The Bose SoundLink Micro is a compact, portable Bluetooth speaker that packs a punch well beyond its size. Designed for on-the-go music lovers, this speaker combines rugged durability with high-quality audio, making it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures, travel, and everyday use. Despite its small stature, the SoundLink Micro delivers crisp, balanced sound with impressive bass, ensuring you never compromise on sound quality when you’re out and about. In this review, we’ll explore the design, features, performance, and overall value of the Bose SoundLink Micro to help you determine if it’s the right portable speaker for your lifestyle.
In this Bose SoundLink Micro Review, we’ll take a look at:
Design and Build Quality
The Bose SoundLink Micro is designed to be both stylish and durable, making it a versatile speaker that can withstand the demands of an active lifestyle.
Compact and Portable Design
The SoundLink Micro lives up to its name with an ultra-compact design that makes it easy to carry wherever you go. This speaker can easily fit into your pocket or backpack or even attach to your bike, measuring just 3.87 x 3.87 x 1.37 inches and weighing only 10.24 ounces. The rounded edges and smooth finish give the speaker a sleek, modern look, while the soft silicone exterior adds a touch of elegance. Available in three colors—Black, Bright Orange, and Midnight Blue—the SoundLink Micro offers a choice of styles to match your personality.
Rugged and Waterproof
Durability is a key feature of the Bose SoundLink Micro. The speaker has a tough silicone rubber exterior that resists drops, dents, and scratches, ensuring it can handle the occasional bump or knock. The SoundLink Micro is IPX7-rated waterproof, meaning it can be fully submerged in water for up to 30 minutes without any damage. Whether hiking, biking, or lounging by the pool, you can confidently take this speaker anywhere, knowing it can withstand the elements.
Tear-Resistant Strap
The Bose SoundLink Micro comes equipped with a tear-resistant strap that allows you to securely attach the speaker to a variety of surfaces, such as your backpack, handlebars, or cooler. The strap is made from high-quality materials and is designed to hold up over time, even with frequent use. This feature adds to the speaker’s portability and convenience, making bringing your music along on any adventure easy.
Sound Quality and Performance
Despite its small size, the Bose SoundLink Micro delivers impressive sound quality that sets it apart from other portable speakers.
Crisp and Balanced Audio
The Bose SoundLink Micro is engineered to deliver clear and balanced sound, even at high volumes, with no distortion. The speaker features a custom-designed transducer and passive radiators that produce crisp highs, detailed mids, and surprisingly deep bass. Whether listening to your favorite tracks, streaming a podcast, or watching a movie, the SoundLink Micro ensures that every note and word is heard. For a speaker of this size, the SoundLink Micro’s audio performance is exceptional, providing a rich and immersive listening experience.
Impressive Bass Response
One of the standout features of the Bose SoundLink Micro is its bass performance. Despite its small size, the speaker delivers deep, punchy bass that adds depth and energy to your music. The passive radiators help enhance low-frequency response, ensuring that bass lines are felt and heard. Whether listening to bass-heavy genres like hip-hop or electronic music or simply enjoying the fuller sound of acoustic tracks, the SoundLink Micro delivers a satisfying bass experience that belies its compact form.
Loud and Clear Outdoors
The SoundLink Micro is designed to perform well in outdoor environments, where sound can often get lost in open spaces. The speaker’s powerful audio output ensures that your music remains loud and clear, even when you’re outside. Whether at the beach, hiking, or having a picnic in the park, the SoundLink Micro provides ample volume and clarity to keep the party going. The speaker’s sound projection is impressive, allowing you to enjoy your music without needing to be beside the speaker.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The Bose SoundLink Micro has a reliable battery and versatile connectivity options, making it easy to enjoy your music anytime, anywhere.
Up to 6 Hours of Playtime
The Bose SoundLink Micro offers up to 6 hours of playtime on a single charge, providing ample power for a day of outdoor activities or a long road trip. The speaker’s lithium-ion battery is designed for efficiency, delivering consistent performance at all volume levels. When recharging, the speaker uses a standard micro-USB cable, and a full charge takes approximately 3 hours. While the battery life is decent for a speaker of this size, it’s worth noting that higher volumes and bass-heavy tracks can reduce playtime.
