Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Bose Soundlink Revolve is the better pick: it ranks #61 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.5/5), against #155 (rated 2.3/5) for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. If you want one new, the Bose SoundLink Revolve (Series II) replaces the Bose Soundlink Revolve and is rated 3.6/5 at $194.
The Bose Soundlink Revolve is the better-sounding, longer-running choice. True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand around it, unlike most portable speakers. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 8 for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. The catch: Strange sizzling treble, peaks and dips.
The Harman Kardon Esquire 2 is the lighter 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 Revolve at 1.5 lbs (660 g). The tradeoff: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Revolve 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, buy the Bose SoundLink Revolve (Series II), which replaces the Bose Soundlink Revolve.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Revolve | Harman Kardon Esquire 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $194.00 Discontinued | $200 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #61 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #155 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (660 g) | 0.8 lbs (0.35 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Dimensions | 3.2” x 6” x 3.2” (82 x 152 x 82 mm) | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.3” (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| App | Bose Connect | No |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | No | No |
| Drivers | 1x omnidirectional full-range transducer (~45mm) + 2x passive radiators | 4x 1.25” (32mm) full-range drivers |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| 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 Revolve: $194.00 Discontinued Amazon $194.00 eBay
Newer model: the Bose SoundLink Revolve (Series II), ranked higher, rated 3.6/5, released Jan 2021. Water resistance goes from IPX4 to IP55. See every Bose SoundLink Revolve generation.
Same family: the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ (larger model, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5).
Pros: True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand around it, unlike most portable speakers. Measured bass extension of 64.5Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Not stereo. Strange sizzling treble, peaks and dips. Overly boosted boomy bass at 75Hz. Discontinued.
Full Bose Soundlink Revolve review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| App | Bose Connect |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.2” x 6” x 3.2” (82 x 152 x 82 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x omnidirectional full-range transducer (~45mm) + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (660 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Live Reviews and Q&A! Bose Soundbar, Monoprice Monitors, Bluetooth Speakers and more. More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Bose Soundlink Revolve
- Alan Ross Reviews: The Ultimate 360 Degree Bluetooth Speaker Showdown: Bose Soundlink Revolve Vs Tribit Stormbox Pro More from alanrossreviews →
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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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