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 B&O Beosound Explore ranks #138, rated 2.5/5, and costs $294.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen is the better-sounding option. A very portable 1.3 lbs (586 g), IP67-rated speaker with a clear, well-balanced midrange that keeps voices and instruments intelligible. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the B&O Beosound Explore lacks. The catch: 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 B&O Beosound Explore is the longer-running pick. IP67 rated with a rugged ‘seatbelt’ strap and carabiner hook. It is rated for 27 hours of battery against 12 for the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. Watch for: Huge lack of bass extension compared to competitors, overly hot ringing treble.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality than the B&O Beosound Explore and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A very portable 586g, IP67-rated speaker with a clear, well-balanced midrange that keeps voices and instruments intelligible.
Amazon $159.00 eBay
IP67 rated with a rugged ‘seatbelt’ strap and carabiner hook.
Amazon $294.99 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen | B&O Beosound Explore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.00 | $294.99 |
| Ranked | #37 of 172 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #138 of 172 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Bang & Olufsen app) |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 27 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (586 g) | 1.4 lbs (631 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm) | 3.2” x 4.9” x 3.2” (81 x 124 x 81 mm) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Drivers | 60mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 2x 1.8” (46mm) full-range drivers |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (carabiner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~70Hz |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Amplifier Power | - | 60W |
| Maximum SPL | - | 91dB (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen: