Both the Anker
Motion Boom provides stronger bass and more volume, and is a great party speaker.
Motion+ provides less bass and doesn’t fill a room as well, but the clarity in the mid- and high-ranges is hard to beat.
The battery life on Motion Boom is marketed as 24 hours, which is exceptional, but it tests even better than 24 hours. And you can also use the Motion Boom to charge a cell phone or other device.
Among portable waterproof speakers in the sub-$150 price range, both the Motion Boom & Motion+ rate as excellent.
Soundcore has recently released updated models, the Motion X600 and Motion Boom Plus — both of which are excellent upgrades from the Motion Boom and Motion+. See here for our side-by-side comparison that includes these newer models.
~~~ Check Price: Motion Boom Plus ~~
~~~ Check Price: Motion Boom ~~~
Sound
First, it should be pointed out that sound quality is very impressive on both the Motion Boom and Motion+. Some people say “great sound quality for the price,” but I would just say “great sound quality, period.”
The performance of each speaker is different, with each excelling in some areas and struggling somewhat in other areas. So, depending on your needs, it should be easy to decide which speaker is right for you.
The Motion Boom performs like you would expect from a boombox — lots of bass, with more emphasis on punchy bass than authentic sound. So, for a party speaker, or outdoors, or at the pool, the Motion Boom is a great choice. Likewise, for rap or dance music with pronounced bass, most people will like the Motion Boom more than the Motion+.
For anyone seeking more of a hi-fi listening experience, Motion+ is the better choice. Motion+ has underwhelming bass, but this is by design. Motion+ provides an authentic sound, and stays true to the music the way it was recorded. No fake, overblown rattling bass.
So, Motion+ doesn’t provide as much bass, but it sounds crisp in the mid- and high-ranges. On the other hand, Motion Boom brings punchy bass, but lacks the clarity of Motion+ in mid- and high-range.
Motion+ gets pretty loud for a portable bluetooth speaker, but the volume doesn’t even compare to Motion Boom. Motion Boom gets louder than almost any speaker we have tested in the price range, and is perfect for outdoor use.
In indoor spaces, I liked the clarity of Motion+, especially in mid-ranges. For a speaker to sit on a bookshelf or in your home office, I don’t know of anything in the ~$100 price range that tops the
Neither speaker maintains clarity at full volume, but both sound good up to 80%.
In deciding between the Motion+ and Motion Boom, it really just depends whether you want to use it indoors or outdoors, and whether you want a hi-fi experience or a party speaker.
A final note on both speakers: an equalizer is available on the app, and the equalizer is fully adjustable. If you prefer presets, there are a few preset equalizer settings, also.
Both speakers have true stereo sound, with a left and right speaker. And even though Motion Boom provides much more volume, both speakers have the same total 30 watt output.
Sound winner: Motion Boom for volume and bass, Motion+ for mid-range and clarity
Design
Neither device scores especially high for its design.
The Motion+ is significantly smaller and lighter. Motion Boom is larger, but still more compact than a typical boombox. And the handle on Motion Boom increases its portability.
Overall, the build quality of Motion Boom feels cheap, and heavy on plastic. Even though it is a great speaker, you wouldn’t know it from looking at the exterior design.
Motion+ has a nicer design than the Motion Boom, but is still nothing special. The entire face of the Motion+ is a grill, which provides a more sophisticated appearance than the plastic of the Motion Boom.
Neither device looks as nice as a JBL Charge 5 or a UE Boom, for example. But those speakers also occupy a higher price point than Motion+ and Motion Boom. Plus, if you are buying a bluetooth speaker for its appearance, you’re doing things wrong.
One big advantage of the Motion+ is the aux port and included aux cable. If you need an aux port, avoid the Motion Boom, which has a bluetooth connection only.
Both devices have a built-in microphone, which is a convenient feature. However, the microphone on both devices is unimpressive. So, whether you plan to use your speaker for voice calls or a voice assistant, expect poor performance.
Although the Motion+ has a tendency to show fingerprints, it is worthwhile because the material is easy to grip. And although the Motion Boom is large for a portable speaker, the old-school boombox handle makes it easier to carry.
The other key design difference lies in the fact that Motion Boom has a power bank, while Motion+ does not. This means that Motion Boom is capable of charging phones and other devices from the power stored on the Motion Boom’s battery. This is similar to the JBL Charge, and is a very useful feature. And because the Motion Boom has such a long battery life (more on this below), you can use the power bank without worrying about draining the Motion Boom’s battery.
Design winner: Motion+
Durability
As mentioned above, Motion+ feels like a more sturdy build. However, in testing, both speakers rate well for durability.
