Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) review: Pocket-sized power with premium sound and price

Bose has packed in more smart functionality into the SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) than you might expect for a speaker of this size.

Bose SoundLink Micro bluetooth speaker (2nd Gen) has a nifty strap that makes it ultra portable. Pictures: Bose.

The Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) proves that size isn’t everything, as it packs bold bass, crisp treble, and modern features into a rugged, travel-ready design.

Design and build

The Micro stays true to Bose’s minimalist aesthetic, and the second-generation model is stylish and rugged. At just 10.3 × 10.3 × 3.9cm and weighing 317g, it’s impressively portable yet sturdily built.

The powder-coated steel grille and soft-touch, pre-installed silicone shell make it durable, while the IP67 rating ensures it’s both waterproof and dustproof.

I dropped it twice during testing, and it shrugged off scuffs without complaint. The removable nylon strap is easily my favourite feature because it makes it easy to attach to a rucksack or bike handlebars. I love listening to music while cycling, and while I’ve 3D-printed various brackets for small portable speakers in the past, the strap on the Micro makes mounting it to my bike so quick and easy, and I’m instantly ready to go.

Battery performance

Bose quotes up to 12 hours of playback, and in my experience, that figure holds up at moderate volumes. Crank it to near maximum, however, and you’ll see closer to 9–10 hours. Charging via USB-C takes around four hours, which feels a little slow in 2025, especially compared with rivals offering faster top-ups. Still, the overall stamina is more than enough for day trips, around the house, or evenings outdoors.

Features

Bose has packed in more smart functionality than you might expect for a speaker of this size. Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint support enables two devices to connect simultaneously, making it ideal for switching between a phone and a laptop. Spotify Tap is a handy feature (unless you use a different music streaming service), allowing you to resume music instantly with a button press, while Google Fast Pair streamlines setup for Android users.

The Bose Music app offers additional features, including EQ adjustments, firmware updates, and the ability to pair with other Bose speakers for either stereo mode or party mode.

Sound quality

The Micro features one driver and dual passive radiators, which combine with Bose’s Active EQ system to deliver a surprisingly full sound. The bass has lots of punch for a speaker this small, while the mids remain balanced, and vocals cut through clearly. Higher volumes do bring slight compression, but distortion is minimal.

For podcasts, acoustic tracks, or background listening, it’s excellent, and for its size, it punches above its weight in outdoor settings.

Verdict

The Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) combines rugged portability with big, balanced sound and smart features, though it’s far from inexpensive.

€130  Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen)