Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

Bluesound Pulse Flex 2I Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Audio output power:25.00 WBattery life:6 hoursIP rating:?Bluetooth version:4.1Weight:1230 g

Bluesound Pulse Flex 2I Review: Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

Bluesound Pulse Flex 2I
6.8/10

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

6.6

Technical score

20%

7.6

User score

â–²Better than 58% of portable speakers
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 60%
6.6

Technical score

Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

32%

6.9

Audio

20%

5.5

Battery

18%

6.2

Durability

16%

6.8

Connectivity

8%

7.9

Controls

3%

8.2

Design

3%

9.1

Smart features

â–²Better than 55%
7.6

User score

User score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.2

User ratings

30%

6.2

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 79%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker Bluesound Pulse Flex 2I

Technical score
Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

32%

6.9

Audio

20%

5.5

Battery

18%

6.2

Durability

16%

6.8

Connectivity

8%

7.9

Controls

3%

8.2

Design

3%

9.1

Smart features

6.6
User score
User score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.2

User ratings

30%

6.2

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.6
Popularity
Popularity
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Bluesound Pulse Flex 2I has a popularity score of 6.2 points, which is higher than 65.3% of products in this category.
6.2
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.5
Audio output power
25 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 25 W which is higher than that of 59.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
102 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 102 mm which is larger than that of 90.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
2
This portable speaker has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
1 dB
This portable speaker has a frequency response tolerance of 1 dB which is lower than that of 95% of portable speakers and equal to that of 5% of portable speakers.
Lowest frequency
45 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 45 Hz which is lower than that of 70.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.6% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.1
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 4.1 which is older than that of 71.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.9% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth profiles supported
A2DP; AVRCP
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Battery life
6 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 6 hours which is shorter than that of 84.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.3% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
?
Charging time
?
Maximum charging input power
?
Built-in rechargeable battery
no
This portable speaker does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. 81.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Rechargeable operation requires an optional or separately sold battery accessory.
Show more
IP rating
?
Water resistance
no
This portable speaker is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
yes
This portable speaker is dust resistant. 48.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
Not waterproof m
This portable speaker is not rated for underwater use. 47.6% of portable speakers have a native waterproof depth rating.
Drop resistance
?
Show more
On-device controls placement
?
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
yes
This portable speaker supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
no
This portable speaker does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
1,230 g
This portable speaker weighs 1,230 g which is heavier than that of 60.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Height
18.3 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 18.3 cm which is taller than that of 70.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Width
12.5 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 12.5 cm which is narrower than that of 67.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Depth
10 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 10 cm which is deeper than that of 60.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.5% of portable speakers.
Carry options
none
Show more
Companion app name
BluOS Controller
Firmware updates
yes
This portable speaker supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
?
Voice assistant support
yes
This portable speaker supports voice assistants. 73.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
yes
This portable speaker supports Spotify Connect. 89.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Bluesound Pulse Flex 2I vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 52 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (102 mm vs 50 mm).
    102 mm vs 50 mm
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
    Wi-Fi is supported, but no dedicated hardware toggle is specified.
  • 2 dB tighter frequency-response tolerance
    This portable speaker has a tighter frequency-response tolerance than the average portable speaker (1 dB vs 3 dB).
    1 dB vs 3 dB
  • 13 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (93 dB vs 80 dB).
    93 dB vs 80 dB
  • Supports AirPlay
    This portable speaker supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • 0.97 % lower total harmonic distortion
    This portable speaker has lower total harmonic distortion than the average portable speaker (0 % vs 1 %).
    0.03 % vs 1 %
  • 2 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (2 vs 0).
    2 vs 0
  • 52 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (102 mm vs 50 mm).
    102 mm vs 50 mm
  • 2 dB tighter frequency-response tolerance
    This portable speaker has a tighter frequency-response tolerance than the average portable speaker (1 dB vs 3 dB).
    1 dB vs 3 dB
  • 13 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (93 dB vs 80 dB).
    93 dB vs 80 dB
  • 0.97 % lower total harmonic distortion
    This portable speaker has lower total harmonic distortion than the average portable speaker (0 % vs 1 %).
    0.03 % vs 1 %
  • 15 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (45 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    45 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 5 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (25 W vs 20 W).
    25 W vs 20 W
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
    Wi-Fi is supported, but no dedicated hardware toggle is specified.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This portable speaker supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • 1 more USB ports
    This portable speaker has more USB ports than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Supports aptX HD
    This portable speaker supports aptX HD, while the average portable speaker does not support aptX HD.
  • Has a TOSLINK optical input
    This portable speaker has a TOSLINK optical input, while the average portable speaker does not have a TOSLINK optical input.
    Has a physical TOSLINK optical audio input.
  • Has Ethernet support
    This portable speaker has Ethernet support, while the average portable speaker does not have Ethernet support.
  • Wi-Fi standard detailed
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), while the average portable speaker supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Is UV resistant
    This portable speaker is UV resistant, while the average portable speaker is not rated as UV resistant.
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • 2 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (2 vs 0).
    2 vs 0
  • Supports party mode
    This portable speaker supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
  • Supports playback mute
    This portable speaker supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
    Speaker playback audio can be directly muted.
  • Has a programmable button
    This portable speaker has a programmable button, while the average portable speaker does not have a programmable button.
    Has a user-programmable physical button.
  • Has a sleep timer
    This portable speaker has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
    A selectable timer can stop playback or power the speaker down.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    This portable speaker supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
    Supports synchronized multi-room playback.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This portable speaker supports Spotify Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This portable speaker supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
    Supports direct voice-assistant control.
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • Supports Tidal Connect
    This portable speaker supports Tidal Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Tidal Connect.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (6 hours vs 12 hours).
    6 hours vs 12 hours
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    This portable speaker does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
    Rechargeable operation requires an optional or separately sold battery accessory.
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 0.9 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.1 vs 5).
    4.1 vs 5
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    This portable speaker does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Bluesound Pulse Flex 2I is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Bluesound Pulse Flex 2I is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 5.2% lower user score
    User score
    7.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Bluesound Pulse Flex 2I
    the average portable speaker
    Bluesound Pulse Flex 2I has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (7.6 vs 8).
    7.6 vs 8
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 0.9 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.1 vs 5).
    4.1 vs 5
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (6 hours vs 12 hours).
    6 hours vs 12 hours
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    This portable speaker does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
    Rechargeable operation requires an optional or separately sold battery accessory.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    This portable speaker does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 5.9 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (18.3 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    18.3 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 430 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,230 g vs 800 g).
    1,230 g vs 800 g
  • 1.7 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (10 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    10 cm vs 8.3 cm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

