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The Bose SoundLink Micro is a strong fit if you want a small, attachable speaker with IP67-rated dust and water protection. The main catch is that there are two generations: the original has a microphone and Micro-USB charging, while the SoundLink Micro Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) has no microphone, uses USB-C, and has a longer stated battery life. Check the generation before buying, especially if you want to take calls through the speaker.
First, identify which SoundLink Micro you mean
Bose sells the updated SoundLink Micro Portable Speaker (2nd Gen), while support information for the original SoundLink Micro describes a different set of features. Their differences matter more than the shared name: the original includes a microphone and speakerphone; the 2nd Gen does not. The charging ports and Bose-stated battery-life ratings also differ.
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| Feature | Original SoundLink Micro | SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone and speakerphone | Built-in microphone and speakerphone, according to Bose. | No microphone; cannot be used as a phone speakerphone, according to Bose. |
| Charging connection | Micro-USB, according to Bose. | USB-C for charging only; it cannot charge another device, according to Bose. |
| Bose-stated battery life | Up to six hours per charge; Bose says performance varies with content and volume. | Up to 12 hours per charge. “Up to” is a rating, not a guarantee for every listening situation. |
| Water and dust protection | IP67; Bose says it can be immersed up to one meter for up to 30 minutes and that it sinks rather than floats. | IP67, according to Bose. |
These are manufacturer claims, not independent runtime or durability test results. The original model’s specifications and water FAQ are on Bose support; the 2nd Gen specifications and FAQs are on Bose support.
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Small size and a useful strap
The 2nd Gen is built to travel: its compact body and fabric strap make it easier to attach to a bag or carry along than a larger portable speaker. TechRadar’s reviewer, who tested it over several weeks, praised the strap and the sound improvement over the predecessor. That is a reviewer’s assessment, not a guarantee that it will outperform every similarly sized speaker.
#1 Best Overall
- SURPRISINGLY POWERFUL SOUND: SoundLink Micro’s crisp sound and impressive bass allows you to use this mini wireless speaker to break through any silence and form an in-the-moment connection.
- ULTRA-PORTABLE SIZE: The SoundLink Micro Speaker is designed to be ultra portable. A pocketable size and an improved utility strap mean you can attach the small Bluetooth speaker to a bag, slip it in a pocket, or play it from the palm of your hand.
- DURABLE DESIGN: A rugged, tiny-but-tough design means the SoundLink Micro Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) is built to bounce back. It’s dust and waterproof (rated IP67) and shock and rust resistant — so this small waterproof speaker can play rain or shine.
- UP TO 12 HOURS OF EXTENDED BATTERY: With double the battery life of the original SoundLink Micro, you can keep the connection going for up to 12 hours of your day.
- ADVANCED BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: With an extended range of up to 30 feet and increased bandwidth, Bluetooth now brings you better connectivity over previous versions.
IP67 protection for dusty or wet outings
Bose rates the 2nd Gen IP67. This is useful protection for a portable speaker taken outdoors, but an IP rating should not be read as a promise that every type of exposure or use is safe. For the original model, Bose gives a specific immersion rating of up to one meter for up to 30 minutes and explicitly warns that it sinks rather than floats. Water resistance does not make either generation a floating speaker.
USB-C and a longer stated runtime
The 2nd Gen charges over USB-C and is rated by Bose for up to 12 hours per charge. Bose lists a four-hour charge from 0% to 100% using a 1.5A (7.5W) USB power supply. Treat both figures as Bose specifications rather than promises of real-world performance at every volume or with every audio source. The original uses Micro-USB and is rated for up to six hours; Bose notes that its battery performance varies with content and volume.
Rank #2
- SURPRISINGLY POWERFUL SOUND: SoundLink Micro’s crisp sound and impressive bass allows you to use this mini wireless speaker to break through any silence and form an in-the-moment connection.
- ULTRA-PORTABLE SIZE: The SoundLink Micro Speaker is designed to be ultra portable. A pocketable size and an improved utility strap mean you can attach the small Bluetooth speaker to a bag, slip it in a pocket, or play it from the palm of your hand.
- DURABLE DESIGN: A rugged, tiny-but-tough design means the SoundLink Micro Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) is built to bounce back. It’s dust and waterproof (rated IP67) and shock and rust resistant — so this small waterproof speaker can play rain or shine.
- UP TO 12 HOURS OF EXTENDED BATTERY: With double the battery life of the original SoundLink Micro, you can keep the connection going for up to 12 hours of your day.
- ADVANCED BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: With an extended range of up to 30 feet and increased bandwidth, Bluetooth now brings you better connectivity over previous versions.
App EQ and pairing options
The 2nd Gen works with the Bose app, where its equalizer can be adjusted. Bose also describes pairing two 2nd Gen speakers for Stereo Mode or Party Mode. These features may help if you already use the app or want a two-speaker setup, but they do not change the speaker’s main limitation for calls: it has no microphone.
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No microphone for phone calls
The 2nd Gen cannot act as a speakerphone. Bose’s support FAQ says, “No, there are no microphones in the SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen).” If answering calls through the speaker is essential, this is a decisive drawback. The original SoundLink Micro does have a built-in microphone and speakerphone, so do not assume that feature carried over.
Rank #3
- SURPRISINGLY POWERFUL SOUND: SoundLink Micro’s crisp sound and impressive bass allows you to use this mini wireless speaker to break through any silence and form an in-the-moment connection.
- ULTRA-PORTABLE SIZE: The SoundLink Micro Speaker is designed to be ultra portable. A pocketable size and an improved utility strap mean you can attach the small Bluetooth speaker to a bag, slip it in a pocket, or play it from the palm of your hand.
- DURABLE DESIGN: A rugged, tiny-but-tough design means the SoundLink Micro Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) is built to bounce back. It’s dust and waterproof (rated IP67) and shock and rust resistant — so this small waterproof speaker can play rain or shine.
- UP TO 12 HOURS OF EXTENDED BATTERY: With double the battery life of the original SoundLink Micro, you can keep the connection going for up to 12 hours of your day.
- ADVANCED BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: With an extended range of up to 30 feet and increased bandwidth, Bluetooth now brings you better connectivity over previous versions.
USB-C cannot power your phone
The USB-C port on the 2nd Gen is for charging the speaker only. Bose states: “No. You cannot charge other devices using the SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen). The USB-C port is charge-in only.” It is not a power bank, despite using the same connector found on many phones.
Runtime remains a manufacturer rating
“Up to 12 hours” is the 2nd Gen’s stated maximum, not a fixed playtime. If you need a dependable all-day runtime at high volume, the rating alone cannot establish how long it will last for your use. The original’s lower up-to-six-hour figure is also a Bose rating, and Bose specifically says its performance varies with content and volume.
Rank #4
- SURPRISINGLY POWERFUL SOUND: SoundLink Micro’s crisp sound and impressive bass allows you to use this mini wireless speaker to break through any silence and form an in-the-moment connection.
- ULTRA-PORTABLE SIZE: The SoundLink Micro Speaker is designed to be ultra portable. A pocketable size and an improved utility strap mean you can attach the small Bluetooth speaker to a bag, slip it in a pocket, or play it from the palm of your hand.
- DURABLE DESIGN: A rugged, tiny-but-tough design means the SoundLink Micro Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) is built to bounce back. It’s dust and waterproof (rated IP67) and shock and rust resistant — so this small waterproof speaker can play rain or shine.
- UP TO 12 HOURS OF EXTENDED BATTERY: With double the battery life of the original SoundLink Micro, you can keep the connection going for up to 12 hours of your day.
- ADVANCED BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: With an extended range of up to 30 feet and increased bandwidth, Bluetooth now brings you better connectivity over previous versions.
Sound and value depend on your priorities
Reviews do not establish one universally best-sounding compact speaker. TechRadar praised the 2nd Gen’s sound for its size but judged it not exceptional enough in sound or features to justify its list price; its reviewer found it more appealing over named rivals when on sale. Tom’s Guide described balanced sound and compact, durable design as strengths, while noting that less expensive speakers can offer comparable sound and better battery life. Those are subjective review judgments rather than standardized head-to-head measurements.
How to decide whether it is right for you
- Choose the 2nd Gen if: you want a compact speaker with a strap, IP67 protection, USB-C charging, Bose app EQ, and Bose’s up-to-12-hour battery rating, and you do not need a speakerphone.
- Consider the original if: you specifically want its built-in microphone and speakerphone. Its charging connection is Micro-USB, and Bose rates its battery life at up to six hours.
- Compare other compact speakers if: value, longer battery-life claims, attachment style, microphone support, app or multi-speaker features, or reviewer-assessed sound matters more than the Bose combination. TechRadar compares the 2nd Gen with the JBL Clip 5 and Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4; its price judgment is tied to review-time conditions, not a current quote.
TechRadar’s 2026 review lists launch prices for the 2nd Gen of $129, £119.95, and AU$179.95. Those are review-time/list-price figures, not current prices; check the price in your region before deciding whether the speaker represents good value.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MUSIC CALLS: The Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen) packs big, bold sound in a portable size that’s perfect for sharing tunes and good times anywhere on your travels
- SOUND THAT TAKES YOU PLACES: Take advantage of the surprisingly powerful performance of this Bose wireless speaker with its clear, balanced, high-fidelity audio and deep bass that is easy to take with you
- PERFECTLY PORTABLE, WITH BATTERY LIFE TO MATCH: This Bluetooth speaker is small enough to fit in your hand or clip onto a bag using the utility loop, plus it has up to 12 hours of battery life* so you can focus on the fun at the beach, hikes, or pool
- TOSS IT, DROP IT, IT’S ALL GOOD: This IP67 rated Bose portable Bluetooth speaker is waterproof and dustproof and is wrapped in a durable, silicone-wrapped body to withstand drops, shocks, and rust
- STEREO ON THE GO: Amp up the adventure with more sound when you link two compatible Bose speakers, choose Stereo Mode for left and right channels, or go for Party Mode for even bigger, bolder sound
Practical buying checks
- Confirm the product name. Look for “SoundLink Micro Portable Speaker (2nd Gen)” if you want the updated model. Do not rely on “SoundLink Micro” alone if the listing does not clarify the generation.
- Match the feature to your need. For phone calls through the speaker, verify that the listing is for the original model; the 2nd Gen has no microphone.
- Check the charging port and runtime claim. The original is Micro-USB and rated up to six hours; the 2nd Gen is USB-C and rated up to 12 hours by Bose.
- Check the local listing and price. Regional naming, availability, and prices can vary. Bose lists a USB-C-to-A cable in the 2nd Gen box contents, so a separate cable is not a default necessity.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
