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 Neo ranks #58 (rated 2.3/5) 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 Neo has no water resistance. It supports aptX Bluetooth, which the Harman Kardon Neo lacks. It links with other speakers (Bose Party mode), which the Harman Kardon Neo cannot. The catch: Lack of clarity.
The Harman Kardon Neo is the lighter pick. IPX7 waterproof, with an attachment loop and an echo-cancelling microphone for calls. At 0.6 lbs (251 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 at 0.7 lbs (329 g).
Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Harman Kardon Neo is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Micro 2 | Harman Kardon Neo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $90 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #18 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #58 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 | No |
| 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 (251 g) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| 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) | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.3” (110 x 110 x 34.1 mm) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Drivers | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator | 1.6” (41mm) full-range driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 105Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 87dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Frequency Response | - | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 3W |
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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) |
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Harman Kardon Neo: $90 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Harman Kardon Neo uses 1.6” (41mm) full-range driver. Its 251 g, claimed 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, up to 87dB and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. IPX7 waterproof, with an attachment loop and an echo-cancelling microphone for calls. Measured bass extension of 105Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 105Hz specification. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Neo review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 3W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 105Hz |
| 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 | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.3” (110 x 110 x 34.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.6” (41mm) full-range driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Maximum SPL | 87dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (251 g) |
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