Soundcore Select 2S Reviews: See Why 0 Shoppers Rated It 0 Stars!

Soundcore Select 2S Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review

When exploring the landscape of compact outdoor audio gadgets, the Soundcore Select 2S stands out as a compelling choice. Designed primarily for outdoor and travel use, this ultra-compact Bluetooth speaker combines portability with ruggedness. Its modest size belies a thoughtful engineering balance of durability, audio performance, and essential smart features, making it an interesting contender in the budget-friendly portable speaker category. But does it really live up to its numbers and the expectations of frequent travelers and outdoor enthusiasts? Let's dig into its specs and see what measurable strengths and possible compromises shape its overall appeal.

Detailed Specs & Features

On paper, the Soundcore Select 2S offers a 20-watt RMS output power, which is fairly potent for a speaker of its size. With a frequency range spanning from 70 Hz to 20,000 Hz, it covers the essential audible spectrum well enough for casual listening. It employs two 1.75-inch dynamic drivers paired with a passive radiator, bolstered by a bass boost mode and custom EQ presets, promising rich and punchy sound despite the compact form factor. 

Its Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity supports a reliable 66-foot wireless range, stereo pairing, and multi-speaker pairing, expanding listening options. Yet, it lacks NFC pairing and Wi-Fi support, focusing on straightforward Bluetooth functionality. Complementing its wireless features, the speaker includes hands-free calling, albeit with support only for the SBC codec, which might limit hi-fi streaming quality but maintains stable compatibility. Battery-wise, the internal lithium-ion battery has a 4400 mAh capacity, promising an impressive up to 16 hours of playtime. 

Charging takes approximately four hours through a USB-C port, eschewing fast charging but offering essential modern convenience. The device does not support wireless charging or power bank functionalities, placing it firmly in the category of straightforward, no-frills charging. Importantly, battery protection features like overcharge and short circuit protection add a layer of safety and potentially prolong battery health. Built for adventure, the Select 2S sports an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it can withstand immersion in water for up to 30 minutes.

 It is also shockproof and designed ruggedly with a textured plastic enclosure and a fabric grill, providing confidence for use in demanding environments. However, it lacks dustproof or corrosion-resistant features and does not have protective bumpers or UV-resistant housing, indicating a focus on wet environments more than abrasive or prolonged outdoor exposure.

Control is handled through physical buttons on the device; no touch or voice controls are supported by LED indicators, voice prompts, and a battery level indicator to keep you informed during use. It's notable that while the speaker supports voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant via connected devices, it does not have a built-in smart assistant microphone or multi-room smart home integration. Firmware updates happen over the air through Bluetooth, which is convenient for keeping the system updated without additional hardware.

User Experience & Performance (Based on Specs)

Design & Build

The Soundcore Select 2S maintains a compact profile with dimensions roughly 7.48 inches wide, 2.76 inches tall, and 2.17 inches deep, weighing about one pound. This size perfectly fits the "ultra-compact" category, making it easy to carry on outdoor adventures or travel. The addition of a carrying strap adds practical portability, though the lack of a dedicated carry handle or carabiner clip might limit options for securing it to backpacks or gear. The shockproof and waterproof certifications ensure the build quality stands up to rough handling and environmental challenges, reassuring those who want durability without added bulk.

Performance

Audio performance specifications suggest a speaker capable of delivering clear stereo sound at a moderate volume. The 20 watts RMS output, along with two drivers and a passive radiator, gives it a decent dynamic range and enhanced bass for such a portable device. The bass boost mode notably compensates for limited speaker size by improving the low-end frequencies, a valuable feature for outdoor or casual music listening. 

While the lack of advanced DSP techniques or multi-band equalizers limits customization, the custom EQ presets and basic DSP processor provide some tuning flexibility. The absence of 360-degree sound support is a slight limitation if you're expecting immersive ambient audio for group settings. Still, stereo pairing and multi-speaker capabilities help fill larger spaces by combining several units. In daily use, users can expect clear voice calls owing to hands-free calling, an increasingly handy feature for speakers in the field.

Extra Features

The Select 2S doesn't aim to confuse consumers with excess bells and whistles. It focuses on essentials such as a reliable battery life indicator, charging and Bluetooth connection indicators, voice prompts for status updates, and a firmware update process that runs smoothly over Bluetooth. The inclusion of a proprietary mobile app for EQ control and firmware updates extends user control modestly but stays limited in scope. It notably lacks smart home integration and multi-room audio support, which aligns with its budget positioning and core user base focused on portability and durability rather than connected smart ecosystems.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Robust IPX7 waterproof and shockproof build
• Impressive 16-hour battery life with USB-C charging
• Quality stereo sound with bass boost and custom EQ presets
• Supports multi-speaker and stereo pairing for enhanced sound

Cons

• No NFC, Wi-Fi, or advanced smart home integration
• Limited control options: physical buttons only, no touch or voice controls
• No fast charging or power bank functions
• Lacks dustproof and corrosion-resistant features

Price & Value for Money

At a price point of $31.99 at Amazon, the Soundcore Select 2S offers strong value given its 1-year warranty and practical feature set. This pricing is particularly fair when considering the IPX7 waterproof rating, 16-hour battery life, and solid stereo audio capabilities. It is ideally suited for casual users who prioritize ruggedness and long battery life in a compact footprint without needing premium smart connectivity or high-end audio fidelity. Users craving advanced smart features or audiophile-level control might find this speaker somewhat limited, although its everyday sound quality and durability justify the cost for its target audience.

Quick Take

In short, the Soundcore Select 2S offers an attractive package for those seeking a rugged, long-lasting portable speaker that shines in outdoor and travel scenarios. Its well-balanced features, robust waterproofing, extended battery life, and decent stereo sound deliver solid performance in a budget-friendly design. If we look at the numbers alone, it comfortably meets the needs of users focused on durability and ease of use over connected smart features.

Closing Recommendation

The Soundcore Select 2S may be ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and casual listeners who want a reliable Bluetooth speaker without fuss or fussiness. While not loaded with advanced smart home integration or multifunctional controls, it helps users achieve satisfying playback, extended runtime, and weather-resistant ruggedness at a very accessible price. Its practical balance of features and durability suggests it performs best when portability and resilience take priority over premium sound engineering or smart automation.

Verdict

Rating: Based on the specifications and overall feature set, we believe Soundcore Select 2S deserves 4.2 out of 5.

• Winner Feature => Exceptional waterproof and shockproof design coupled with extended battery life.
• Needs Improvement => Limited smart connectivity and control options restrict versatility for some users.