Tiny Boxes of Boom: Battle of the Bluetooth Speakers”

Let’s be real—music is kind of everywhere in our lives. Whether you’re chilling at home, getting through a tough workout, or heading out for a weekend trip, having a solid speaker makes all the difference. And that's where Bluetooth speakers come in. They're small, wireless, easy to use, and way more powerful than they look.

Lately, I’ve been checking out two really popular options: the Anker Soundcore 2 and the JBL Go 4. The Soundcore 2 is known for being super reliable—it’s waterproof, plays for up to 24 hours straight, and pumps out solid stereo sound with boosted bass. Great for everything from shower jams to camping trips. On the other hand, the JBL Go 4 is all about portability and sound punch. It’s also waterproof and dustproof, has a 7-hour battery, and is partly made with recycled materials—which is a nice bonus if you’re trying to be more eco-friendly.

In this post, I’ll break down what makes Bluetooth speakers so handy, point out a few features to keep an eye on, and help you figure out which of these two might be the better fit for your life.

Anker Soundcore 2

The Anker Soundcore 2 is a great little speaker that really punches above its weight. It’s compact and sturdy, and the sound quality is actually impressive—thanks to its 12 watts of stereo sound and something called BassUp technology, which gives the bass a bit more oomph without muddying up the mids or highs.

One of the biggest perks is the IPX7 waterproof rating, which basically means it can handle splashes, rain, or even getting dunked for a bit. Combine that with its 24-hour battery life, and you’ve got something you can bring anywhere—backyard BBQ, day at the lake, road trip—you name it.

It runs on Bluetooth 5.0, so the connection is stable and has good range. If you ever want to double up the sound, you can pair two of these for a stereo setup. It’s also light and easy to carry, so you don’t have to overthink tossing it in your bag. All in all, it’s a solid pick if you want something affordable and dependable.

JBL Go 4

The JBL Go 4 is tiny but mighty. It’s about as portable as a speaker can get, and still manages to pump out JBL’s signature Pro Sound with surprisingly deep bass for its size.

It’s built tough, too—with an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, you don’t need to worry about the elements. Whether you're poolside, at the beach, or just clumsy around drinks, it can handle it. The battery gives you around 7 hours of playtime, and there’s a Playtime Boost feature that can stretch it a bit more if needed.

It also comes with Bluetooth 5.3 and Auracast, which means you can pair it with other JBL speakers for a fuller sound. Plus, the JBL Portable app lets you tweak EQ settings and stay on top of firmware updates.

One cool thing: JBL’s trying to be more sustainable, so this speaker includes recycled materials and eco-friendly packaging. If that matters to you, it’s a nice touch.