Anker's budget speaker proves that sometimes 'boring' is best

There's something wonderfully simplistic and surprising about Anker's upgraded original Soundcore Bluetooth speaker, one of the company's smallest and most budget friendly speakers. While not the newest speaker in the company line-up, it's gaining popularity on TikTok and TikTok Shop, and with warmer months on the horizon, I decided to give the sub $40 speaker a listen.

Ultimately, it served as a nice reminder that I often pay extra for something that, in practice, doesn't affect my listening experience: aesthetic. Sure, it doesn't look as stylish as my aurally outdated UE Boom 2, and it doesn't house any lights like the JBL Pulse 5, or even include a clip to hook up on the move.

But it sure does put a lot of sound in a small box. In an audio world where portable speakers add a host of extra features, the Soundcore is big on functionality and value without compromising sound.

Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker

The Anker Soundcore is a reliable and practical Bluetooth speaker that provides impressive sound for its low price and easy portability due to its small size.

• Strong connection
• Popular on TikTok
• Inexpensive

• Not ideal for big spaces
• Off-center blue light
• Aesthetically basic

Sound quality

Precision and clarity impress

Whether it's a Smart TV or new soundbar, I like to test new tech by playing dynamic content. So, for my inaugural listen, I turned on the Folklore Long Pond Studio Sessions on Disney+ for an intimate, personal sound. Taylor Swift, Aaron Dessner, and Jack Antonoff's vocals sounded great. Plus, the songs were rich and layered, showing that the speaker lends itself nicely to acoustic performances.

I followed that up with something a little more complex and dynamic with Beyonce's Cowboy Carter, as the ambitious album includes a range of musical styles, instruments, and even spoken word. Soundcore embraced the lively banjo on Texas Hold 'Em, the acoustic guitar on Protector, and an Italian aria on Daughter. I'm not in a position to review the album (I mean, I loved it), but I do think it's important that some of today's most popular music sounds great whenever you're listening to it. Soundcore provides all the hand-clappin'