When it comes to Bluetooth speakers around 100 euros, many manufacturers have attractive models. The choice is often not easy. Anker’s SoundCore Motion+ is in direct competition with popular speakers like the Sony Alt Field 1 (test report) or the LG Xboom Go DXGQ7 (test report). To establish oneself in this highly competitive market sector, a speaker has to achieve a lot.
Soundcore Motion+ looks to score points with high-end tech features like aptX codec, 30W output, and IPX7 certification. Our detailed test report shows whether it passes the test and whether it can perhaps even trouble more expensive speakers like the JBL Charge 5 (test report).
highlight
- very loud and bassy sound
- Assuring clear highs and powerful bass
- aptX and AAC for better audio quality
- IPX7 certified: protection against dust and temporary immersion
- Simple operation via buttons and Soundcore app
- very good price-performance ratio
- currently only 65 euros on amazon
Design and processing of Soundcore Motion+
The Soundcore Motion+ has a subtle, minimalist design. The front and sides are protected by a black metal grill. The speakers shine quietly through the grille. The rest of the case is protected by soft plastic. Anker offers the speaker in black, red, and blue; We have the blue version for testing.
With dimensions of 25.7 x 7.9 x 8.1 cm and a weight of just over a kilogram, the Motion+ is quite compact and light for a portable Bluetooth speaker. The processing quality is at a high level, underlined by the IPX7 certification. This means the speaker can survive swimming in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
On the right side, the USB-C port for charging and the AUX input are hidden behind a sturdy rubber cover. Unfortunately, the Motion+ cannot be used as a power bank. Two rubberized feet on the bottom ensure a secure stand, to support passive bass, there is an additional bass reflex opening on the back.
The control buttons at the top react reliably to pressure and are assigned many functions. Here you can turn the speaker on/off, control volume, change tracks, activate extra bass, and initiate Bluetooth pairing.
Soundcore Motion+ Images
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How good does the Soundcore Motion+ sound?
For sound, Anker uses two tweeters, a neodymium woofer and two passive radiators, with a total output of 30 watts. In addition to the standard codecs SBC and AAC, Soundcore Motion+ also supports the high-quality aptX format.
In the listening test, the Soundcore immediately convinces. It plays surprisingly loud and delivers a balanced, bass-heavy sound. one of the anchors bassup You should definitely leave the bass button at the top active, because only then will the speaker be able to develop its full potential. Without that extra bass, everything sounds a bit flat and lifeless – whether it’s music or podcasts. Here we are wondering why Anchor does not leave this feature enabled by default.
with bassup But then Motion+ shows its strengths. The bass goes surprisingly deep and hits hard without being overly loud. At the same time, voices sound clear and natural, the highs are rich in detail and clearly separated from other frequency ranges. It doesn’t matter hip-hop, rock, pop or classical – Soundcore masters every genre with excellence. Bass reproduction is particularly impressive; We wouldn’t have expected such deep and rich bass from such a compact speaker.
Especially considering the low price, the sound offered is unparalleled in this category. Even significantly more expensive competitors like the Bose SoundLink Flex (test report) have to step back here – but they also weigh significantly less. Even at high volume, the Motion+ remains level and plays without any distortion. An impressive performance for a speaker of this size.
Soundcore Motion+ operation and app
Basic operations of the Soundcore Motion+ happen directly on the device using the buttons on the top. Despite many assignments, it works without reading instructions for a long time.
The SoundCore app, which is available for iOS and Android, is available for additional functions. The registration required via email address before using the app is a bit complicated. A clear, but somewhat rudimentary interface is then presented.
Here you can choose between different EQ presets or adjust the sound to your liking using the 9-band equalizer. You can also turn on/off voice prompts and check for new firmware. This means that the app’s potential has already been exhausted. You won’t get any additional features like a sleep timer, alarm function or lighting effects. It’s a shame, Anker could have given the loudspeaker some more talent.
Soundcore Motion+ Screenshot
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Soundcore Motion+ Battery
Anker states the battery life of the Soundcore Motion+ is 12 hours. This matches our experience in conducting medium to high volume testing. This means that the runtime is roughly equivalent to that of the Bose SoundLink Flex (test report). However, other Bluetooth speakers like the Marshall Emberton III (test report) last much longer, up to 32 hours. The battery can be charged in about four hours via USB-C.
Connectivity and technical features of Soundcore Motion+
The Soundcore Motion+ uses Bluetooth 5.0 as the connection standard. According to the manufacturer, the maximum range is about 20 meters if there are no obstacles in the way. In addition to the standard codecs SBC and AAC, the high-quality aptX codec is also supported. To enjoy the best possible audio quality, you should use speakers with an aptX-enabled player.
If you want to connect wired players, you can do so via the AUX input on the side. However, a suitable cable is not included; This must be purchased separately.
The comprehensive protection class IP67 is pleasing. This means that the speaker is not only dust-resistant, but also waterproof to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. It can easily survive rain, water splashes and even involuntary bathing. The Soundcore Motion+ is therefore ideally equipped for use at the beach, pool or outdoors.
How much does the Soundcore Motion+ cost?
The recommended retail price for the Soundcore Motion+ is 99.99 euros. It’s a reasonable price considering the sound quality, features and workmanship. However, you can regularly find the speaker in stores at a much lower price: offers of around 70 euros are not uncommon. At the time of testing, the speaker was particularly economical. This is currently its only price on Amazon 65 eurosThis makes the Soundcore Motion+ one of the most affordable Bluetooth speakers in its category.
What options are there?
There are a few alternatives to Soundcore Motion+. However, hardly any of them sounds better and is cheaper as well. If you are looking for an even more compact and quiet speaker, you can take a closer look at the JBL Charge 5 (test report). The LG
conclusion
With the Soundcore Motion+, Anker has made an exception in the highly competitive mid-range of Bluetooth speakers. It starts with a high-quality and well-thought-out design with IPX7 certification, continuing with high-quality technology with aptX support and impressive sound.
We were particularly impressed by the powerful and deep bass, but also the cleanly resolved highs and the overall balanced, powerful tuning were thoroughly convincing. In this price and weight category, we don’t know of any speaker that offers better sound. The boring exterior, expandable apps, and average battery life only slightly spoil the excellent overall impression.
Considering the extremely attractive price, there’s no way around the Soundcore Motion+ at the moment. If you are looking for a great-sounding, versatile and robust Bluetooth speaker for around 100 euros, you can’t go wrong here. We give you an unreserved purchase recommendation!
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