W
whathifi.com
02/10/2018
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T
trustedreviews.com
02/04/2019
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H
hifichoice.com
02/04/2020
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E
expertreviews.co.uk
03/09/2020
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E
ecoustics.com
01/12/2021
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T
techhive.com
26/06/2019
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L
laptopmag.com
25/10/2020
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G
gstylemag.com
25/05/2021
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H
hifi.de
24/10/2025
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L
likehifi.de
04/07/2020
Summary of the review
H
hifi-journal.de
16/07/2019
Summary of the review
A
areadvd.de
14/06/2019
Summary of the review
H
hifi-journal.de
16/07/2019
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H
hifi-journal.de
29/11/2022
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O
on-mag.fr
14/08/2019
Summary of the review
O
on-mag.fr
2019
Summary of the review
A
afdigitale.it
22/01/2021
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A
afdigitale.it
02/10/2018
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G
gadgetgear.nl
01/01/2019
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Bluesound Pulse Flex 2I

  • Exceptional audiophile-grade sound quality with clear, detailed mids and rich highs
  • Compact and robustly built design that fits well in kitchens, bedrooms, or small offices
  • Versatile connectivity options, including dual-band Wi-Fi, aptX Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and optical/analog inputs
  • Five convenient physical top-panel preset buttons for instant playback without needing a phone
  • Excellent multi-room expansion and seamless integration within the BluOS ecosystem
  • Ability to pair two units together for a true wireless stereo configuration

What customers don't like about Bluesound Pulse Flex 2I

  • Requires purchasing an expensive, separate external battery pack for true wireless outdoor portability
  • Output is natively mono when used as a standalone single speaker
  • High premium price tag compared to mainstream smart speaker competitors
  • The BluOS controller app can be non-intuitive, complex, and difficult for beginners to navigate
  • Noticeable audio latency/lag when streaming via Bluetooth, making it poor for watching videos
  • Bass depth can feel constrained by its small size and may become boomy if placed on hollow surfaces

Verdict

The Bluesound Pulse Flex 2i is an ultra-compact, high-resolution wireless streaming speaker featuring a 102mm mid/bass driver and a 25mm tweeter driven by 25W of bi-amplified digital power. It delivers size-defying audio up to 24-bit/192kHz and supports dual-band Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, aptX Bluetooth 4.1, Toslink/3.5mm inputs, and full multi-room control via the BluOS app. Main advantages include exceptional audiophile-grade clarity, seamless streaming integration, and five convenient top-panel hardware preset buttons. However, major downsides include a mono-only design unless paired with a second unit, high Bluetooth audio latency, boomy lower frequencies, and the fact that true portable outdoor operation requires purchasing an expensive, optional battery pack.

Compare Bluesound Pulse Flex 2I with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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