In the test: Anker Soundcore Flare 2 - 360 degree Bluetooth speaker with LED color change

Anker Soundcore Flare 2 in the test

The guys in the marketing department at Anker provide me with new products every now and then, which I can then present on my blog. This time, the revised version of the Soundcore Flare hit me - a Bluetooth speaker that provides all-round sound thanks to its design and impresses its surroundings with various LED light changes. The Soundcore Flare 2 is currently available for about 80 euros on Amazon.

The two main features of the Flare 2 are the 360 ​​° sound and the LED lighting, which is supposed to create a party atmosphere (photos: Sir Apfelot).

Transparency notice

Even if Anker offers me the products for free for the tests, I still attach great importance to neutral reporting. In earlier articles, Anker partially took up my criticism and reworked functions that I (or others) criticized with firmware updates.

For this reason, I see it as my duty to you and Anker not only to give superficial, technical data in the article and to provide a little information about the loudspeaker. You can read that very well in press releases. I would like to give you the points that highlight the product - and of course also express criticism. Without spoiling: I also have something to complain about with the Soundcore Flare 2. ;-)

The Soundcore Flare 1 also had an LED ring in the lower area. The flare 2 has now received an additional ring on the top.
The Soundcore Flare 1 also had an LED ring in the lower area. The flare 2 has now received an additional ring on the top.

Technical data of the BT speaker

Of course, the specifications also belong in an article about a product. For this reason we briefly deal with these here:

  • Model Number: A3165
  • Type: 360 ° loudspeaker
  • Bluetooth: V5.0
  • Output power: 2x 10 W.
  • Charging time: approx. 3,5 h
  • Playing time: approx. 12 hours
  • Battery: 5.200 mAh
  • Charging port: USB-C
  • Frequency spectrum: 73 Hz - 20 kHz
  • PartyCast: connect up to 100 Flare 2 possible
  • Protection class: IPX 7 (waterproof)
  • Weight: 600 g
  • Scope of delivery: Flare 2, USB-A to USB-C cable, operating instructions
  • two LED light rings
  • 6 light modes (can be changed and switched off via app and button)
  • Setting and firmware updates: via the Soundcore app
Those who like LED color change effects will get their money's worth with the Flare 2 (Photos: Sir Apfelot).
Those who like LED color change effects will get their money's worth with the Flare 2 (Photos: Sir Apfelot).

Design and workmanship are successful

In terms of looks, the Flare 2 offers no surprises, because it is based on the previous model and is perfect for all-round sound thanks to its 360° design. But it's best to use the photos to get an idea of ​​what it looks like. I find it successful and reserved, so that the loudspeaker can also be left in "optically sensitive areas".

The workmanship is neat and robust, because after all, the loudspeaker should withstand outdoor use just as well. I trust him to do that, because the control elements on the top are completely rubberized and also work reliably under water, as the manufacturer thankfully did not use touch controls.

Here you can find the quick start guide for the Soundcore Flare 2 as a photo. Most of the settings can, however, also be made via the app.
Here you can find the quick start guide for the Soundcore Flare 2 as a photo. Most of the settings can, however, also be made via the app.

PartyCast for more oomph

If you want to have a bigger party with the SoundCore Flare 2, you will reach your limits. For this, Anker came up with the PartyCast function.

To use this, connect the first Flare 2 to the iPhone. Then press the Bluetooth button on the back for two seconds and repeat this process for the other Flare 2 models. In this way, up to 100 of these speakers can be used synchronously for playback. Restriction: PartyCast does not work with the old Flare 1 models, but only with Flare 2 boxes.

The PartyCast function is clearly explained in the Soundcore app.
The PartyCast function is clearly explained in the Soundcore app.

BassUp: powerful sound at the push of a button

I admit it: I like it when the sound is a bit more voluminous. The HomePod also has a pleasant sound for me, although many audiophiles describe it as “too bass-heavy”.

However, the SoundCore Flare 2 loudspeakers offer an option for both camps: The BassUp feature amplifies the bass by a good 100% for those who want it, as Anker promises in the advertising. You can also choose from various equalizer settings via the SoundCore app. So there should be something for everyone in terms of sound.

