Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 is the better pick: it ranks #14 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5), against #74 (rated 3.4/5) for the Bose Soundlink Mini. If you want one new, the EarFun Uboom L ranks #2 at $49.79.
The Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 is the better-sounding, longer-running pick. At 1.3 lbs (590 g), Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 combines 1.75” x 2 active drivers + passive radiator with Bluetooth and aux. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 7 for the Bose Soundlink Mini. It is rated IPX5, while the Bose Soundlink Mini has no water resistance. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Bose Soundlink Mini lacks. The tradeoff: Careful placement is still important for balanced bass.
What the Bose Soundlink Mini does well: Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. Watch for: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers.
Buy the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the EarFun Uboom L instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 | Bose Soundlink Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $60 Discontinued | $125.00 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #14 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #74 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Bose Connect) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 7 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | None |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Proprietary connector |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | - |
| Drivers | 1.75” x 2 active drivers + passive radiator | 50mm full-range driver with passive radiators |
| Amplifier Power | 20W (10W × 2) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | 8”H x 2.8”W x 2.7”D (203 x 71 x 69 mm) | 7.1” x 2” x 2.3” (180 x 51 x 58 mm) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~58Hz |
| Strap | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 compares with other leading options:
- Soundcore Motion 300 vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
- Soundcore Motion+ vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
- B&O Beosound A1 vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
- B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021: $60 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5, released Jul 2021 (also discontinued). It adds power bank charging and stereo pairing, but drops the aux input. Water resistance goes from IPX5 to IPX7. See every Soundcore Boost generation.
Pros: At 590 g, Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 combines 1.75” x 2 active drivers + passive radiator with Bluetooth and aux. Claimed 12 hours (manufacturer specified) battery life, ipx5 protection and stereo playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. A great sounding, neutral speaker.
Cons: Careful placement is still important for balanced bass. This old version charges over micro-USB. Discontinued.
Full Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W (10W × 2) |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8”H x 2.8”W x 2.7”D (203 x 71 x 69 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.75” x 2 active drivers + passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs JBL Flip 6
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs JBL Flip 7
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs JBL Charge 6
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs B&O Beosound A1
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs Xiaomi Sound Party
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs Tribit Xsound Mega
- See all 74 comparisons
Bose Soundlink Mini: $125.00 Discontinued Amazon $125.00 eBay
Newer model: the Bose Soundlink Mini 2, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Jul 2015 (also discontinued). It adds stereo pairing. Battery life goes from 7 to 10 hours. See every Bose SoundLink Mini generation.
Pros: Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. Comes with a charging cradle. Measured bass extension of ~58Hz (-10dB).
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 →
| Released | Jul 2013 (13 years ago) |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 7 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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) |
| Drivers | 50mm full-range driver with passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Proprietary connector |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Bose Soundlink Mini vs Sony ULT Field 3
- Bose Soundlink Mini vs Bose Soundlink Mini 2
- Bose Soundlink Mini vs Xiaomi Mi Portable
- Bose Soundlink Mini vs Sony XB33
- Bose Soundlink Mini vs Soundcore 3
- Bose Soundlink Mini vs Bose Portable Smart Speaker
- Bose Soundlink Mini vs Beats Pill 2024
- Bose Soundlink Mini vs JBL Flip 5
- See all 92 comparisons