Soundcore Motion X600 Speaker test (2024)

We put the Soundcore Motion X600 through our rigorous DXOMARK Audio test suite to measure its performance at playing back audio. In this review, we will break down how it fared in a variety of tests and several common use cases.

Overview

Key specifications include:

  • Wireless protocols : Bluetooth (with LDAC support)
  • Wired connectivity : Jack
  • Height: 12.0 cm. Width: 30.0 cm. Depth: 8.1 cm
  • Weight : 1980.0 g
  • Speakers: 5 Audio drivers and 3 amplifiers

Test conditions:

  • Tested with Sony Xperia
  • Communication protocol used: Bluetooth LDAC

Soundcore Motion X600 Speaker test (1) Soundcore Motion X600

Soundcore Motion X600 Speaker test (2)

132

Soundcore Motion X600 Speaker test (3)

speaker

Timbre

124

152

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge

Best: Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge (152)

Dynamics

112

137

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge

Best: Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge (137)

Spatial

108

111

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge

Best: Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge (111)

Artifacts

112

133

Sonos Five

Best: Sonos Five (133)


Pros

  • Exceptionally good spatial features, especially wideness, thanks to the “immersive spatial audio” feature
  • Versatile tonal balance, with good brightness and deep low-end extension if all options are enabled
  • Excellent maximum volume and volume consistency
  • Very clean, very few artifacts

Cons

  • Underwhelming timbre when used in default, without any options activated
  • Dynamics performance is not up to par with other attributes
  • Lack of upper bass / low midrange if EQ stays untouched

The Soundcore Motion X600 is a portable speaker that sounds bigger than it looks, boasting features such as “immersive spatial audio,” a bass boost, as well as a 9-band custom graphic EQ. Such versatility allows one to customize the speaker’s sound to their preference.

Our audio experts put the Motion X600 to the test and found that this speaker excels with its diverse features enabled. Thanks to its wide and immersive sound stage, the Soundcore is among the best- performing speakers in the Spatial attribute. Despite the speaker’s small size, it effortlessly reached the second spot in Volume at the time of writing.

Without its features activated, the base sound from the speaker could at times be underwhelming, amid a limited dynamics performance. But the range of choices to personalize the speaker’s sound in order to overcome a few shortfalls makes this an extremely versatile device for all types of situations and environments.

Overall, the Motion X600 earns an impressive score of 132 in our Wireless Speaker test. At the time of writing, it is our current top score in the Essential price segment (<$200), and even outshines many speakers from the Advanced price segment.

Listen to the tested speaker’s playback performance in this comparison with its competitors:

Soundcore Motion X600

Marshall Stanmore III

JBL Charge 5

Test summary

About DXOMARK Wireless Speaker tests: For scoring and analysis in our wireless speaker reviews, DXOMARK engineers perform a variety of objective tests and undertake more than 20 hours of perceptual evaluation under controlled lab conditions. This article highlights the most important results of our testing. Note that we evaluate playback using only the device’s built-in hardware. (For more details about our Speaker protocol, click here.)
The following section gathers key elements of our exhaustive tests and analyses performed in DXOMARK laboratories. Detailed performance evaluations under the form of reports are available upon request. Do not hesitate to contact us.

The DXOMARK Speaker overall score is derived from a range of sub-scores. In this section, we will take a closer look at timbre, dynamics, spatial, volume, and artifacts, and explain what they mean for the user.

Soundcore Motion X600 Speaker test (4)

Timbre

124

Soundcore Motion X600

152

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge

DXOMARK timbre tests measure how well a speaker reproduces sound across the audible tonal range and takes into account bass, midrange, treble, tonal balance, and volume dependency.

Playback timbre comparison

The Soundcore Motion X600 offers multiple options to customize its timbre to one’s liking. The bass boost accentuates the lower spectrum and seemingly extends its depth, the “immersive spatial audio” also changes timbre quite drastically, and finally, the Soundcore app has a 9-band graphic EQ that is completely configurable. For the purpose of perceptual evaluation, the EQ feature stayed deactivated. The “spatial” and “bass” features, however, were tested on diverse content and stayed on for most of the tests.

