Enjoy superb sound wherever you are: Anker Soundcore Motion X500 review

Home or away, your music will sound incredible

from Anker
RRP  £169.99
Enjoy superb sound wherever you are: Anker Soundcore Motion X500 review

by Kyle Purves |
Updated on

When it comes to choosing the best speakers, you can usually trust an Anker Soundcore design, and that continues here with Motion X500. The motion range focuses on blending portability and ease of use with all the hallmarks of a quality speaker for music, and the X500 is designed to add an extra layer of richness to your listening experience with its spatial audio.

Available in Black Deluxe, Pink Punch, and Glitzy Blue colours, the Motion X500 is a Hi-Res certified speaker that wants you to take it wherever you go, whether that's by your side in your home, out and about on a sunny day, or keeping a party going at night.

While the Motion X500 isn't super expensive, but neither is it what we would consider a budget speaker. As such, it's normal to be a bit unsure as to whether it's worth your money. Luckily, that's what we're here for.

Resident tech expert Kyle Purves has been hands-on with the Motion X500, testing it thoroughly over a few weeks. In order to find out its strengths, weaknesses, and unique quirks, they've trialled it out with various different types of audio, from high BPM music to simple video chatter. They made sure to get a deep understanding of what it's like to use the Motion X500 and are now ready to share their findings.

The quick version

The Motion X500 speaker packs a punch with its trio of drivers, delivering loud and clear sound that fills whichever space you are in. It's designed to focus on spatial audio, aiming to immerse listeners with rich surround sound that stays high-quality no matter where you are in the room. It's a lightweight, portable, mid-budget Bluetooth speaker well-suited for just about any situation. From a beach party to studying at a desk, the X500 will excel.

Motion X500Anker

Rrp: £169.99

Price: £150.00

Pros

  • Fantastic audio projection and potential volume
  • Very refined sound quality for the size
  • Ideal shape and size keep it very portable
  • Reliable battery life that's no trouble to charge up again
  • Brilliant waterproofing gives it potential as a shower speaker

Cons

  • Wish the upwards-facing driver was a little bit bigger
  • Performance
    5.0
  • Build
    5.0
  • Features
    5.0
  • Value
    4.5
DriversFull-range drivers x 2, upward-firing driver x 1
Audio power40W
Battery life12 hours
Charging timeApprox. 5 hours
WaterproofingIPX7
Dimensions22 x 20.2 x 8.1 cm
Weight2.12kg

Performance

Looking at the specs of the Motion X500 may make it seem unassuming at first glance, but in practice, it all comes together into a very powerful package.

The trio of drivers go a long way into making this as good a speaker as it is. Volume is no issue, and thanks to the way it projects its sound, you can comfortably listen to music from across the other side of the room. In my experience, I could leave this on top of my desk and carry out other tasks throughout the house and still enjoy what I was listening to – it's one of the best speakers for music I've trialled in some time.

A sizable focus on spatial audio has been designed into the X500. It wants you to enjoy its sound to the fullest, regardless of location. With three-channel spatial audio, it aims to provide the most immersive sound possible considering its size. I found the stereo sound to be fantastic, and sure enough, no matter how many times I shifted around in my seat or my room, I never noticed a drop in the consistency of my listening experience.

One of the ways the Motion X500 achieves its versatility is the various EQ modes you can switch between. These can be swapped with the press of a button next to the upward-facing driver, allowing you to adjust the audio balance to whichever you think sounds best. As expected of an Anker Soundcore speaker, there's a bass boost mode (as indicated by a light yellow glow) for those who want to feel each beat. There's also a signature mode (the white light), which I tended to treat as the default. My favourite, however, was the dynamic mode (a soft blue), which seemed to nail my preferences in a way that I couldn't manage even if manually playing around with the settings. As always with a Soundcore model, you can play around with the equalizer in the companion app to further fine-tune everything to your liking.

So, what was it like to use the Motion X500? A treat.

I've used several Bluetooth speakers before, larger and more powerful ones, smaller and more portable ones, and yet I was very impressed by this speaker. It's a great speaker for bass, which I got a lot of use out of, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well it handles things. The opening song to Netflix's Delicious in Dungeon hits all the better when coming out of it. And, as you can gather from that line of thought, I found the Motion X500 to be suited for more than just music. Turns out that the spatial audio works well for videos and TV shows, and is a surprisingly great pick for gaming too. I intend to use it to get immersed in a horror game in the future once I muster up some more courage.

