100

Kove Commuter 2 Review

Kenn Muguna Avatar
Updated Jan 25, 2024 6:27 PM

True Score

73
71
1

Experts

82
1,682

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

The Kove Commuter 2 delighted experts with how easy it was to carry and its portability. They liked its clear vocal reproduction and were satisfied with its 8.2-hour battery life. However, they lamented its high latency, missing WiFi connectivity, and the fact that it didn’t get as loud.

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The Kove Commuter 2 is an entry-level Bluetooth speaker that can be split into two parts. First announced in mid-2021, the speaker has an IPX7 water resistance rating, meaning it is well suited for use outdoors. Like most highly rated speakers, the Commuter 2 also has a built-in microphone, allowing it to be used as a speakerphone when connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth. Its range of connectivity is pretty decent, as it can maintain a connection with devices up to 223.1 ft away. The best Bluetooth speakers in the industry have a range that’s almost twice as much and can also support more than one connection simultaneously. The JBL Xtreme 3 is a good example, as it can handle two simultaneous connections. Check it out in our JBL Xtreme 3 review.

Consensus

our Verdict

Expert testers lauded the Kove Commuter 2’s split design and portability and commended its water resistance as this made it ideal for outdoor use. During their sound tests, product reviewers from Rtings noted that the speaker could reproduce dialogue clearly, and hailed it for its 8.2-hour battery life. The JBL Pulse 4 has an 11.5-hour battery life, so if this sounds better, check out our JBL Pulse 4 review. Other product reviewers also liked its 360-degree surround sound and decent bass levels. The speaker is meant for owners who are constantly on the go, but if you’d like an alternative designed for home use, have a look at our Klipsch The Three II review or our Limitless Innovations TikiTunes review for an option that will complement your interior decor.

Unfortunately, testers also felt that the Commuter 2 was not ideal for videos or movies since it had high latency. They were disappointed that it didn’t get very loud, didn’t have voice assistant functionality, and lacked WiFi connectivity.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Great portability
  • Clear vocals
  • Stereo sound
  • Water-resistant
  • Decent bass levels

Reason to Avoid

  • No WiFi connectivity
  • Doesn’t get as loud
  • No voice assistant functionality

Kove Commuter 2 Specs

Battery LifeBattery Life10 hrs
Built In MicrophoneBuilt In MicrophoneYes
Charge TimeCharge Time2 – 4 hrs
SizeSize8" (w) x 3" (h) x 3" (d)
Smart AppSmart AppYes
Speaker PairingSpeaker PairingYes
Water ResistantWater ResistantYes
WattageWattage10W
Wireless RangeWireless Range30 ft

All Specs

Test Results

Battery Life (Hours)9.85
Volume Output (dB)82.4
Low End Roll Off (Hz)171.657
High End Roll Off (Hz)12,464.2785

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Product Comparison

Kove Commuter 2 Review

True Score

73
86
50
NR

Ranking

#

100

/

109

#

9

/

109

#

109

/

109

#

/

Market Context

The Kove Commuter 2 is an entry-level Bluetooth speaker that can be split into two parts. First announced in mid-2021, the speaker has an IPX7…

The Kove Commuter 2 is an entry-level Bluetooth speaker that can be split into two parts. First announced in mid-2021, the speaker has an IPX7 water resistance rating, meaning it is well suited for use outdoors. Like most highly rated speakers, the Commuter 2 also has a built-in microphone, allowing it to be used as a speakerphone when connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth. Its range of connectivity is pretty decent, as it can maintain a connection with devices up to 223.1 ft away. The best Bluetooth speakers in the industry have a range that’s almost twice as much and can also support more than one connection simultaneously. The JBL Xtreme 3 is a good example, as it can handle two simultaneous connections. Check it out in our JBL Xtreme 3 review.

The Kove Commuter 2 also has a speakerphone functionality while the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 does not, and it also features RGB lighting that is…

The Kove Commuter 2 also has a speakerphone functionality while the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 does not, and it also features RGB lighting that is missing on the WONDERBOOM 2. However, the WONDERBOOM 2 offers up to 12.9 hours of battery life compared to the Commuter 2, which only lasts up to 8.2 hours.

The Kove Commuter 2 does not come with support for a voice assistant function, while the DOSS SoundBox Plus does. The SoundBox Plus also lasts…

The Kove Commuter 2 does not come with support for a voice assistant function, while the DOSS SoundBox Plus does. The SoundBox Plus also lasts up to 10.3 hours, while the Commuter 2 only lasts 8.2 hours.

Buyers might be hard-pressed to pick between the Kove Commuter 2 and the Kove Kasita, but before making that choice, they need to know that…

Buyers might be hard-pressed to pick between the Kove Commuter 2 and the Kove Kasita, but before making that choice, they need to know that the Commuter 2 is available in up to 5 pastel colors while the Kasita is only available in black. However, the Commuter 2 is more portable due to its split nature, and it also has a microphone which is missing on the Commuter 2.

Battery Life

10 hrs

13 hrs

20+ hrs

Built In Microphone

Yes

n/a

Yes

Charge Time

2 – 4 hrs

2.6 hrs

4 hrs

Size

8" (w) x 3" (h) x 3" (d)

4.1" (h) x 3.8" (w) x 3.8" (d)

Smart App

Yes

n/a

DOSS SoundBox Plus

Speaker Pairing

Yes

Yes

Yes

Water Resistant

Yes

Yes

Yes

Wattage

10W

100W

8W x 2

Dig Deeper

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 Review →

Doss Soundbox Plus Review →

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

71

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

82

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

73

Any product with a True Score above 60 is a Meh

Expert Scores

  • Rtings
    100.6

    Category Trust Rating

    62
    The Kove Commuter 2 is fair for outdoor use. It’s battery-powered, so you can use… Read More

    By:

    John Panoryios