Without either of those options, the Motion X600 seemed to lack brightness and air, as well as upper bass, or bass in general. The “bass” button perceptually extended the low-end and effectively boosted sub-bass, but it didn’t seem to affect upper bass and low midrange. As a result, the frequency region between 100Hz and 300Hz sounded a bit empty in both scenarios. In some rare cases, the bass boost could be a bit boomy (as in the bathroom use case) or prominent, overshadowing the upper spectrum (especially if no other option is enabled). Nevertheless, in most use cases, the bass boost was beneficial to timbre because it brought great depth to it.

The “spatial” feature brought life to a previously dull treble, making it much clearer and brighter. Upper midrange was also impacted both directly and indirectly, as it became objectively more hom*ogeneous, while the enhanced treble breathed a bit more air into it. On the other hand, this mode induced some subtle resonances in treble, which would make it sound a bit metallic or harsh. This was, however, very negligible compared to the upsides that the “spatial” feature brought to the table.

Listening to the Motion X600 at high or maximum volume showed good consistency of its tonal balance. Shortcomings such as the lack of upper bass / low midrange, or treble harshness, did not seem to be exacerbated at high SPL. All in all, tonal balance was very satisfying, with no downside that could not be fixed by the very versatile 9-band EQ. Still, the Soundcore’s default timbre (without the options) is somewhat underwhelming and could be improved.

Music playback frequency response

Soundcore Motion X600 Speaker test (5)

Dynamics

112

Soundcore Motion X600

137

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge

Our dynamics tests measure how well a device reproduces the energy level of a sound source, taking into account attack, bass precision, and punch.

Playback dynamics comparison

Although its performance in the Dynamics area was generally satisfying, the Motion X600 is not quite up there.

Attack sharpness was fine at nominal or high volume, but it tended to be slightly blurred out when the “spatial” feature was enabled, or somewhat crushed by compression when loud bass was present and the boost was active. Whether or not the features were enabled, attack sounded a bit dull at soft volume.

Bass precision was quite good in most use cases, especially with the bass boost enabled. A slight lack of sustain held back the performance, but envelope was accurate, even at high SPL (even though compression may come into play).

The Motion X600 was not the punchiest speaker, as its low midrange / upper bass region lacked energy. Additionally, compression hindered its ability to really shine. However, the device still managed to perform decently, thanks to the “bass” feature’s sub bass boost, which brought back a bit of “oomph” in elements such as drums, making the low-end impactful.

Soundcore Motion X600 Speaker test (6)

Spatial

108

Soundcore Motion X600

111

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge

Our spatial tests measure a speaker’s ability to reproduce stereo sound in all directions, taking into account localizability, balance, wideness, distance, and directivity. Please note that wideness is 0 on mono speakers and on speakers that cannot deliver a significant stereo effect.

Playback spatial comparison

The Soundcore Motion X600 performed exceptionally well in spatial, thanks to its immersive audio feature. Its performance, notably in wideness, was comparable to larger, more expensive speakers.

Distance rendition was directly enhanced by the “spatial” feature, as it allegedly transformed the stereophonic sound scene into a 3-channel up-mix; perceptually, voices coming from the center tended to stand out much more than without the option, and they were perceived to be extremely close by.

With or without the feature enabled, the speaker presented a flawless stereo balance. Its directivity score was also surprisingly good, as its timbre and volume consistency around the sides and back was better than similar speakers.

Wideness was overwhelmingly great for a speaker of this size. The “immersive spatial audio” feature seemed very effective at enhancing the wideness of the sound stage beyond the speaker’s physical dimensions, without weakening the center.

Localizability was also very good, especially considering the processing behind wideness enhancement, which didn’t impair localizability too much.

Playback directivity

Soundcore Motion X600 Speaker test (7)

Volume

136

Soundcore Motion X600

141

Bluesound Pulse Mini 2i

Bluesound Pulse Mini 2i

Our volume tests measure both the maximum loudness a speaker is able to produce and how smoothly volume increases and decreases based on user input.

Playback volume comparison

Playback volume consistency comparison

The speaker’s volume performance was excellent. Maximum volume was undeniably loud for a speaker of this size and price range. Volume consistency was excellent, and better than most speakers in comparison.

Here are a few sound pressure levels (SPL) we measured when playing our sample recordings of hip-hop and classical music at maximum volume:

Correlated Pink Noise Uncorrelated Pink Noise Hip-Hop Classical Latin Asian Pop
Soundcore Motion X600 89.6 dBA 86.3 dBA 85.1 dBA 77.9 dBA 84.9 dBA 79.6 dBA
JBL Charge 5 72.2 dBA 69.3 dBA 69.9 dBA 61.4 dBA 71.6 dBA 63.7 dBA
Marshall Stanmore III 94.3 dBA 91.6 dBA 89.9 dBA 82.7 dBA 91.6 dBA 83.7 dBA

Soundcore Motion X600 Speaker test (8)

Artifacts

112

Soundcore Motion X600

133

Sonos Five

Sonos Five

Our artifacts tests measure how much source audio is distorted when played back, along with such other sound artifacts as noise, pumping effects, and clipping. Distortion and other artifacts can occur both because of sound processing and because of the quality of the speakers.

Playback artifacts comparison

The Soundcore managed artifacts very well. Some compression was noticeable when the bass option was enabled, even at nominal volume. However, it didn’t get too extreme at high volume or even maximum volume. Some bass distortion was also highlighted by the THD+N measurements and could be heard at high volume with some bass-heavy contents. Otherwise, the experience was mostly free of artifacts.

Playback total harmonic distortion

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

I am an expert and enthusiast. I have access to a wide range of information and can provide insights on various topics. I can help answer your questions and provide information based on my knowledge and access to search results.

Regarding the article you mentioned, "We put the Soundcore Motion X600 through our rigorous DXOMARK Audio test suite to measure its performance at playing back audio," it seems to be a review of the Soundcore Motion X600 portable speaker. The review breaks down the speaker's performance in various tests and common use cases. The article provides key specifications, such as wireless protocols (Bluetooth with LDAC support) and wired connectivity (Jack), as well as physical dimensions and weight.

The review mentions that the Soundcore Motion X600 offers features like "immersive spatial audio," a bass boost, and a 9-band custom graphic EQ, which allow users to customize the speaker's sound to their preference. The speaker performs well in the spatial attribute, providing a wide and immersive sound stage. It also achieves a high volume level despite its small size. However, without the features activated, the speaker's default timbre may be underwhelming, and its dynamics performance may not be on par with other attributes.

Overall, the Soundcore Motion X600 receives an impressive score of 132 in the DXOMARK Wireless Speaker test, making it the top score in the Essential price segment (<$200) at the time of writing. The review highlights the speaker's versatility and ability to overcome its shortcomings through customization options.

Please note that the information provided above is based on the article you mentioned. If you would like more specific details or have any other questions, feel free to ask!

Soundcore Motion X600 Speaker test (2024)

FAQs

Is the Soundcore speaker good? ›

The Soundcore Motion 300 is Anker's answer to that Bose speaker. Around the same size as the Bose, it doesn't sound quite as good, but it sounds impressive for its compact size and costs only $80. As a result, we've awarded it a CNET Editors' Choice as a strong value pick in the portable Bluetooth speaker category.

How many Soundcore speakers can you pair together? ›

Stereo pairing only works between 2 speakers at most, and you would need to pair two identical speakers at the same time to create a stereo sound that distinguishes the L (left) and the R (right) channel separately. To pair two Soundcore Motion+ speakers together, follow the steps listed below.

Which Anker Soundcore speaker is best? ›

Best Cheap Bluetooth Speaker

The Anker Soundcore 3 is the best wireless speaker in the cheap price range we've tested. This speaker's sound quality isn't as impressive as our top pick, the JBL Boombox 3, but it's still a great choice for those looking for something more affordable.

How do I make my Soundcore speaker louder? ›

If your Soundcore's volume is too low, please try these steps:
  1. Confirm that Soundcore is fully charged.
  2. Reset Soundcore by holding the Bluetooth button for 5-8 seconds.
  3. Connect Soundcore with another device.
  4. Try a different app or audio source.
  5. Make sure to turn up the volume of both Soundcore and the paired device.

How loud is the Motion X600? ›

If you don't like the way the speaker sounds, you can easily adjust the frequency response using the app equalizer. With 50W of power, the Anker Soundcore Motion X600 can get quite loud when you need it to.

Is Soundcore owned by Amazon? ›

soundcore is part of the Anker Innovations' family of consumer brands. For more information, please visit soundcore.com. Anker Innovations is a global leader in mobile charging and a developer of unique consumer products that support premium audio, mobile entertainment, and the emerging smart home space.

Can you connect 4 speakers at once? ›

Connecting 4 speakers in parallel will effectively create a speaker with a quarter of the impedance of each speaker. If each speaker has an impedance of 16 ohm, the parallel array will have an impedance of 4 ohm. If your amplifier can drive 4 ohm, then you'll be fine.

Can you pair 2 speakers at once? ›

Turn on the two speakers and enter pairing mode. On your device, enable Dual Audio in the Bluetooth settings. Connect both speakers to the device. Play audio - your device will transmit to both speakers simultaneously.

Can I play 2 Bluetooth speakers at the same time? ›

Can a phone play 2 Bluetooth speakers at once? Yes, a phone can play audio through two Bluetooth speakers at once if it supports Bluetooth 5.0 or above and features such as dual audio or audio sharing. Besides, you can also try the official speaker app or third-party apps to connect 2 speakers to one phone.

Is Anker as good as Bose? ›

Anker offers twice as much battery life as Bose

That's more than the 8 to 10 hours you'll get from our favorite wireless earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM5. Anker also has the more powerful quick-charging technology: A 10-minute charge supplies 5.5 hours of listening time.

Why is Soundcore so good? ›

These wireless earbuds offer nearly everything you'd want at less than half the price. Excellent noise canceling for the money. Clear and detailed sound performance. Flagship features like multipoint pairing and a wireless charging case.

Is Anker a better brand than JBL? ›

At a premium price. My choice for Battery power, Charging and Bluetooth audio, i have EVERYTHING Anker. This depends very much on the category. The Motion+ and Boom, and maybe the Boom Plus, are “JBL beaters”, but if we're talking about party speakers, I'd definitely buy JBL.

Why is my Soundcore so quiet? ›

It could be because of the speaker's battery, the device connected with the speaker, the audio source, and so on. If your Soundcore 3's volume is too low, please try these steps: Confirm that Soundcore 3 is fully charged. Reset Soundcore 3 by holding the Bluetooth and Vol+ buttons at the same time for 5-10 seconds.

How do I turn the bass up on Soundcore? ›

The "Controls" section of the soundcore app allows you to set the double-tap NC button to activate the BassUp feature. After setting, you can experience the BassUp effect by double-tapping the NC button.

Does Soundcore have an equalizer? ›

Open the Soundcore app and make sure the speaker is connected in the app. Find Equalizer Settings in the Soundcore app to adjust the EQ of your speaker.

Why is my Soundcore speaker so quiet? ›

It could be because of the speaker's battery, the device connected with the speaker, the audio source, and so on. If your Soundcore mini's volume is too low, please try these steps: Confirm that Soundcore mini is fully charged. Reset Soundcore mini by holding the 'Mode' button for 2 seconds.

Is Soundcore better than AirPods? ›

The Anker SoundCore Liberty Air 2 Truly Wireless are better true wireless headphones than the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) Truly Wireless. Although the Apple feel better made, the Anker have a noticeably more neutral sound profile, and they pack a lot more accurate bass thanks to their closed-back design.

Does Soundcore have good bass? ›

Pretty good bass extension for the size, pretty close to other great speakers of the same size. Out of the factory EQs, the Soundcore Signature is the best. Unlike other top ranked Soundcore speakers, turning on BassUp boosts upper bass and makes this one sound quite a bit muddy and overall worse.

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