Short answer: the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A for better sound quality, the Bose SoundLink Color II for the lower price. The Yamaha True X Speaker 1A ranks #95 of 136 medium speakers at $150. The Bose SoundLink Color II ranks #98 at $124.15, $25.85 cheaper.
On the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A side: Doubles as a wireless surround speaker for Yamaha True X soundbars, or a standalone speaker via ‘Solo’ mode. Set against that: Not very deep bass, upper mids peak that makes voices sibilant.
What the Bose SoundLink Color II gets right: Soft-touch rubber coating is comfortable to hold and tough enough for bumps and scrapes. The catch: Boosted bass on Color II.
Buy the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Bose SoundLink Color II if the price matters more than sound quality.
If water resistance matters to you, the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Bose SoundLink Color II at IPX4 (splashing).
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha True X Speaker 1A | Bose SoundLink Color II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $150 | $124.15 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #95 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #98 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX4 |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs / 500 g | 1.3 lbs / 600 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 3.5" x 3.5" (105 x 90 x 90 mm) | 5.2" x 5" x 2.2" (132 x 127 x 56 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 55mm (2.2") full-range driver + 2x passive radiators | 2x 40mm full-range drivers |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| App | No | Yes (Bose Connect) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Output Power | 10W | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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- Marshall Emberton III vs Marshall Emberton II
- Sony SRS-XB20 vs Sony ULT Field 3
- Marshall Emberton III vs Sony ULT Field 3
- Sony SRS-XB20 vs Yamaha True X Speaker 1A
- Bose SoundLink Color II vs Marshall Emberton II
The Two Speakers In Full
Yamaha True X Speaker 1A: $150 Amazon
Pros: Doubles as a wireless surround speaker for Yamaha True X soundbars, or a standalone speaker via ‘Solo’ mode. IP67 rated. Clear Voice technology boosts dialogue clarity.
Cons: Not very deep bass, upper mids peak that makes voices sibilant
Full Yamaha True X Speaker 1A review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 3.5" x 3.5" (105 x 90 x 90 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 55mm (2.2") full-range driver + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 10W |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs / 500 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Sony SRS-XB20
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Tribit Stormbox
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Sony SRS-XE300
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Marshall Emberton III
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Marshall Emberton II
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Klipsch Groove/Heritage Groove
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Sony ULT Field 3
Bose SoundLink Color II: $124.15 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Soft-touch rubber coating is comfortable to hold and tough enough for bumps and scrapes. IPX4 splashproof. Supports multipoint pairing to two devices at once.
Cons: Boosted bass on Color II. Not as deep of bass as other models. Lacking midrange detail. Rolled off treble. Discontinued.
Full Bose SoundLink Color II review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.2" x 5" x 2.2" (132 x 127 x 56 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 600 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons