The portable Bluetooth speaker market has evolved dramatically in recent years, with manufacturers finding creative ways to pack better sound into smaller packages. Today, we're comparing two popular options - the ultra-compact Ultimate Ears MINIROLL ($49.99) and the tried-and-true Anker Soundcore 2 ($44.99). Let's explore how these speakers stack up and which might be right for your needs.
Portable speakers have come a long way from the tinny, battery-hungry devices of the past. Modern speakers leverage advanced driver technology, sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP), and efficient amplification to deliver impressive sound from remarkably small packages. They've become essential companions for everything from beach trips to backyard gatherings.
The latest developments focus on three key areas:
The Ultimate Ears MINIROLL and Anker Soundcore 2 represent two distinct philosophies in portable audio. While they're both "portable" speakers, they target different use cases and priorities.
The MINIROLL embraces an ultra-compact puck design that prioritizes portability above all. At 279g, it's genuinely pocketable - about the size of a large cookie. The included silicone strap adds versatility, letting you hang it from bags, bike handlebars, or tent poles. This design reflects a focus on personal audio and active lifestyles.
The Soundcore 2 takes a more traditional approach with its rectangular shape. At 318g, it's still portable but designed more for throwing in a bag than a pocket. This classic design prioritizes stable placement and room-filling sound over ultimate portability.
The MINIROLL employs a clever technical approach to maximize sound from its tiny frame:
In practice, this creates surprisingly big sound for such a small speaker, though physics still applies - don't expect room-shaking bass. The speaker excels at personal listening distances and can handle outdoor use admirably.
The Soundcore 2 takes advantage of its larger size with:
This configuration delivers more balanced sound overall, with better clarity at moderate volumes and improved stereo separation. However, it can struggle with bass-heavy tracks at higher volumes.
Here's where the MINIROLL really shines with its IP67 rating, meaning:
The Soundcore 2's IPX5 rating provides:
Battery technology has improved significantly in recent years, and both speakers benefit from this:
MINIROLL:
Soundcore 2:
The MINIROLL boasts newer Bluetooth 5.3 with support for:
The Soundcore 2 uses Bluetooth 4.2 offering:
The MINIROLL excels here with its truly portable size and robust durability. It's perfect for:
The Soundcore 2 shines in more stationary settings:
At $49.99, the MINIROLL justifies its slightly higher price through:
The Soundcore 2 delivers excellent value at $44.99 with:
The MINIROLL represents Ultimate Ears' latest technology, featuring:
The Soundcore 2, while slightly older, maintains relevance through:
Consider these key questions:
The Ultimate Ears MINIROLL represents the future of ultra-portable audio - compact, durable, and feature-rich. It's the better choice for active users who prioritize portability and durability over absolute sound quality.
The Anker Soundcore 2 continues to offer excellent value for those seeking a more traditional portable speaker experience. It's ideal for users who want good sound quality and extended battery life in a still-portable package.
Both speakers excel in their intended use cases, and the choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Consider your typical usage scenarios and choose accordingly - you really can't go wrong with either option in their respective categories.
| Ultimate Ears MINIROLL ($49.99) | Anker Soundcore 2 ($44.99) |
|---|---|
| Size & Weight - Determines true portability and carrying options | |
| 122.67 x 105 x 48.15mm, 279g (truly pocketable) | 165 x 45 x 54mm, 318g (bag-portable) |
| Water Resistance - Critical for outdoor use and durability | |
| IP67 (fully waterproof, submersible) | IPX5 (splash resistant only) |
| Battery Life - Impacts how often you need to recharge | |
| 12 hours (typical for ultra-portable) | 24 hours (excellent longevity) |
| Sound Output - Affects volume and audio quality | |
| Single 45.6mm driver + passive radiator, 87dB max | Dual 1.5" drivers + bass port, 12W total power |
| Bluetooth Version - Determines connection quality and features | |
| 5.3 with AAC, SBC, LC3 codecs | 4.2 with SBC codec only |
| Connection Range - Important for outdoor use | |
| 40 meters (131 feet) | 20 meters (66 feet) |
| Special Features - Adds versatility and use cases | |
| PartyUp pairing, built-in strap, dual device connection | BassUp technology, speakerphone function |
| Charging Port - Affects convenience and cable compatibility | |
| USB-C (modern standard) | Micro-USB (older standard) |
| Construction - Impacts durability and premium feel | |
| 40% recycled plastic, drop-proof to 1.2m | Rubberized finish, standard plastic construction |
| Warranty - Protects your investment | |
| 2-year limited warranty | 18-month warranty |
While neither the Ultimate Ears MINIROLL ($49.99) nor the Anker Soundcore 2 ($44.99) is ideal for primary home theater use, the Soundcore 2 performs better as a supplementary speaker due to its fuller sound and longer battery life.
The Anker Soundcore 2 offers better overall sound quality with its dual drivers and bass enhancement, while the MINIROLL focuses on loudness for its size. For room-filling sound, the Soundcore 2 is superior.
Neither speaker is designed for true surround sound. However, the MINIROLL offers PartyUp technology for connecting multiple speakers, which could create a more immersive experience.
The Anker Soundcore 2 offers superior battery life at 24 hours, compared to the MINIROLL's 12 hours, making it better for extended use without recharging.
The MINIROLL has superior water resistance with an IP67 rating (fully waterproof), while the Soundcore 2 is IPX5 rated (splash-resistant only).
The Ultimate Ears MINIROLL is more portable at 279g with a puck-shaped design, compared to the Soundcore 2 at 318g with a traditional rectangular shape.
While both can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability, neither is optimal for TV audio due to potential latency issues. For TV sound, dedicated soundbars are recommended.
The MINIROLL offers superior range at 131 feet compared to the Soundcore 2's 66 feet, making it better for larger spaces.
Both speakers can work for outdoor movies, but the Soundcore 2's longer battery life and better bass response make it more suitable for movie audio.
The Anker Soundcore 2 at $44.99 offers better overall value with longer battery life and better sound, while the MINIROLL at $49.99 justifies its higher price through superior portability and waterproofing.
The MINIROLL offers PartyUp technology for connecting unlimited speakers, while the Soundcore 2 doesn't support multi-speaker pairing.
Both are well-built, but the MINIROLL has superior durability with its IP67 rating and drop protection up to 1.2 meters, making it more suitable for active use.
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: techradar.com - businesswire.com - bestbuy.com - stuff.tv - ultimateears.com - target.com - youtube.com - ultimateears.com - ultimateears.com - 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
