Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Soundcore Boom Go 3i ranks #2 of 62 small speakers by sound quality at $59.98; the Bose Soundlink Flex ranks #38 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $79.99.
The Soundcore Boom Go 3i is the longer-running, lighter option. A tough, floating mini speaker with full waterproofing, a long battery and a detachable strap, built for travel and the outdoors. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 12 for the Bose Soundlink Flex. At 0.8 lbs (380 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Bose Soundlink Flex at 1.3 lbs (589 g). It has an adjustable EQ, which the Bose Soundlink Flex lacks. The catch: This is still a 15W mono speaker: bass impact and stereo width are limited, and critical listeners may find the upper treble piercing or metallic.
What the Bose Soundlink Flex does well: A small, rugged waterproof speaker that survives drops and floats, with a warm, bass forward sound for casual outdoor use. Watch for: Not stereo.
Buy the Soundcore Boom Go 3i ($59.98) for a small speaker; the Bose Soundlink Flex ($79.99) suits a medium 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
| Soundcore Boom Go 3i | Bose Soundlink Flex | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.98 | $79.99 |
| Ranked | #2 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #38 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (380 g) | 1.3 lbs (589 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 4.2 |
| Amplifier Power | 15W | - |
| Dimensions | 4” x 4.2” x 1.8” (102.1 x 105.9 x 45.5 mm) | 7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 42mm woofer + passive radiators | 1x 60mm full-range driver + 2x passive radiators |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB (Manufacturer specified) | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | Yes (built-in loop) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 56Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 33ms |
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