Founded in 2011, the Chinese company Anker is a world leader in mobile and laptop charging devices, and also offers a brilliant line of audio devices, including portable speakers and bluetooth headphones. Known for its dependability and flexible range of charging options, Anker is often a go-to brand for people who aren't satisfied with their phone's native accessories. And the extra charging capacity they find with Anker can sometimes make a massive difference to their phone usage.
Anker's products range widely, and it's not always easy to find the right product for your situation. But this hotukdeals buyer's guide will explain everything you need to know about one of the tech world's most solid brands, as well as showing you how to find the best Anker deals and Anker Sales.
You might assume that leaving a high-level post at Google in 2011 would have rebounded in Steven Yang. But it didn't. In fact, leaving Google was the best decision Yang ever made, and it has revolutionised the way we charge mobile devices.
When Yang changed jobs, he decided to start up his own tech empire. Working out of the Chinese city of Shenzhen, Yang saw a niche for specialist mobile phone chargers. Familiar with generic models that regularly failed, Yang sought to create a range of charging products that would trump the big brands in terms of reliability, not to mention capacity, size, and style.
Anker quickly spread its tentacles to the USA, the rest of Asia, and Europe, including the establishment of Anker UK. Taking advantage of the flourishing Amazon Marketplace, the company became one of the platform's biggest successes, targeting markets across the world and often trading as Anker Direct. And consumers responded, exchanging their Apple or Samsung chargers for specialist versions with more impressive features.
Focusing on increasing charging speed to hitherto unseen levels, and integrating wireless charging before the rest of the tech crowd, Anker has stayed ahead of the game for years. Dependable, popular, and continually innovating, it has branched out from charging into smart audio with ease, adding Anker SoundCore mobile speakers to its massive range of Anker PowerCore chargers. But is it the mobile accessories brand you need to get the most from your Galaxy or iPhone? Let's explore what Anker has to offer in more detail.
Anker gained its reputation as a maker of chargers and power banks for mobile devices, and these products remain the brand's core offerings. If you need extra charge for a mobile phone, tablet, or even a laptop, there's a good chance that Anker will deliver. Here's a quick rundown of the most popular Anker charger and power bank options:
Anker PowerCore – The PowerCore is Anker's flagship USB based charging system. These compact little power banks come with fast charging via PowerIQ, and can hold up to 7 times a standard smartphone's charge capacity (or 2-3 iPad Mini power reserves). Weighing around 12g, standard PowerCore devices can slip into a handbag or briefcase and hardly be noticed, then hooked up to any energy-sapped devices with a standard USB cable. Cables are included in the box as well, so there's no need to seek out specialist accessories, putting a reserve of extra power instantly at your fingertips. PowerCore products come in a variety of sizes, from chunky PowerCore Fusion models, to ultra-compact PowerCore 5000 or Mini versions (which could be the perfect Anker portable charger).
Anker Wireless Charger – If you can't stand the thought of wrestling with a USB cable (and keeping it safe during long voyages), Anker's Wireless Charger devices could be absolutely ideal. The brand offers a range of round and square charging pads, as well as standard and QI-certified charging stands, allowing users of wireless charging phones to zap a bit of extra juice into their phone whenever it's required.
Anker PowerPort – A plug-in wall charger, PowerPort is equipped to handle the age of Smart Technology. Fitted with USB connectors, PowerPorts come with a range of connectors, including space for as many as 6 devices at one time – and safety features ensure that this won't lead to shortages or device failures. And the tiny PowerPort Atom delivers high-end Anker charger technology in the smallest possible package. Thanks to the use of Gallium Nitride, it mixes low weight and high efficiency, offering a safe and effective charging solution for laptops and phones alike.
Anker PowerDrive – If you love to use your smartphone as you drive, Anker's PowerDrive accessories will be a must-have product. Designed to plug into standard car cigarette lighter ports, these chargers can power up a couple of iPads at one time, and come with a sleek, characteristically elegant design. So they won't ruin the aesthetic of your car interior.
If you aren't in the habit of purchasing power banks for your laptop or smartphone, it's easy to buy products that don't quite meet your needs, and don't deliver value for money. But these quick tips should help to guide your purchasing at hotukdeals.
Balance Weight and Capacity – While Anker's chargers often deliver plenty of capacity in small packages, there's still a close connection between size and battery charge. If you know you'll need charge for working during a long haul flight, or you have a laptop and smartphone to cater for, choosing a bulkier power bank may make sense.
Choose the Right Number of USB Ports – Anker's charging products come in single port versions, up to devices with 6 or more USB connections. These multi-port products are designed for business use, but can still find a place in family charging setups. However, as a rule, plan your number of ports to accommodate the number of devices you use. The price rises as you add more connectivity.
Add a Wireless Charging Pad for the Ultimate Power Setup – The great advantage of Anker's charging portfolio is the ability to create a system which almost does away with cables. If you combine high-capacity power banks with wireless stands or charging pads, you can make it much easier to replenish your power reserves when it really matters.
Anker started out as a charging specialist, but this is no longer the case. These days, the company is as well known for manufacturing adaptable and effective audio devices for laptops and smartphones. So, if you need to boost your phone's Spotify performance, an Anker speaker might provide the ideal solution. Here are the main products available right now from the Anker store:
Anker Soundcore – Released in 2015, the Soundcore was Anker's first real venture into smartphone audio, and it was a stellar debut. Based around Bluetooth technology, Soundcore speakers are easy to pair with all major smartphone brands and laptops, deliver crystal clear audio quality, and have exceptional battery life for speakers in their class. Lightweight and versatile, they have been a huge hit with travellers, party organisers, and general music fans.
