (PartyCast 2.0) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | - |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (372 g) | 0.8 lbs (380 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 2.2” x 2.3” (174 x 57 x 59 mm) | 6.9” x 2.2” x 2.3” (174 x 57 x 59 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | 20W |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm (1.5”) titanium diaphragm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Aux Input | No | - |
| TWS | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | - |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Soundcore 3:
- Earfun Uboom L vs Soundcore 3
- Soundcore Motion 300 vs Soundcore 3
- Soundcore Motion+ vs Soundcore 3
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Soundcore 3
- Minirig 4 vs Soundcore 3
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Soundcore 3: $59.99 Amazon eBay
Older model: the Soundcore 2 (ranked lower, rated 3/5).
Pros: Soundcore 3 uses 2x 38mm (1.5”) titanium diaphragm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators. Its 372 g, claimed 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX7 protection, up to 99dB and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. Identical in acoustic design and performance to the retailer variant Soundcore Select 2. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 60Hz specification.
Full Soundcore 3 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 180ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 2.2” x 2.3” (174 x 57 x 59 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm (1.5”) titanium diaphragm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (372 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Soundcore Select 2S: $39.99 Amazon eBay
Older model: the Soundcore Select 2 (ranked higher, rated 3.4/5).
Pros: Dual full-range drivers deliver 20W stereo output with BassUp processing and smooth listening-window neutrality across mid and treble frequencies. 9-band customizable EQ in the Soundcore app allows fine tuning. IPX7 waterproof rating ensures immersion protection. Up to 16 hours of battery life and PartyCast 2.0 allows pairing 100+ compatible units. Measured bass extension of 65Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Steep low-end roll-off below 65Hz due to compact cabinet volume. Heavy dynamic compression limits fidelity at peak SPL (>82 dB). Treble directivity requires on-axis listening.
Full Soundcore Select 2S review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 65Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 2.2” x 2.3” (174 x 57 x 59 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast 2.0) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (380 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons