Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It ranks #37 of 172 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $159. The Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 ranks #171, rated 2.0/5, at $69.99, $89.01 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen is the better-sounding, lighter choice. A very portable 1.3 lbs (586 g), IP67-rated speaker with a clear, well-balanced midrange that keeps voices and instruments intelligible. At 1.3 lbs (586 g) it weighs much less than the Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 at 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg). It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. Watch for: One Flex remains mono and cannot deliver genuine low-bass rumble; RTINGS also found the elevated treble can turn hi-hats and other high-frequency detail piercing.
The Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 is the longer-running choice. Tank-like build quality: reviewers have frozen it, dropped it, and buried it in sand with no issues. It is rated for 30 hours of battery against 12 for the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen lacks. Watch for: Barely any bass, “pathetic sounding” said Jay’s Reviews of the line generally.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $89.01 saving on the Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A very portable 586g, IP67-rated speaker with a clear, well-balanced midrange that keeps voices and instruments intelligible.
Amazon $159.00 eBay
Tank-like build quality: reviewers have frozen it, dropped it, and buried it in sand with no issues.
Amazon $69.99 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 17, 2026 at 6:04 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen | Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.00 | $69.99 |
| Ranked | #37 of 172 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #171 of 172 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | - |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (586 g) | 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm) | 8.6” x 4.2” x 4.6” (218 x 107 x 117 mm) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Drivers | 60mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 4.5” (114mm) woofer |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (mounting clip) |
| Power Bank | - | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | - | 10W |
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