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Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) specifications and in-depth review

Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen)

Manufacturer: Bose

The Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) is a compact portable speaker designed for on-the-go use, featuring IP68-rated waterproofing that makes it suitable for exposure to water without concern. It includes an on-device control panel, supports wireless operation, and connects to smartphones for remote management. A sleep timer and voice prompts add a layer of everyday convenience, and the speaker can be paired with a second unit to create a stereo setup.

On the connectivity side, the SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) runs on Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint support for up to two devices simultaneously, and includes both aptX and AAC codec compatibility. Charging is handled through a USB Type-C port, while fast pairing streamlines the initial setup process. Battery life is rated at 12 hours, with a built-in indicator to track remaining charge, and the unit measures roughly 103 x 103 x 39 mm with a single driver handling audio output.

Pros
  • IP68 waterproof rating means it can handle full submersion, making it well-suited for outdoor and water-adjacent activities
  • Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint support allows two devices to stay connected simultaneously
  • Fast pairing speeds up the process of connecting to a new device
  • A built-in sleep timer adds a practical hands-free convenience for extended listening sessions
  • Stereo pairing support lets two units be linked together for a wider soundstage
  • Battery level indicator helps users monitor remaining charge without guessing
Cons
  • Single mono driver with no passive radiator limits the overall depth and width of the sound output
  • No microphones are included, so hands-free calling is not possible
  • Wireless charging is not supported, requiring a wired connection every time the battery needs topping up
  • Bluetooth range is capped at 10 m, which restricts freedom of movement
  • No 3.5 mm audio jack or AUX input means wired audio sources cannot be connected
  • The battery is non-removable, so users cannot swap it out when it degrades over time
Who is this for?

This speaker is a solid fit for users who spend time outdoors or near water, thanks to its IP68 waterproof rating that removes the need to worry about rain, splashes, or poolside use. Those who frequently switch between two devices will appreciate the Bluetooth multipoint support, which keeps both connected without manual re-pairing. Its compact dimensions and wireless-only design also make it a practical choice for travelers and commuters who want a no-fuss portable listening option, and the stereo pairing capability gives audio enthusiasts the option to expand their setup with a second unit when needed.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who rely on a speaker for hands-free calling will find this model unsuitable, as it includes no microphones whatsoever. Those who prioritize rich, room-filling sound will likely find the single mono driver limiting, particularly without a passive radiator to reinforce low-end response. The 10 m Bluetooth range may also frustrate users in larger spaces who need more freedom of movement, and anyone expecting wired connectivity options — such as a 3.5 mm audio jack or AUX input — will have no way to connect non-Bluetooth sources.

Design:

Ingress Protection (IP) rating IP68
volume 415.98142455162 cm³
drivers count 1
has a neodymium magnet ✕
control panel placed on a device ✓
water resistance Waterproof
travel bag is included ✕
has a touch screen ✕
has RGB lighting ✕
has a detachable cable ✕
is a neckband speaker ✕
has a remote control ✕
height 103.124 mm
width 103.124 mm
thickness 39.116 mm

The Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) has a square footprint measuring 103.124 mm in both height and width, with a thickness of 39.116 mm and an overall volume of approximately 415.98 cm³, keeping it genuinely compact. It carries an IP68 ingress protection rating, confirming full waterproof construction rather than just splash resistance. A control panel is built directly onto the device, giving quick access to playback and volume without needing a separate remote, which is not included. The speaker houses a single driver and does not incorporate a neodymium magnet, touch screen, RGB lighting, detachable cable, or a travel bag.

Sound quality:

has stereo speakers ✕
has a subwoofer ✕
Has a passive radiator ✕
number of microphones 0
has a noise-canceling microphone ✕
has a magnetic shielding ✕

The Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) operates as a mono speaker, with no stereo speaker configuration, subwoofer, or passive radiator present in its audio setup. It includes no microphones, meaning hands-free calling and voice input are not supported, and noise-canceling microphone functionality is absent as a result. Magnetic shielding is also not part of the design.

Power:

Battery life 12 hours
has a battery level indicator ✓
has a rechargeable battery ✓
has a removable battery ✕
has wireless charging ✕

The Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) is equipped with a rechargeable battery rated for up to 12 hours of use, and a built-in battery level indicator lets users keep track of remaining charge at a glance. The battery is not removable, so replacement requires servicing rather than a straightforward swap. Wireless charging is not supported, meaning the speaker relies on a wired connection for recharging.

Connectivity:

multipoint count 2
Bluetooth version 5.4
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC ✕
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack ✕
has an AUX input ✕
has aptX Lossless ✕
has LDAC ✕
has aptX Adaptive ✕
has aptX HD ✕
has aptX ✓
has aptX Low Latency ✕
has AAC ✓
has AirPlay ✕
has Chromecast built-in ✕
has Auracast ✕
has Bluetooth LE Audio ✕
maximum Bluetooth range 10 m
supports Wi-Fi ✕
USB ports 1
Has USB Type-C ✓
has a 3.5mm male connector ✕
has an external memory slot ✕
is DLNA-certified ✕
supports Ethernet ✕
has a microphone input ✕

The Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.4 with a maximum range of 10 m, and supports multipoint pairing with up to two devices simultaneously. Supported audio codecs include aptX and AAC, while higher-tier options such as aptX Lossless, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency, LDAC, and Bluetooth LE Audio are not available. NFC pairing is not supported, and there is no AirPlay, Chromecast, or Auracast functionality. On the wired side, the speaker includes one USB Type-C port but lacks a 3.5 mm audio jack socket, AUX input, 3.5 mm male connector, and microphone input. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, DLNA, and external memory expansion are also absent from the feature set.

Features:

Can be used wirelessly ✓
supports a remote smartphone ✓
has fast pairing ✓
has voice commands ✕
Has a radio ✕
Has voice prompts ✓
has a mute function ✕
works as a power bank ✕
has a sleep timer ✓

The Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) is designed for fully wireless use and supports smartphone remote control, allowing playback management directly from a paired device. Fast pairing simplifies the connection process, and voice prompts provide spoken feedback to guide the user through setup and status changes. A sleep timer is available to automatically power down the speaker after a set period. Voice commands, a mute function, radio reception, and power bank functionality are not part of the feature set.

Miscellaneous:

supports pairing for stereo sound ✓

The Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) supports stereo pairing, allowing two compatible units to be linked together to deliver a stereo sound experience.

Final Verdict

The Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) is a compact portable speaker built around a clear set of priorities: durability, wireless convenience, and ease of use. Its IP68 waterproof rating paired with Bluetooth 5.4 and multipoint connectivity makes it a dependable companion for outdoor and on-the-go scenarios where reliability matters more than acoustic complexity. The absence of microphones, limited Bluetooth range, and mono single-driver output do narrow its appeal for users with more demanding audio or communication needs, but within its intended scope, it delivers a focused and well-considered feature set. For listeners who want a rugged, straightforward wireless speaker that handles real-world conditions without fuss, the SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) makes a compelling case for itself.

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