In the crowded world of portable speakers, “small speaker, big sound” is the most overused cliché in the book. It’s almost always a marketing half-truth. But when Bose makes that claim, you tend to listen. The original SoundLink Micro was a tiny titan, but it was hamstrung by an ageing Micro-USB port and a battery that felt average.
Now, we have the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen). It lands on our desk (or, more accurately, in our palm) promising the same “crisp sound and impressive bass” but with double the battery life, a modern port, and smarter app controls.
The question is, is this just a minor refresh, or is it the upgrade we’ve been waiting for? We’ve processed the official spec sheets and synthesized the real-world experiences of over 300 owners to find out if this is the ultimate micro-speaker for your rucksack, bike, or shower.
The Gen 2 Promise
On paper, the SoundLink Micro (Gen 2) is an iterative, “fix-it” upgrade. It keeps the palm-sized, “tiny-but-tough” silicone-wrapped body and the excellent IP67 waterproof rating. The real changes are inside: a new 12-hour battery, a shift to USB-C charging, and updated Bluetooth 5.4.
Crucially, it now fully integrates with the Bose app, unlocking an adjustable EQ—a feature audiophiles have been crying out for. It’s a premium purchase. Let’s see if it delivers premium performance.
Audio: Does “Impressive Bass” Mean Impressive Sound?
The Claim: Bose promises “surprisingly powerful sound,” “crisp sound,” and “impressive bass” from a “louder-than-it-looks” package.
The Reality: This is where the SoundLink Micro (Gen 2) truly earns its badge. Synthesizing user feedback, owners are almost universally shocked by the sound quality. The consensus is that it “packs a punch” for something so small, with one reviewer noting it’s “the best I’ve ever had.”
It’s not just raw volume; it’s the quality of that volume. Owners describe “powerful bass with clear highs and mids,” avoiding the tinny, thin sound that plagues most pocket-sized speakers. This audio fidelity is the number one reason people rave about this product.
The new killer feature, however, is the Adjustable EQ via the Bose app. This is a game-changer for a speaker this size. Users confirm they “love the app where you can play around with the levels,” allowing you to “tweet the EQ if you wish.” This moves the Micro from a simple “play” button to a customisable audio tool.
The Catch: We did find one critical, recurring insight. As one detailed review pointed out, this is a “front-on speaker only.” The sound is highly directional. If you’re off to the side, as one reviewer mentioned, it sounds poor, losing many of its characteristics. This is a vital, real-world limitation to be aware of.
Verdict: For its size, the sound is astonishing. The addition of a proper EQ elevates it above most of its rivals. But if you’re looking for 360-degree sound for a garden party, you’ll need to look elsewhere (or buy two and use Stereo Mode).
The Gen 2 Upgrades: More Than Just a New Port?
The Claim: The Gen 2 boasts “up to 12 hours” of battery (double the original), “advanced Bluetooth 5.4,” and an “improved utility strap.”
The Reality: This is where the Gen 2 justifies its existence, especially for anyone familiar with the original. Based on user reports, the Gen 1 was not without its flaws, with one owner noting it “kept losing battery power” and “eventually wouldn’t charge.” The “tiresome” Micro-USB port was the other major gripe.
The Gen 2 emphatically solves these problems. The battery life is now described as “amazing” by users. The move to USB-C is a massive quality-of-life improvement that brings it in line with every other modern gadget.
The connectivity also gets a boost. Owners report the Bluetooth 5.4 connection is “superb,” “really strong,” and that their “phone picked it up as a device as soon as it was on.”
Verdict: These aren’t just bullet points on a box. They’re fundamental fixes that address the predecessor’s main weaknesses. This is a “solid upgrade,” and for many, the USB-C port and reliable battery are worth the price of admission alone.
Built for Britain: IP67 Rating and “Tiny-but-Tough” Design
The Claim: The speaker is “built to bounce back” with a “rugged, tiny-but-tough design” that is “drop, shock and rust resistant” and fully “water and dustproof (rated IP67).”
The Reality: An IP67 rating isn’t just a technical spec; it’s a green light for real-world use. It means it’s completely sealed against dust and can be submerged in 1 metre of water for 30 minutes.
For the British user, this is less about beach parties and more about peace of mind. It means you can use it in a “drizzly… garden in summer,” as one owner did, or strap it to your bike for a muddy trail in the Peak District without a second thought. User reviews are full of these examples: “great on the bike handlebars,” “while in [the] shower,” and “perfect… to take on trips.”
The silicone-wrapped body is clearly up to the job, and the “updated utility strap” is described as “more confidence inspiring” than the old one, perfect for lashing onto a rucksack or tent pole.
Verdict: It absolutely delivers. This is a proper “all-weather” gadget, perfectly suited for the unpredictable UK outdoors (and indoors, for shower singers).
Usability: The Strap, The App, and Party Mode
The Claim: A “pocket-sized” speaker with app control, a “utility strap,” and the ability to “pair two speakers” for Stereo or Party Mode.
The Reality: The strap is a highlight. Unlike a rigid carabiner, users find the flexible strap more versatile, allowing them to attach it securely to “bike handlebars” and bags. The app, whilst not overloaded with features, does the important things well: EQ and connection management.
One minor, real-world niggle we found: the Gen 2 is “slightly larger” than the original, so one user found his “old case didn’t fit.” It’s a small point, but something for existing owners to note.
While the documents heavily promote pairing two speakers, we found no user reviews that specifically mentioned testing this feature. So, whilst Stereo Mode is a great promise, the real-world “experience” feedback on it is limited.
Verdict: It’s brilliantly usable. The strap is a smart, practical design choice, and the app adds genuine, modern customisation.
Bose SoundLink Micro (Gen 2) vs. The Competition
No product exists in a vacuum. The Micro (Gen 2) enters a fierce market dominated by two other big names: the JBL Clip 4 and the UE Wonderboom 3. How does it stack up?
| Feature | Bose SoundLink Micro (Gen 2) | JBL Clip 4 | UE Wonderboom 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio | Directional (Front-Firing) | Directional | 360-Degree Sound |
| Battery | Up to 12 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 14 hours |
| Waterproof | IP67 | IP67 | IP67 (and it floats) |
| Strap/Clip | Silicone “Utility Strap” | Integrated Carabiner | Fabric Loop |
| App/EQ | Yes (Bose App with EQ) | No App/EQ | Yes (UE App with EQ presets) |
| Stereo Pairing | Yes (with another Bose) | No | Yes (with another Wonderboom) |
The Analysis: The Bose is, without a doubt, the premium, expensive option here. It’s more than double the price of the excellent JBL Clip 4.
The JBL Clip 4 is the undisputed budget champion, a brilliant “good-enough” workhorse. The UE Wonderboom 3 is your best bet for a party, with 360-degree sound and a floating design.
The Bose SoundLink Micro (Gen 2) is playing a different game. It justifies its price with the Bose badge, a fully customisable EQ (not just presets), and what user consensus describes as a richer, clearer, more “audiophile” sound.
Our Verdict
It’s a phenomenal small speaker. It’s a “solid upgrade” that takes the much-loved original, fixes all its “tiresome” flaws, and adds modern features like app-based EQ.
The sound it produces is, by all accounts, astonishing for its size. Yes, it’s directional, and yes, it’s expensive. But the user experience is overwhelmingly positive. This isn’t a speaker you tolerate because it’s small; it’s a speaker you love.
Who is this for? This is for the person who refuses to compromise on sound, even in a tiny package. It’s for the hiker, the cyclist, the home-office worker, or the holidaymaker who wants a premium, customisable audio experience in a gadget they can throw in a bag (or attach to it) without a second thought. It’s a premium product at a premium price, and the overwhelming evidence suggests it’s worth every penny.
Pros
Cons
Our Rating: 4.7 / 5
Additional Information
- Manufacturer: Bose
- ASIN: B0FDLD34V5
- Dimensions: 4.3 cm H x 10.4 cm W x 10.4 cm D
- Weight: 0.33 kg
For more perspectives on the Bose Gen 2 SoundLink Micro, why not check out SoundGuys, r/Gadgets, TrustedReviews, or Gizmodo?
Further Reading:
What Hi-Fi? – Best Waterproof Speakers: For a broader look at all the top contenders in the waterproof audio market, from budget to premium.
Rtings.com – Speaker Comparison Tool: For highly detailed, data-driven comparisons, including side-by-side tests of the SoundLink Micro (Gen 2) and its key rivals like the JBL Clip 4.