Review of the Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker
In today’s fast-paced world, having a portable speaker that delivers excellent sound quality while being rugged and waterproof is a must for any outdoor enthusiast or casual listener. The Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker promises to deliver on all fronts with a compact design, impressive audio performance, and a series of features that make it stand out in its category. Here’s a detailed look at the Bose SoundLink Micro to help you understand why it might be the perfect addition to your audio gear.
Design and Build Quality
The Bose SoundLink Micro boasts a compact and lightweight design, measuring just 1.37 inches in depth and 3.87 inches in both width and height. Weighing only 12 ounces, it is incredibly portable and can easily fit into a backpack, beach bag, or even a pocket. The speaker is constructed with durable materials, including a rubberized silicone exterior, which not only ensures longevity but also provides a soft-touch finish that resists scratches and marks.
One of the unique selling points of the SoundLink Micro is its IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating. This means it can withstand splashes and can be fully submerged in water for up to 30 minutes without any impact on performance. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a hiking trip, or a rainy camping night, this speaker is built to handle the elements.
Additionally, the SoundLink Micro comes with a tear-resistant silicone strap. While it is an excellent feature for convenience, it could use some improvement in terms of versatility for outdoor activities like biking or hiking, as the strap’s locking design may not hold as securely on moving surfaces.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound performance, Bose has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality audio equipment, and the SoundLink Micro is no exception. Despite its small size, the speaker delivers loud, clear sound with surprisingly deep bass. The custom-designed transducer and passive radiators ensure a balanced audio experience that can fill a room or complement an outdoor gathering.
Listeners report a rich sound profile characterized by strong bass and clear highs. Whether playing upbeat tracks or more mellow melodies, the SoundLink Micro handles various musical genres with finesse. The treble is smooth and well-balanced, allowing for extended listening periods without ear fatigue. This speaker truly shines when it comes to delivering an authentic audio experience, reminiscent of larger speakers.
Moreover, users can enjoy the benefits of the Bose Connect app, which allows for easy software updates, customization of settings, and unlocking additional features. The app also enables users to switch between Party Mode, where multiple SoundLink Micro speakers can be connected for a broader audio experience, and Stereo Mode for enhanced sound depth.
Battery Life and Performance
The Bose SoundLink Micro is powered by a robust lithium-ion battery, providing up to 6 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. While this may not seem extensive, it is generally adequate for most outdoor activities. Users have reported that the battery life can extend beyond six hours when listening at moderate volume levels.
Charging is simple and convenient, thanks to the included Micro-B USB charging cable. While the charging time is approximately 6 hours, it’s advisable to charge the speaker overnight or while preparing for your next adventure.
Connectivity and Features
Equipped with Bluetooth technology, the SoundLink Micro has a maximum wireless range of 30 feet, allowing you to control your music from a distance. The integrated microphone enables hands-free phone calls and voice commands, providing additional convenience during outdoor activities.
The speaker is compatible with smartphones and tablets, making it an ideal companion for those who love to listen to music on the go. The inclusion of a Google Assistant control method means that users can easily access their voice assistant for hands-free operation, enhancing the overall experience.
User Experience
The Bose SoundLink Micro has garnered positive reviews from users for its ease of use and functionality. The speaker features five easy-to-use buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, volume control, and an action button for play/pause and skipping tracks. Although the button layout is straightforward, some users have suggested combining the Bluetooth pairing button with the power button for added convenience.
Many users appreciate the ruggedness of the speaker, especially for outdoor activities such as biking and hiking. Several reviews note the speaker’s ability to deliver high-quality audio even in challenging environments, which makes it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker delivers an impressive audio experience in a compact, portable design. Its waterproof and durable construction makes it perfect for outdoor adventures, and the sound quality exceeds expectations for a speaker of its size. While the battery life could be improved, it remains sufficient for most users’ needs.
With its competitive pricing and renowned Bose quality, the SoundLink Micro is a worthy investment for anyone seeking a reliable, high-performance portable speaker. Whether you’re hitting the trails, lounging by the pool, or enjoying a picnic in the park, this speaker is sure to enhance your listening experience.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
In summary, the Bose SoundLink Micro is a small yet powerful speaker that checks all the boxes for functionality, portability, and sound quality. Its durable design, impressive audio performance, and ease of use make it an essential companion for music lovers on the go.
Graham Russell –
Arrived on Sunday, 08/12 as promised. I haven’t tested it yet, but I’m familiar with the product. It offers excellent sound and performance, is very easy to handle, and portable. Lightweight and well-made with a modern, attractive design. After all, it’s a Bose!
Amazon Customer –
This product is fantastic! I feel a bit embarrassed that my experienced father introduced me to it, leading me to buy one for myself. It’s incredibly convenient for the golf course and barely takes up any space—just tuck it into your shoe when flying with your clubs. It easily attaches to your bag or golf cart.
