Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Bose Soundlink Mini is the better pick: it ranks #74 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.4/5), against #155 (rated 2.3/5) for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. If you want one new, the EarFun Uboom L ranks #2 at $49.79.
The Bose Soundlink Mini is the better-sounding choice. Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. The catch: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers.
The Harman Kardon Esquire 2 is the lighter, tougher option. Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. At 0.8 lbs (350 g) it weighs much less than the Bose Soundlink Mini at 1.5 lbs (680 g). It is rated IPX4, while the Bose Soundlink Mini has no water resistance. The tradeoff: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Mini only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the EarFun Uboom L instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Mini | Harman Kardon Esquire 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $125.00 Discontinued | $200 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #74 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #155 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 7 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IPX4 |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) | 0.8 lbs (0.35 kg) |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 2” x 2.3” (180 x 51 x 58 mm) | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.3” (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | Proprietary connector | Micro USB |
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) | No |
| Drivers | 50mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 4x 1.25” (32mm) full-range drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.1 |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 16W |
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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 Mini: $125.00 Discontinued Amazon $125.00 eBay
Newer model: the Bose Soundlink Mini 2, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Jul 2015 (also discontinued). It adds stereo pairing. Battery life goes from 7 to 10 hours. See every Bose SoundLink Mini generation.
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 →
| Released | Jul 2013 (13 years ago) |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 7 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) |
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Harman Kardon Esquire 2: $200 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. Flat, compact design packs easily. USB charge-out for topping off a phone.
Cons: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2015 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.3” (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| Drivers | 4x 1.25” (32mm) full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (0.35 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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