Soundcore Motion+ Review: Is This Classic Bluetooth Speaker Still Good in 2024?

In the rapidly evolving world of portable audio, Bluetooth speakers emerge and disappear with remarkable speed. So, when a model like the Anker Soundcore Motion+ continues to generate buzz years after its initial release, it begs a crucial question: is this veteran still a worthy contender in 2024? Despite its age, the Motion+ remains a favorite for many, challenging newer, often pricier, rivals. This comprehensive review dives deep into its performance, features, and enduring value, helping you decide if it’s the perfect sound companion for your needs.

What is the Soundcore Motion+ Bluetooth Speaker?

The Soundcore Motion+ is a portable Bluetooth speaker developed by Anker’s audio brand, Soundcore. Launched several years ago, it quickly gained a reputation for delivering exceptional audio quality and robust features at a competitive price point. Unlike many compact speakers that prioritize portability over sound fidelity, the Motion+ was engineered to offer a more sophisticated listening experience. It’s built for those who appreciate detailed, balanced audio whether at home, by the pool, or on the go. Its blend of powerful sound, customizable features, and durable design has solidified its place as a formidable option in the portable speaker market.

Delving into Sound Quality: The Motion+’s Enduring Appeal

The core of the Soundcore Motion+’s lasting popularity lies in its impressive sound performance, a rarity for a speaker of its size and price. It consistently earns praise for its ability to produce rich, detailed audio that belies its compact form factor.

Driver Configuration and High-Fidelity Audio

What truly sets the Motion+ apart is its sophisticated internal architecture. It boasts a unique 4-driver setup, featuring two ultra-high frequency tweeters, two neodymium woofers, and passive radiators, collectively delivering 30 watts of stereo sound. This configuration ensures a wide soundstage and excellent instrument separation, offering a more immersive listening experience compared to many mono or less capable stereo speakers. Furthermore, it supports Hi-Res Audio and integrates Qualcomm aptX for lossless music reproduction when streaming via Bluetooth, provided your source device also supports aptX.

Frequency Range and Clarity

The Soundcore Motion+ covers an exceptionally wide frequency range, stretching from a deep 50 Hz up to an ultra-high 40 kHz. This extensive range contributes to its ability to reproduce subtle details and nuances in your music, ensuring that highs are crisp, mids are clear, and the overall sound profile is vibrant. An advanced Digital Signal Processor (DSP) and an active crossover system further enhance accuracy, directing specific frequency ranges to the appropriate drivers.

Bass Performance

While the Motion+ may not deliver the bone-rattling sub-bass of much larger speakers, its bass performance is remarkably potent and well-controlled for its size. Anker’s proprietary BassUp technology actively enhances low frequencies in real-time, resulting in punchy and rich bass that adds depth to various music genres. Users frequently report a satisfying thump without muddiness, making it suitable for everything from rock to electronic music. Should you desire a different bass response, the highly customizable EQ comes to the rescue.

EQ Customization: A Game Changer

Perhaps the single most impactful feature for audiophiles and casual listeners alike is the Soundcore app’s 9-band customizable equalizer. This level of granular control is uncommon for Bluetooth speakers in this price bracket and allows users to fine-tune the sound profile precisely to their preferences or specific genres. Whether you prefer a flatter, more neutral sound, crave extra bass, or want to emphasize vocals, the EQ provides the flexibility to achieve your ideal audio experience.

“The Soundcore Motion+ maintains being one of the best because of its 4-driver setup and its 9-band EQ, which is still something uncommon for speakers of that size. The level of customization and versatility of the sound is what made it so good.” – Reddit User, r/Bluetooth_Speakers

Design and Durability: Built to Last?

While the Soundcore Motion+ might not turn heads with its aesthetics, its design prioritizes functionality and resilience. It presents a robust, unassuming rectangular form factor that blends into most environments.

Aesthetics and Build Quality

The speaker features a durable construction, often with a rubberized texture that provides a secure grip and a premium feel. While some users note it can be a fingerprint magnet, the overall build quality is solid and inspires confidence. It’s substantial in hand, weighing approximately 1.05 kg (2.31 lbs), which contributes to its perceived quality and helps prevent it from dancing across surfaces at high volumes. The protective metal grille on the front shields the drivers from potential damage.

Portability and Dimensions

Given its 4-driver setup and robust construction, the Motion+ is not the lightest or most compact portable speaker on the market. Its dimensions (approximately 10.1 x 3.1 x 3.2 inches) make it manageable for travel or moving around the house, but it’s heavier than ultra-portable options. Despite its weight, it’s designed to be easily picked up in one hand, striking a balance between sound performance and practical mobility.

Waterproof Rating

For outdoor adventures or poolside relaxation, the Soundcore Motion+ comes equipped with an impressive IPX7 waterproof rating. This means the speaker can be fully submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without sustaining damage. This robust protection makes it an ideal companion for beach trips, bathroom singalongs, or simply enjoying music without fear of spills or rain.

Connectivity Ports

The speaker offers both modern and traditional connectivity options. It features a convenient USB-C port for charging, ensuring compatibility with many contemporary devices. Additionally, a 3.5mm AUX input allows for wired connections, which can be particularly useful for devices without Bluetooth or for those seeking the highest fidelity from lossless audio sources. It notably lacks power bank support, meaning it cannot charge your phone.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Powering Your Music

A portable speaker’s utility often hinges on its battery life and connectivity options. The Soundcore Motion+ performs admirably in both these crucial areas, enhancing its appeal for prolonged use.

