Soundcore’s new Bluetooth speakers promise hi-res audio, but are cheaper than Bose or Sony
Rugged speakers for hi-res sound on the go
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Ankerhas launched a new pair of affordable Bluetooth speakers with high-end features. The new Soundcore Motion 100 and Motion 300 are designed to be tough outdoor companions that deliver hi-res audio withSony’s higher-bitrate LDAC codec support, as well as Bluetooth 5.3 for potential future-proofing withLE Audio.
Offering a higher level of sound performance has been high up on Anker’s agenda this year. In April, the brandlaunched the Soundcore Motion X600, which was its firstspatial audiospeaker to accept and decode hi-res LDAC sources (albeit Android only). Such high-end audio features often come with a similarly high price tag but Anker has made its new speaker offerings surprisingly affordable to compete with thebest Bluetooth speakersout there.
The cheaper option of the two is the stripped-back Motion 100, which has slightly lower battery life, doesn’t come with a detachable strap, and lacks Soundcore’s upgraded EQ customizable and automated settings. It costs $59.99 / £59.99 (about AU$93) and is set to be available in November 2023. Launching first on October 24 in the UK is the more feature-rich Motion 300 at £89.99 – it will cost $79.99 in the US (about AU$124 in Australia).
That’s a lot less than the similarly designedBose SoundLink Flex, which we rate as thebest waterproof speakerfor portability and controls, and costs $149 / £149.95 / AU$249.95. Like the Motion 100 and 300, the SoundLink Flex is a rectangular-shaped speaker with a carbon steel grill front.
The new design looks to be part of a new direction that the Soundcore speaker range is moving into, as the Motion X600 also has a similar look. It’s a lot different to the Soundcore Mini 3 ($44.99 / £34.99 / AU$79.99), which had a compact cylinder-shaped look more likeSony’s SRS-XB100($49.99 / £54.99 / AU$99.99).
Soundcore Motion 100 and 300 speakers: key features
While Anker may be known for making power banks and chargers, the company’s Soundcore audio range is highly rated – we just recently reviewed itsSoundcore Space One headphonesand found them to be a bargain Beats alternative – and with so many new premium audio features being added to its products, it’s hard to look past it.
Features such as stereo sound and adaptive EQ are more common among high-end audio brands but you’ll find both of these in the Motion 100 and 300. The Motion 300 is more powerful, with two 15W full range drivers, and two passive bass radiators that promise bass down to 65Hz (and up to 40kHz at the other end). The Motion 100 tops out at 20W with two 10W drivers, claiming a frequency range of 75Hz to 40kHz.
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Both speakers also have strong connectivity, with support for Bluetooth 5.3 and LDAC codec. They also offer varying levels of EQ customization, with the Motion 300 supporting SmartTune adaptive EQ, while the Motion 100 has access to Soundcore’s Pro EQ settings, accessible through its app.
On the battery front, you’ll get 13 hours of playtime before you have to charge with the Motion 300 – whereas the Motion 100 delivers one hour less. There’s also the small difference in that the portable strap isn’t detachable with the Motion 100 (although this is a very small feature to lose out on).
Both speakers also have an IPX7 rating, which means that you don’t have to worry too much about them falling in water, though there’s no rated dust protection. If you value having a rugged speaker, it’s worth nothing that the Bose SoundLink Flex has a much-stronger IP68 rating for withstanding water and dust. It’s a small difference but one to note when comparing cheaper alternatives to higher-end options.
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Amelia became the Senior Editor for Home Entertainment at TechRadar in the UK in April 2023. With a background of more than eight years in tech and finance publishing, she’s now leading our coverage to bring you a fresh perspective on everything to do with TV and audio. When she’s not tinkering with the latest gadgets and gizmos in the ever-evolving world of home entertainment, you’ll find her watching movies, taking pictures and travelling.
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