When it comes to portable sound, two speakers have been making waves recently - the Soundcore Boom 2 SE ($79) and the Bose SoundLink Micro ($99). Let's explore how these devices stack up against each other and help you figure out which one might be right for your needs.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have come a long way in the last few years. The technology has matured significantly, particularly in areas like battery life, water resistance, and sound quality. While the Bose SoundLink Micro represents a refined version of the classic portable speaker formula, the newer Soundcore Boom 2 SE showcases how far we've come with features that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.
The sound profiles of these speakers couldn't be more different. The Soundcore Boom 2 SE employs what's called "BassUp 2.0" technology, which actively analyzes and enhances low frequencies. In practical terms, this means you get substantially more bass punch compared to other speakers its size. The speaker uses a 50W subwoofer combined with dual 15W tweeters (the small speakers that handle high frequencies) to create a powerful 80W sound system.
The Bose SoundLink Micro takes a different approach. Instead of going for maximum volume and bass, it focuses on clarity and balance. The speaker uses custom-designed transducers (the technical term for the part of the speaker that converts electrical signals into sound) and passive radiators (components that help enhance bass without requiring additional power) to deliver surprisingly full sound from its tiny frame.
In real-world use, these differences become quite apparent:
Battery technology has seen significant improvements, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Boom 2 SE. With its 3100mAh battery, it delivers up to 24 hours of playback at moderate volume levels. That's a massive improvement over older portable speakers, which typically managed 8-12 hours at best.
The SoundLink Micro offers 6 hours of playback, which reflects its focus on compact size over extended play time. While this might seem short, it's actually quite impressive given its tiny form factor.
Both speakers feature impressive water resistance ratings:
A unique feature of the Boom 2 SE is that it floats, making it perfect for pool parties. The SoundLink Micro doesn't float, but its rubberized exterior provides excellent drop protection.
Modern portable speakers have evolved beyond simple music playback, and these two models exemplify this trend:
The Boom 2 SE offers:
The SoundLink Micro provides:
After extensive testing, here's how they perform in different scenarios:
The Boom 2 SE's extra volume and bass make it ideal for outdoor settings. Its floating capability adds peace of mind near water, while its longer battery life means you won't need to worry about charging during extended outings.
The SoundLink Micro's compact size and attachment strap make it perfect for commuters. Its balanced sound profile works well for podcast listening and personal music enjoyment in varied environments.
While neither speaker is specifically designed for home theater use, the Boom 2 SE's higher power output and stereo capabilities make it a decent temporary solution for watching movies on a laptop or tablet. The SoundLink Micro, while excellent for personal listening, lacks the power for home theater applications.
At $79, the Boom 2 SE offers exceptional value, especially considering its feature set and power output. The $99 SoundLink Micro might seem expensive given its smaller size, but its premium build quality and refined sound signature justify the price for those prioritizing portability and clarity over raw power.
Consider your primary use case:
Choose the Boom 2 SE if you:
Choose the SoundLink Micro if you:
Both speakers excel in their intended roles. The Boom 2 SE represents the evolution of portable party speakers, while the SoundLink Micro perfects the personal audio companion concept. Your choice should align with your primary use case rather than trying to find an absolute "better" option.
Remember that these speakers serve different purposes, and both do their jobs exceptionally well. The best choice depends entirely on your specific needs and how you plan to use the speaker most often.
| Soundcore Boom 2 SE | Bose SoundLink Micro |
|---|---|
| Audio Output Power - Determines maximum volume and sound clarity | |
| 80W total (50W subwoofer + 2x15W tweeters) | Not specified, significantly lower output |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended outdoor use | |
| 24 hours at moderate volume | 6 hours typical use |
| Water Resistance - Important for outdoor and poolside use | |
| IPX7 waterproof + floating capability | IP67 waterproof and dustproof |
| Size & Portability - Affects ease of transport and mounting options | |
| Larger party speaker form factor | Ultra-compact (3.87" x 3.87" x 1.37") |
| Bluetooth Version & Range - Impacts connection stability and distance | |
| Bluetooth 5.3, 100m range | Bluetooth 4.2, 30ft range |
| Special Features - Added functionality beyond basic audio | |
| PartyCast 2.0 (100 speaker sync), LED lights, power bank function | SimpleSync with Bose products, tear-resistant strap |
| Sound Signature - Different approaches to audio quality | |
| Bass-heavy, party-oriented sound with BassUp 2.0 | Balanced, clear mids, better for personal listening |
| Charging Port - Affects charging speed and convenience | |
| Modern USB-C fast charging | Older Micro-USB |
| Price - Value proposition | |
| $79 (more features per dollar) | $99 (premium build quality) |
| Additional Capabilities - Expands use cases | |
| Can charge other devices, floating design, customizable EQ | Superior call quality, voice assistant integration |
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE ($79) is notably better for movie watching due to its higher power output (80W) and stronger bass response. While neither speaker is ideal for home theater use, the Boom 2 SE's larger drivers and stereo capability make it more suitable for temporary movie viewing setups.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE is priced at $79, while the Bose SoundLink Micro costs $99. The $20 difference reflects different priorities - the Boom 2 SE offers more features and power, while the SoundLink Micro focuses on premium build quality and portability.
Both speakers can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability. The Soundcore Boom 2 SE offers better performance for TV audio due to its higher volume output and enhanced bass response. However, neither speaker is designed as a primary TV sound solution.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE significantly outperforms with 24 hours of playback, compared to the Bose SoundLink Micro's 6 hours. This makes the Boom 2 SE more suitable for extended viewing sessions or outdoor events.
Neither speaker is designed for surround sound applications. While the Soundcore Boom 2 SE can sync with multiple speakers via PartyCast 2.0, this feature is meant for party scenarios rather than true home theater surround sound.
The speakers have different sound profiles. The Bose SoundLink Micro offers clearer, more balanced audio, while the Soundcore Boom 2 SE delivers more powerful, bass-heavy sound. For critical listening, the SoundLink Micro has better clarity, but the Boom 2 SE provides more impact.
Both speakers are waterproof. The Soundcore Boom 2 SE has IPX7 rating and can float, while the Bose SoundLink Micro has IP67 rating, adding dust protection. Both can survive temporary water immersion.
The Bose SoundLink Micro is significantly more portable at 3.87" x 3.87" x 1.37" and includes a tear-resistant strap. The Soundcore Boom 2 SE is larger and heavier, prioritizing sound power over compact size.
Both speakers support Bluetooth multipoint pairing. The Soundcore Boom 2 SE uses newer Bluetooth 5.3 with better range (100m), while the Bose SoundLink Micro uses Bluetooth 4.2 with 30ft range.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE is better suited for outdoor movie viewing due to its louder volume, stronger bass, and longer battery life. It also includes weather protection and floating capability for poolside use.
While both can work for casual gaming, neither is optimal due to potential audio lag. If choosing between the two, the Soundcore Boom 2 SE offers better gaming performance due to its newer Bluetooth version and more powerful sound output.
The Bose SoundLink Micro comes with Bose's standard 1-year warranty and respected customer service. The Soundcore Boom 2 SE offers an 18-month warranty, providing longer coverage despite its lower price point.
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: soundcore.com - gzhls.at - youtube.com - techradar.com - support.soundcore.com - digitaltrends.com - trustedreviews.com - soundguys.com - rtings.com - mygolfspy.com - youtube.com - cnet.com - bose.com - bose.com - alwayswander.info - target.com - bose.com - bose.com