Justin –
The Bose SoundLink Micro is hands down the best small speaker I’ve ever used. I’ve tried numerous generic and branded speakers, including various $20-30 “waterproof” options on Amazon, and none come close to this one.
Despite having certain expectations, I was genuinely impressed by the bass output of this speaker. It’s not overpowering or droning; instead, it delivers bass that makes music sound like it’s coming from a much larger speaker, providing an authentic listening experience. The impact of drum kicks and other instruments is perfectly conveyed, making the Micro a highly musical speaker with excellent presence. The treble is exceptionally smooth, allowing for long listening sessions without ear fatigue, yet it retains a nice sparkle when needed.
Listening to Everything but the Girl’s “Missing” (2013 remaster) reveals the Bose’s superior bass performance compared to other speakers of similar size, especially against the JBL Clip 3 and JBL GO. The song features a steady bass line complemented by another that matches the rhythm, and the Bose handles both without muddiness. Tracey Thorn’s vocals are clear and well-defined, perfectly balancing with the instruments in the midrange.
In contrast, Madonna’s “Music” title track features a deep bassline. While the Revolve+ reproduces it with slightly too much upper bass—sounding boxy at high volumes—the Micro, despite being bass-boosted, manages to sound more natural. Although it can experience slight volume pumping beyond 2/3 when the music pauses, it is less pronounced than expected.
Rush’s “YYZ” showcases excellent treble presence right from the start with crisp cymbals and instrumentation, cutting through the midrange and bass effortlessly. Geddy Lee’s bass solo shines through clearly.
Overall, classical music, as well as various genres like pop, rock, country, and electronic/dance, sound impressive as the Bose maintains a balanced midrange with a slight bass boost. The treble is somewhat rolled off, preventing harshness, which I prefer.
The Micro maintains its composure well up to about 75% volume, though some compression may be noticeable under certain conditions. It still sounds decent at 85%, although basslines may start to fade depending on the song. Music retains a full sound without becoming tinny. Above 85%, things can get tricky. Most tracks sound fine with the speaker facing you, but off-axis listening may lead to some strain, though it still gets surprisingly loud. Older tracks, like those from the Beach Boys, perform admirably at these high levels, likely due to their minimal bass content.
Some reviews criticize the treble or compare it to the SoundLink Mini (which I also own). However, the Micro offers a flatter, more accurate sound than the Mini, which has a noticeable treble boost that can create sharpness at high volumes. The Micro is more comfortable for extended listening without ear strain. While the Mini provides stereo sound, the Micro’s mono output remains effective, as the sound is consistent from various angles.
The Micro’s battery life is impressive. At slightly above half volume, I easily get around 6-7 hours, and at lower volumes, it lasts 8-12 hours. It sounds great even at low volumes, with dynamically boosted bass that keeps the sound full—something many small speakers struggle with. Unlike most smaller speakers that sound no better than a phone’s built-in speakers at low volumes, the Bose excels, making it perfect for relaxing or falling asleep.
I also own the SoundLink Revolve+, and up until the Micro reaches its maximum volume, both speakers sound remarkably similar when paired in party or stereo mode. They only differ with tracks featuring deep bass or when the Revolve+ is pushed beyond the Micro’s limits. When used together, the volume balances nicely, although you can adjust the loudness of each speaker individually.
While the Bose app isn’t mandatory, it allows you to adjust the auto-off timer and manage paired devices. Most functions, like turning off voice prompts or the auto-off timer, can also be handled through the speaker buttons. You can easily find the manual on Bose’s website.
In terms of competition, the B&O P2 lacks waterproofing, whereas the Bose is fully waterproof. The Bose also boasts a significantly longer battery life at maximum volume, lasting around 5 hours compared to the P2. Additionally, the Bose is more affordable and offers a flatter frequency response. Although I appreciate the P2’s flatter design that fits in jean pockets, it can’t match the Micro’s performance.
The Anker Soundcore Sport is another competitor in the same size category, offering similar waterproofing and size but lacking the bass the Micro provides. The Sport’s hard rubber exterior and button feedback make it less user-friendly, especially when wet. Sound-wise, the Bose clearly wins.
The newest contender in this size category is the Minirig Mini. While I haven’t heard it personally, it appears to have an edge in sound quality, albeit without the waterproof feature. The Minirig Mini offers stereo pairing without the need for an app, which I find appealing.
If anything happened to my Micro, I would repurchase it in a heartbeat. Despite being the most affordable Bose speaker, it still offers superior sound quality, excellent battery life, and impressive durability.
Edit: I added more details on the Anker Soundcore products, which I believe are its closest competitors.
Edit 2: 04/2018 – Six months later, I’ve used this speaker daily since October 2017. It’s my favorite Bluetooth speaker, including the SoundLink Mini and Revolve+, not just for sound quality but also for its compact size and waterproofing. This is the first premium speaker that feels truly durable, allowing me to use it without worry. The pairing of the Micro with the Revolve+ in party mode is excellent if you need something louder for weekends.
