Portable Bluetooth speakers have become essential gadgets for many of us, serving as go-anywhere sound systems that can fill a room or enliven outdoor gatherings. Today, we're comparing two very different approaches to portable audio: the premium $299 Morel BIGGIE and the budget-friendly $45 Anker Soundcore 2.
The portable speaker market has seen dramatic improvements in recent years, particularly in sound quality and battery life. When the Soundcore 2 launched in 2017, it represented a major step forward in budget audio. Fast forward to 2024, and the Morel BIGGIE showcases just how far the technology has advanced, particularly in digital signal processing (DSP) and driver design.
The BIGGIE employs a two-way speaker design, meaning it separates high and low frequencies between specialized drivers. Its 1-inch soft dome tweeter handles the delicate high frequencies, while a 4-inch woofer manages the mids and bass. This separation, powered by 60 watts of Class D amplification (think efficient, modern amp technology), allows each driver to excel at its specific frequency range.
In contrast, the Soundcore 2 uses dual full-range drivers powered by 12 watts total. While this simpler approach works well for casual listening, it can't match the clarity and separation of a two-way system.
Having tested both speakers extensively, the difference in sound quality is immediately apparent. The BIGGIE produces remarkably detailed sound, with individual instruments clearly distinguishable in complex recordings. Its bass response is impressive for its size, reaching down to 40Hz – that's deep enough to reproduce most musical bass notes with authority.
The Soundcore 2 performs admirably for its price point but shows its limitations with complex music. Bass-heavy tracks can cause distortion at higher volumes, and the highs lack the sparkle and detail of its premium competitor. However, for background music or podcast listening, many users won't notice these limitations.
The portability difference between these speakers is significant. The BIGGIE, at 5.7 pounds, requires deliberate transportation – you'll want to use its carrying handle. The Soundcore 2 weighs just 11.2 ounces, easily slipping into a bag or large pocket.
Both speakers offer some weather resistance, but the Soundcore 2's IPX5 rating makes it more suitable for poolside use or unexpected rain. The BIGGIE, while weather-resistant, is better suited for covered patios or indoor use.
Modern battery technology shines in both speakers, but in different ways. The BIGGIE offers around 16-20 hours of playback and features fast charging – 20 minutes gives you 4 hours of play time. The Soundcore 2 boasts a longer 24-hour battery life, though it charges more slowly via micro-USB.
The BIGGIE uses modern Bluetooth 5.3, offering improved range (up to 165 feet) and stability compared to the Soundcore 2's Bluetooth 4.2 (66-foot range). This difference becomes noticeable in larger homes or outdoor spaces where distance from the source device matters.
The BIGGIE supports True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing, allowing two speakers to create a proper stereo system. It's also Auracast-ready, promising future multi-speaker broadcast capabilities. The Soundcore 2 keeps things simpler but includes a built-in microphone for speakerphone functionality – something the BIGGIE lacks.
The BIGGIE excels as a primary room speaker. Its sound quality and volume capabilities make it suitable for living rooms, home offices, or even small home theater applications where space is at a premium. The TWS feature allows expansion to true stereo when desired.
The Soundcore 2 shines in mobility-first scenarios. Its lightweight design and robust water resistance make it perfect for travel, beach trips, or backyard gatherings where premium sound isn't the priority.
The nearly 7x price difference between these speakers requires careful consideration. The BIGGIE delivers audiophile-grade portable sound, but at $299, it's competing with entry-level home speakers. The Soundcore 2 at $45 offers remarkable value for casual listeners, providing good-enough sound quality and excellent portability.
The BIGGIE's Auracast readiness suggests exciting possibilities for future multi-room audio capabilities. Meanwhile, the Soundcore 2 represents a mature product that perfectly serves its market segment, though newer models in the line offer additional features.
For most casual users, the Anker Soundcore 2 provides exceptional value and perfectly adequate sound quality. Its portability and durability make it a practical choice for everyday use. However, if you're serious about audio quality and willing to sacrifice some portability, the Morel BIGGIE delivers a premium listening experience that justifies its higher price point for discerning listeners.