Both devices are IPX7 rated, so they will withstand water without any issue. The Motion Boom floats, while the Motion+ is buoyant enough to avoid sinking but doesn’t truly float either.
Even though neither device is labeled dustproof, these speakers get used in dirt, dust, and sand without clogging or malfunctioning.
Neither speaker is shockproof, but in drop testing from low heights they hold up well.
Although you won’t get best-in-class durability with either of these speakers, you can feel confident taking them to the beach or on the boat without worrying. Most users report that both the Motion+ and Motion Boom are durable speakers, and you can expect to get at least a couple years of usable life out of either.
Durability winner: Tie
Battery
Motion Boom is the clear-cut winner for battery, both in terms of battery life and features.
Motion Boom has a 10,000 mAh battery that is rated for 24 hours of playtime. In testing, we got over 30 hours of playtime at moderate volumes. Other reputable tech blogs have even reported 40+ hours in testing. We also love that the device lacks the obnoxious “low battery” beep that many portable electronic devices have.
Motion+ features a 6,700 mAh battery that falls a little short of its 12 hour listed battery life. With volumes above 50%, our testing resulted in nearly 10 hours of runtime. This is solid but unspectacular battery life for a quality speaker in the sub-$150 range. It isn’t that Motion+ has bad battery life, but rather just that the Motion Boom has spectacular battery life.
The other feature that sets Motion Boom apart is PowerIQ — the power bank ability that lets you charge your phone and other devices from the built-in battery on Motion Boom. This functions the same as the JBL Charge, and is a great feature that is lacking on many portable speakers.
Using the Motion Boom as a power bank will drain battery power from the Motion Boom, but this really isn’t a problem because the battery is so long-lasting.
Battery winner: Motion Boom (by a wide margin)
Software
Because both speakers are made by Anker
Both use Bluetooth 5.0, and connect reliably. Other tech reviewers with better test labs than ours have concluded that Motion+ performs better and with less latency.
The app is the same for both devices, with an included equalizer. The equalizer is fully adjustable, and also has presets to choose from.
The
Although we weren’t impressed by the quality of the built-in microphones, the microphone at least gives you the ability to use a voice assistant or speakerphone.
As mentioned above, only the Motion+ has an aux port. And as a bonus, the package includes an aux cable as well. Having the aux port allows for easy and reliable connections to other devices.
Anker
Software winner: Tie
Final thoughts
The main differences between the Soundcore Motion Boom and the Soundcore Motion+ come down to sound characteristics and battery life.
Motion Boom has much more bass and much more volume, making it the ideal party speaker.
Motion+ has more subtle bass, but produces authentic audio that sounds excellent in mid- and high-ranges.
Motion+ is perfect for a cocktail party, and Motion Boom is perfect for a pool party. Because the software, warranty, and durability are so similar between the two devices, sound quality is the easiest way to make a purchase decision.
Another factor to consider is the battery life, which is more than twice as long on the Motion Boom as the Motion+. And the Motion Boom also has a power bank, so you can use it to charge your phone or other device.
If you want a speaker that is portable, waterproof, loud, and less than $150, it is hard to beat the Motion Boom. If you need an aux port, or if you want the most crisp mid- and high-ranges possible, Motion+ is a better choice.
Ultimately, either device is a great option if you need a portable waterproof speaker in the ~$100 price range.
FAQs
Can I connect multiple devices at the same time to the Motion Boom or Motion+?
While both the Motion Boom and Motion+ use Bluetooth 5.0 for stable connections, they don’t support simultaneous multi-device connectivity. However, switching between paired devices is relatively easy and straightforward.
Can I pair two Motion Boom or Motion+ speakers together for a stereo effect?
Yes, both the Motion Boom and Motion+ allow for pairing two speakers together via a button on the device. It enhances the overall volume and offers a more immersive listening experience.
What’s the actual battery life on Motion Boom and Motion+?
In real-world testing, the Motion Boom offers over 30 hours of playtime at moderate volumes, while the Motion+ offers around 10 hours. Remember, battery life can vary based on volume levels and the type of content being played.
Are these speakers compatible with voice assistants?
Yes, both the Motion Boom and Motion+ have built-in microphones which allow for the use of voice assistants or speakerphone. However, it’s important to note that the quality of the microphones is not stellar, so don’t expect top-notch performance in this aspect.
Are these speakers waterproof? Can I use them at the beach or pool?
Both the Motion Boom and Motion+ are IPX7 rated. These means they are sufficiently waterproof for use in and around water. Both speakers are solidly built and durable, as well.
