Bose SoundLink Plus vs Soundcore Boom 2: Premium design or party power?

The Bose SoundLink Plus is the latest entry in the company’s portable speaker lineup, promising to really “bring the bass.” The Soundcore Boom 2, on the other hand, makes its intentions clear right in the name. While both aim to deliver big sound on the go, they differ in performance and features. More importantly, there’s a significant price gap. So, which one should you buy? Let’s dive into this Bose SoundLink Plus vs Soundcore Boom 2 comparison.

What’s it like to use the Bose SoundLink Plus compared to the Soundcore Boom 2?

The Bose SoundLink Plus and Soundcore Boom 2 offer very different user experiences. The SoundLink Plus is the more expensive option, with a premium build and a sleek rubberized silicone wrap. It’s the smaller and lighter of the two, weighing around 1.5kg, which is still on the heavier side for a portable Bluetooth speaker.

The Soundcore Boom 2 brings a more utilitarian vibe. Aside from the metal grille, the rest of the unit is made of hard plastic. It’s durable, but it can show scratches with regular use over time. While it’s not the most stylish Bluetooth speaker, it has its charm, thanks to customizable party lights built into the passive radiators. Unlike the mono SoundLink Plus, the Boom 2 offers stereo playback with a 2.1-channel design that includes a dedicated subwoofer. Combined with higher wattage, the Boom 2’s better suited for larger gatherings.

Lastly, while the SoundLink Plus is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, the Boom 2 only carries an IPX7 rating, which means it doesn’t offer any dust protection.

How do you control the Bose SoundLink Plus and Soundcore Boom 2?

Both the SoundLink Plus and Boom 2 operate via physical controls. Below is a breakdown of how they operate.

Bose SoundLink Plus

Soundcore Boom 2

Does the Bose SoundLink Plus or the Soundcore Boom 2 have more features?

When it comes to features, Soundcore easily outclasses Bose and takes this round without question. The SoundLink Plus is a fairly standard Bluetooth speaker with a basic companion app. You only get a simple 3-band EQ to tweak the sound, and there’s not much else happening within the Bose app.

The Boom 2, however, includes built-in lights that are fully customizable through the Soundcore app. You can choose from various colors and patterns, but more importantly, the app offers a much more capable 9-band custom EQ. This means you can really dial in the sound to your liking. If you enjoy tweaking frequencies and fine-tuning your audio, the Boom 2 gives you far more control.

How do the Bose SoundLink Plus and Soundcore Boom 2 connect?

There are a few significant differences to point out here. The SoundLink Plus connects over Bluetooth 5.4, while the Boom 2 uses Bluetooth 5.3. In everyday use, that’s not a major issue, as both offer a reliable connection.

However, when it comes to codec support, the SoundLink Plus has the advantage with SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive. If you’re using a Snapdragon device, it will automatically default to aptX. It also features a USB-C port that lets you charge your phone on the go.

The Boom 2, by contrast, only supports SBC. Personally, I don’t think that’s a dealbreaker. These speakers aren’t built for critical listening, and most people likely won’t notice a difference, even with higher bitrate audio. That level of detail tends to matter more with over-ear headphones. Additionally, like the SoundLink Plus, you can still charge your phone from the Boom 2, but you’re limited to a slower USB-A port.

Is battery life better on the Bose SoundLink Plus or the Soundcore Boom 2?

In our testing at a consistent 80dB volume, the Bose SoundLink Plus delivered an impressive 20 hours and 55 minutes of playback. That’s a little better than Bose’s official 20-hour battery life claim, which is always nice to see. It means you can count on the SoundLink Plus to get you through a full day of use without reaching for a charger, whether you’re at home or out for the weekend.

Soundcore states the Boom 2 can last up to 24 hours, but that’s with the party lights off. Where’s the fun in that? Our Boom 2 battery tests are currently ongoing. Check back soon for official results!

Does the Bose SoundLink Plus sound better than the Soundcore Boom 2?

The SoundLink Plus, as the smaller mono speaker, is a better fit for personal use or casual hangs with a few friends. It’s not built to shake the walls. How many watts does it push, you might be wondering? Well, Bose doesn’t share that spec with listeners or reviewers like myself, but based on its output and my experience with other speakers this size, I’d guess it’s in the 40 to 50-watt range.

Its sound profile follows the typical Bose SoundLink signature, with boosted bass, treble, and a recessed midrange. That gives you solid low-end punch and detailed highs, but instruments like guitars and snare drums tend to take a backseat in the mix. That said, I think it sounds great out of the box across different genres, and you can always boost the mids a bit to bring those guitars forward.

The Boom 2, party lights aside, easily gets louder and delivers more bass than the SoundLink Plus. That’s mainly due to its higher wattage, with up to 80W of output, and its 2.1 stereo setup with a dedicated woofer. While the default sound profile isn’t the most detailed or bass-heavy, you can jump into the 9-band EQ to boost the low-end closer to true “Boom” territory. You can also fine-tune the highs for more clarity in treble-focused elements like vocals or piano.

If you’re primarily listening outdoors or with medium to large groups, the Boom 2 brings the extra punch you’ll want, along with a light show that enhances the party atmosphere.

Should you get the Bose SoundLink Plus or the Soundcore Boom 2?

If you value a sleek design, premium build quality, and Bose’s signature sound for personal listening, the SoundLink Plus is a solid pick. It looks and feels refined, and its sound profile is enjoyable right out of the box. That said, it certainly isn’t cheap. At $269, that’s a hefty price for a medium-sized Bluetooth speaker. Typical Bose.

But if you’re after more power, more customization, and much better value, the Soundcore Boom 2 at $129 (and often on sale) is the smarter buy. With louder output, stereo sound, a built-in subwoofer, and customizable lighting, it’s simply more fun to use. Add in excellent app support and EQ flexibility, and you’ve got a speaker that punches well above its price.

Buy the SoundLink Plus if you can afford it and want premium simplicity with that familiar Bose sound.
Buy the Boom 2 if you want volume, versatility, and a full-blown party in a box.

What should you get instead of the Bose SoundLink Plus and Soundcore Boom 2?

If you like what the SoundLink Plus offers but it’s out of your price range, the JBL Charge 6 is a solid alternative ($149.95 at Woot!). It’s got a similar durable build and USB-C charge-out, plus a 7-band EQ that gives you more control over your sound. Hit the video above for a full breakdown of the Charge 6.

Alternatively, if you’re still riding the boom-on-a-budget train, take a look at the EarFun UBOOM X. This affordable beast of a speaker brings a similar built-in light show, aux input, stereo sound, and even a shoulder strap for easy portability. You can snag one $159.99 at Amazon.