The Bose SoundLink Micro 2nd Gen suits buyers who want a speaker small enough to remain attached to a bag or slipped into a pocket. Its replaceable fabric strap, USB-C charging and updated Bose linking make it easier to live with than the older Micro.
The main reservation is runtime at lively listening levels. Independent testing found a much shorter result than the headline battery claim. This is a convenient companion for personal listening and short outings, with the strongest case coming from its size and sound together.
Sound
SoundGuys judged the Micro 2nd Gen’s sound fuller and clearer than many ultra-portable speakers it had tested. It also emphasized the natural limits in bass and output from such a small enclosure. That combination points toward nearby listening, where a compact speaker can make a meaningful improvement over a phone. 1
A small cabinet becomes a less comfortable choice as the listening area grows. For an entire table or a noisy outdoor group, turning up the Micro asks more of both its output and battery. Choosing a larger speaker at the outset can be more useful than trying to make this one cover a different job.
Connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.4
- Two-device multipoint
- Charging-only USB-C
Multipoint keeps two sources connected, which is handy when switching between a laptop and a phone. The programmable shortcut can handle supported actions such as speaker linking. The Bose app manages those settings, so it is worth completing setup before taking the speaker out.
Two Micro 2nd Gen units can form a stereo pair. Party Mode also works with supported newer Bose models that have the shortcut button, including the Flex 2nd Gen, Plus and Max. An older Bose logo alone does not establish compatibility.
There is no microphone, and the USB-C port does not carry music or charge another device. Owners replacing the original Micro should notice the missing calling feature before assuming that every old function carries over.
Battery & charging
- Up to 12 hours
- About 3 hours to recharge
SoundGuys measured four hours and 33 minutes at 80 dB from one meter. Its review also points to the manual’s roughly three-hour estimate at maximum volume. The stated 12 hours is therefore much more relevant to quieter use than an afternoon of near-maximum playback. 1
Charging takes about three hours with the specified supply, and Bose does not provide a quick-charge feature. A fully charged start matters more here than with a larger long-runtime speaker. For travel, the included USB-A to USB-C cable can work with an existing suitable charger, but a power adapter is not supplied.
Design
- 0.725 lb
- IP67
- Replaceable fabric strap
The strap is the reason to choose this shape over a small cylindrical speaker. It lets the Micro stay with a bag or another suitable attachment point, and replacement is possible if the fabric wears out.
IP67 protection makes dust and accidental water exposure less worrying. The speaker sinks, however, so water resistance does not make it easy to recover from deep water. Use the strap purposefully around a pool or boat.
Alternatives
The Edifier ES20 adds a microphone and documented 15-hour playback at half volume with its lights off, while keeping a similarly small footprint. The JBL Grip weighs 385 g and offers a taller one-hand shape with a rear ambient light. Both deserve consideration if Bose speaker linking is not a priority.
Verdict
Buy the Micro 2nd Gen for its compact attachment-friendly design and credible small-speaker sound. Keep the battery expectations tied to volume. A larger model is the better purchase for extended loud playback, and this generation also needs to fit a routine without speakerphone calls.