Lastly for performance, I want to make a brief note on the battery life. With a playtime of 12 hours, I did have it run low on me a few times, but never often enough to be a bother. In fact, I'm quite a fan of how its battery life performed, seeing as it charged quicker for me than advertised. I was able to have it reach full again in less than four hours, and seeing as I kept it by my desk most often, it was never a hassle to keep it topped up. Once again, it's one of the aspects of the X500 that seems unimpressive at first, but brilliant in practice.

Build and design

Motion X500 Review 2
©Kyle Purves, What's The Best

Unlike most other Motion designs, the X500 stands quite tall, almost as much as it is wide. This more square-like design seemed unusual initially, but I grew quite fond of it. For me, it hits the perfect balance where it doesn't take up too much surface space while still having plenty of space for its drivers and output. Packing it away could be tricky, but the handle and lightweight build make it easy to carry around, so it never becomes a nuisance.

The controls sit to the sides of the upward-facing driver, with one side dedicated to the volume and pause buttons and the other for power, Bluetooth, and mode selection. This is a great placement for them, especially since the sloped design makes it easier to use than a flat surface.

Regarding waterproofing, the X500 continues the Motion line's trend of excellence. An IPX7 rating means it can be submerged in water, so long as you secure the covering around the back. It makes for an excellent beach or poolside companion and isn't afraid to get splashed. It should come as no surprise then that I found the X500 to be a fantastic shower speaker, and I could see myself taking it with me on a camping trip in future since rainy weather won't hold it back.

Although I mainly used the X500 indoors, it's definitely well-suited for the outdoors too. In warmer weather, I can't wait to try it out for a picnic, and I can see myself getting plenty of use out of it while sitting in a sunny garden.

Any drawbacks?

Motion X500 Review 3
©Kyle Purves, What's The Best

Usually, there's something I can nitpick about a product, even the most minor detail, but for the Motion X500, I really had to dig deep and think about what I would change about it if I had the chance.

Ultimately, I narrowed in on one aspect: its upward-facing driver. Although I do not fault with how it performs, I think it could go further. It takes up about a third of the top section, but I could see it expanded to improve its coverage and projection, making it even better at filling a room. There appears to be enough space for the controls to go vertical instead of horizontal, so I don't imagine it would cause much issue.

Still, the fact that my one complaint is about what it could be and not what it is reflects just how great the Motion X500 is overall.

Price and competition

Motion X500 Review 3 (1)
©Kyle Purves, What's The Best

While the X500 may not be the cheapest speaker on the market, I still think it's great value for money. Considering how few drawbacks it has and how powerful it is for its size, it more than justifies its price point. Besides, it's quite comparable to other Anker speakers, so there's nothing unexpected here. For its current price, the Motion X500 is just about the best you can get.

That said, if you don't mind splashing out a bit more cash, you can find some solid competition. Here are a couple of notable ones that we have reviewed:

Expert rating:
5.0
Soundcore Motion x600What's The Best / Kyle Purves
Price: £199.99
Alternative retailers
Macy's$199.99View offer
Bloomingdale's$199.99View offer
Urban Outfitters$199.99View offer
Newegg$199.99View offer

We think the Anker Soundcore Motion X600 sets a new standard for portable speakers. Marketed as "The World's First Portable High-Fidelity Speaker," it carries high expectations and meets them with impressive audio quality and design. Priced at £149.99 (RRP £199.99), it may be more expensive than other Soundcore models, but its features certainly justify the cost.
This speaker boasts long-lasting battery life, reliable waterproofing, and a sleek, modern design. With 50W of power and five drivers, it delivers outstanding sound quality, especially when bass boost and surround sound modes are enabled. Ideal for music lovers and podcast enthusiasts alike, the Motion X600 stands out in its category.

The Soundcore Motion X600 was tried and tested by Kyle Purves, who has this to say about his experience: “I immediately want to commend the Motion X600 on its battery life. While I initially expected 12 hours to deplete much quicker with regular use of surround sound and bass-boost modes, it manages to last remarkably well even with them constantly enabled. The charge time of six hours never actually caused me any bother. It's especially great for those working from home at a desk since you can charge it with any nearby socket, and the total battery life makes it a reliable speaker to bring on trips and days out."

“As for the audio itself, the Motion X600 has multiple layers to it. Without surround sound or bass boost, you've got a respectable output, but the speaker truly shines when both features are enabled. Combining these modes delivers an experience unmatched at this price point. Soundcore claims the Motion X600 has a wider frequency range than a standard speaker, and I found so many more details in the music I listen to. Even songs I’ve heard a hundred times felt fresh again. The companion app allows for equalizer adjustments, adding further depth to the listening experience.”

Pros

  • Fantastic for bass
  • Brilliant set of drivers
  • Very stylish design

Cons

  • Size makes it less ideal for travel
  • Performance
    5.0
  • Build
    5.0
  • Features
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
DriversDrivers x 5, Amplifiers x 5
Audio power50W
Battery life12 hours
Charging timeApprox. 6 hours
WaterproofingIPX7
Dimensions311 x 171 x 81 mm
Weight2.35kg

Expert rating:
4.5
Small speaker, big sound: Soundcore Motion 100 reviewWhat's The Best / William Lobley
Price: £199.99
Alternative retailers
Macy's$199.99View offer
Bloomingdale's$199.99View offer
Urban Outfitters$199.99View offer
Newegg$199.99View offer

The Soundcore Motion 100 is an excellent compact Bluetooth speaker for travel and portability. Thanks to its lightweight and waterproof build, this little device is perfect for those wanting tunes while on the go. With a 20W audio output and full-range drivers, it offers impressive sound quality for its size. The IPX7 waterproof rating ensures that it can handle outdoor use, whether it's by the pool or at the beach. The 12-hour battery life means you can enjoy your music all day without recharging it frequently.

Despite its budget-friendly price of just under £60, the Motion 100 does not compromise on performance. It's compatible with the Soundcore app, allowing users to customize their audio experience with a nine-band EQ. Its durable construction and compact size make it easy to pack and carry, making it a versatile choice for indoor and outdoor use.

I had the opportunity to test this speaker. Here are some of my thoughts: "In my experience, combining the bass boost and surround sound modes delivers an experience that is unmatched at this price point. Soundcore claims the Motion X600 has a wider frequency range than a standard speaker, and I must admit that I have found so many more details in the music I listen to than before. With this speaker, you'll find that even songs you've listened to a hundred times suddenly feel fresh again."

You can read my full review here.

Pros

  • Lightweight, compact build
  • Great waterproofing
  • Reliable Bluetooth 5.3 offers consistently rich audio

Cons

  • Outperformed by other Soundcore speakers in terms of bass
  • Performance
    4.0
  • Build
    5.0
  • Features
    4.0
  • Value
    5.0
DriversTwo full-range drivers
Audio power20W
Battery life12 hours
Charging timeApprox. 5 hours
WaterproofingIPX7
Dimensions66 x 200 x 88 mm
Weight0.689kg

Expert rating:
5.0
What's The Best William LobleyWhat's The Best / William Lobley

Rrp: £299.99

Price: £249.99
Alternative retailers
Best Buy$249.99View offer
Bloomingdale's$299.99View offer
Newegg$299.99View offer
Nordstrom$299.99View offer

Coming in from Marshall, the Middleton packs a lot of power into a tiny package. It has an impressive set of drivers and in terms of pure power, it easily stands up to other speakers twice its size. The Middleton's battery life is also worth noting. A total of 20 hours is nothing short of fantastic, and considering it only takes around four and a half hours to charge, you'll rarely find it on low power for long.

This was tried and tested by William Austin-Lobley, who has this to say about his experience: "The secret to the audio success of the Middleton is down to three things. One, the quality of the speakers is top-notch - there is no bass blow-out or high-note distortions. The second is the onboard Bass and Treble controls, which allow you to modify the audio to suit your music and taste. Much like the Marshall Acton II I’ve tested before, while there’s no direct Middle control, Bass/Treble are all that you need - they keep things accessible. There's an app that you can download to improve EQ control, but I found that it didn't offer anything I couldn't do with the onboard controls, so uninstalled it after a week. The third thing is that the Middleton is stereo. By being stereo, the Middleton isn’t trying to squeeze all of the audio from one place, meaning everything is given a bit more room to breathe."

You can read his full review here.

