These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The JBL Charge 5 ranks #30 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $114.95; the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 ranks #18 of 62 small speakers by sound quality at $129.
The JBL Charge 5 is the longer-running pick. A rugged, fully waterproof speaker with punchy, warm sound and long battery life that also charges your phone. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the Bose Soundlink Micro 2. The tradeoff: Shouty upper mids.
The Bose Soundlink Micro 2 is the lighter option. A waterproof mini speaker with a fabric strap for bags and bikes and USB-C charging. At 0.7 lbs (329 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Charge 5 at 2.1 lbs (960 g). It supports aptX Bluetooth, which the JBL Charge 5 lacks. Watch for: Lack of clarity.
Buy the JBL Charge 5 at $114.95 if you want a medium speaker. Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 at $129 if you want a small speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 5 | Bose Soundlink Micro 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $114.95 | $129.00 |
| Ranked | #30 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #18 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Latency | 125ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (960 g) | 0.7 lbs (329 g) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, aptX, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) | 4.1” x 4.1” x 1.7” (104 x 104 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | - |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (dual microphones) | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | Yes (built-in strap) |
| Charging Time | - | 3 hours |
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