Soundcore Rave Party 2 Bluetooth speaker: Versatile and very loud

This large Bluetooth speaker sounds great and can double as a karaoke machine or even a public address system.

- JAMES BARBER

Anker's Soundcore brand made its name with speakers that punch far above their weight, delivering audio quality that matches or surpasses other speakers that cost a whole lot more. The company's speakers emphasize clarity at high volume and offer an optional bass boost that can shake the rafters.

The Soundcore Rave Party 2 (fave.co/3jGJzvp) is the largest portable Bluetooth speaker in Anker's Soundcore portfolio. It's being marketed through retailers like Amazon and Walmart, but is curiously absent from Anker's own online store (fave.co/3XdwMy6). Don't let that absence fool you-this is one of the company's very best speakers.

BUILD QUALITY

The speaker has rubberized feat on two different sides, so it can be used either vertically or horizontally. While on its side for horizontal use, the speaker measures 7.30×7.20×15.50 inches (HxDxW) and weighs a hefty 11.7 lbs. The case is plastic and its front grill is metal, a design that's more utilitarian than stylish.

The Rave Party 2 pumps out 120 watts of power and offers stereo playback with its two 4-inch woofers and two 2-inch tweeters. The speaker carries a surprisingly low IPX4 weatherization rating, which means the manufacturer makes no claim of protection from particulate matter and maintains that it is merely splashproof in terms of protection from water ingress. You'll find everything you need to know about IP codes (fave.co/3kJZy8J) at the preceding link. This is likely due to the open bass port on the back of the speaker, so be sure it stays next to the pool and doesn't go in.