Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Charge 6 ranks #12 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $149.95; the Bose Soundlink Micro ranks #20 of 62 small speakers by sound quality at $99.99.
The JBL Charge 6 is the louder, deeper-bass choice. A waterproof medium speaker with a long battery and a power bank output, with more balanced sound than older Charge models. Its bass reaches about 53Hz before falling 10dB, against 66Hz for the Bose Soundlink Micro. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 102dB at full volume, against 90dB for the Bose Soundlink Micro. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 6 for the Bose Soundlink Micro. The tradeoff: Still some boosted bass by default.
The Bose Soundlink Micro is the lighter option. A rugged waterproof pocket speaker with a built in strap, party pairing, and low Bluetooth delay for video. At 0.6 lbs (289 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Charge 6 at 2.2 lbs (990 g).
Buy the JBL Charge 6 at $149.95 if you want a medium speaker. Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro at $99.99 if you want a small speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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 6 | Bose Soundlink Micro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.95 | $99.99 |
| Ranked | #12 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #20 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | 66Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 102dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 90dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2.4A) | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (990 g) | 0.6 lbs (289 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 9” x 3.9” x 3.7” (228.8 x 98.5 x 94 mm) | 3.9” x 3.9” x 1.4” (98 x 98 x 35 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 40mm with dual passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Amplifier Power | 45W | 5W |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | Yes (built-in strap) |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 50ms |
| Charging Time | - | 3 hours |
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