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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Bose Soundlink Micro Review
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Absolutely Fresh
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Experts
Consumers
Expert Rankings
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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
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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
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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 | 84 | 85 | 84 | 86 |
Ranking | # 37 / 109 | # 22 / 109 | # 23 / 109 | # 9 / 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 |
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Score Card
E
Expert Score
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews
Expert Scores
Publications with higher Trust Ratings are given more weight.
- 60The Bose SoundLink Micro is fair for outdoor use. It’s a sturdy speaker with a… Read More
By:
David Carnoy - 65The Bose SoundLink Micro is just about the most portable speaker on the market right… Read More
By:
Unknown - 80The Bose SoundLink Micro speaker delivers an impressive Bluetooth audio performance for its size, but… Read More
By:
Séamus Bellamy - 80If you’re knee-deep in the Bose ecosystem and want a travel-friendly speaker that can withstand… Read More
By:
Jake Krol - 82The well-built and travel-friendly Bose SoundLink Micro is arguably the best sounding speaker in its… Read More
By:
Max Mutter - NRThe compact and rugged SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker from Bose has a tear-proof strap to… Read More
By:
Unknown
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