The Bose SoundLink Micro is a 2016-model mid-range Bluetooth speaker produced to provide a rugged design for outdoor users. Like some of the top speakers today, this device is IP67-rated for waterproof and dustproof operation. This unit has a wide soundstage and low Bluetooth latency, and it supports dual device pairing. It has a strap for attaching it to a bag. Learn more about the Bose SoundLink Micro in our review below and see how it compares with the best-rated Bluetooth speakers on the market today.
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Speakers
Bose Soundlink Micro Review
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Updated Jan 25, 2024 6:27 PM
Published
True Score
True Score is an AI-powered algorithm of product tests and customer reviews.
81
Absolutely Fresh
79
10
Experts
94
19.8k
Consumers
Expert Rankings
(
10
)
Top experts love the Bose SoundLink Micro portable speaker, and they recommend it for podcasts, music, and use as a voice assistant. They were delighted by its wide soundstage, remarkably portable design, and dual-pairing Bluetooth technology. However, they were unhappy that it doesn’t support stereo and lacks low bass.
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Product Snapshot
Overview
The Bose SoundLink Micro is a 2016-model mid-range Bluetooth speaker produced to provide a rugged design for outdoor users. Like some of the top speakers today, this device is IP67-rated for waterproof and dustproof operation. This unit has a wide soundstage and low Bluetooth latency, and it supports dual device pairing. It has a strap for attaching it to a bag. Learn more about the Bose SoundLink Micro in our review below and see how it compares with the best-rated Bluetooth speakers on the market today.
Consensus
our Verdict
Testers applauded the Bose SoundLink Micro, and they approved it for podcasts, voice assistant features, and outdoor use. Reviewers at Mashable adore its IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof construction. Editors at Expert Reviews UK liked its remarkably compact 0.7 lb design. They measured a top 78.6 dB SPL at the maximum volume, at its low 2.27 dB DRC shows only minor sound quality deterioration. However, if you need a louder device, see our JBL Clip 4 review. They liked its speakerphone functions and 91.1hz to 16.0kHz frequency response range, although its -0.63 slope shows a slightly bass-biased sound profile ideal for casual movie watching. Testers recorded a 1.04 dB directivity index, noticing a wide soundstage. This device has a 7.8-hour tested battery life and supports voice assistants via a smartphone. If you need better battery life, see our Bose SoundLink Revolve II review. It supports dual-device Bluetooth pairing, featuring a good 67 ms iOS Bluetooth latency and 98 ms Android latency. However, it doesn’t support stereo.
ReasonS to Buy
- IP67-rated waterproof, dustproof construction
- Smartphone-based voice assistants
- Excellent soundstage performance
- Dual-device Bluetooth pairing with low latency
- Lightweight, compact design
Reason to Avoid
- Doesn’t get very loud
- Downmixes stereo to mono
- Poor low-bass
Bose Soundlink Micro Specs
 | Battery Life | 6 hrs |
 | Built In Microphone | Yes |
 | Charge Time | 4 hrs |
 | Size | 3.87" (h) x 3.87" (w) x 1.37" (d) |
 | Smart App | Bose Connect |
 | Speaker Pairing | Yes |
 | Water Resistant | Yes |
 | Wattage | 5W |
 | Wireless Range | 30 ft |
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Speakers based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
| Battery Life (Hours) | 5.36 |
| Volume Output (dB) | 78.6 |
| Low End Roll Off (Hz) | 142.544 |
| High End Roll Off (Hz) | 2,915.299 |
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Product Comparison
 Bose Soundlink Micro Review | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
True Score | 81 | 83 | 82 | 84 |
Ranking | # 41 / 109 | # 23 / 109 | # 35 / 109 | # 8 / 109 |
Market Context |
The Bose SoundLink Micro is a 2016-model mid-range Bluetooth speaker produced to provide a rugged design for outdoor users. Like some of the top speakers… |
The Bose SoundLink Flex has an 87.5 dB SPL, getting louder than the Bose SoundLink Micro, which has a 78.6 dB SPL. However, the Bose… The Bose SoundLink Flex has an 87.5 dB SPL, getting louder than the Bose SoundLink Micro, which has a 78.6 dB SPL. However, the Bose SoundLink Micro has a lower 1.04 dB directivity index, providing a wider soundstage than the Flex, which has a 4.59 dB directivity index. Check out our Bose SoundLink Flex review for details about the Micro. |
With a -0.31 frequency response slope, the JBL Flip 5 produces more balanced sounds than the Bose SoundLink Micro speaker, which has a -0.64 slope…. With a -0.31 frequency response slope, the JBL Flip 5 produces more balanced sounds than the Bose SoundLink Micro speaker, which has a -0.64 slope. The JBL device has an 85.5 dB maximum SPL, getting much louder than the Bose SoundLink Micro, which has a 78.6 dB maximum SPL. However, the Bose device supports smartphone-based voice assistants, unlike the Flip 5. |
Featuring stereo technology, the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 provides better directional music than the Bose SoundLink Micro, which downmixes stereo to mono. It also has… Featuring stereo technology, the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 provides better directional music than the Bose SoundLink Micro, which downmixes stereo to mono. It also has a better 12.9-hour battery life than the 7.8-hour battery of the Bose SoundLink Micro. Unlike the WONDERBOOM 2, the Bose SoundLink Micro speaker has a companion app, however. |
Battery Life | 6 hrs | 12 hrs | 12 hrs | 13 hrs |
Built In Microphone | Yes | Yes | No | n/a |
Charge Time | 4 hrs | 4 hrs | 2.5 hrs | 2.6 hrs |
Size | 3.87" (h) x 3.87" (w) x 1.37" (d) | – | – | 4.1" (h) x 3.8" (w) x 3.8" (d) |
Smart App | Bose Connect | Yes | JBL Portable | n/a |
Speaker Pairing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Water Resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Wattage | 5W | 7W | 20W | 100W |
Dig Deeper |
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Score Card
E
Expert Score
79
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
94
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
81
Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews
Expert Scores
Publications with higher Trust Ratings are given more weight.
100.6Category Trust Rating
60The Bose SoundLink Micro is fair for outdoor use. It’s a sturdy speaker with a… Read MoreBy:
David Carnoy
81.17Category Trust Rating
80If you’re knee-deep in the Bose ecosystem and want a travel-friendly speaker that can withstand… Read MoreBy:
Jake Krol
43.1Category Trust Rating
65The Bose SoundLink Micro is just about the most portable speaker on the market right… Read MoreBy:
Unknown
43.6Category Trust Rating
80The Bose SoundLink Micro speaker delivers an impressive Bluetooth audio performance for its size, but… Read MoreBy:
Séamus Bellamy
55.2Category Trust Rating
NRThe compact and rugged SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker from Bose has a tear-proof strap to… Read MoreBy:
Unknown
36.25Category Trust Rating
82The well-built and travel-friendly Bose SoundLink Micro is arguably the best sounding speaker in its… Read MoreBy:
Max Mutter
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