The Soundcore Motion 300 is a small package, but it delivers a full-sized sound.
soundcore motion 300 awarded editors choice
Gavin Phillips / MakeUseOf
Key Takeaways
The Soundcore Motion 300 is a rugged, waterproof Bluetooth speaker that offers a bright and vibrant sound, making it one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers of 2023.
With 30W dual drivers, up to 13 hours of battery life, and support for LDAC Hi-Res Audio, the Motion 300 is an impressively loud and versatile option.
Its customizable EQ and robust design, combined with its affordable price point of $80, make the Motion 300 a great value proposition for all occasions.
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Soundcore often creates products that make you question everything else in the market. Its new Soundcore Motion 300 rugged Bluetooth speaker is no exception—putting bigger, shinier, and, most importantly, more costly alternatives to shame.
What’s not to love about the Soundcore Motion 300? It looks good, is robust and rubberized, comes with an IPX7 waterproof rating, works with the Soundcore App, one of the best companion apps, and adjusts its EQ automatically depending on its position.
With battery life pushing up to 13 hours of playback, Soundcore’s typically seamless audio quality, and an extensive array of Bluetooth codec support, the Soundcore Motion 300 is one of 2023’s best portable Bluetooth speakers.
anker soundcore motion 300
Anker Soundcore Motion 300
Editor’s Choice
9/ 10
The Soundcore Motion 300 is a rugged, waterproof Bluetooth speaker with a bright, vibrant sound. Key features include 30W dual drivers, up to 13 hours battery life, USB-C charging, IPX7 waterproofing, EQ adjustment based on speaker position, and support for LDAC Hi-Res Audio. Its robust design and big portable sound make it one of the best Bluetooth speakers of 2023.
Bluetooth Connectivity?
Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions
2.2 x 7.9 x 3.9 inches
Brand
Soundcore
Power
30w
Colors
Mirage Black, Fern Green, Frost Blue
Battery
Up to 13 hours
Waterproof Rating
IPX7
Speaker configuration
Stereo
Wireless capabilities
Bluetooth
Drivers
10mm
Frequency response
65Hz-40kHz
Pros
Excellent value Bluetooth speaker
Great sound for its size, optional Hi-Res Audio
Rugged, rubberized design; IPX7 rating
Customizable EQ
Decent battery life
Cons
No AUX input
Buttons can take a moment to register
$80 at Amazon
See at Anker
Style and Construction
At times, you may feel like you’ve seen every Bluetooth speaker under the sun. The Soundcore Motion 300 won’t win any design awards, but it looks decent and well-built like it’ll survive more than a few summers being lugged down to the beach for a day out.
soundcore motion 300 bluetooth speaker logo and buttons
Image Credit: Gavin Phillips/MakeUseOf
The rectangular unit measures 2.2 x 7.9 x 3.9 inches and is smoothed with nicely curved edges, fronted with a shiny grille sporting a large Soundcore logo. The grille looks pretty flashy, and it gains some extra style points through its range of color options: Fern Green, Frost Blue, and Mirage Black.
I’ve been sent the Fern Green version, which looks great, and the Frost Blue version also looks sharp. In all cases, the rubberized edges of the Motion 300 make it easy to grasp and keep in hand, while the rubber feet on the bottom and rear of the speaker ensure it won’t slip and side around.
However, as the buttons are buried underneath that rubberized layer (for protection from the wetter elements), your presses take a moment to register. We’re talking 1-2s extra, so it’s no problem at all, and I’d rather this than a Bluetooth speaker that breaks at the first sight of a puddle.
soundcore motion 300 bluetooth speaker clip off carry strap
Image Credit: Gavin Phillips/MakeUseOf
There is a handy removable strap on the left of the speaker, which is easy to unbutton and remove when required. At the other end is a USB-C charging port hidden behind a sealed rubber cover. Like the rest of the Motion 300 design, the rubber cover fits exceptionally well and protected the port during a shower-listening session (no pictures of this, you’ll be glad to know).
soundcore motion 300 bluetooth speaker usb c charging port
Image Credit: Gavin Phillips/MakeUseOf
On that, the Soundcore Motion 300’s IPX7 waterproof rating means you can submerge the speaker down to one meter for a maximum of 30 minutes. You probably don’t want to push that to its limits, and listening to music underwater is somewhat pointless. However, it does mean the Motion 300 will survive a trip into the drink, splashes from a paddling pool, or, in my case, an energetic dancing shower moment.
