Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It ranks #37 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $149; the B&O Beosound Explore ranks #142, 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 small, rugged waterproof speaker with clear, well balanced mids, app EQ, aptX Adaptive and stereo pairing with a second unit. 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. A rugged waterproof speaker with an anodized aluminum design, a strap and carabiner, and a long real world battery. 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 small, rugged waterproof speaker with clear, well balanced mids, app EQ, aptX Adaptive and stereo pairing with a second unit.
A rugged waterproof speaker with an anodized aluminum design, a strap and carabiner, and a long real world battery.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen | B&O Beosound Explore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 | $294.99 |
| Ranked | #37 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #142 of 177 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) |
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