The choice ultimately depends on your primary use case and how much you value audio quality versus portability and price. Both speakers excel in their intended roles, making either a solid choice when matched with appropriate expectations.
| Morel BIGGIE | Anker Soundcore 2 |
|---|---|
| Price - Total investment required | |
| $299 (premium segment) | $45 (budget segment) |
| Audio Configuration - Determines sound quality and clarity | |
| Two-way system: 1" tweeter + 4" woofer | Dual full-range drivers |
| Power Output - Impacts maximum volume and sound clarity | |
| 60W total (45W woofer + 15W tweeter) | 12W total (2 x 6W) |
| Frequency Response - Range of sounds speaker can reproduce | |
| 40-20,000 Hz (full range coverage) | Not specified (limited bass response) |
| Battery Life - Time between charges | |
| 16-20 hours, 2-hour full charge | 24 hours, 3-hour full charge |
| Weight - Affects portability | |
| 5.7 lbs (requires deliberate transport) | 11.2 oz (highly portable) |
| Bluetooth Version - Impacts range and stability | |
| 5.3 (165 ft range) | 4.2 (66 ft range) |
| Water Resistance - Outdoor usability | |
| Basic weather resistance | IPX5 (protected against water jets) |
| Special Features - Additional functionality | |
| TWS stereo pairing, Auracast-ready | Built-in microphone for calls |
| Charging Port - Affects charging speed and convenience | |
| USB-C with fast charging | Micro-USB (older standard) |
| Release Date - Indicates technology generation | |
| 2024 (current tech) | 2017 (older generation) |
| Primary Use Case - Best application | |
| Premium home/patio audio system | Portable everyday companion |
The $299 Morel BIGGIE offers superior sound quality and features, while the $45 Anker Soundcore 2 provides better value and portability. The BIGGIE is better for audio quality, while the Soundcore 2 is better for casual use and travel.
The Morel BIGGIE is worth the extra cost if you prioritize sound quality and want a premium audio experience. For casual listeners, the Soundcore 2 provides sufficient quality at a much lower price point.
The Anker Soundcore 2 offers slightly longer battery life at 24 hours, compared to the BIGGIE's 16-20 hours. However, the BIGGIE features fast charging capabilities.
The Soundcore 2 is significantly more portable at 11.2 ounces, while the BIGGIE weighs 5.7 pounds. The Soundcore 2 easily fits in a bag, making it better for travel.
Both can be used outdoors, but the Soundcore 2 has better weather resistance with an IPX5 rating. The BIGGIE should be kept under cover during outdoor use.
The Morel BIGGIE delivers significantly better sound quality with its two-way speaker system and 60W power output, compared to the Soundcore 2's basic dual driver setup.
The BIGGIE performs better at parties with louder, clearer sound and better bass response. However, the Soundcore 2 is more practical for beach parties due to its water resistance.
The Morel BIGGIE supports True Wireless Stereo (TWS) for connecting two speakers in stereo, while the Soundcore 2 does not offer this feature.
The BIGGIE offers superior Bluetooth range at 165 feet with version 5.3, compared to the Soundcore 2's 66-foot range with Bluetooth 4.2.
The Anker Soundcore 2 includes a built-in microphone for calls, while the BIGGIE does not support phone calls.
Both speakers offer excellent battery life, with the Soundcore 2 lasting up to 24 hours and the BIGGIE lasting 16-20 hours. The BIGGIE offers faster charging capabilities.
For everyday casual use, the Soundcore 2 is more practical due to its portability and price point. The BIGGIE is better suited for dedicated home audio or critical listening scenarios.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: theabsolutesound.com - ecoustics.com - crutchfield.com - techradar.com - crutchfield.com - tpdhifi.com - audioxpress.com - nlp.stanford.edu - eisa.eu - muzix.eu - community.anker.com - forums.androidcentral.com - community.anker.com - youtube.com - community.anker.com - community.anker.com - wirelessplace.com - cnet.com - youtube.com - walmart.com - us.ankerwork.com - support.soundcore.com
