The Soundcore Flare is Ankers affordable 360° LED Bluetooth speaker.
The minimal gray aesthetics and full LED halo around the bottom of the speaker looks like a blend between the JBL Flip4 and the JBL Pulse Bluetooth speakers.
The build quality feels very durable even though the fabric isn’t as grippy as the ones you may find on the JBL Flip 4 or the UE Wonderboom but it still feels good in the hand and it’s very easy to hold.
With an IPX7 rating, this speaker can be submerged underwater for up to 30 minutes so you don’t have to worry about water or sand ruining it.
At the top, you’ll find the playback controls including the volume up/ down and a multifunction button in the middle that lets you pause/ play music as well as skip between tracks. There’s also a bass up button and a toggle for changing the color of the LED halo without the use of the app.
The APP
Using the app, you will be able to change the colors of the LED light, pair up a second speaker so you can have stereo sound, and use the EQ functionalities.
Some customers have been having issues downloading and installing the app but this will be rectified very soon.
Connectivity
The Soundcore Flare is rocking Bluetooth 4.2 technology. Even though it doesn’t have any easy connect features like NFC, it will pair to your smartphone very easily. Connection strength is pretty strong if you stay within the range of about 30 feet which is pretty standard for Bluetooth devices.
Battery
Anker claims a battery life of 12 hours of constant playback but in reality, most customers have been getting 5½ hours of constant playtime with the volume set to a 100% and with the LED lights on. But you will save some power if you turn the LED lights off and you will definitely so a lot more if don’t max out the volume. It charges via Micro USD instead of USB Type-C, which be a turn off for some. You’re also able to charge while your playing music.
Sound Quality
On max volume there’s a hefty amount of distortion and the instruments can be a bit piercing at times but this isn’t an issue when at regular volume but it’s still worth mentioning especially if you plan to take this speaker outdoors.
Vocals in the mids have a good emphasis clarity and stand out from the background. Despite its small size the speaker also does a great job with the bass. The bass line has a nice rhythm to it even when the bass kick comes in. The bass kicks also don’t cut into the vocals at any point but that isn’t the case if you hit that extra bass button/ bass up button. The bass up button almost ruins the sound there is really no need for it because the Soundcore gives the perfect emphasis on the bass without the needed for the added bass.
Finally
For the price, the Anker Soundcore Fare is a steal. If you looking for a speaker to take with you to the beach or to the park this summer, this Anker Soundcore Fare is small enough to easily fit in a backpack and its IPX7 certified so you don’t have to worried about rain or dropping it into the ocean. In the sub $100 price range there are speakers like the JBL Flip 4 and the UE Wonderboom but the Soundcore Flare will hold its own against both of them. Anker products usually won’t go toe to toe with some of the bigger more premium speakers, but they are consistently good for the price and the Anker Soundcore Flare is no different. This awesome speaker is pretty great value.
Priced from $60USD
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