Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Flex. It ranks #38 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $79.99. The Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 ranks #177, rated 2.0/5, at $62.99, $17 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Bose Soundlink Flex is the better-sounding, lighter pick. A small, rugged waterproof speaker that survives drops and floats, with a warm, bass forward sound for casual outdoor use. At 1.3 lbs (589 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. The catch: Warm sounding with overly boosted bass which drowns out midrange detail.
The Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 is the longer-running pick. A nearly indestructible waterproof speaker that doubles as a power bank, with a clip for bikes, kayaks or backpacks. It is rated for 30 hours of battery against 12 for the Bose Soundlink Flex. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Bose Soundlink Flex lacks. Watch for: Barely any bass, “pathetic sounding” said Jay’s Reviews of the line generally.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $17 saving on the Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Flex | Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | $62.99 |
| Ranked | #38 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #177 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | - |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 33ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| 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 (589 g) | 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | - |
| 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) |
| Drivers | 1x 60mm full-range driver + 2x passive radiators | 4.5” (114mm) woofer |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (mounting clip) |
| Power Bank | - | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | - | 10W |
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