When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, Bose has long been a trusted name. Today, we're comparing the ultra-portable SoundLink Micro ($99.99) and the newer SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen ($149.99) to help you decide which best fits your needs.
The portable speaker market has come a long way since the original SoundLink Micro's release in 2017. While the Micro remains a popular choice, the Flex 2nd Gen's 2024 release brings newer technology and improved features to the table. Let's dive into what makes each speaker unique and who they're best suited for.
The SoundLink Micro is remarkably compact - about the size of a stack of coasters. At just 0.68 pounds and less than 4 inches square, it's genuinely pocket-sized. Its integrated silicone strap makes it perfect for attaching to bike handlebars or backpack straps.
The SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen takes a different approach. While still portable at 1.3 pounds, its longer design (about 8 inches) delivers more substantial sound. Think of it as the difference between a deck of cards and a small tablet in terms of size.
Here's where things get interesting. Both speakers use Bose's custom transducers (essentially specialized speakers) and passive radiators (which help produce deeper bass), but the size difference creates notable performance variations.
The Micro produces surprisingly good sound for its size, with clear vocals and decent bass response. However, physics limits what such a small speaker can do. You'll notice some compression at higher volumes, and bass-heavy tracks can cause slight distortion.
The Flex 2nd Gen, with its larger chassis, delivers more robust audio across the spectrum. Its PositionIQ technology (which automatically adjusts sound based on speaker orientation) is particularly clever. Whether standing upright, lying flat, or hanging, it maintains consistent sound quality - something the Micro can't match.
The technical differences between these speakers highlight their five-year age gap:
Battery life is a crucial differentiator. The Micro manages about 6 hours of playback - enough for a day trip but potentially limiting for longer outings. The Flex 2nd Gen doubles this to 12 hours, making it more suitable for extended use.
Both charge relatively quickly, but the Flex's USB-C port makes it more convenient with modern charging setups. The Flex also includes a battery protection mode that preserves power when inactive - a thoughtful feature for occasional users.
Both speakers are built to handle outdoor use, but the Flex edges ahead with its IP67 rating (fully dustproof and waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes). The Micro is also water-resistant but lacks the same level of dust protection. Both can handle rain, splashes, and occasional drops without issue.
The Flex 2nd Gen shows its modernity with more advanced smart features:
The Micro, while simpler, still offers core features like:
At $99.99, the SoundLink Micro represents good value for ultra-portable needs. However, the Flex 2nd Gen at $149.99 offers significantly more capability for the additional $50. Consider it an investment in better sound, longer battery life, and more modern features.
In testing, both speakers perform well within their intended use cases. The Micro excels in situations where size matters most - clipped to a backpack while hiking or mounted on bike handlebars. Its sound is impressive given its size, but it's best suited for personal listening or small groups.
The Flex, meanwhile, can fill a small room with sound. Its better bass response and higher volume capabilities make it more versatile for both indoor and outdoor use. While not a replacement for a proper home theater setup, it works well for casual movie watching or creating atmosphere in a backyard gathering.
Consider these key factors when choosing between these speakers:
Both speakers excel in their intended roles. The SoundLink Micro remains impressive for its size and price point, perfect for those prioritizing ultimate portability. The SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen represents Bose's latest technology, offering better overall performance and features for those willing to carry a slightly larger device.
For most users, I'd recommend the Flex 2nd Gen - its additional capabilities and longer battery life make it more versatile and future-proof. However, if ultra-portability is your primary concern, the Micro remains a capable choice that won't disappoint for personal listening.
Remember, the best speaker is the one that fits your specific needs and use cases. Consider how you'll most often use it, and choose accordingly.
| Bose SoundLink Micro | Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen |
|---|---|
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and ease of transport | |
| 3.87" x 3.87" x 1.37", 0.68 lbs (ultra-portable) | 7.93" x 3.56" x 2.06", 1.3 lbs (compact but larger) |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended outdoor use | |
| 6 hours (sufficient for short trips) | 12 hours (suitable for all-day use) |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects range and connection stability | |
| 4.2 (30ft range, older technology) | 5.3 (275ft range, modern stability) |
| Water Resistance - Important for outdoor durability | |
| Water-resistant (good for splashes) | IP67 rated (fully waterproof up to 1m) |
| Audio Features - Impacts sound quality and versatility | |
| Basic stereo pairing, no EQ controls | PositionIQ, customizable EQ, advanced codec support |
| Charging Port - Affects convenience and charging speed | |
| Micro-USB (older standard) | USB-C (modern, faster charging) |
| Mounting Options - Flexibility for different uses | |
| Tear-resistant silicone strap (great for bikes) | Utility loop (versatile but larger) |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $99.99 (better value for ultra-portable needs) | $149.99 (better value for overall features) |
| Sound Performance - Critical for user satisfaction | |
| Good for size, limited bass response | Fuller sound, better bass, higher max volume |
| Smart Features - Adds convenience and functionality | |
| Basic voice assistant support | Multi-point connection, Google Fast Pair, app control |
The Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen ($149.99) is notably better for home theater use due to its fuller sound and stronger bass response. While neither speaker is designed to replace dedicated home theater speakers, the Flex's larger size and better audio performance make it more suitable for casual TV and movie watching.
The Bose SoundLink Micro costs $99.99, while the Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen is priced at $149.99, representing a $50 difference.
The SoundLink Flex offers double the battery life at 12 hours compared to the SoundLink Micro's 6 hours of playback time.
Both speakers can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability, but the Flex offers better audio quality and range for this purpose. However, you may experience slight audio delay with either speaker when watching TV.
The SoundLink Micro is significantly more portable at 0.68 pounds and roughly palm-sized, compared to the Flex at 1.3 pounds and about twice the size.
Yes, both the SoundLink Micro and Flex can be paired with a second identical speaker for stereo sound, though you cannot mix different models.
The SoundLink Flex is better suited for outdoor use with its IP67 rating, longer battery life, and stronger sound projection. The Micro is still weather-resistant but better for personal listening.
The SoundLink Flex features Bluetooth 5.3 with up to 275ft range, while the Micro uses Bluetooth 4.2 with about 30ft range.
Both speakers have built-in microphones for calls, but the Flex offers better clarity and range. Neither is optimal for professional video conferencing.
While the SoundLink Micro is cheaper, the Flex offers better value with its superior sound quality, battery life, and newer technology - especially if you'll use it for home entertainment.
Both speakers support voice assistants through your connected phone, but the Flex offers more advanced integration with customizable buttons and app control.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: rtings.com - mygolfspy.com - youtube.com - cnet.com - bose.com - bose.com - alwayswander.info - target.com - bose.com - bose.com - techradar.com - worldwidestereo.com - bose.com - howtogeek.com - bose.com - crutchfield.com - visions.ca - pcrichard.com - staples.com - rtings.com - bose.com - soundguys.com
