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 #134 (rated 2.6/5) for the Soundcore Flare 2. If you want one new, the EarFun Uboom L ranks #2 at $49.79.
The Bose Soundlink Mini is the better-sounding option. Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Soundcore Flare 2 lacks. The catch: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers.
The Soundcore Flare 2 is the longer-running, tougher option. Try Alan Ross’s EQ for it. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 7 for the Bose Soundlink Mini. It is rated IPX7, while the Bose Soundlink Mini has no water resistance. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Bose Soundlink Mini lacks. The catch: Rolled off treble.
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.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Mini | Soundcore Flare 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $125.00 Discontinued | $80 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #74 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #134 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | 7 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IPX7 |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) | 1.3 lbs (600 g) |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 2” x 2.3” (180 x 51 x 58 mm) | 3.5” x 3.5” x 6.3” (89 x 89 x 160 mm) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | Proprietary connector | USB-C |
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) | Yes |
| Drivers | 50mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 80ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| Amplifier Power | - | 20W |
| Lights | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Bose Soundlink Mini compares with other leading options:
- EarFun Uboom L vs Bose Soundlink Mini
- Soundcore Motion 300 vs Bose Soundlink Mini
- Soundcore Motion+ vs Bose Soundlink Mini
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Bose Soundlink Mini
- Minirig 4 vs Bose Soundlink Mini
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) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Soundcore Flare 2: $80 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Try Alan Ross’s EQ for it. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Rolled off treble. Thuddy bass. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear. Discontinued and no longer sold new.
Full Soundcore Flare 2 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 80ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.5” x 3.5” x 6.3” (89 x 89 x 160 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (600 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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