Anker Soundcore Tiny Speaker Launch: What to Know

Yes, Anker has launched a new Soundcore tiny speaker, but it’s not a single product—it’s a category expansion. As of late 2024 and into 2025, Anker has refreshed its ultra-portable Soundcore lineup with models like the Soundcore Select 2 Go and the Soundcore Mini 3, both designed to deliver surprisingly big sound from a palm-sized body. If you’re wondering whether the latest tiny Soundcore is worth buying, what’s changed, and how it compares to the competition, this article covers the facts.

What Exactly Did Anker Launch?

Anker’s Soundcore brand has long offered small Bluetooth speakers, but the recent launches focus on two distinct tiers:

• Soundcore Mini 3 – a budget-friendly, spherical speaker (about 3 inches tall) with a single 5W driver and a passive bass radiator. It’s IPX7 waterproof and offers up to 15 hours of playtime.
• Soundcore Select 2 Go – a slightly larger, oval-shaped speaker (about 4 inches long) with dual 5W drivers and a passive radiator. It’s IP67 dust/waterproof, floats, and lasts up to 20 hours.

Both are successors to earlier models (Mini 2 and Select 1 Go), and both feature Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C charging, and a lanyard or strap for portability. Anker positions them as “tiny” because they fit in a pocket or palm, but they’re not true micro-speakers like the Soundcore Micro (which is smaller but less powerful).

Key Specs at a Glance

Here’s a quick comparison of the two new models (based on official Anker listings):

• Soundcore Mini 3: 5W output, 15-hour battery, IPX7 (waterproof up to 1m for 30 min), Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, weighs ~230g, price around $25–$30.
• Soundcore Select 2 Go: 10W total (2×5W), 20-hour battery, IP67 (dustproof and waterproof, floats), Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, weighs ~280g, price around $35–$40.

Both support stereo pairing if you buy two of the same model, but they don’t support the Soundcore app (no EQ adjustments). That’s a deliberate simplification to keep costs down.

How Do These Tiny Speakers Sound?

For their size, both speakers punch above their weight, but with limitations. The Mini 3 produces a surprisingly warm midrange and a decent low-end for a 5W driver, thanks to the passive radiator. However, at maximum volume, it distorts noticeably, and there’s no real bass depth below 100Hz. The Select 2 Go, with dual drivers, offers better stereo separation and a fuller sound, but still lacks sub-bass. In a small room or outdoors at moderate volume, they’re perfectly adequate for podcasts, background music, or casual listening. They are not replacements for a dedicated home speaker or a larger portable like the Soundcore Motion+.

What’s the Difference from Previous Models?

The main upgrades over the older Mini 2 and Select 1 Go are:

• Bluetooth 5.3 (vs 5.0) – more stable connection and lower latency.
• USB-C charging (vs micro-USB) – a welcome modern convenience.
• Longer battery life – Mini 3 adds 3 hours over the Mini 2; Select 2 Go adds 4 hours over the Select 1 Go.
• Improved waterproofing – Select 2 Go goes from IPX7 to IP67, adding dust resistance.

If you already own a Mini 2 or Select 1 Go, the upgrade is incremental. But if you’re coming from an older, non-Soundcore speaker, these are solid budget picks.

How to Choose Between the Mini 3 and Select 2 Go

Your choice depends on your priorities:

• If you want the absolute smallest size and lowest price, get the Mini 3. It fits in a jeans pocket (barely) and is fine for solo listening.
• If you want better sound, longer battery, and dust protection (for beach or hiking), get the Select 2 Go. It’s still pocketable, but slightly bulkier.
• If you plan to use it in the shower or pool, both are safe, but the Select 2 Go floats, which is a nice safety net.

Neither supports voice assistants or multi-speaker pairing with other Soundcore models—only same-model stereo pairing. If you need multi-room audio, look at the Soundcore Motion series or a Wi-Fi speaker.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One frequent complaint is that the battery life doesn’t match the advertised numbers. That’s because the 15/20-hour figures are measured at 50% volume with moderate dynamics. At full volume, expect roughly half that. Also, some users expect the “tiny” speaker to be as loud as a larger one—it isn’t. The distortion at high volume is a known limitation, not a defect.

Another misconception: the IPX7/IP67 rating means you can use it underwater. It means it can survive immersion, but Bluetooth doesn’t work well underwater, and the speaker is not designed for continuous submersion. Rinse it after saltwater use.

If your speaker won’t pair, reset it by holding the Bluetooth button for 5 seconds until the LED flashes red/blue. If it won’t charge, try a different cable—USB-C cables vary in quality.

How It Compares to Competitors

In the same price range, the main rivals are:

• JBL Clip 5 (around $40) – similar size, but has a built-in carabiner and a slightly better frequency response, though the battery is only 12 hours.
• Anker Soundcore Micro (around $20) – much smaller, but only 3W and 6-hour battery, so the Mini 3 is a better value.
• Tribit StormBox Micro 2 (around $40) – IP67, 12-hour battery, and a strap, but the Select 2 Go offers longer battery and a lower price.

For the price, the Soundcore tiny speakers are competitive, but they don’t lead the pack in sound quality. They win on battery life and waterproofing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Anker Soundcore Mini 3 worth buying?

Yes, if you want a cheap, waterproof, pocket-sized speaker for casual listening. It’s not audiophile-grade, but for $25–$30, it’s a great value. If you need more volume or bass, spend more on a larger speaker.

Can I pair two Soundcore Mini 3 speakers together?

Yes, you can pair two Mini 3s (or two Select 2 Gos) for true stereo sound. Press the Bluetooth button on both, then press the “TWS” button on one (it’s the same as the Bluetooth button, but you hold it for 2 seconds) to pair them. The process is described in the manual.

Does the Soundcore Select 2 Go have a microphone?

Yes, it has a built-in microphone for hands-free calls. The Mini 3 also has a mic. Call quality is acceptable for a speaker of this size, but not great in noisy environments.

How long does it take to charge?

Both take about 3 hours to fully charge via USB-C. There’s no fast charging, but you can use it while charging (though it may charge slower).

Is the Soundcore Mini 3 compatible with the Soundcore app?

No, neither the Mini 3 nor the Select 2 Go works with the Soundcore app. They are basic, no-frills speakers. If you want EQ controls, look at the Soundcore Motion series or the Select Pro.

What is the difference between IPX7 and IP67?

IPX7 means waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, but no dust protection. IP67 means fully dustproof and waterproof to the same depth. The Select 2 Go is IP67, the Mini 3 is IPX7.

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