The speaker TechRadar ranked first in its blindfolded portable-speaker comparison was the Bose SoundLink Micro Gen 2, officially named the Bose SoundLink Micro Portable Speaker (2nd Gen). The result came from four participants comparing five small speakers, so it is an interesting editorial test—not proof that Bose will sound best to every listener. A deal report dated October 6, 2026 listed select colors at $99.99 in the US and £79.95 in the UK, but those offers may have changed.
Which Bose speaker won the blind test?
It was the Bose SoundLink Micro Gen 2. TechRadar senior writer Harry Padoan described the test this way: “In my blindfolded Bluetooth speaker showdown, four participants ranked some of the very best models around without the influence of brand names, appearances, and any other preconceptions.” Read TechRadar’s comparison.
The reported ranking was:
- Bose SoundLink Micro Gen 2
- Edifier ES20
- Ultimate Ears Miniroll
- JBL Go 5
- IKEA Kallsup
That is a clear result within this particular test, but its scope matters: four participants and five speakers cannot establish a universal winner across different rooms, music, volume levels, or listener preferences.
What did the Bose deal cost?
TechRadar’s October 6, 2026 deal report listed the speaker at $99.99, down from $129, for the Dewdrop Mint color in the US, and £79.95, down from £119.95, for Petal Pink in the UK. These were dated, color-specific Amazon offer claims—not verified current prices. See the dated deal report.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Before buying, check the live listing for the current price, selected color, seller, stock, and delivery terms. TechRadar’s March 22, 2026 review gave list prices of $129, £119.95, and AU$179.95 and said the speaker was released in August 2025; these are reference figures, not current offers. Read TechRadar’s review.
What do you get from the SoundLink Micro Gen 2?
Bose lists a compact speaker with IP67 dust and water protection, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C charging, and up to 12 hours of battery life per charge. Its Bluetooth range is listed as 30 feet (9 meters). Bose also specifies that the USB-C port is for charging only and that the speaker has no microphone. Check Bose’s product specifications.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
TechRadar’s review lists the weight as 0.7 lb (0.3 kg). It describes the design as compact and practical, with clean sound and strong protection, while noting that the sound does not have as much scale as the speaker’s size might suggest and that full price is high. That makes the sale price especially relevant: the speaker’s portability and ruggedness may be more compelling than sheer room-filling output.
How does it compare with the JBL Clip 5 and Wonderboom 4?
TechRadar’s review table lists the Bose and JBL Clip 5 at 12 hours of battery life and IP67 protection, while the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is listed at 14 hours and IP67. Those are review specification snapshots; prices shown in a review table should not be treated as live deals. The practical choice depends on how you plan to carry and use the speaker, not the blind-test order alone.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Speaker | Battery life listed by TechRadar | Protection listed by TechRadar | Useful buying consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bose SoundLink Micro Gen 2 | Up to 12 hours | IP67 | Bose specifies no microphone; USB-C is charging only. Consider its compact format and whether its sound scale suits your listening space. |
| JBL Clip 5 | 12 hours | IP67 | Compare its size, weight, sound at your usual volume, and carrying or attachment design with the Bose before choosing. |
| Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 | 14 hours | IP67 | Its longer listed battery life may matter if you prioritize time between charges; also compare its size, sound, carrying options, and current regional price. |
The comparison figures come from TechRadar’s review. The cited specifications do not establish microphone needs or current pricing for the JBL and Ultimate Ears models; check each maker’s current local product information and retailer listing if those details affect your decision.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is it worth buying at $99.99?
At the reported US deal price, it may be a sensible buy if you value a very portable, IP67-rated speaker and want the particular clean sound TechRadar praised. It is harder to justify at full list price if your priority is bigger-sounding playback: TechRadar specifically noted limited sound scale for its size and a high full price. The test win is useful evidence of preference among four participants, not a substitute for matching the speaker to your listening needs.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
For the closest decision, compare the live price of the Bose with the JBL Clip 5 and Wonderboom 4, then weigh battery life, attachment options, size and weight, sound at realistic listening levels, and whether you need a microphone. The Bose has none, and its USB-C connection does not provide audio input.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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.