Pros

  • Very powerful
  • Impressive battery life
  • Quick to charge

Cons

  • A little hefty for the size
  • Performance
    5.0
  • Build
    5.0
  • Features
    4.5
  • Value
    4.0
Drivers3-inch 15W woofers x 2, 3/5-inch 10W tweeters x 2, passive radiators x 2
Audio power60W
Battery life20+ hours
Charging timeApprox. 4.5 hours
WaterproofingIP67
Dimensions109 x 230 x 95 mm
Weight1.8kg

Expert rating:
4.0

The Anker Soundcore Motion 300 is an excellent choice for those seeking a portable yet powerful Bluetooth speaker. Priced at £89.99, it offers great value with impressive audio quality, long-lasting battery life, and outstanding waterproofing. Its lightweight build and handy strap make it perfect for outdoor activities like camping and picnics, ensuring you can take your music anywhere without hassle.

With an IPX7 waterproof rating, this speaker can withstand rain showers and functions well as a shower speaker. Its versatile design allows for both upright and horizontal placement, enhancing its usability in various settings.

I had the opportunity to test this speaker. Here are some of my thoughts: "The Motion 300 excels as a speaker for parties or camping, and its portability is evident in every aspect of its design. Its lightweight build and handy strap make it easy to attach to a backpack. With an IPX7 waterproof rating, it handles rainy showers and functions superbly as a shower speaker. The controls light up when turned on, making it easy to use in any lighting condition."

Kyle continues, "In terms of audio performance, the Motion 300 delivers rich sound across various genres. The default balance is perfect for music, and the companion app allows for EQ adjustments to suit your preferences. However, the bass was somewhat disappointing compared to other Soundcore models, and spoken content like podcasts sounded a bit muddy. Despite these minor downsides, the Motion 300 remains a fantastic, affordable option for travel and outdoor use, and I highly recommend it for those specific purposes."

Read our Motion 300 review here to learn a little more about this phenomenal budget speaker.

Pros

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Great audio output power
  • Excellent water resistance

Cons

  • Could be bassier

Expert rating:
5.0
Anker Soundcore Boom 2 PlusWhat's The Best / Jack Barrell
Price: £249.99

We think the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is a stellar upgrade from its predecessor, the Boom 2. With its robust build and impressive sound capabilities, this speaker is designed for those who want to bring high-quality audio to outdoor events. Priced at £199.99, the Boom 2 Plus offers nearly double the output of the standard Boom 2, making it one of the most powerful outdoor Bluetooth speakers available today. Its sleek yet durable design ensures it can handle various environments while delivering exceptional sound quality.

Perfect for beach trips, park gatherings, or backyard parties, the Boom 2 Plus doesn't just promise louder sound but also retains the clarity and depth needed to enjoy a wide range of music genres. The added dynamic light show feature and the improved user interface make it both a visual and auditory delight, further solidifying its place as a top contender in the portable speaker market.

This was tried and tested by Jack Barrell, who has this to say about their experience: "I tested the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus for three weeks in various settings, including open outdoor spaces, a garden, and my living room. This speaker impressively balanced impactful bass and subtle nuances, effortlessly handling everything from drum and bass to introspective rap. The BassUp feature, which enhances the bass, is now more of an optional delight than a necessity, thanks to the speaker's increased size and improved sound delivery."

"However, a minor drawback is the inability to check the battery percentage via Bluetooth on an iPhone. Despite this, the Boom 2 Plus remains a standout, with its easy portability and dynamic light show feature enhancing the overall experience. It's a hefty yet manageable option for those seeking powerful, versatile sound in a portable form."

You can read his full review here.

Pros

  • Lightweight, portable and unbelievably powerful
  • Ultra-modern design
  • Robust, supportive shoulder strap for easier transportation

Cons

  • No easy way of telling how much charge remains
  • Performance
    5.0
  • Build
    5.0
  • Features
    4.5
  • Value
    4.5
Drivers3
Audio power140W
Battery lifeUp to 20 hours
Charging time3 hours
WaterproofingIPX7
Dimensions442 x 228 x 151 mm
Weight3.8kg

Expert rating:
5.0
Soundcore BOOM 2Jack Barrell/WTB
Price: £129.99
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=349f95720ce5cc9591e15152a710dbb3&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=W0BNFkoPGB1HFBIbDQZOUF5WS1JaXBpCTgV8cUlSUwd8FFYJBWcBDwoRUA5eAGZwcCZyYHp0ZFkOBAE%3D&x=v1&prdId=10629977751&barcode=AwQIXw0DAwYBW10HVFU%3D

The Soundcore Boom 2 speaker is a remarkable choice for those who love outdoor audio adventures. With its powerful bass, clear sound quality, and impressive battery life, this speaker is designed to meet the demands of both open-air and indoor environments. Its robust design, combined with modern features like beat-sync LED lights and waterproof capability, ensures it’s a reliable and fun companion for any outing.