Anker Soundcore 2 – Inevitably, Anker has refined the original Soundcore, and the successor appeared in 2019. Retaining the black case and slimline rectangular form of the original version, the Soundcore 2 offers greater Bluetooth range, adds even more battery life, and is now completely waterproof. It's not the most bass-heavy speaker around, so bassheads might want to look elsewhere, but it makes up for this with an affordable price. The Soundcore 2 has also been optimised for use with Alexa and Google Assistant, putting voice-activated music within easy reach.
Anker SoundCore Mini – Dubbed as “super portable” by Anker, the SoundCore Mini offers 20 metres of Bluetooth range and an impressive 15 hours of music playback on a single charge. Wireless, but fitted with an AUX in, it also accommodates Micro SD cards, and uses Micro USB for charging, so you can pair it up with all kinds of Anker chargers to great effect. Small enough to hold in the palm of the hand, it's perfect for listening to music or YouTube videos on the move.
Anker Bluetooth Headphones – Anker also offers wireless headphones and wireless earphones for people who prefer their podcast listening to be more private. Released in 2018, Anker SoundBuds are waterproof, easy to pair with popular smartphones, and comfortable to wear, with enough stability to suit runners and gym-goers. They aren't as flashy as Apple AirPods, but they do the same sort of job, at a fraction of the price, and will be perfect for Android users.
Many people will head straight for the cutting edge Anker SoundCore 2, and with good reason. But before you make this the lynchpin of your audio setup, check out the speaker's specs to make sure it measures up:
Dimensions: 6.6 x 1.9 x 2.2 inches
Weight: 414g
Playback Time: 24 hours
Bluetooth Range (Max): 20 metres
Power Input: 5V/2A
Drivers: 2 1.5-inch models
Audio Output: 2 6W drivers
Time to Full Charge: 3 hours
Bluetooth Version: 4.2
Waterproof Rating: IPX 5
It's important to note that the SoundCore 2 isn't the only Anker speaker around. The original Soundcore is ageing a little these days, but still offers a good (and cheaper) audio option for mobile phone users. The first SoundCore is a little less powerful on the driver front, uses the older Bluetooth 4.0 standard, and isn't water resistant. So it's less durable, but it's flexibility and low price tag make it appealing for users of older mobile phone models.
Before buying chargers or speakers from any company, buyers should check out the firm's reputation with tech experts. The web is full of authoritative tech sites, which pass comment on pretty much every new device, so there's no excuse for being poorly informed. How does Anker fare with these media outlets?
By and large, if you ask the experts is Anker a good brand, they will respond favourably, with qualifications. Take Tech Radar's review of the SoundCore 2. Awarding the speakers 3/5, the respected tech site praised its protection and price tag, but highlighted its slight lack of power compared to high-end Bose speakers. Trusted Reviews took a look at the SoundCore Mini in 2018, and came to similar conclusions, calling it “fantastic value”, and expressing surprise at its power, but casting doubt on the reliability of its Bluetooth tech.
What about Anker's chargers? Again, the picture is pretty rosy for Anker. In Trusted Review's 2019 rankings of the best portable chargers, the Anker PowerCore 13000 came out on top, thanks to its innovative cooling features, small size, and excellent capacity.
This critical reputation builds on years of competition with industry giants like Sony. As the Verge put it in 2017, Anker has been “beating Apple and Sony at their own game”, first with high-end chargers, and then in smart audio tech. So it's a solid brand, and one that buyers can generally rely upon.
Although we've mentioned this in passing, it's worth returning to one of the SoundCore 2's key features: water protection. This is an area where the original SoundCore and the newer models depart, and there's a massive difference. The SoundCore 2 uses a rubber-style casing to shield the speaker's internal components completely. With the older SoundCore, none of that is present, and accidental immersions have often led to technical difficulties.
However, the SoundCore 2 is technically rated at IPX5. This guarantees “protection from water projected from a nozzle”, but not full immersion. So, while you can be confident that the SoundCore 2 will stand up to the most torrential downpour, try to keep it away from bathtubs or swimming pools.
Hopefully, you now have a pretty sound idea of what Anker has to offer, and how it stands relative to the competition. Whether you require a high-spec, high-value portable speaker, or you urgently need a dependable phone charger, it's time to find out how to find the perfect Anker deal.
As with all tech brands, Anker's products are regularly discounted, and nobody should pay listed prices for Anker's chargers or SoundCore speakers. Instead, the smart move is to check out the wide range of Anker sale offers at the company's hotukdeals listings. Our listings feature up to date discounts on PowerCore and SoundCore products from merchants like eBay, Amazon, and MyMemory. So they should be the first place to look for the accessories you need.
However, there may be better times to shop. Remember, Anker sells most of its products via Amazon, and Amazon schedules special sales events throughout the year. Most importantly, Amazon Prime Day in mid-summer will see Anker prices drop considerably. So if you need an Anker Bluetooth speaker at the lowest possible price, waiting a while could work wonders. Alternatively, check out the Anker Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals at hotukdeals, as November's retail spectacular always delivers big reductions.
In any case, don't get stuck without charge at a crucial moment, and have the audio power required to get the party started, wherever you are. With the Anker discounts at hotukdeals, you can upgrade your smartphone setup for less.
Anker has become a go-to brand for smartphone users in recent years, thanks to its reliable collection of chargers and power banks, alongside some of the most appealing portable smart speakers around. Whether you need to add some charge to your life, or take your favourite tunes on the road, check out the Anker hotukdeals for the best accessory prices in town.
