Choosing Between the Morel BIGGIE and Bose SoundLink Micro: A Complete Comparison

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, there's a fascinating range of options spanning from ultra-compact to room-filling systems. Today, we're comparing two very different approaches: the new premium $299 Morel BIGGIE and the compact $99.95 Bose SoundLink Micro. While they're both technically portable Bluetooth speakers, they serve distinctly different needs.

Understanding the Category

Portable Bluetooth speakers have evolved significantly over the past decade. What started as simple wireless music players has expanded into a diverse ecosystem of products ranging from tiny clip-on speakers to powerful party systems. The key considerations have remained consistent: sound quality, portability, durability, and battery life.

The Morel BIGGIE, released in early 2024, represents the latest in portable audio technology, while the SoundLink Micro, introduced in 2017, showcases Bose's expertise in compact audio engineering. This age difference is notable when considering features like Bluetooth versions (5.3 vs 4.2) and charging standards (USB-C vs Micro USB).

Size and Portability Compared

The size difference between these speakers fundamentally defines their use cases. The BIGGIE, at 7 inches square and weighing 5.7 pounds, is what I'd call "portable" rather than "pocketable." It's the kind of speaker you'll pack for a weekend trip or move from room to room, but not something you'd casually throw in a bag.

The SoundLink Micro, meanwhile, truly lives up to its name. At just 3.9 inches square and weighing less than a pound, it's genuinely pocket-sized. I've found it's perfect for activities where every ounce counts, like hiking or bike rides.

Deep Dive: Audio Performance

Sound Quality

The BIGGIE showcases Morel's audio engineering expertise with its two-way driver design - that means it has separate drivers (speakers) for high and low frequencies. The 1-inch soft dome tweeter handles the high frequencies, while a 4-inch woofer manages the mid-range and bass. This separation allows each driver to focus on what it does best, resulting in clearer, more detailed sound.

The speaker's 60 watts of amplification (split between 45W for the woofer and 15W for the tweeter) provides plenty of power for filling medium to large rooms. The ported enclosure (a cabinet design that uses a tube to enhance bass response) helps deliver surprisingly deep bass for its size.

The SoundLink Micro takes a different approach, using a single custom-designed transducer (speaker driver) with passive radiators. These passive radiators are unpowered speakers that move in response to air pressure from the main driver, effectively extending bass response without requiring additional power. While this design is clever, it can't match the BIGGIE's audio separation and detail.

Volume and Range

The BIGGIE can reach 95dB at one meter - that's about as loud as a motorcycle at close range. More importantly, it maintains clarity at high volumes thanks to its digital signal processing (DSP), which automatically adjusts the sound to prevent distortion.

The Micro, while impressively loud for its size, simply can't match this output. It's best suited for personal listening or small group settings where background noise isn't a major factor.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Here's where the Micro really shines. Its IP67 rating means it's fully dustproof and can handle being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. The BIGGIE, while well-built, doesn't have any official water resistance rating.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery technology has improved significantly since the Micro's release. The BIGGIE demonstrates this with its 16-20 hour battery life and fast charging capability - 20 minutes gets you about 4 hours of playback. The Micro's 6-hour battery life reflects its 2017 design, though this is still sufficient for most use cases given its intended purpose.

Modern Features and Connectivity

The BIGGIE's modern Bluetooth 5.3 provides better range (up to 165 feet) and stability compared to the Micro's Bluetooth 4.2 (30 feet). The BIGGIE also supports True Wireless Stereo for connecting two speakers in stereo mode and is Auracast-ready for future firmware updates.

The Micro counters with some smart features of its own, including speakerphone functionality and integration with other Bose products through the Bose Connect app. Its built-in strap system is also cleverly designed for secure attachment to bags or bikes.

Price and Value Consideration

At $299, the BIGGIE represents a significant investment compared to the $99.95 Micro. The price difference reflects not just the size and power differential, but also the newer technology and superior audio components. However, value depends entirely on your needs.

How to Decide

Choose the BIGGIE if:

• Sound quality is your top priority
• You need a speaker for medium to large rooms
• Longer battery life is important
• You might want to pair two speakers for stereo
• You're okay with limited portability

Choose the Micro if:

• Ultimate portability is crucial
• You need waterproofing
• Budget is a major consideration
• You primarily use it for personal listening
• You want something that can clip onto bags or bikes

The BIGGIE and Micro ultimately serve different purposes. The BIGGIE is a premium audio device that happens to be portable, while the Micro is designed for maximum portability while still delivering good sound. Your choice should align with how you plan to use the speaker most often.

For home theater use, neither speaker is ideal as they're designed for portable use rather than permanent installation. However, the BIGGIE could serve as a decent temporary solution for watching movies outdoors or in rooms without permanent audio setups, thanks to its superior volume and bass response.

Remember that both speakers represent different generations of technology. The BIGGIE's newer features like Bluetooth 5.3 and USB-C charging make it more future-proof, while the Micro's design prioritizes simplicity and durability over cutting-edge features.

Morel BIGGIE Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices

Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices