Short answer: the Soundcore Boom 2. It ranks #10 of 77 large speakers by sound quality at $99.99; the B&O Beoplay A2 active ranks #16 and costs $400, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Soundcore Boom 2 side: Pretty deep bass for the size. Set against that: Only a single midrange driver, so you only get stereo for the tweeters.
What the B&O Beoplay A2 active gets right: B&O’s True360 sound from both sides. The catch: Not stereo.
Buy the Soundcore Boom 2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the B&O Beoplay A2 active and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If water resistance matters to you, the Soundcore Boom 2 at IPX7 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the B&O Beoplay A2 active at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Boom 2 | B&O Beoplay A2 active | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | $400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #10 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #16 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | None |
| Bluetooth Latency | 125ms | - |
| Max Volume | 105dB | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast 2.0 up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 3.7 lbs / 1.68 kg | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 11.7" x 7.3" x 4" (297 x 185 x 102 mm) | 10.1" x 5.6" x 1.7" (256 x 142 x 44 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm x 90mm woofer, 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 3" fullrange woofers, 2x 0.75" tweeters + 2x 3" passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 80W | 60W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Soundcore Boom 2: $99.99 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: Pretty deep bass for the size. Cool lights in the side passive radiators. For the best sound quality use Oluv’s EQ or Alan Ross’s EQ. With the stock tuning, this speaker would rank around #24, due to the boosted bass and rising treble.
Cons: Only a single midrange driver, so you only get stereo for the tweeters. Sound processing issues with inconsistent bass notes that disappear at low levels like the Soundcore Boom and Soundcore Boost, not great for listening at low levels. Quite bass heavy with BassUp turned on, I’d recommend turning it off. A little bit of a bright tuning in the treble, about +5db.
Full Soundcore Boom 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 125ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7" x 7.3" x 4" (297 x 185 x 102 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm x 90mm woofer, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 105dB |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 80W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast 2.0 up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 3.7 lbs / 1.68 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Best portable speakers 2025 - get the best bang for your buck $$$
- Oluv Patreon: SoundCore Boom 3i - first impressions & EQs
- Alan Ross Reviews: Ultimate Soundcore Boom 2 Review - Is It Worth The Hype?
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- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Soundcore Boom 2 💣vs Mifa Wildbox 🪇 Basement Battle of the Bluetooth Boombox Welterweights ⚖️
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- CEONTHEMAKING: Soundcore Boom 2 - HANDS DOWN The Best Speaker Under $150!
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- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Sony ULT Field 5 vs Anker SoundCore Boom 2 - listening test
- Reddit Search for Soundcore Boom 2 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Soundcore Boom 2 vs Marshall Stockwell 2
- Soundcore Boom 2 vs B&O Beosound A5
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B&O Beoplay A2 active: $400 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: B&O’s True360 sound from both sides. Customizable sound via Beoplay app. 22 hour battery (improved from original A2). Stereo pairing with a second A2 Active. Splash/dustproof, USB-C charging. ~1.1 kg with carry strap.
Cons: Not stereo. Discontinued.
Full B&O Beoplay A2 active review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.1" x 5.6" x 1.7" (256 x 142 x 44 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 3" fullrange woofers, 2x 0.75" tweeters + 2x 3" passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- B&O Beoplay A2 active vs Soundcore Select Pro
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- B&O Beoplay A2 active vs Soundcore Motion Boom
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