Short answer: the Bose SoundLink Color II for better sound quality, the Soundcore Flare 2 for the lower price. The Bose SoundLink Color II ranks #98 of 136 medium speakers at $139. The Soundcore Flare 2 ranks #105 at $80, $59 cheaper.
On the Bose SoundLink Color II side: Soft-touch rubber coating is comfortable to hold and tough enough for bumps and scrapes. Watch for: Boosted bass on Color II.
What the Soundcore Flare 2 gets right: Try Alan Ross’s EQ for it. The tradeoff: Rolled off treble.
One note: the Bose SoundLink Color II is discontinued, but it still ranks #98 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the Bose SoundLink Color II if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Soundcore Flare 2 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Soundcore Flare 2. It ranks near the bottom of the 136 medium speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
If water resistance matters to you, the Soundcore Flare 2 at IPX7 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Bose SoundLink Color II at IPX4 (splashing).
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose SoundLink Color II | Soundcore Flare 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 Discontinued | $80 |
| Ranked | #98 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #105 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 600 g | 1.3 lbs / 600 g |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 5.2" x 5" x 2.2" (132 x 127 x 56 mm) | - |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm full-range drivers | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | - |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 56Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 80ms |
| Max Volume | - | 99dB |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC |
| Output Power | - | 20W |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose SoundLink Color II: $139.00 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Soft-touch rubber coating is comfortable to hold and tough enough for bumps and scrapes. IPX4 splashproof. Supports multipoint pairing to two devices at once.
Cons: Boosted bass on Color II. Not as deep of bass as other models. Lacking midrange detail. Rolled off treble. Discontinued.
Full Bose SoundLink Color II review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.2" x 5" x 2.2" (132 x 127 x 56 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 600 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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Soundcore Flare 2: $80 Amazon
Pros: Try Alan Ross’s EQ for it
Cons: Rolled off treble. Thuddy bass. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear.
Full Soundcore Flare 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 80ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Drivers | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 99dB |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 20W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 600 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore Flare 2 vs Sony SRS-XB30
- Soundcore Flare 2 vs Teufel Rockster Go
- Soundcore Flare 2 vs B&O Beosound Explore
- Soundcore Flare 2 vs Marshall Emberton II
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