We ran our usual, exhaustive meta-analysis on the new Bose Soundlink Micro Bluetooth speaker, comparing what the best audio critics had to say about it with their comments on the well-known (and quite fêted) other Bose speakers, especially its close cousin the not-quite-as-small Bose Soundlink Color II.
We’ll also share how these stack up against the other Bose Soundlink portable speakers: the Revolve, Revolve +, and Mini II.
We’ll start with a quick side-by-side comparison of the Micro and Color II, then delve into our findings on how they sound and work.
Update History of This Article
Small, Elite Bluetooth Speakers: Bose Soundlink Micro vs. Bose Soundlink Color II
Bose Soundlink Micro
They best-sounding tiny Bluetooth speaker on the market
• Pocket-sized (well, a large jacket pocket): 3.87″ (9.8 cm) square, 1.37″ (3.5 cm) thick
• Very light: 0.64 lbs. (0.29 kg)
• Sound: Relatively even across most frequencies, good clarity, some bass especially when placed on a resonant flat surface
• Can pair two for stereo: Via iOS and Android apps
• Waterproof: Rated IPX7 (can be dunked underwater)
• 6-hour battery
Bose Soundlink Color II
Good clarity and even sound, rugged, cheaper, not as loud
• Size: A couple inches wider (at 5″/12.7 cm) and twice as thick (2.25″/5.7 cm)
• Light: 1.2 lbs (.544 kg)
• Sound: Excellent clarity, even delivery, better soundstage and fuller bass
• Splashproof: Rated IPX4 (can survive the odd splash)
• 8-hour battery
Darlings of Audio Critics: The Bose Soundlink Micro and Color II Go Head-to-Head
Both the Micro and the Color II are durable Bluetooth speakers from a brand known for delivering even mixes and a masterful soundstage in a small package. These speakers live up to that reputation.
Here’s where the Micro and Color II are alike:
- Both offer very serviceable speakerphone functions with good clarity for calls on both ends.
- Testing shows that the battery-life is as Bose claims; five hours for the Micro and eight for the Color II. This is not as much battery life as for most other high-end Bluetooth speakers; you can go elsewhere for a very durable camping speaker with a very long battery life.
- Both offer easy Bluetooth pairing with voice prompts.
- Both have rubberized housing that will allow them to survive some very serious abuse.
As usual with Bose, it delivers best in the mid- to high-range, and doesn’t overdo the bass end.
They generally feel that the Micro is the best-sounding speaker you can buy in this teensy tiny size. There are lots of other tiny speakers out there, but they tend to sound shrill and have no bass to speak of. The Micro still manages to deliver a version of Bose’s trademark evenness and clarity, and offers some placement of instruments on a soundstage.
The passive radiators can give the bass some oomph, particularly when the speaker is placed on a wooden surface. It’s doesn’t sound as great as the Color II nor does it go as loud, but it can fill a small room and provide for personal listening outside (we’d suggest the Bose Revolves below, or other portable speakers for animating an outdoor bash).
A more serious criticism is the price tag, which currently lists the Micro at over a hundred bucks. There are other great-sounding small speakers that are much cheaper. But the Micro remains the best-sounding speaker for its teeny-tiny size, so for some people it’ll be worth it. We definitely think it is, but you know, we’re snobs about having great sound in a light, carefree package.
Other, Larger Bose Bluetooth Speaker Options
Wrap-Up And Where to Buy
Bose pricing is pretty stable and uniform, but you can compare various vendors through the links below.
Speaker | Weight (oz.) | Notes | Length (in.) | Width (in.) | Height (in.) | Waterproof? | Also Available At | Pricing |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bose Soundlink Micro | 10.24 | • Speakerphone • 6-hour battery • Generally well-liked by Amazon reviewers | 3.87 | 1.37 | 3.87 | Yes (IPX7) | Bose BestBuy newegg B&H Photo Video NORDSTROM | |
Bose SoundLink Color II | 19.2 | • Speakerphone • 8-hour battery • Generally well-liked by Amazon reviewers | 2.25 | 5 | 5.25 | Water resistant (IPX4) | Bose B&H Photo Video Newegg NORDSTROM | |
Bose SoundLink Mini II | 23.5 | • Speakerphone • 10-hour battery • Charging cradle included • Generally well-liked by Amazon reviewers | 2.3 | 7.1 | 2 | No | B&H Photo Video Newegg NORDSTROM | |
Bose SoundLink Revolve | 23.4 | • 3.5 mm aux input • Can pair two for stereo • Speakerphone • Charging cradle sold separately • 12-hour battery • Generally well-liked by Amazon reviewers | 3.2 | 3.2 | 6 | Water resistant (IPX4) | Bose B&H Photo Video Newegg NORDSTROM | |
Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus | 32 | • 3.5 mm aux input • Can pair two for stereo • 16-hour battery • Speakerphone • Charging cradle sold separately • Generally well-liked by Amazon reviewers | 4.1 | 4.1 | 7.2 | Water resistant (IPX4) | Bose B&H Photo Video Newegg NORDSTROM |
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