Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Micro. It ranks #20 of 62 small speakers by sound quality (rated 3.5/5) at $79.99 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 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. A rugged rubberized coating, a strap and Bose Party mode for pairing multiple speakers. Its bass reaches about 66Hz before falling 10dB, against 120Hz for the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2. It is rated IP67, while the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 has no water resistance. It links with other speakers (Bose Party mode), which the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 cannot.
The Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 is the longer-running option. Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. It is rated for 10 hours of battery against 6 for the Bose Soundlink Micro. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Bose Soundlink Micro lacks. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The tradeoff: Huge lack of bass.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Micro | Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #20 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #57 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz | ~120Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | None |
| Bluetooth Latency | 50ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | No |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (289 g) | 0.6 lbs (250 g) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 3.9” x 1.4” (98 x 98 x 35 mm) | 5.5” x 3” x 1” (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 40mm with dual passive radiators | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75”) full-range drivers |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Amplifier Power | 5W | 8W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Bose Soundlink Micro compares with other leading options:
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 2
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Bose Soundlink Micro
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Minirig Mini 2
- Tribit Stormbox Micro vs Bose Soundlink Micro
- Bose Soundlink Micro 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Micro: $79.99 Amazon $79.99 eBay
Newer model: the Bose Soundlink Micro 2, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5, released Aug 2025. It adds adjustable EQ, AAC and aptX, but drops the built-in mic. Battery life goes from 6 to 12 hours. See every Bose SoundLink Flex, Micro, Max and Plus generation.
Pros: Bose Soundlink Micro uses 40mm with dual passive radiators. Its 289 g, claimed 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IP67 protection, up to 90dB and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. A rugged rubberized coating, a strap and Bose Party mode for pairing multiple speakers. Measured bass extension of 66Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 66Hz specification. No EQ adjustment.
Full Bose Soundlink Micro review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 5W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 50ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 3.9” x 1.4” (98 x 98 x 35 mm) |
| Drivers | 40mm with dual passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (289 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 vs Bose Soundlink Micro for best small speaker! 👌 More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Minirig Mini v Tribit Stormbox Micro or Bose Soundlink Micro
- Danny Pops: MICRO SPEAKERS - my take on JBL Clip 4 VS Wonderboom 2 VS Bose Micro More from DannyPops →
- Speakertech: Bose Soundlink Micro Vs Minirig Mini 2
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs TOZO PE1
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs JBL Clip 5
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs JBL Clip 4
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs B&O Beoplay P2
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Klipsch Austin
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Soundcore Select 4 Go
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Marshall Willen
- See all 51 comparisons
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
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Harman Kardon Neo
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Lenovo 700 Ultraportable Bluetooth Speaker
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Xiaomi Sound Pocket
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Sony SRS-XB12
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Noxgear 39g
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs JBL Clip 3
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs JBL Clip
- See all 29 comparisons