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The Bose SoundLink Micro is a good fit if you want a compact, strap-mounted speaker with water-and-dust protection; the newer 2nd Gen adds USB-C and a longer stated battery life. The key drawback is that the 2nd Gen has no microphone, so it cannot handle speakerphone calls. Check the generation before buying: the original model has a microphone and Micro-USB, while the 2nd Gen has neither a microphone nor a speakerphone function.
Which SoundLink Micro are you considering?
Bose sells information for two distinct versions: the original SoundLink Micro, introduced in the 2017 era, and the SoundLink Micro Portable Speaker (2nd Gen). Their names are similar, but their call features, charging ports, and stated battery life differ. The pros and cons below identify the generation so you can assess the right one.
| Feature | Original SoundLink Micro | SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone and calls | Built-in microphone and speakerphone, according to Bose support | No microphone; cannot be used as a speakerphone, according to Bose support |
| Charging connection | Micro-USB, according to Bose support | USB-C port for charging only; it cannot charge other devices, according to Bose support |
| Stated battery life | Up to 6 hours per charge; Bose says actual performance varies with content and volume (Bose) | Up to 12 hours per charge (Bose) |
| Water and dust protection | IP67; Bose says it can be immersed up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes (Bose) | IP67 (Bose) |
SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen): pros
Small speaker with a strap for attachment
The speaker’s compact form and strap make it easier to attach to a bag or other suitable item than a speaker without a built-in attachment point. TechRadar praised the fabric strap and improved sound for the speaker’s size in its review, which it updated or published in 2026. Those are reviewer judgments, not a guarantee that it will sound better than every similarly sized speaker.
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IP67 protection
Bose rates the 2nd Gen IP67 for dust and water protection. That rating can be useful around wet or dusty environments, but it should not be read as a promise of protection in every situation or as a claim that the speaker floats.
#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.
USB-C and a longer stated runtime
The 2nd Gen charges through USB-C and is rated by Bose for up to 12 hours per charge. Bose specifies four hours to charge from 0% to 100% using a 1.5A (7.5W) USB power supply. These are manufacturer figures; “up to” does not guarantee 12 hours at every volume or with every kind of audio. The listed box contents include a USB-C-to-A cable.
App and two-speaker features
The 2nd Gen is compatible with the Bose app and offers adjustable EQ. Bose also says two 2nd Gen speakers can be paired in Stereo Mode or Party Mode. These features may matter if you want to adjust the sound or use a pair of compatible units.
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.
SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen): cons
No microphone or speakerphone
The 2nd Gen has no microphone, so you cannot use it as a speakerphone for phone calls. This is an important distinction from the original SoundLink Micro, which Bose lists with a built-in microphone and speakerphone.
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The USB-C connection is for charging the speaker only. Bose explicitly says it cannot charge another device, so it is not a power bank for a phone.
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.
Battery life is a maximum rating, not a promise
Bose’s up-to-12-hour figure is a stated maximum, not a guaranteed listening time for every use. If runtime is a deciding factor, compare manufacturer ratings and independent reviews for the exact models you are considering rather than assuming that the stated maximum will match your listening conditions.
List price may be hard to justify
TechRadar listed launch pricing of $129, £119.95, and AU$179.95 in its review updated or published in 2026. These are review-time list-price figures, not current quotes. The reviewer found the speaker improved over its predecessor but did not consider its sound or features exceptional enough to justify list price, and viewed it more favorably on sale. Tom’s Guide likewise praised its balanced sound, compact size, and IP67 durability while noting that cheaper speakers can offer comparable sound and better battery life. These are subjective review assessments.
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.
How the original SoundLink Micro differs
The original model may suit you better if having a speakerphone matters: Bose lists a built-in microphone and speakerphone, plus up to six hours of battery life. It charges over Micro-USB rather than USB-C. Bose says its battery performance varies with content and volume, and lists Bluetooth range up to 30 feet (9 meters).
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchBoth generations are IP67-rated, but water resistance does not mean flotation. Bose states of the original: “The SoundLink Micro will sink; it does not float.” Bose also says the original can be immersed up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) for up to 30 minutes. Do not assume the 2nd Gen floats or treat the original’s immersion details as a claim about every possible use condition.
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
Who should buy it, and what to compare
The 2nd Gen is worth considering if you prioritize compact size, an attachment strap, IP67 protection, USB-C charging, app EQ, and the option to pair two units. It is a poor match if you need a speakerphone or want to charge a phone from the speaker. If comparing alternatives, TechRadar discusses the JBL Clip 5 and Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 alongside the 2nd Gen; compare the exact models on price, size and weight, battery claims, protection rating, attachment method, call support, charging, app or multi-speaker features, and reviewer-assessed sound. No single speaker is objectively best-sounding for every listener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) be used for phone calls?
No. Bose says the 2nd Gen has no microphones, so it cannot serve as a speakerphone.
Can I charge other devices from the SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen)?
No. Bose says its USB-C port is charge-in only and cannot charge another device.
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Yes. Bose says the original SoundLink Micro sinks and does not float.
Quick Recap
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.
