When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers in 2024, we're seeing a fascinating divide between premium audio experiences and feature-packed party speakers. Today, we'll compare the audiophile-focused Morel BIGGIE ($299) with the more affordable and feature-rich Soundcore Boom 2 SE ($129.99), helping you understand which might better suit your needs.
Bluetooth speakers have come a long way from simple wireless playback devices. Modern speakers now pack impressive audio technology, extended battery life, and features that were unimaginable just a few years ago. The Morel BIGGIE and Boom 2 SE, both released in early 2024, represent two distinct approaches to portable audio.
The Morel BIGGIE employs what audiophiles call a "two-way design" - meaning it uses separate speakers for high and low frequencies. Its 1-inch soft dome tweeter (handling high frequencies) and 4-inch woofer (for mids and bass) work together to create a more natural, detailed sound. This separation allows each speaker to focus on what it does best, much like a high-end home stereo system.
What makes this special? The tweeter can reproduce delicate high-frequency details like cymbal shimmer or violin harmonics without being muddied by bass frequencies. Meanwhile, the woofer can move more air for better bass without compromising the clarity of vocals and higher notes.
The Boom 2 SE takes a different path, focusing on impact and excitement over absolute accuracy. Its 50W subwoofer and dual 15W tweeters are tuned for maximum energy, especially in the bass department. The BassUp technology, which boosts output from 60W to 80W, is particularly effective outdoors where bass traditionally struggles to make an impact.
The BIGGIE's 60W total power (45W woofer + 15W tweeter) might seem less impressive on paper than the Boom 2 SE's 80W maximum, but raw power numbers don't tell the whole story. The BIGGIE's more balanced power distribution and sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP) mean it maintains clarity at high volumes, reaching 95dB at one meter - plenty loud for most indoor spaces.
The Boom 2 SE can get louder, making it more suitable for outdoor parties or larger spaces. However, this comes with some trade-offs in sound quality at maximum volume, particularly in the midrange where voices and instruments can become less distinct.
The BIGGIE's 5.7-pound weight and premium MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) cabinet construction suggest it's primarily designed for moving between rooms or occasional outdoor use in good weather. The material choice isn't just about durability - MDF helps reduce unwanted vibrations that can color the sound.
In contrast, the Boom 2 SE is built for adventure. Its IPX7 waterproof rating means it can survive submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. It even floats, making it perfect for pool parties or beach days. The lighter weight makes it more backpack-friendly too.
Both speakers offer impressive battery life, but with different priorities. The BIGGIE provides 16-20 hours of playback and features fast charging - just 20 minutes gets you about 4 hours of music. This quick-charge feature can be a lifesaver when you're heading out and realize the battery is low.
The Boom 2 SE edges ahead with up to 24 hours of playback, though using features like BassUp and the light show will reduce this. Its charging is slower at 4 hours for a full charge, but it can serve as a power bank to charge your phone in a pinch.
At $299, the BIGGIE commands a significant premium over the $129.99 Boom 2 SE. Is it worth it? That depends entirely on your priorities.
The BIGGIE justifies its price through superior sound quality, premium materials, and sophisticated audio engineering. If you're someone who appreciates the nuances in your music and primarily listens indoors, the investment might be worthwhile.
The Boom 2 SE offers incredible value for those who want a versatile speaker that can handle outdoor adventures, pool parties, and still sound good enough for casual listening. Its feature set is more extensive, even if individual features might not match the BIGGIE's refinement.
Choose the Morel BIGGIE if:
Choose the Soundcore Boom 2 SE if:
Both speakers represent excellent choices within their respective categories. The BIGGIE is a premium audio device that happens to be portable, while the Boom 2 SE is a feature-packed party speaker that can handle whatever you throw at it. Your choice should align with how you'll primarily use the speaker and what aspects of audio performance matter most to you.
| Morel BIGGIE | Soundcore Boom 2 SE |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial Investment | |
| $299 (premium positioning) | $129.99 (more accessible) |
| Audio Power - Impacts maximum volume and clarity | |
| 60W total (45W woofer + 15W tweeter) | 80W with BassUp (50W subwoofer, dual 15W tweeters) |
| Driver Configuration - Affects sound quality and detail | |
| 2-way design: 1" soft dome tweeter + 4" woofer | 2.1 design: Dual tweeters + dedicated subwoofer |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use | |
| 16-20 hours, 2-hour full charge | 24 hours, 4-hour full charge |
| Charging Features - Convenience factor | |
| Fast charging (20min = 4hrs playback), USB-C | Standard charging, Power bank function |
| Water Resistance - Outdoor usability | |
| No water resistance rating | IPX7 (submersible, floatable) |
| Connectivity Range - Important for outdoor use | |
| 165 feet Bluetooth 5.3 | 328 feet Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Multi-Speaker Support - Party/home audio potential | |
| TWS pairing (2 speakers max) | PartyCast 2.0 (up to 100 speakers) |
| Extra Features - Added value | |
| Future Auracast support, premium build | Light show, app with EQ, power bank function |
| Size and Weight - Portability factor | |
| 5.7 lbs, 7"x7"x4.5" (premium materials) | Lighter weight, larger size (exact specs N/A) |
| Sound Signature - Different listening preferences | |
| Balanced audiophile-grade sound, detailed highs | Bass-heavy party sound, emphasis on impact |
| Primary Use Case - Target audience | |
| Indoor listening, audio quality focus | Outdoor events, parties, versatile use |
The Morel BIGGIE offers superior sound quality with its two-way driver design and audiophile-grade components. While the Soundcore Boom 2 SE produces powerful bass, it doesn't match the BIGGIE's clarity and detail in the mid and high frequencies.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE is better suited for outdoor use with its IPX7 waterproof rating and floatable design. The BIGGIE lacks water resistance and is primarily designed for indoor use.
The Morel BIGGIE costs $299, while the Soundcore Boom 2 SE is priced at $129.99, making it less than half the price of the BIGGIE.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE offers up to 24 hours of playback, while the Morel BIGGIE provides 16-20 hours. However, the BIGGIE features faster charging capabilities.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE supports connecting up to 100 speakers through PartyCast 2.0, while the BIGGIE only allows pairing of two speakers for stereo sound.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE with its 80W maximum output (with BassUp enabled) can get louder than the BIGGIE's 60W output, making it better for large spaces and outdoor events.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE is lighter and more portable, while the Morel BIGGIE weighs 5.7 lbs and is less convenient for frequent transport.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE is better suited for parties with its light show feature, louder volume, multi-speaker connectivity, and waterproof design. The BIGGIE is more focused on sound quality for critical listening.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE offers a 9-band EQ through its app, while the BIGGIE uses automated DSP without user-adjustable EQ settings.
Both speakers can charge phones, but the Soundcore Boom 2 SE has a dedicated power bank function, while the BIGGIE charges through its USB-C port.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE is more durable for active use with its waterproof design, while the BIGGIE features premium build quality but is more susceptible to environmental damage.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE offers better value with more features at $129.99, while the BIGGIE at $299 is focused on premium sound quality and construction.
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 - soundcore.com - gzhls.at - youtube.com - techradar.com - support.soundcore.com - digitaltrends.com - trustedreviews.com - soundguys.com
