Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 for better sound quality, the JBL Clip 4 for the lower price. The Bose Soundlink Micro 2 ranks #18 of 47 small speakers at $99. The JBL Clip 4 ranks #22 at $59.95, $39.05 cheaper.
What the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 offers: IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. Watch for: Lack of clarity.
What the JBL Clip 4 gets right: Very light (0.4 lb) with a sturdy spring clip that attaches to bags/belts. The catch: Quite a lack of bass.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Clip 4 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Micro 2 | JBL Clip 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $59.95 |
| Ranked | #18 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #22 of 47 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 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs / 329 g | 0.5 lbs / 239 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX, SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 4.1" x 1.7" (104 x 104 x 43 mm) | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 135 x 46 mm) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer | 5W |
| Drivers | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator | 1x 40mm (1.57") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 80Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 100Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | - | 79dB |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Marshall Willen II vs JBL Clip 5
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Sony SRS-XB13
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs JBL Clip 5
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Sony SRS-XB100
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs JBL Clip 4
The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Micro 2: $99.00 Amazon
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 →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 | No |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs / 329 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Bose Soundlink Micro
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs B&O Beoplay P2
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Klipsch Austin
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs JBL Clip 5
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Marshall Willen
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Anker Soundcore Mini
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Soundcore Select 4 Go
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Ultimate Ears Miniroll
- See all 18 comparisons
JBL Clip 4: $59.95 Amazon
Pros: Very light (0.4 lb) with a sturdy spring clip that attaches to bags/belts. Real-world battery life often beats the 10-hour rating.
Cons: Quite a lack of bass. Not very loud.
Full JBL Clip 4 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 80Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 135 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 40mm (1.57") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 79dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 5W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 239 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Danny Pops: MICRO SPEAKERS - my take on JBL Clip 4 VS Wonderboom 2 VS Bose Micro
- Gi Rides: Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 vs JBL Clip 4 - sound battle
- Storytripper HD: JBL Clip 4 vs B&O A1 2nd vs Klipsch Austin
- CEONTHEMAKING: BATTLE Of The Compact Speakers Sony SRS-XB100 VS JBL Clip 4!
- Sis & Bro: Muzen Mini Wild Portable vs JBL Clip 4 - Bluetooth Speaker Review
- Reddit Search for JBL Clip 4 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons