Short answer: the B&O Beosound Explore, if you are buying new. The Bose Soundlink Mini ranks higher than it (#73 vs #132 of 164 medium speakers, 3.4/5 vs 2.5/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the B&O Beosound Explore is still sold new at $294.99.
The Bose Soundlink Mini is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. Its bass reaches about 58Hz before falling 10dB, against 70Hz for the B&O Beosound Explore. It keeps a wired aux input, which the B&O Beosound Explore lacks. The tradeoff: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers.
The B&O Beosound Explore is the longer-running, tougher pick. IP67 rated with a rugged ‘seatbelt’ strap and carabiner hook. It is rated for 27 hours of battery against 10 for the Bose Soundlink Mini. It is rated IP67, while the Bose Soundlink Mini has no water resistance. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Bose Soundlink Mini lacks. Watch for: Huge lack of bass extension compared to competitors, overly hot ringing treble.
Buy the B&O Beosound Explore if you want one new; the Bose Soundlink Mini is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Mini | B&O Beosound Explore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $125.00 Discontinued | $294.99 |
| Ranked | #73 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #132 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | ~70Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 27 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) | 1.4 lbs (631 g) |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 2” x 2.3” (180 x 51 x 58 mm) | 3.2” x 4.9” x 3.2” (81 x 124 x 81 mm) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Power Input | Proprietary connector | USB-C |
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) | Yes (Bang & Olufsen app) |
| Drivers | 50mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 2x 1.8” (46mm) full-range drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| EQ | No | Yes (App EQ) |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | Yes (carabiner) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.2 |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Amplifier Power | - | 60W |
| Maximum SPL | - | 91dB (Manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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 Mini: $125.00 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Pros: Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. Comes with a charging cradle. Measured bass extension of ~58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers. Upper treble rolled off. Bass doesn’t go as deep as others. Failures of the mainboard are common. Discontinued.
Full Bose Soundlink Mini review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 2” x 2.3” (180 x 51 x 58 mm) |
| Drivers | 50mm full-range driver with passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Proprietary connector |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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B&O Beosound Explore: $294.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: IP67 rated with a rugged ‘seatbelt’ strap and carabiner hook. Real-world battery life around 20-24 hours. Distinctive anodized-aluminum design. Measured bass extension of ~70Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Huge lack of bass extension compared to competitors, overly hot ringing treble. Colored midrange. Just not great sounding overall.
Full B&O Beosound Explore review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 60W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Bang & Olufsen app) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz |
| Battery Life | 27 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 3.2” x 4.9” x 3.2” (81 x 124 x 81 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 1.8” (46mm) full-range drivers |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 91dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (carabiner) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs (631 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
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