Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It ranks #37 of 172 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $159 and is still sold new; the Bose SoundLink Color II ranks #122 (rated 2.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen is the better-sounding, longer-running pick. A very portable 1.3 lbs (586 g), IP67-rated speaker with a clear, well-balanced midrange that keeps voices and instruments intelligible. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 8 for the Bose SoundLink Color II. It is rated IP67 against IPX4 for the Bose SoundLink Color II. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the Bose SoundLink Color II lacks. 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.
Why pick the Bose SoundLink Color II: Soft-touch rubber coating is comfortable to hold and tough enough for bumps and scrapes. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. The tradeoff: Boosted bass on Color II.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Bose SoundLink Color II is discontinued.
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
Soft-touch rubber coating is comfortable to hold and tough enough for bumps and scrapes.
Amazon $104.99 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 | Bose SoundLink Color II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.00 | $104.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #37 of 172 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #122 of 172 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Bose Connect) |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX4 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (586 g) | 1.3 lbs (600 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm) | 5.2” x 5” x 2.2” (132 x 127 x 56 mm) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Drivers | 60mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 2x 40mm full-range drivers |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | - |
| Power Bank | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen: