Anker Soundcore Mini Review: Honest Look at a Budget Bluetooth Speaker

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Anker is best known for mobile batteries, but the company also makes portable Bluetooth speakers. I picked up the Soundcore Mini — a compact speaker in the JPY 2,000 range that packs in Bluetooth, a built-in battery, and FM radio. The value proposition was too interesting to pass up.

Anker Soundcore Mini Compact Bluetooth Speaker — 15-Hour Playtime, Built-in Mic, microSD & FM Radio (Black)

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Feature Overview

The Soundcore Mini supports the following functions:

Feature	Details
Bluetooth audio (A2DP)	Wireless stereo music playback
Hands-free calling (HFP)	Built-in microphone
AUX input	3.5 mm stereo mini plug
FM radio	The included micro USB cable acts as the antenna
microSD playback	Up to 32 GB, MP3 format
Battery	Up to 15 hours of continuous playback

You switch between input sources using the Function button (labeled M).

Function button operation (Source: Soundcore Mini manual)

FM radio and microSD playback are available, but with no display it can be hard to tell which source is active. In practice, most people will use it mainly over Bluetooth from a smartphone. Note that Bluetooth multipoint (connecting two devices simultaneously) is not supported.

Battery Performance

The built-in battery delivers up to 15 hours of playback on a charge. Charging takes two to three hours. The ability to run all day without a power outlet makes it a reasonable option for outdoor use or travel.

Build Quality

Steel construction is unusual at this price point and adds real rigidity

The enclosure is matte steel, which feels significantly more premium than the price would suggest. Steel also tends to resonate less than plastic, which benefits sound quality at the margins.

Sound Quality

For its size, the Soundcore Mini punches above its weight. Voices come through clearly and the bass is respectable for such a small unit. Placing it near a wall reinforces the bass slightly through wall reflection. It suits a desk or small room well.

Portability and Outdoor Use

The compact size means it fits easily in a bag. It also works well as a car audio solution in vehicles without built-in Bluetooth.

Fits neatly in the cup holder of a Suzuki Alto loaner car

Heads Up: Volume Resets to Near-Maximum with Apple Devices

There is one behavior worth knowing about before you buy. Every time the speaker is turned off and back on, the volume resets to near-maximum.

This is particularly noticeable when paired with an iPhone or MacBook. In a quiet environment at night, suddenly blasting audio at full volume is startling. You will need to make a habit of adjusting the volume each time you power it on. The behavior may differ with Android devices, but iPhone and MacBook users should be aware of it.

Summary: Who Is It For?

Category	Rating
Value for money	Excellent — Bluetooth, battery, and FM radio at this price
Sound quality	Good — holds its own for the size, decent bass
Portability	Excellent — compact and light, goes anywhere
Build quality	Good — steel body, no cheap feel
Apple device compatibility	Fair — volume reset issue on power cycle

A good fit if you:

Want an affordable, compact Bluetooth speaker
Use it at a desk, in the kitchen, outdoors, or in the car
Do not mind adjusting volume on startup, or mainly use Android devices

May not suit you if you:

Frequently use it late at night with an iPhone or MacBook in quiet settings
Need Bluetooth multipoint (two devices connected simultaneously)

Portable Speaker | Tomokatsu Yukishita | yre.jp