I’m impressed by the weight of the Motion 300; weighing 0.77kg (27oz), you can easily throw the speaker in a bag or attach it to a strap and not worry about it weighing you down, yet it delivers a substantial sound for such a size.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Soundcore rates the Motion 300 for up to 13 hours of playback while at 50 percent volume and with Bass Mode off. It’s an accurate figure; I fully charged the speaker, then had it blasting out music while cooking for several hours, then switched it up and used it on my desk instead of my regular speakers. To top it off, I took it for a wild and windy walk on the beach and still didn’t run out of charge.
soundcore motion 300 bluetooth speaker buttons with lights
Image Credit: Gavin Phillips/MakeUseOf
If you run the Motion 300 at full volume for multiple hours, it will run out of battery faster, as would any speaker. However, given how loud the Motion 300 gets, you’re unlikely to be doing that too often, and 13 hours of playback is plenty enough for a day hanging with friends, by the pool, at the beach, or otherwise.
soundcore motion 300 bluetooth speaker front grille with logo
Image Credit: Gavin Phillips/MakeUseOf
Connectivity comes from the AAC, SBC, and, interestingly, LDAC Bluetooth codecs. The inclusion of LDAC ensures the Motion 300 is rated for Hi-Res Audio and allows the speaker to stream at a maximum of 990kbps. However, despite the certification and the Motion 300’s overall quality, it’s not really built to deliver true high-quality audio. Your audio will sound good, but the Hi-Res Audio label won’t transform the Motion 300 into an audiophile bit of hardware.
Still, I’d rather have the LDAC option than not, as it gives Android users the chance for some higher-quality audio streaming.
Sound Quality
Under the Motion 300’s front grille are dual dynamic drivers rated for 30 watts (combined). I’m thoroughly impressed with the total volume of the Motion 300—considering its size, this thing gets loud.
soundcore motion 300 bluetooth speaker front view on wooden surface
Image Credit: Gavin Phillips/MakeUseOf
Better still, it maintains a good level of audio quality when the volume is cranked up. Its 65Hz-40kHz frequency range also helps with sound quality, giving the Motion 300 plenty of breathing space to pump out your favorite tunes.
The Motion 300 has a broadly V-shaped tuning out of the box. Music sounds fun and bright, emphasized with bass and high-end to bring every track to life. Given the emphasis on the low and high-end, you might wonder if the mid-range suffers; it’s not bad at all. Vocals are often clear enough, while individual instruments are typically easy to hear. While it’s not the broadest soundstage you’ll come across, it’s worth remembering we’re talking about an 80-dollar speaker here.
soundcore motion 300 bluetooth speaker front view
Image Credit: Gavin Phillips/MakeUseOf
That’s not forgetting the Motion 300 EQ changes automatically depending on the speaker’s position. For example, if the speaker is lying down, you’ll get a little more bass and treble to boost the speaker’s reach, while if you hang the speaker using its removable strap, the bass and treble flatten out a little.
The automatically adjusting EQ is a neat idea and one that makes an audible difference. Still, the option to turn it off and stick to one EQ is available via the Soundcore App, along with other EQ customization options.
I’m also impressed with the Motion 300’s stereo design. Having two drivers, even in such close proximity, allows the Motion 300 to pump out much greater quality audio than a single driver. You get better audio coverage in almost any type of space, indoor or outdoor, and it’s impressive to see on a speaker in this price range.
Hi-Res Audio is an option via LDAC, and there is a slight difference, as you’d expect, but again, this isn’t a speaker for audiophiles. Still, if you have lossless audio files to hand, why not use them?
The Soundcore Motion 300 Is One of 2023’s Best Bluetooth Speakers
The Soundcore Motion 300 costs $80 in the U.S. (£89.99 in the U.K.), and at this price, it easily ranks as one of the best Bluetooth speakers of 2023.
Combining a rugged, compact design with a decent battery and a big sound, Soundcore has packed the Motion 300 with features you need, and, most importantly, actually work.
It’s a great little Bluetooth speaker and one that I could easily see as a perfect stocking filler for the holidays, as a gift for a birthday, or just if you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker to fit any occasion. Again, given the price point, what more could you ask for?
anker soundcore motion 300
Anker Soundcore Motion 300
Best Value
9/ 10
The Soundcore Motion 300 is a rugged, waterproof Bluetooth speaker with a bright, vibrant sound. Key features include 30W dual drivers, up to 13 hours battery life, USB-C charging, IPX7 waterproofing, EQ adjustment based on speaker position, and support for LDAC Hi-Res Audio. Its robust design and big portable sound make it one of the best Bluetooth speakers of 2023.
$80 at Amazon
See at Anker
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