Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 for better sound quality, the JBL Clip for the lower price. The Bose Soundlink Micro 2 ranks #18 of 47 small speakers at $99. The JBL Clip ranks #35 at $50, $49 cheaper.
What the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 gets right: IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. The tradeoff: Lack of clarity.
What the JBL Clip offers: Very compact and light (5.3 oz) with an integrated carabiner. Set against that: Quite a lack of bass.
One note: the JBL Clip is discontinued, but it still ranks #35 of 47 small speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Clip if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 is rated for 12 hours versus 5 hours for the JBL Clip.
If water resistance matters to you, the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the JBL Clip at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Micro 2 | JBL Clip | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $50 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #18 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #35 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 5 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 | AC Wall Wart |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs / 329 g | 0.3 lbs / 158 g |
| Aux Input | No | Yes (integrated 3.5mm cable) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX, SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | - |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 4.1" x 1.7" (104 x 104 x 43 mm) | 5.4" x 3.8" x 1.8" (137.2 x 96.5 x 45.7 mm) (Clip 3, original JBL Clip dimensions not available) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer | 7W RMS |
| Drivers | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator | 1.57" (40mm) driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~95Hz |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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- Bose Soundlink Micro vs JBL Clip 4
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- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs JBL Clip 3
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 | Pointing up |
| 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 |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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JBL Clip: $50 Discontinued
Pros: Very compact and light (5.3 oz) with an integrated carabiner. Has its own built-in 3.5mm aux cable, so you don’t need to carry one separately.
Cons: Quite a lack of bass. Mids are a little hollow. Discontinued.
Full JBL Clip review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes (integrated 3.5mm cable) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~95Hz |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.4" x 3.8" x 1.8" (137.2 x 96.5 x 45.7 mm) (Clip 3, original JBL Clip dimensions not available) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1.57" (40mm) driver |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 7W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Wall Wart |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.3 lbs / 158 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons