Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Micro 2. It ranks #18 of 62 small speakers by sound quality (rated 3.6/5) at $129 and is still sold new; the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 ranks #57 (rated 2.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Bose Soundlink Micro 2 is the better-sounding, tougher choice. IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. It is rated IP67, while the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 has no water resistance. It supports aptX Bluetooth, which the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 lacks. It links with other speakers (Bose Party mode), which the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 cannot. The catch: Lack of clarity.
The Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 is the lighter choice. Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. At 0.6 lbs (250 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 at 0.7 lbs (329 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 lacks. The tradeoff: Huge lack of bass.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Micro 2 | Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #18 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #57 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | No |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (329 g) | 0.6 lbs (250 g) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX, SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 4.1” x 4.1” x 1.7” (104 x 104 x 43 mm) | 5.5” x 3” x 1” (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Drivers | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75”) full-range drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~120Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 8W |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Bose Soundlink Micro 2:
- Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Minirig Mini 2 vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Tribit Stormbox Micro vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Micro 2: $129.00 Amazon $129.00 eBay
Older model: the Bose Soundlink Micro (ranked lower, rated 3.5/5). See every Bose SoundLink Flex, Micro, Max and Plus generation.
Same family: the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen (smaller model, rated 3.8/5), the Bose SoundLink Max (smaller model, rated 4.3/5) and the Bose SoundLink Plus (larger model, rated 4.2/5).
Pros: IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. Compact fabric strap for clipping to bags/bikes: replaces the 1st-gen’s hook clip, which was prone to breaking. USB-C charging. Surprisingly good bass when mounted outdoors, like on a bike.
Cons: Lack of clarity. Overly boosted bass that causes some thudding, and can overdrive/distort at higher volumes: worse in this regard than the 1st-gen model. Overly boosted treble, turn down bass and treble in the EQ. Falls clearly behind the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 on bass depth, cleanliness, and loudness.
Full Bose Soundlink Micro 2 review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1” x 4.1” x 1.7” (104 x 104 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (329 g) |
- Links
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Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2: $100 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. Metal grille with a faux-leather back and a small kickstand. 8-10 hour battery life. Measured bass extension of ~120Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Huge lack of bass. Sounds very thin and tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 8W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~120Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 3” x 1” (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75”) full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (250 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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