Short answer: the Soundcore Flare 2. It ranks #105 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $80; the B&O Beosound Explore ranks #109 and costs $299, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Soundcore Flare 2: Try Alan Ross’s EQ for it. The tradeoff: Rolled off treble.
What the B&O Beosound Explore offers: IP67 rated with a rugged ‘seatbelt’ strap and carabiner hook. Watch for: Huge lack of bass extension compared to competitors, overly hot ringing treble.
Buy the Soundcore Flare 2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the B&O Beosound Explore and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 136 medium speakers instead.
If battery life is a priority, the B&O Beosound Explore is rated for 27 hours versus 12 hours for the Soundcore Flare 2.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Flare 2 | B&O Beosound Explore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $80 | $299.00 |
| Ranked | #105 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #109 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | ~70Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 27 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Latency | 80ms | - |
| Max Volume | 99dB | 91dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 600 g | 1.4 lbs / 631 g |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Drivers | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 1.8" (46mm) full-range drivers |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Output Power | 20W | 60W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | - | 3.2" x 4.9" x 3.2" (81 x 124 x 81 mm) |
| Power Bank | - | No |
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- B&O Beosound Explore vs Sony SRS-XE200
- B&O Beosound Explore vs Doss E-Go II
The Two Speakers In Full
Soundcore Flare 2: $80 Amazon
Pros: Try Alan Ross’s EQ for it
Cons: Rolled off treble. Thuddy bass. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear.
Full Soundcore Flare 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 80ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Drivers | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 99dB |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 20W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 600 g |
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons
B&O Beosound Explore: $299.00 Amazon
Pros: IP67 rated with a rugged ‘seatbelt’ strap and carabiner hook. Real-world battery life around 20-24 hours. Distinctive anodized-aluminum design.
Cons: Huge lack of bass extension compared to competitors, overly hot ringing treble. Colored midrange. Just not great sounding overall.
Full B&O Beosound Explore review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 27 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 3.2" x 4.9" x 3.2" (81 x 124 x 81 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 1.8" (46mm) full-range drivers |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 91dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs / 631 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons