Kove Commuter 2 Review

November 16, 2023

True Score

Meh

Experts

1,607

Consumers

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.

$109.00

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Table of Contents

Overview
What Is Not on the Box
Product Comparison
All Stores
Score Card
Expert Score Breakdown
Customer Score Breakdown
Learn More About Bluetooth Speakers

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.

What Is Not on the Box

What the brand doesn’t always tell you…

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.

True Score

Reasons to Buy

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

Reasons to Avoid

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

Specifications

	Battery Life	10 hrs
	Built In Microphone	Yes
	Charge Time	2 – 4 hrs
	Size	8" (w) x 3" (h) x 3" (d)
	Smart App	Yes
	Speaker Pairing	Yes
	Water Resistant	Yes
	Wattage	10W
	Wireless Range	30 ft

All Specs

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Product Comparison

	Kove Commuter 2 Review	Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 Review	Doss Soundbox Plus Review
True Score	62	88	62	NR
Ranking	# 74 / 81	# 1 / 81	# 72 / 81	# /
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	2 – 3 hrs	–
Size	8" (w) x 3" (h) x 3" (d)	4.1" (h) x 3.8" (w) x 3.8" (d)	6.6" (w) x 2.9" (h) x 2.7" (d)	–
Smart App	Yes	n/a	DOSS E	–
Speaker Pairing	Yes	Yes	Yes	–
Dig Deeper		Read review →: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 Review	Read review →: Doss Soundbox Plus Review