Bluetooth 4.2 Connectivity
The SoundLink Micro features Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly connect the speaker to your smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The Bluetooth range is approximately 30 feet, allowing you to move around without losing connection. Pairing is quick and easy, and the speaker can remember up to eight devices, making it simple to switch between different sources. Additionally, the SoundLink Micro supports voice prompts that guide you through the pairing process, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Speakerphone Functionality
In addition to playing music, the Bose SoundLink Micro also functions as a speakerphone, allowing you to take calls directly through the speaker. The built-in microphone provides clear voice transmission, making it easy to have hands-free conversations while on the go. Whether taking a work call while on a walk or catching up with friends during a picnic, the SoundLink Micro ensures that your calls are heard loud and clear.
Smart Features and Usability
The Bose SoundLink Micro is designed with convenience and usability in mind, offering smart features that enhance the overall user experience.
Bose Connect App
The Bose Connect app is a valuable companion for the SoundLink Micro, providing additional features and customization options. You can easily manage Bluetooth connections through the app, update the speaker’s firmware, and access product tips. The app also allows you to pair two SoundLink Micro speakers in Party Mode or Stereo Mode, providing an even more immersive audio experience. Party Mode plays the same audio through both speakers for louder sound, while Stereo Mode creates true left and right channels for a more dynamic soundstage.
Voice Assistant Integration
The SoundLink Micro is compatible with Siri and Google Assistant, allowing you to access your voice assistant with a simple button. This feature makes it easy to control your music, check the weather, or send a text without needing to touch your phone. The speaker’s microphone ensures that voice commands are picked up, even in noisy environments, making it a convenient option for hands-free control.
Easy Controls
The Bose SoundLink Micro features simple, tactile buttons on the top of the speaker for controlling playback, adjusting volume, and answering calls. The buttons are easy to press, even with wet or gloved hands, making the speaker ideal for outdoor use. The power and Bluetooth pairing buttons are on the speaker’s side, ensuring all controls are easily accessible. The straightforward design of the controls ensures that you can quickly adjust settings without interrupting your music.
Value for Money
The Bose SoundLink Micro offers excellent value for users who want a high-quality portable speaker that delivers powerful sound in a compact, durable design.
Affordable Pricing with Premium Features
While the Bose SoundLink Micro is positioned as an affordable option in the premium portable speaker market, it offers features and performance that justify its price. The robust sound quality, waterproof design, and smart features make it a strong contender for anyone looking for a reliable, portable Bluetooth speaker. For users who prioritize portability without sacrificing audio quality, the SoundLink Micro offers a compelling value proposition.
Long-Term Durability
Bose is known for producing high-quality audio products; the SoundLink Micro is no exception. The speaker’s durable construction, weatherproof design, and reliable battery life ensure that it can withstand the demands of daily use and outdoor adventures. Whether using it at home, on the road, or in the great outdoors, the SoundLink Micro is built to last, providing consistent performance over time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact and portable design that fits easily in your pocket or bag.
- Impressive sound quality with deep bass and clear highs.
- Rugged, waterproof construction for durability in any environment.
- Tear-resistant strap for easy attachment to gear or clothing.
- Compatible with the Bose Connect app for additional features and customization.
Cons
- Limited battery life of up to 6 hours, depending on usage.
- Micro-USB charging instead of the more modern USB-C.
Conclusion
The Bose SoundLink Micro Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a standout choice for anyone seeking a compact, durable, high-quality speaker that can keep up with an active lifestyle. With its powerful sound, rugged design, and smart features, the SoundLink Micro delivers a listening experience far exceeding its small size. Whether you’re hitting the trails, relaxing at the beach, or enjoying music at home, this speaker is designed to go wherever you go. If you’re in the market for a portable Bluetooth speaker that combines performance, durability, and convenience, the Bose SoundLink Micro is a top-tier option that won’t disappoint.
Summary of Bose SoundLink Micro Features
Feature | Description |
Sound Quality | Clear and balanced audio with deep bass |
Design | Compact, portable, and rugged with an IPX7 waterproof rating |
Battery Life | Up to 6 hours of playtime |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.2 with a 30-foot range |
Best For | Outdoor adventures, travel, casual listening |
Bose SoundLink Micro FAQs
What is the Bose SoundLink Micro Portable Bluetooth Speaker?
The Bose SoundLink Micro is a portable Bluetooth speaker that can be used outdoors. It features a waterproof design, making it suitable for various environments.
Is the Bose SoundLink Micro speaker waterproof?
The speaker has been rigorously tested to meet an IP67 rating, making it waterproof and suitable for outdoor use.
What colors does Bose SoundLink Micro come in?
The product is available in multiple colors, including black and bright orange.