Short answer: the Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2. It ranks #54 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $49.99; the Bose Soundlink Mini ranks #56 and costs $128.67, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2: Good battery life - 20+ hours on a charge. The tradeoff: A little less bass than similar size speakers.
What the Bose Soundlink Mini gets right: Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. The catch: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers.
Buy the Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Bose Soundlink Mini and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 is rated for 24 hours versus 10 hours for the Bose Soundlink Mini.
If water resistance matters to you, the Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 at IPX7 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Bose Soundlink Mini at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 | Bose Soundlink Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.99 | $128.67 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #54 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #56 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Bose Connect) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Latency | 180ms | - |
| Max Volume | 99dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs / 372 g | 1.5 lbs / 680 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Dimensions | 6.9" x 2.2" x 2.3" (174 x 57 x 59 mm) | 7.1" x 2" x 2.3" (180 x 51 x 58 mm) |
| Output Power | 16W | - |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm (1.5") titanium diaphragm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 50mm full-range driver with passive radiators |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | None |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Power Input | - | Proprietary connector |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Sony ULT Field 3 vs Tribit Stormbox Mini+
- Tribit Xsound Plus 2 vs Sony ULT Field 3
- Sony ULT Field 1 vs Sony ULT Field 3
- JBL Charge 4 vs Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2
- Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 vs Sony ULT Field 3
The Two Speakers In Full
Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2: $49.99 Amazon
Pros: Good battery life - 20+ hours on a charge. IPX7 rated. PartyCast mode links multiple speakers; app EQ presets.
Cons: A little less bass than similar size speakers.
Full Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 180ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.9" x 2.2" x 2.3" (174 x 57 x 59 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm (1.5") titanium diaphragm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 99dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 16W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs / 372 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 vs Bose Soundlink Mini 2
- Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 vs Sony ULT Field 3
- Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 vs JBL Charge 4
- Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 vs Tribit Stormbox Flow
- Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 vs JBL Flip 4
- Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 vs Sony SRS-XE200
Bose Soundlink Mini: $128.67 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. Comes with a charging cradle.
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 →
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 50mm full-range driver with passive radiators |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Proprietary connector |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 680 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons