Short answer: the PocketGo. These rank #27 and #18 out of 47 small portable speakers, at $22.99 and $99.99, and the Bose name doesn’t buy a clearly better speaker here - just a much higher price.
The Soundlink Micro 2 costs more than four times what the PocketGo does, and it isn’t free of its own problems. Our notes flag a lack of clarity along with overly boosted bass and treble that need dialing back in the EQ, and bass that can overdrive at higher volumes - not the clean, refined sound the Bose name might suggest. The PocketGo also edges it on IP rating (IP68 against IP67) and battery life (20 hours against 12).
The Soundlink Micro 2 does have a nicer physical design - a fabric carry strap built for clipping to bags or bikes, and rugged 1m-drop-and-dunk durability - if that’s worth the premium to you.
Buy the PocketGo unless the Soundlink Micro 2’s strap and Bose branding are worth roughly four times the price to you.
If battery life is a priority, the Tribit PocketGo is rated for 20 hours versus 12 hours for the Bose Soundlink Micro 2.
Specifications Side By Side
| Tribit PocketGo | Bose Soundlink Micro 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $22.99 | $99.99 |
| Ranked | #27 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #18 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Output Power | 7W | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Drivers | 1x 45mm full-range driver | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | AAC, aptX, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.4 |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 220 g | 0.7 lbs / 329 g |
| Dimensions | 4.3" x 3.2" x 1.7" (108 x 81 x 42 mm) | 4.1" x 4.1" x 1.7" (104 x 104 x 43 mm) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| App | Yes (Tribit app) | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (6 presets + custom) | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes (up to 128GB) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Discontinued | No | - |
The Two Speakers In Full
Tribit PocketGo: $22.99 Amazon
Pros: Fuller low end than the JBL Go 5, despite the JBL’s clearer, more typical JBL sound. Costs about half the price of the JBL Go 5. Can stand, hang from its loop, or lay flat on its feet for flexible placement. About on par with the Soundcore Select 4 Go, and a touch louder at lower volumes. App support with signature EQ and customization.
Cons: Battery life isn’t the biggest for this speaker class. JBL Go 5 has better build quality plus lightshow, Auracast, and AirTouch. Loses more bass than the Soundcore Select 4 Go at maximum volume. Slightly nasal quality to the sound.
Full Tribit PocketGo review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Tribit app) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.3" x 3.2" x 1.7" (108 x 81 x 42 mm) |
| Discontinued | No |
| Drivers | 1x 45mm full-range driver |
| EQ | Yes (6 presets + custom) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes (up to 128GB) |
| Output Power | 7W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 220 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Tribit PocketGo vs JBL Go 4
- Tribit PocketGo vs JBL Go 5
- Tribit PocketGo vs Soundcore Select 4 Go
- Tribit PocketGo vs JBL Clip 5
- Tribit PocketGo vs Ultimate Ears Miniroll
- Tribit PocketGo vs Marshall Willen II
- Tribit PocketGo vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
- Tribit PocketGo vs Soundcore Boom Go 3i
- See all 9 comparisons
Bose Soundlink Micro 2: $99.99 Amazon
Pros: IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. Compact fabric strap for clipping to bags/bikes - replaces the 1st-gen’s hook clip, which was prone to breaking. USB-C charging. Surprisingly good bass when mounted outdoors, like on a bike.
Cons: Lack of clarity. Overly boosted bass that causes some thudding, and can overdrive/distort at higher volumes - worse in this regard than the 1st-gen model. Overly boosted treble, turn down bass and treble in the EQ. Falls clearly behind the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 on bass depth, cleanliness, and loudness.
Full Bose Soundlink Micro 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 4.1" x 1.7" (104 x 104 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs / 329 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 12, 2026 at 5:33 PM UTC 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.