Battery Performance

Anker advertises a playtime of up to 12 hours from the Motion+’s built-in 6,700 mAh Li-ion battery. However, in many real-world tests at moderate listening volumes (around 50-70%), the speaker consistently exceeds this claim, often delivering 15 to 16 hours or more on a single charge. This “under-promise and over-deliver” approach means you can typically rely on the Motion+ to soundtrack long days out or multiple listening sessions without constantly needing a recharge. A full charge via the USB-C port takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Bluetooth Technology

The Motion+ utilizes Bluetooth 5.0, providing a stable and efficient wireless connection. While Bluetooth 5.0 theoretically boasts an impressive range, practical use usually sees stable connections within a standard 10-meter (33-foot) range, even with some physical obstructions. Crucially, it supports the aptX Bluetooth codec, which offers superior audio transfer rates compared to the standard SBC codec, leading to higher-quality wireless sound for compatible devices.

Multi-Speaker Pairing (True Wireless Stereo – TWS)

For an even more expansive and immersive audio experience, the Soundcore Motion+ supports True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing. This allows you to connect two Motion+ speakers wirelessly to create a genuine left and right stereo soundstage, effectively doubling your audio output and filling larger spaces with rich, synchronized sound. It’s worth noting that speakers purchased after November 2022 might not be compatible with older Motion+ units for TWS pairing. The speaker also supports Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, enabling two devices to connect simultaneously, making it easy to switch between sources. Additionally, it includes a microphone for voice assistant support, though its effectiveness at a distance or in noisy environments can be limited.

Soundcore Motion+ vs. Modern Alternatives: Still a Contender?

In a market flooded with new releases, the Soundcore Motion+ has remarkably held its own, frequently being compared against both its successors and competitors from other brands. The resounding consensus in 2024 is that it remains an excellent choice, particularly given its current price point.

Against Newer Soundcore Models

When pitted against newer Soundcore offerings like the Motion 300, many audiophiles and reviewers still lean towards the Motion+ for its superior sound profile. While the Motion 300 might offer a more compact form factor and an updated app, the Motion+ is often praised for delivering a “fuller sound, more clarity, and deeper bass.” Its dedicated tweeters and robust driver array provide a stereo separation and richness that some newer mono-focused designs struggle to match. The Motion+ has been called the “Goldilocks” of its category due to its balanced performance.

Value Proposition

The Soundcore Motion+ originally retailed for around $100 / £100. However, with newer models on the market, it can often be found for significantly less, frequently priced under $80, sometimes even as low as $65. At this discounted rate, its value proposition becomes almost unbeatable. For users seeking premium audio quality, extensive EQ customization, and solid durability without breaking the bank, the Motion+ offers a level of performance typically found in more expensive speakers. It continues to be considered a “budget champion” in its size category.

Why It Remains Relevant

The Motion+’s enduring relevance stems from a combination of factors: its unique 4-driver stereo setup, the highly effective 9-band customizable EQ, and a sound profile that punches well above its weight class. Many contemporary portable speakers, especially smaller ones, opt for simpler mono setups or emphasize bass at the expense of clarity. The Motion+ offers a more balanced and refined audio experience that serious music listeners continue to appreciate.

Pricing: An Unbeatable Value Proposition

When it first launched, the Soundcore Motion+ was already considered a strong value, typically priced around $100 or £100. However, in today’s market, its price has become one of its most compelling attributes. You can frequently find the Soundcore Motion+ on sale, often for under $80, sometimes even reaching $65-$70 on platforms like Amazon. This makes it an incredibly attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on sound quality. At these prices, it’s widely regarded as one of the best value-for-money Bluetooth speakers available, delivering premium features and audio performance that often surpass its cost.

Conclusion

The question of whether the Soundcore Motion+ Bluetooth speaker is “still good” in 2024 can be answered with a resounding yes. Its exceptional audio quality, driven by a robust 4-driver setup and customizable 9-band EQ, continues to set a high bar for portable speakers. Coupled with a durable, waterproof design and impressive battery life, it remains a fantastic choice for a wide range of listeners. If you’re looking for a versatile Bluetooth Speaker that delivers rich, detailed sound and offers incredible value, the Motion+ stands as a testament to enduring quality in a fast-paced tech world. Why settle for less when a classic can still deliver so much?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Soundcore Motion+ waterproof?

Yes, the Soundcore Motion+ boasts an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it can be fully submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes without damage. This makes it ideal for use by the pool, at the beach, or in the shower.

How long does the Soundcore Motion+ battery last?

The Soundcore Motion+ is advertised to have a 12-hour battery life from its 6,700 mAh battery. However, in real-world usage at moderate volumes, many users experience upwards of 15 to 16 hours on a single charge, providing ample playtime for extended outings.

Can I pair two Soundcore Motion+ speakers?

Yes, the Soundcore Motion+ supports True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing, allowing you to connect two Motion+ speakers together wirelessly for a true left and right stereo sound experience. Note that speakers purchased after November 2022 might have compatibility differences with older models.

Does the Soundcore Motion+ have good bass?

The Motion+ delivers strong and punchy bass, thanks to its neodymium woofers and BassUp technology. While it may not produce the deepest sub-bass of much larger units, its low-frequency response is excellent for its size and can be further optimized using the customizable 9-band EQ in the Soundcore app.

What is the best EQ setting for Soundcore Motion+?

The “best” EQ setting is subjective and depends on your music taste. Many users prefer a slightly V-shaped EQ with boosted bass and treble for a lively sound, or a flatter setting for more analytical listening. The Soundcore app’s 9-band EQ allows for extensive customization, so experimentation is encouraged to find your ideal profile.

Is the Soundcore Motion+ better than the Soundcore Motion 300?

Many reviewers and users still prefer the Motion+ over the newer Motion 300 for its fuller sound, greater clarity, and deeper bass, attributed to its dedicated tweeters and overall driver configuration. While the Motion 300 offers a more compact form factor and an updated app, the Motion+ often provides a more robust audio experience.