I am also taken care of because BassUp makes a nice bass that sounds good on most types of music. If you want to listen to news or podcasts in between, you can deactivate the function at the touch of a button. And for classical music fans, the EQ presets in the Soundcore app offer the option of making the sound a little less bass-heavy or setting other tonal priorities.

The BassUp function can be easily switched on with a button on the back of the loudspeaker. For a reasonable sound with music, BassUp is always switched on for me - otherwise the Flare 2 sounds too flat from my point of view.
The BassUp function can be easily switched on with a button on the back of the loudspeaker. For a reasonable sound with music, BassUp is always switched on for me - otherwise the Flare 2 sounds too flat from my point of view.

The sound - good midfield

I have to admit that I expected a rounder sound for the price of just under 80 euros. It's by no means bad, but unfortunately the SoundCore Flare 2 doesn't quite make it among my top speakers. It sounds a bit too average for that.

The bass is not bad, but the sound is not entirely round despite the BassUp being switched on. My old Bose Soundlink Mini II or the one I tested Tribit Max Sound Plus (which costs only 50 euros) have a more convincing sound.

But as I said: He easily plays in the good midfield and doesn't have to hide from many other boxes that I had in the test. In addition, the sound is a very subjective thing. If you still like the speaker so far, I would recommend giving it a try.

The app can be used to control the LED effects and the equalizer settings. The implementation is really well done and intuitive to use.
The app can be used to control the LED effects and the equalizer settings. The implementation is really well done and intuitive to use.

Operation - rather difficult

Please do not get it wrong: I find the operating concept of the loudspeaker itself understandable and simple, but it has a design flaw: The rubberized buttons on the top are completely black rubber and attached to a circle. As a result, you can only find the desired one of the four keys with a lot of light so that you can see the elevation of the icons on the keys - or you have to be a world champion in “sensing” because the symbols on the keys are only slightly raised.

The buttons on the control panel are difficult to see even under the lighting of the photo studio - not optimally resolved.
Even with photo studio lighting, the buttons on the control panel are difficult to see - not optimally resolved.

I keep noticing how difficult it is for me to find the power button in the evening with normal room light. I can set the rest on the iPhone, so the power button is the only one I really need. So that I don't have to guess at this point, I have put a yellow dot on it, a few of which I still had on a sheet of paper in the drawer.

My conclusion on the Soundcore Flare 2

I have a hard time recommending the Flare 2 with all due fervor. The design is great, the play of light is also entertaining if you are into colorful LEDs, but the thing with the control panel and the not entirely convincing sound put the Flare 2 in the second row. The setting options that you have via the app are very good - you can use the equalizer to correct the weaknesses in the sound as you see fit.

The LED effects come out much better in darkened areas.
The LED effects come out much better in darkened areas.

If you don't need an LED color change to the beat of the music, you are probably with a box like the one mentioned Tribit MaxSound Plus or the EasyAcc F10 better served.

For 40 or 50 euros the Soundcore Flare 2 might still be a tip, but for 80 euros I find it just too weak on the chest. If you still want to see it, come via this link to the product or via the following product box.

12,00 EUR
soundcore Anker Flare 2 Bluetooth speaker, with IPX7 water protection, 360° all-round sound, for...
  • 360 ° SOUND: Dual drivers on both sides in connection with advanced BassUp technology ensure a ...
  • RHYTHM-CHARGED LIGHT SHOW: Synchronized with an ideal beat rhythm, the LED light emits stylish ...
  • WATERPROOF: IPX7 water resistance ensures that your speaker is absolutely ...

The right Soundcore app can be found here in the app store.

I find it surprising that the speaker is on Amazon an average rating of 4,5 stars comes. Maybe I see the operation and the sound too closely ... ;-)

Your favorite boxes?

What are your favorite speakers when it comes to bluetooth? I would like to hear a few insider tips from my readers in order to put together an up-to-date list of recommended Bluetooth speakers. It would be great if you guys join in and leave a comment here.

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The page contains affiliate links / images: Amazon.de

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