Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs JBL Grip

Last updated: September 26, 2026

These sit in different size classes, so this is not a straight ranking comparison. The Bose Soundlink Micro 2 ranks #18 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $129; the JBL Grip ranks #80 of 144 medium speakers by sound quality at $99.95.

Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs JBL Grip

The case for the Bose Soundlink Micro 2: IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. The tradeoff: Lack of clarity.

The case for the JBL Grip: Ambient light on the back with settable themes. The catch: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.

Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 at $129 for a small speaker, or the JBL Grip at $99.95 for a medium speaker instead.

Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

Bose Soundlink Micro 2 JBL Grip
Price$129.00$99.95
Ranked#18 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers#80 of 144 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
AppYesYes
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)14 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Built-in MicrophoneNo-
EQYesYes (7 band)
IP RatingIP67IP68
Party ModeYes (Bose Party mode)Yes (Auracast)
Power BankNo-
Power InputUSB-CUSB-C
StereoNoNo
OmnidirectionalPointing upNo
TWSYesYes
Weight0.7 lbs (329 g)0.8 lbs (385 g)
Aux InputNoNo
Bluetooth CodecsAAC, aptX, SBCSBC
Bluetooth Version5.45.4
Dimensions4.1” x 4.1” x 1.7” (104 x 104 x 43 mm)2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm)
Charging Time3 hours-
Drivers40mm full-range driver with passive radiator1x 43x80mm fullrange
Digital Aux InputNoYes (USB-C)
StrapYes (built-in strap)Yes (strap)
Bass Extension (-10dB)-~68Hz
Frequency Response-70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Amplifier Power-16W
Lights-Yes

How Bose Soundlink Micro 2 compares with other leading options:

Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 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 ranking card

Older model: the Bose Soundlink Micro (rated 3.5/5).

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.

AppYes
Aux InputNo
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth CodecsAAC, aptX, SBC
Bluetooth Version5.4
Built-in MicrophoneNo
Charging Time3 hours
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions4.1” x 4.1” x 1.7” (104 x 104 x 43 mm)
Drivers40mm full-range driver with passive radiator
EQYes
IP RatingIP67
OmnidirectionalPointing up
Party ModeYes (Bose Party mode)
Power BankNo
Power InputUSB-C
StereoNo
StrapYes (built-in strap)
TWSYes
Weight0.7 lbs (329 g)

JBL Grip: $99.95 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay

JBL Grip ranking card

Pros: Ambient light on the back with settable themes. Measured bass extension of ~68Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip. Not as much clarity as higher ranked speakers, rolled off highs and wavy midrange

Setup: EQ from Oluv in his post can help it a bit but still isn’t very neutral

Amplifier Power16W
AppYes
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)~68Hz
Battery Life14 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Bluetooth Version5.4
Digital Aux InputYes (USB-C)
Dimensions2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm)
Drivers1x 43x80mm fullrange
EQYes (7 band)
Frequency Response70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
IP RatingIP68
LightsYes
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeYes (Auracast)
Power InputUSB-C
StereoNo
StrapYes (strap)
TWSYes
Weight0.8 lbs (385 g)