Are you looking for a Bluetooth speaker that can deliver high-quality sound, outdoor-ready design, long battery life, and customizable EQ? If yes, you might want to check out the Soundcore Motion 300. This speaker is one of the latest products from Anker’s Soundcore division, which is known for making audio devices that offer great value for money. In this article, we will review the Soundcore Motion 300 and see why it is a worthy contender in the crowded market of portable speakers.
What is the Soundcore Motion 300?
The Soundcore Motion 300 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that offers great sound and features for a reasonable price. It has a slab-like shape that is unusual for a portable speaker, but it is designed to work in any orientation. It has a metal grille on the front and back, and a rubberized casing on the top, bottom, and sides. It has six buttons on the top for power, Bluetooth pairing, volume, play/pause, and SmartTune, which is a feature that automatically adjusts the sound according to the speaker’s orientation and direction. It also has a microphone for hands-free calls and voice assistant access. On the right side, there is a rubber flap that covers a USB-C port for charging and a reset button.
The speaker comes with a detachable carry strap that lets you hang it from a hook, a branch, or a backpack. It is rated IPX7 for water resistance, which means it can withstand being submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. However, it does not float, so you need to be careful if you use it near a pool or a lake. The speaker also has a 13-hour battery life, which is impressive for a speaker of this size and power. You can check the battery level by pressing the power button, which will light up one of the four LEDs on the front.
One of the best features of the Soundcore Motion 300 is the Soundcore app, which lets you customize the sound of the speaker using a 10-band EQ or preset modes. You can also use the app to pair two Motion 300 speakers for stereo sound or update the firmware of the speaker. The speaker supports LDAC, a high-resolution audio codec that can stream up to 990 kbps of data from compatible sources, such as Android devices. This means you can enjoy better sound quality than the standard Bluetooth codecs, such as SBC or AAC.
How does the Soundcore Motion 300 sound?
The Soundcore Motion 300 delivers powerful and balanced sound, thanks to its dual 1.5-inch full-range drivers and dual passive radiators. The speaker can produce up to 30 watts of output, which is enough to fill a medium-sized room or a small outdoor space. The speaker also has BassUp technology, which enhances the low frequencies for a richer and deeper sound.
The speaker sounds good in any orientation, but you can use the SmartTune feature to optimize the sound for different scenarios. For example, if you place the speaker upright, it will focus the sound forward for a more direct and clear sound. If you lay the speaker flat, it will widen the soundstage for a more immersive and spacious sound. You can also use the Soundcore app to fine-tune the sound to your liking or choose from preset modes, such as Bass Boost, Voice, or Flat.
The speaker handles most genres of music well, with a balanced and detailed sound. The bass is punchy and tight, without overpowering the mids and highs. The vocals are clear and natural, and the instruments are well-separated and defined. The speaker can also get quite loud, without distorting or clipping. However, at higher volumes, the sound can get a bit harsh and sibilant, especially on tracks with a lot of treble. This can be mitigated by lowering the volume or adjusting the EQ.
How does the Soundcore Motion 300 compare to other speakers?
The Soundcore Motion 300 is a great Bluetooth speaker that offers a lot of features and performance for a reasonable price. However, it is not the only speaker in the market that has similar qualities. Here is a table that compares the Soundcore Motion 300 with some of its competitors, such as Marshall Emberton, the JBL Flip 6, and the Sony SRS-XB33.
| Feature | Soundcore Motion 300 | Marshall Emberton | JBL Flip 6 | Sony SRS-XB33 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | $149.99 | $129.95 | $149.99 |
| Size | 8.3 x 2.8 x 2.4 inches | 6.3 x 2.7 x 2.7 inches | 7.1 x 2.7 x 2.7 inches | 9.8 x 3.4 x 3.9 inches |
| Weight | 1.8 pounds | 1.5 pounds | 1.2 pounds | 2.4 pounds |
| Output | 30 watts | 20 watts | 20 watts | 20 watts |
| Battery life | 13 hours | 20 hours | 12 hours | 24 hours |
| Water resistance | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 | IP67 |
| EQ | Customizable | Fixed | Fixed | Customizable |
| Stereo pairing | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Speakerphone | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Voice assistant | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Hi-res audio | Yes | No | No | No |
As you can see, the Soundcore Motion 300 has some advantages over the other speakers, such as the output, the EQ, and the hi-res audio. It also has a lower price than the other speakers, which makes it a great value for money. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as the size, weight, and battery life. It also does not have a battery level indicator, which can be inconvenient. Therefore, you need to consider your preferences and needs before choosing the best speaker for you.
Conclusion
The Soundcore Motion 300 is a great Bluetooth speaker that can deliver great sound and features for under $100. It has a compact and durable design, a long battery life, a customizable EQ, and high-resolution audio support. It also sounds powerful and balanced, with a punchy bass and a clear midrange and treble. It is not perfect, as it can get a bit heavy and bulky to carry around, and the sound can get a bit harsh at higher volumes. However, these are minor drawbacks that do not overshadow the overall quality and value of the speaker. If you are looking for a Bluetooth speaker that can deliver great sound and features for under $100, the Soundcore Motion 300 is a solid choice.
