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 Neo ranks #58 (rated 2.3/5) 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 105Hz for the Harman Kardon Neo. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 90dB at full volume, against 87dB for the Harman Kardon Neo. It is rated IP67, while the Harman Kardon Neo has no water resistance.
The Harman Kardon Neo is the longer-running pick. IPX7 waterproof, with an attachment loop and an echo-cancelling microphone for calls. It is rated for 10 hours of battery against 6 for the Bose Soundlink Micro. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro. 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 | Harman Kardon Neo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | $90 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #20 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #58 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz | 105Hz |
| 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) | 87dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| 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 (251 g) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| 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) | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.3” (110 x 110 x 34.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 40mm with dual passive radiators | 1.6” (41mm) full-range driver |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Amplifier Power | 5W | 3W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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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: $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
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- Speakertech: Bose Soundlink Micro Vs Minirig Mini 2
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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) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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