Updated Dec. 14, 2022 7:00 a.m. PT
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement
David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
Expertise Mobile accessories and portable audio, including headphones, earbuds and speakers Credentials
- Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer
Why You Can Trust CNET
16171819202122232425+
Years of Experience
14151617181920212223
Hands-on Product Reviewers
6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000
Sq. Feet of Lab Space
CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. Read how we test products and services.
Soundcore by Anker Motion Boom Plus
8.8/10 CNET Score
8.8/ 10
SCORE
Soundcore by Anker Motion Boom Plus
Pros
- Well-designed mini boombox-style Bluetooth speaker that plays loud and delivers very good sound for its size
- Upgraded dual 3.5-inch woofers and newly added dual 1-inch tweeters
- Strong battery life (up to 20 hours)
- Charges via USB-C, can charge other devices via USB-A
- IP67 waterproof and dust-resistant
Cons
- More expensive than its predecessor
Anker's original Soundcore Motion Boom speaker is still a decent value at less than $100. But the new-for-2022 Motion Boom Plus is significantly improved, particularly in terms of sound quality. It's easily one of the best Bluetooth speakers released in 2022 and earns a CNET Editors' Choice Award for its attractive design and strong performance at a good price. The list price is $180 (£190, which converts to roughly AU$340) but it's often available for less.
Weighing 5.29 pounds, almost a pound more than the Motion Boom, it's equipped with upgraded dual 3.5-inch woofers and newly added dual 1-inch tweeters, delivering up to 80 watts of audio output (60 for the woofers and 20 for the tweeters). Battery life is rated for 20 hours at moderate volume levels. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, it's IP67 waterproof and dust-proof.
I was impressed with the sound quality, which measures up well against a few more expensive -- and some larger -- models onCNET's list of the best Bluetooth speakers. You can tweak the sound profile (with EQ settings) and upgrade the speaker's firmware with Anker's Soundcore companion app for iOS and Android. I tended to go with the bass boost engaged -- there's a button on the speaker to activate it -- and found that the speaker delivers full sound with good clarity in the mids and highs, and good bass definition. For its size, the speaker can put out a lot of sound and mostly manages to avoid distorting at higher volumes. (I tended to keep the volume in the 50 to 75% range.)
Read more: Best Bluetooth Boom Boxes
If you're sitting within a few feet of the speaker, there's a bit of stereo separation. But if you really want to up the sound quality, you can wirelessly pair two Soundcore Motion Boom Plus speakers to create a real stereo pair. The speaker also links up with other Soundcore PartyCast speakers (most recent Soundcore speakers are PartyCast-enabled) for synchronized music and bigger sound to cover a larger space.
The speaker charges via USB-C but only comes with a cable, so you'll have to provide your own power adapter. Like the earlier Motion Boom, this speaker has a USB-A charge out port that can charge your mobile devices should they need some juice. If you do charge a device, however, you'll have less battery life for audio playback.
There are several larger boombox-style Bluetooth speakers available.Tribit's Stormbox Blast ($170) is also a good value, for example. It plays a little louder, delivers more powerful bass and has built-in light show. But the Motion Boom Plus is more compact and I thought it sounded more tonally pleasant, with a bit more clarity.
While it lists for $180, it's been on sale for as low as $125 and usually sells for less than $140 -- and it's a great value when it's on sale.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert in public speaking, I can provide you with information about the concepts mentioned in this article. I have extensive knowledge and experience in this field, and I can help you understand the key ideas related to public speaking.
Concepts Related to Public Speaking
-
Introduction to Public Speaking: Public speaking is the act of delivering a speech or presentation to an audience. It involves conveying information, persuading others, or entertaining a group of people through words, physical delivery, and visual or audio aids .
-
Types of Speeches: There are various types of speeches, each serving a different purpose. Some common types include informative speeches, persuasive speeches, entertaining speeches, and special occasion speeches. Each type has its own structure and objectives.
-
Speech Writing: Speech writing is the process of crafting a speech or presentation. It involves organizing ideas, structuring the content, and creating a compelling narrative. Effective speech writing requires clarity, coherence, and engaging language.
-
Methods of Delivery: There are different methods of delivering a speech, including impromptu, extemporaneous, manuscript, and memorized. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the speaker's comfort level and the nature of the speech .
-
Introduction and Conclusion: The introduction and conclusion are crucial parts of a speech. The introduction grabs the audience's attention, establishes rapport, and provides an overview of the speech. The conclusion summarizes the main points, reinforces the key message, and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
-
Organization and Structure: Organizing a speech is essential for clarity and effectiveness. A well-structured speech helps the audience understand the message and view the speaker as reliable and credible. It involves arranging ideas logically, using transitions, and creating a coherent flow of information.
-
Delivery Techniques: Delivery techniques refer to the manner in which a speaker presents a speech. This includes vocal delivery (tone, volume, pace), nonverbal communication (gestures, facial expressions, body language), and the use of visual aids. Effective delivery enhances the audience's understanding and engagement.
These concepts provide a foundation for understanding public speaking and can help you improve your own speaking skills. If you have any specific questions or would like more information on a particular topic, feel free to ask!
