Review on 🔊 Anker PowerConf Bluetooth Speakerphone: Enhanced Voice Pickup & 24H Call Time for Home Office Meetings by Joseph Ramos

More than 90% of my work consists of business trips, and that's for the last 8 years. I have used all Jabra portable speakers (410, 510 and now 710) as well as several Plantronics portable speakers. PowerConf is a great way to get started with version 1.0 for Anchors. For the purposes of this review, I'm comparing Anker PowerConf to the Jabra 510 as I think it's the closest 1:1 comparison. What Anker PowerConf gains: - USB charging: Adding the ability to charge other devices via USB is AWESOME. . I used to carry a Jabra speakerphone and an Anker PowerCore in my bag, but now all I need is the Anker PowerConf. Anker makes great batteries/chargers and this is one of them. Cost: The PowerConf costs about 33% less than the Jabra 510. Anker often offers special offers on their products, so I assume they're offered at a reduced price. more savings than 33% - Bluetooth Multipoint: Anker allows multiple simultaneous connections (multipoint). Note. It will only play/send audio from one device at a time, but it's much easier to switch audio/mic from PC (when listening to music) to mobile (when receiving a call). Carrying case: The Anker PowerConf carrying case is a hard case, while all Jabra cases are made of neoprene. I feel like it gives extra protection when slipped into my pocket. Draws: - Microphone noise isolation: Both speakers do a good job of noise isolation. I recorded with the radio playing in the background. On both recordings, my voice was clear and I couldn't hear the radio in the background. Where the Jabra Speak 510 scores: Sound quality: The sound quality of the Anker PowerConf is good, but the Jabra 510 sounds noticeably better when listening to music or making calls. - Microphone Quality: While both speakers do a good job at noise isolation, in the Anker PowerConf recording, my voice seemed to get louder and softer (as if I was moving back and forth from the speakerphone - except I sat still the entire time) . The difference in microphone quality is much less noticeable than the difference in sound quality, but it's still there. Summary: Choose Anker PowerConf if you're a minimalist and the idea of combining a portable charger and speakerphone appeals. I think it's nice to be able to reduce the space (and weight) in my bag with just one device. - You're looking for a good, more affordable option (Anker PowerConf is 33% smaller than the Jabra Speak 510). Choose the Jabra Speak 510 if: - You or your clients/colleagues are audiophiles (in which case I would recommend using the Jabra Speak 710 as the speaker and microphone are much better). - You have other Jabra devices and would like to set them up with the Jabra Direct app. My pick: I already have a Jabra Speak 710 and it stays in my bag (even if it means carrying a separate Anker PowerCore for charging). While this isn't a 1:1 comparison to the Anker PowerConf (the Jabra 710 costs more than twice as much as the Anker PowerConf), the sound and microphone are definitely better. Many of my colleagues also have Jabra 710s, so it's nice to be able to daisy-chain them in large conference rooms. If money is not an issue, I would recommend the Jabra Speak 710. However, if you want to stay in the sub-$200 price range, my comments above stand.