The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 (A3105) promises a compelling combination of powerful sound, long battery life, and rugged durability. I’ve spent the last few weeks putting this portable Bluetooth speaker through its paces, subjecting it to everything from backyard barbecues to impromptu dance parties. This review will delve into its performance, features, and overall value, offering a balanced perspective based on real-world usage.
The Flare 2 boasts an impressive feature set for a portable speaker in its price range. The standout features include its 12W dual neodymium driver setup, IPX7 waterproofing, and a claimed 24-hour battery life. The wireless stereo pairing capability is also a welcome addition, allowing you to link two units for an even more immersive listening experience. The physical controls are intuitive and easy to use, even with wet hands (which I tested thoroughly!). The compact size and lightweight design make it incredibly portable.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Colour Name | Black |
| Product Length | 165 mm |
| Product Height | 45 mm |
| Product Width/Depth | 54 mm |
| Model Number | A3105 |
The sound quality is surprisingly good for its size. The 12W output delivers ample volume, even in outdoor settings with some background noise. The bass, thanks to the “BassUp” technology, is noticeably punchy and doesn’t sound muddled even at higher volumes. I tested the speaker with various genres, from upbeat pop to classical music, and it handled each with a decent level of clarity. The 24-hour battery life claim proved largely accurate; I consistently got over 20 hours of playback on a single charge at moderate volume levels. The waterproofing is also excellent. I accidentally splashed it several times, and it continued functioning perfectly. Wireless stereo pairing worked flawlessly, creating a wider and more immersive soundscape. However, at maximum volume some distortion was noticeable in certain frequencies. At higher volumes, the bass becomes overwhelming, dominating the mid-range and high frequencies which may be unsatisfactory for listeners who like balanced audio.
Pros:
- Powerful sound with impressive bass for its size.
- Excellent battery life (over 20 hours in my testing).
- Effective IPX7 waterproofing.
- Seamless wireless stereo pairing.
- Compact and portable design.
- User-friendly controls.
Cons:
- Some distortion at maximum volume.
- Bass can be overpowering at higher volumes, detracting from balanced audio.
Overall, the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 (A3105) is a fantastic portable Bluetooth speaker that punches well above its weight. Its powerful sound, long battery life, and rugged durability make it ideal for a variety of situations. While some may find the bass a bit overwhelming at maximum volume, the overall sound quality is impressive. If you’re looking for a versatile, portable speaker that delivers great sound and can handle whatever life throws at it, the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is a strong contender. I highly recommend it.