This was tried and tested by Jack Barrell, who has this to say about his experience:

“I was impressed by the Soundcore Boom 2 speaker’s performance right out of the box. The sound quality is remarkable, with crisp highs and deep, satisfying bass. It’s easy to connect via Bluetooth, and the range is more than sufficient for most spaces in my home.”

“In my time with the Soundcore Boom 2 speaker, I found it to be incredibly reliable. The battery life exceeded my expectations, lasting through long listening sessions without needing a recharge. The design is also a big plus; it looks good in any room and is durable enough to handle daily use. I’d recommend this speaker to anyone looking for quality sound and convenience.”

For a deeper dive into the Soundcore Boom 2, check out our thorough review here.

Pros

  • Outstanding bass and audio
  • Beat-sync light up is excellent
  • Great portability

Cons

  • Long time to charge

Final thoughts

Going forward, I see the Motion X500 as becoming my main speaker. Its compact size makes it unobtrusive to keep on a desk or shelf, and of course, it's a fantastic travel option. It'll excel wherever it is, but especially in social spaces, whether that's a full-fledged party or a chill night with friends.

It's powerful too, a lot more than it looks on paper. The added focus on spatial design and surround sound has been worthwhile, making this a speaker capable of providing an immersive audio experience you would expect of a larger, immobile unit.

Who is it for?

Just about any and everyone. It may seem like a bit of a cop-out, but really, so long as you're after a speaker, I struggle to think of why you wouldn't appreciate the Motion X500. I suppose if you're an audiophile, you'll likely appreciate the finer details that a bigger budget can afford, so you may want to look for a higher tier of speaker. But for those of us happy with a mid-budget option, the X500 suits just about any purpose.

Would we recommend it?

Without a shadow of a doubt, yes. This is easily one of the best speakers you can buy at this price range, and during all of my testing, I was never let down by it. If you're looking for a new speaker, the Motion X500 will not disappoint.

Motion X500Anker

Rrp: £169.99

Price: £150.00

Pros

  • Fantastic audio projection and potential volume
  • Very refined sound quality for the size
  • Ideal shape and size keep it very portable
  • Reliable battery life that's no trouble to charge up again
  • Brilliant waterproofing gives it potential as a shower speaker

Cons

  • Wish the upwards-facing driver was a little bit bigger
  • Performance
    5.0
  • Build
    5.0
  • Features
    5.0
  • Value
    4.5
DriversFull-range drivers x 2, upward-firing driver x 1
Audio power40W
Battery life12 hours
Charging timeApprox. 5 hours
WaterproofingIPX7
Dimensions22 x 20.2 x 8.1 cm
Weight2.12kg

Who tested it?

Kyle Purves is one of our tech product writers. They always have a speaker on their desk at home, ready to play some tracks to get focused for work or relax at night. They've tested numerous wireless speakers before, including a handful of Anker ones, so they're experienced and familiar with what to look out for and what to expect.

How was it tested?

I had the Motion X500 beside me whenever working from home for a number of weeks, using it as my main source of audio both in and out of work hours. I've listened to everything from classic grunge to movie soundtracks and even tried it out for video and game audio. Whenever I used the home exercise bike, it was a great help for keeping me focused and motivated.

How What's The Best test products

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The result? Unbiased buying advice you can trust. We only review the most relevant and impactful audio products on the market, so you know you're getting the latest insights. Can't find a review for your specific gear? We're constantly expanding our review database, so stay tuned!

Want to dive deeper into how we test audio products? Visit our dedicated page detailing how we go about performing our audio reviews.

Kyle Purvesis a Commercial Content Writer for What’s The Best, with an avid interest in all things gaming and tech.

They’re well-versed in reviewing a variety of tech products, with a soft spot for speakers and earphones. They’re also no stranger to hunting down the best savings, always wanting to get the best deal possible. Outside of work, they can often be found playing through an RPG, listening to Japanese noise rock, or trying to catch up with their ever-expanding list of shows and anime to watch. If possible, they try to play Dungeons and Dragons a couple of times a week, but getting six adults to be free at the same time is easier said than done.

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