Edit 3: 07/2018 – Nine months later: The Micro is still going strong, and I’ve made additional comparisons with other speakers.
Edit 4: 10/2018 – A year later, I’m still using it daily, and the battery shows no signs of wear. A couple of points I’d like to add:
1) Even at low volumes, you can feel the bass when holding the speaker. The silicone body doesn’t vibrate, but it’s enjoyable to feel the music.
2) A unique feature is that you can turn on the Micro remotely from your device, which is convenient for larger speakers. Some users have encountered issues with smart devices turning it on unexpectedly, but you can easily manage this in the app.
3) I’ve noticed a limitation when connecting the speaker to a PC, as it lacks linked volume control like phones do. When connected to a PC, the volume buttons on the Bose become inactive, and the internal volume is set too low, making it frustrating to use.
These issues don’t change my 5-star rating, but for a future version of the Micro, I’d like to see a USB-C port with USB audio capability and improved battery life or fidelity at higher volumes.
Stumwars –
I purchased this speaker in the Spring of 2021, and now that we’re approaching Fall 2021, I wanted to share my experience. I mainly bought it for my bike, as I’ve tried various speakers over the years, but most had flaws, particularly with how they attached to the bike. I prefer a speaker that mounts to the handlebars or near the handlebar stem rather than one that sits in the water bottle cage. Unfortunately, the mounts on previous speakers have either broken quickly or deteriorated over time.
As for this speaker, it’s a nice size—slightly larger than a hockey puck—and the sound quality is impressive for its compactness. It features five buttons: Power On/Off, Bluetooth Pairing, Volume Up, Volume Down, and an Action button. I was surprised they didn’t combine the Bluetooth Pairing with the power button, but the action button allows for play, pause, skip, and rewind with a simple tap system: one tap for play/pause, two for skip, and three for rewind. It’s not the most intuitive system, but it does the job.
The speaker attaches to my bike using a stretchy silicone strap in the back. You simply unhook it, wrap it around the bike, and reattach it. I wasn’t very confident in the strap at first, expecting it to break, yet after riding two or three times a week for six months, it has held up well. I typically ride from April to November, so if it lasts me two seasons, I’ll be quite satisfied.
Another point to mention is that this speaker requires the installation of Bose software, which I find to be non-intrusive; it’s small and doesn’t interfere with anything. The speaker connects to my phone easily, and I would have been annoyed if it were otherwise, but it has worked smoothly so far.
Update Summer 2023:
I’ve now had this speaker for 2.5 years, using it mainly while biking. I ride about 90 minutes a day, three days a week, for roughly eight months each year, totaling around 140 hours annually. The speaker remains in excellent condition—almost like new. It functions perfectly and sounds as great as ever. The strap, which I had concerns about, has not failed me yet. If I could give this six stars, I would. I’m still very pleased with this purchase, and if it ever fails, I’ll definitely buy another one from Bose.
deb –
The Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker is an outstanding portable speaker that offers remarkable sound quality for its size. Its compact design makes it easy to transport, and with an IPX7 waterproof rating, it can handle splashes and can even be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes.
Equipped with a built-in microphone for hands-free calls and voice commands, it also includes a tear-resistant silicone strap for added convenience. However, the strap’s locking mechanism could use some improvement for more versatile use during activities like hiking or biking.
The sound quality is impressively rich, featuring robust bass and clear highs, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings. The Bose Connect app, compatible with both Android and Apple devices, enhances your experience by allowing you to switch to Party Mode (connecting two speakers simultaneously) and Stereo Mode for an even fuller listening experience.
The battery life stands at about 6 hours at 50% volume, extending even longer at lower volumes, making it suitable for all-day use. It takes approximately 4 hours to fully charge. Despite these minor limitations (which don’t deter me), the Bose SoundLink Micro remains one of the top portable speakers in its category, delivering excellent sound and durability.
In summary, if you’re in search of a dependable, portable Bluetooth speaker, the Bose SoundLink Micro is a fantastic option.
Los cierres me llegaron rotos todos. Pensé que era kipling. Se ve igual en la plafones no especifica bien que no es esa marca. 😔 –
Compact, portable, and delivers excellent sound. It performs exactly as intended. Perfect size for backpacking—lightweight and easy to carry. I haven’t tested its waterproof capabilities yet.
giampaolo –
Well packaged. Easy to set up. Great sound quality.
Los cierres me llegaron rotos todos. Pensé que era kipling. Se ve igual en la plafones no especifica bien que no es esa marca. 😔 –
Great product! Highly recommended. I take my speaker everywhere. There’s always music, and it has excellent sound quality. It’s lightweight and fits almost anywhere. I hang it on my bag to enjoy music on the go. The battery lasts over two days. Great price!
giampaolo –
Extremely practical for portability and greatly enhances the phone’s sound quality.