Short answer: the Klipsch Austin for sound, the Bose Soundlink Micro for durability. The Austin’s dual passive radiators give it more low-end presence than most mini speakers, though its bass is not as deep as higher ranked speakers. The Soundlink Micro counters with a rugged rubberized coating and an IP67 rating, good for 1m submersion for 30 minutes, but our notes flag a lack of clarity. The Austin costs $53.25 against $82.
Buy the Klipsch Austin. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Bose Soundlink Micro and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
There is a real battery-life gap here: the Klipsch Austin is rated for 12 hours, the Bose Soundlink Micro only 6 hours.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch Austin | Bose Soundlink Micro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $53.25 | $82.00 |
| Ranked | #15 of 49 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #19 of 49 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz | 66Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (10W reverse USB-C charging) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (397 g) | 0.6 lbs (289 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 1.5” (38mm) full-range with dual passive radiators | 40mm with dual passive radiators |
| Charging Time | 2 hours | 3 hours |
| Dimensions | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.7” (109 x 109 x 43 mm) | 3.9” x 3.9” x 1.4” (98 x 98 x 35 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 10W RMS | 5W |
| Maximum SPL | 89dB (Manufacturer specified) | 90dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | Yes (built-in strap) |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 50ms |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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
Klipsch Austin: $53.25 Amazon eBay
Pros: Dual passive radiators give more low-end presence than most mini speakers. Clear mids and crisp trebles. Rugged rubberized build with a metal grille; IP67. Supports TWS pairing with a second Austin. Measured bass extension of ~70Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Not as deep bass as higher ranked speakers
Full Klipsch Austin review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 10W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 2 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.7” (109 x 109 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.5” (38mm) full-range with dual passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 89dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (10W reverse USB-C charging) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (397 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Bose Soundlink Micro: $82.00 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Bose Soundlink Micro 2, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5.
Pros: Bose Soundlink Micro uses 40mm with dual passive radiators. Its 289 g, claimed 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IP67 protection, up to 90dB and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. A rugged rubberized coating, a strap and Bose Party mode for pairing multiple speakers. Measured bass extension of 66Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 66Hz specification. No EQ adjustment.
Full Bose Soundlink Micro review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 5W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 50ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 3.9” x 1.4” (98 x 98 x 35 mm) |
| Drivers | 40mm with dual passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (289 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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