When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers in 2024, there's a fascinating divide between pure audio quality and practical versatility. Let's dive deep into two distinct approaches with the $299 Morel BIGGIE and the $149 Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen.
The portable speaker market has evolved significantly in recent years. We're now seeing a clear split between larger, higher-fidelity options that prioritize sound quality and ultra-portable models focusing on durability and convenience. Both types have benefited from advances in battery technology, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and more efficient amplification.
The Morel BIGGIE, released in August 2024, represents a fresh take on portable audio - one that doesn't compromise on sound quality. Meanwhile, the Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen refines Bose's proven portable formula with modern features and impressive durability.
The BIGGIE's two-way speaker design makes a real difference in audio quality. Its dedicated 1-inch soft dome tweeter handles high frequencies (like cymbals and vocals) separately from the 4-inch woofer managing midrange and bass. This separation, combined with 60 watts of Class D amplification (which is very efficient and runs cool), allows each driver to focus on what it does best.
In contrast, the Flex uses a single full-range driver with passive radiators (which are unpowered speakers that move in response to air pressure from the main driver) to extend bass response. While this design is more space and energy-efficient, it can't match the BIGGIE's ability to reproduce complex musical passages with the same clarity and separation.
Here's what that means in practice:
The BIGGIE's 5.7-pound weight might not sound huge, but it's significant when carrying it around. Its beautiful MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) cabinet and premium materials make it feel like a proper speaker rather than a portable device.
The Flex, at just 1.3 pounds, is genuinely portable. Its IP67 rating means it's fully dustproof and can handle submersion in 3 feet of water for 30 minutes. This isn't just about accidents - it means you can use it in the rain or rinse it off after a beach day.
Battery claims require some interpretation:
The BIGGIE's fast charging (20 minutes for 4 hours of playback) is genuinely useful, while the Flex charges at a more standard rate.
Both speakers use Bluetooth 5.3, which provides improvements over older versions:
The BIGGIE's Auracast-ready feature (pending a firmware update) will allow multiple people to listen to the same audio source simultaneously - great for group activities but not essential for most users.
The BIGGIE excels as a home speaker that happens to be portable. Its sound quality and power make it suitable as a primary speaker in smaller rooms or as part of a larger audio setup. The True Wireless Stereo feature allows pairing two units for proper stereo separation - particularly effective for home theater use where you want distinct left/right channels.
The Flex is clearly designed for life on the move. Its PositionIQ technology automatically adjusts the sound based on whether the speaker is vertical, horizontal, or hanging - particularly useful when you're setting up in varied environments. The rugged design means you don't have to baby it.
The price difference ($299 vs $149) requires careful consideration:
The BIGGIE justifies its premium price through:
The Flex delivers excellent value through:
Choose the Morel BIGGIE if:
Choose the Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen if:
Both speakers represent different philosophies in modern portable audio. The BIGGIE suggests a future where portable speakers don't compromise on sound quality, while the Flex shows how mature and reliable portable rugged speakers have become.
The speaker you choose should align with how you'll actually use it rather than just specs. If you're primarily using it at home and care about audio quality, the BIGGIE's premium price is justified. If you want something that can go anywhere and sound good doing it, the Flex is an excellent choice at almost half the price.
Consider your typical listening environment, desired audio quality, and how often you'll actually move the speaker. The best choice is the one that fits your real-world usage, not just the one with the most impressive specifications.
| Morel BIGGIE | Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen |
|---|---|
| Price - Core consideration for value assessment | |
| $299 (premium audio focus) | $149 (mid-range pricing) |
| Audio Power - Determines max volume and sound clarity | |
| 60W total (45W woofer + 15W tweeter) | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Speaker Design - Impacts sound quality and clarity | |
| Two-way: 1" tweeter + 4" woofer | Single full-range driver with passive radiators |
| Frequency Response - Range of sound reproduction | |
| 40-20,000 Hz (fuller bass response) | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Size - Affects portability and placement options | |
| 7"W x 7"H x 4.5"D (larger footprint) | 2.06"H x 7.93"W x 3.56"D (compact design) |
| Weight - Important for true portability | |
| 5.7 lbs (limited portability) | 1.3 lbs (highly portable) |
| Battery Life - Duration between charges | |
| Up to 20 hours (16 hours in testing) | Up to 12 hours (consistent performance) |
| Charging Speed - Convenience factor | |
| Fast charging: 20min for 4 hours playback | Standard USB-C charging |
| Durability Rating - Weather and water resistance | |
| No official rating (indoor focused) | IP67 (waterproof, dustproof) |
| Bluetooth Version - Connection quality and range | |
| 5.3 with 165ft range | 5.3 with standard range |
| Additional Features - Extra functionality | |
| TWS pairing, Auracast-ready, 3.5mm input | PositionIQ, Google Fast Pair, multipoint connection |
| Best Use Case - Typical usage scenarios | |
| Home audio, indoor parties, audiophile listening | Outdoor activities, travel, everyday portable use |
The $299 Morel BIGGIE offers superior sound quality and power, while the $149 Bose SoundLink Flex excels in portability and durability. The "better" choice depends on your priorities - BIGGIE for sound quality, Flex for versatility.
The Morel BIGGIE delivers noticeably better sound quality with its two-way speaker design and 60W amplification. The Flex sounds good but can't match the BIGGIE's audio performance and clarity.
The Bose SoundLink Flex is significantly more portable at 1.3 pounds compared to the BIGGIE's 5.7 pounds. The Flex is also more compact and easier to carry.
The Bose SoundLink Flex has an IP67 rating, making it fully waterproof. The BIGGIE has no water resistance rating and should be kept away from water.
The Morel BIGGIE is better for indoor parties with its higher volume and superior sound quality. The Flex is better for outdoor gatherings due to its durability and weather resistance.
The Bose SoundLink Flex is clearly better for outdoor use with its waterproof design and lightweight build. The BIGGIE is primarily designed for indoor use.
The Bose SoundLink Flex is significantly more durable with its IP67 rating and rugged construction. The BIGGIE is built well but designed for gentler indoor use.
The Morel BIGGIE produces fuller, more detailed bass with its dedicated 4" woofer. While the Flex has good bass for its size, it can't match the BIGGIE's low-end performance.
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: theabsolutesound.com - ecoustics.com - crutchfield.com - techradar.com - crutchfield.com - tpdhifi.com - audioxpress.com - nlp.stanford.edu - eisa.eu - muzix.eu - techradar.com - worldwidestereo.com - bose.com - howtogeek.com - bose.com - crutchfield.com - visions.ca - pcrichard.com - staples.com - rtings.com - bose.com - soundguys.com
