Short answer: the JBL Flip 7. It ranks #15 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $149.95; the Bose SoundLink Home ranks #69, rated 3.4/5, and costs $179, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The case for the Bose SoundLink Home: A stylish aluminum home speaker with a built in stand, USB-C wired audio input and a speakerphone mic. Watch for: Single full-range driver produces mono sound with limited soundstage width, and it lacks true deep sub-bass rumble.
The JBL Flip 7 is the better-sounding, longer-running pick. A small, very neutral speaker with slightly deeper bass than before, a tougher waterproof build, and an app EQ. It is rated for 14 hours of battery against 9 for the Bose SoundLink Home. At 1.2 lbs (560 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Bose SoundLink Home at 2 lbs (890 g). It is rated IP68, while the Bose SoundLink Home has no water resistance. The tradeoff: A little bit of a bump at 4kHz, not quite as neutral as the JBL Flip 6.
Buy the JBL Flip 7. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Bose SoundLink Home and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A stylish aluminum home speaker with a built in stand, USB-C wired audio input and a speakerphone mic.
A small, very neutral speaker with slightly deeper bass than before, a tougher waterproof build, and an app EQ.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose SoundLink Home | JBL Flip 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.00 | $149.95 |
| Ranked | #69 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #15 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C audio) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 8.5” x 4.4” x 2.3” (216 x 112 x 58 mm) | 7.2” x 2.7” x 2.8” (182.5 x 69.5 x 71.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x full-range transducer with dual passive radiators | 45x80mm racetrack driver + 16mm tweeter |
| EQ | No | Yes (7 band) |
| IP Rating | None | IP68 |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C (5V 7.5W-15W) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable PushLock accessory) |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 2 lbs (890 g) | 1.2 lbs (560 g) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 59Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Amplifier Power | - | 35W total (25W main + 10W tweeter) |
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