Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) Finally Earns a Permanent Spot in the Bag

Eight years after the first SoundLink Micro, Bose shipped a second version that fixes the parts people actually complained about. The SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen), priced at $99 (was $129), still sits in a palm, still clips to a strap, and still looks like a rubberized river stone with a metal grille. Size is about 4.1 by 4.1 by 1.7 inches and the weight is just over 11 ounces. That is a little larger and heavier than the 2017 original, and you feel the extra bulk only if you compare them side by side.

Bose claims playback will last up to 12 hours at moderate volume, which is more than double the previous model’s guarantee of 6 hours. Real-world use is closer to 12 hours if the volume is kept at half, and 9 or 10 hours if the volume is increased slightly. A full charge over USB-C takes approximately 3 hours, and you can continue listening while it charges. However, no power brick is included in the box, only a USB-C to USB-A adapter. Bluetooth version 5.4 now supports multipoint, which means you can pair two phones or a phone and a laptop and they will swap back and forth seamlessly, with a reported range of 30 feet.

The main reason to care is the sound, as this little box contains one speaker and two passive radiators, as well as Bose’s active EQ, which has been adjusted for improved sound. The sound has more body and cleaner highs than the original micro. Vocals remain prominent, kick drums are given a decent punch, and the entire mix is still listenable even in a busy kitchen, on a terrace, or strapped to a backpack. Just keep in mind that if you push it too high, the tiny cabinet may begin to suffer, particularly on tunes with a lot of bass. They also offer ‘party mode’, which allows you to sync this speaker with other current SoundLink speakers so that you can hear the same song from both of them at the same time. They’ve also included a three-band EQ in the app, where you can adjust the bass, mids, and treble to taste.

Bose’s goal with the design was to make it tough enough to survive being thrown in a wet beach bag. They have an IP67 classification, so they can withstand a half-hour immersion in a meter of water without being troubled. Just bear in mind that it will sink, not float. The previous fixed rubber strap is gone, replaced by a removable fabric strap with a loop for fastening it onto a carabiner and a velcro wrap for a bike bar, a pack handle, or anything similar. If the strap wears out, you can simply purchase a replacement from Bose. The controls are tucked away in a small recess on top, and they include power, volume, play/pause, pairing, and a shortcut key that you may customize in the app.