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

Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£110Audio output power:20.00 WBattery life:12 hoursIP rating:IP67Bluetooth version:5.3Weight:589 g

Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen 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.

Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen
7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

6.7

Technical score

20%

9.6

User score

▲Better than 83% of portable speakers
8.1

Value for money

Value for money
8.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

▲Better than 86%
6.7

Technical score

Technical score
6.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

32%

5.1

Audio

20%

5.6

Battery

18%

9.8

Durability

16%

6.2

Connectivity

8%

9.4

Controls

3%

8.9

Design

3%

7.3

Smart features

▲Better than 62%
9.6

User score

User score
9.6/ 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
Score components

70%

9.4

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 99%
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Where to buy
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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 Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen

Technical score
Technical score
6.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

32%

5.1

Audio

20%

5.6

Battery

18%

9.8

Durability

16%

6.2

Connectivity

8%

9.4

Controls

3%

8.9

Design

3%

7.3

Smart features

6.7
User score
User score
9.6/ 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
Score components

70%

9.4

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.6
Popularity
Popularity
10/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than 92% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
8.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

8.1
Audio output power
20 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 20 W which is higher than that of 46.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.4% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
50 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 50 mm which is larger than that of 43.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 10.2% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
1
This portable speaker has 1 drivers, which is fewer than 75.6% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 24.4% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
64 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 64 Hz which is higher than that of 57.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
5.3
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 5.3 which is newer than that of 78.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 17.6% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
9 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 9 m which is shorter than that of 95.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.5% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth profiles supported
?
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
12 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 12 hours which is longer than that of 47.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 15.7% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
3,100 mAh
This portable speaker has a battery capacity of 3,100 mAh which is larger than that of 62.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Charging time
4 hours
This portable speaker has a charging time of 4 hours which is longer than that of 67% of portable speakers and equal to that of 19.3% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
5 W
This portable speaker has a maximum charging input power of 5 W which is lower than that of 58.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 38.5% of portable speakers.
Built-in rechargeable battery
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
IP67
This portable speaker has an IP rating of IP67 which provides better ingress protection than 80% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 19.1% of portable speakers.
Water resistance
yes
This portable speaker is water resistant. 38.3% 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
1 m
This portable speaker has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m which is deeper than that of 52.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 47.4% of portable speakers.
Drop resistance
yes
This portable speaker resists accidental impacts. 67.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
On-device controls placement
top
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
yes
This portable speaker supports fast pairing. 77.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
589 g
This portable speaker weighs 589 g which is lighter than that of 59.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Height
5.23 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 5.23 cm which is shorter than that of 92.5% of portable speakers.
Width
20.14 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 20.14 cm which is wider than that of 57.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Depth
5.23 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 5.23 cm which is shallower than that of 80.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Carry options
strap
Show more
Companion app name
Bose Music
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
OTA; USB
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
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IP67 vs IPX5).
    IP67 vs IPX5
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 3 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
    3 vs 0
  • 4 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (4 vs 0).
    4 vs 0
  • 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.
  • Claims MIL-STD-810 compliance
    This portable speaker claims MIL-STD-810 compliance, while the average portable speaker does not claim MIL-STD-810 compliance.
  • Resists accidental impacts
    This portable speaker resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
  • 19.9% higher user score
    User score
    9.6/ 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
    Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen
    the average portable speaker
    Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen has a higher user score than the average portable speaker (9.59 vs 8).
    9.59 vs 8
  • 2.38x more popular
    Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen is more popular than the average portable speaker (10 vs 4.21).
    10 vs 4.21
  • 7.4% better value for money
    Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen offers better value for money than the average portable speaker (8.11 vs 7.5).
    8.11 vs 7.55
  • 1 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (81 dB vs 80 dB).
    81 dB vs 80 dB
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Supports aptX Adaptive
    This portable speaker supports aptX Adaptive, while the average portable speaker does not support aptX Adaptive.
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    This portable speaker has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
    Has a physical USB-C port.
  • 0.3 Bluetooth levels newer
    This portable speaker has a newer Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (5.3 vs 5).
    5.3 vs 5
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • 500 mAh more battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (3,100 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    3,100 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IP67 vs IPX5).
    IP67 vs IPX5
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • Resists accidental impacts
    This portable speaker resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
  • Claims MIL-STD-810 compliance
    This portable speaker claims MIL-STD-810 compliance, while the average portable speaker does not claim MIL-STD-810 compliance.
  • Floats in water
    This portable speaker floats in water, while the average portable speaker does not float in water.
  • Is UV resistant
    This portable speaker is UV resistant, while the average portable speaker is not rated as UV resistant.
  • 3 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
    3 vs 0
  • 4 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (4 vs 0).
    4 vs 0
  • 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.
  • Supports fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • 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.
  • 7.17 cm shorter
    This portable speaker is shorter than the average portable speaker (5.2 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    5.23 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 3.07 cm shallower
    This portable speaker is shallower than the average portable speaker (5.2 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    5.23 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 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.
  • 5 newer
    This portable speaker was released more recently than the average portable speaker (2024 vs 2019).
    2024 vs 2019
  • 2,500 Hz lower maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (17,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    17,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 8 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (84 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    84 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (4 hours vs 3 hours).
    4 hours vs 3 hours
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 5 W lower charging input power
    This portable speaker has lower charging input power than the average portable speaker (5 W vs 10 W).
    5 W vs 10 W
  • 1 fewer speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).
    1 vs 2
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    This portable speaker has fewer USB ports than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer paired devices remembered
    This portable speaker remembers fewer paired devices than the average portable speaker (6 vs 8).
    6 vs 8
  • 2,500 Hz lower maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (17,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    17,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 8 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (84 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    84 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 1 fewer speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).
    1 vs 2
  • 4 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (64 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    64 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    This portable speaker has fewer USB ports than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer paired devices remembered
    This portable speaker remembers fewer paired devices than the average portable speaker (6 vs 8).
    6 vs 8
  • 1 m shorter Bluetooth range
    This portable speaker has a shorter Bluetooth range than the average portable speaker (9 m vs 10 m).
    9 m vs 10 m
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (4 hours vs 3 hours).
    4 hours vs 3 hours
  • 5 W lower charging input power
    This portable speaker has lower charging input power than the average portable speaker (5 W vs 10 W).
    5 W vs 10 W

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

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techradar.com
07/12/2024
Summary of the review
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rtings.com
31/10/2024
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forbes.com
28/10/2024
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androidpolice.com
20/12/2024
Summary of the review
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zdnet.com
28/11/2025
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H
hifi.de
18/01/2025
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heise.de
28/08/2025
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kopfhoerer.de
09/04/2025
Summary of the review
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test.de
23/01/2026
Summary of the review
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homeandsmart.de
07/11/2024
Summary of the review
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lesnumeriques.com
22/05/2025
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01net.com
22/11/2024
Summary of the review
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hablandodemanzanas.com
27/01/2025
Summary of the review
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soundguys.com
19/06/2025
Summary of the review
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smartworld.it
29/01/2025
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techprincess.it
13/02/2025
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galaxus.it
06/03/2025
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corriere.it
14/11/2024
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C
consumentenbond.nl
16/10/2024
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 Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen

  • Clear, crisp, and well-balanced mid-range and treble performance
  • Impressive punchy sound and depth of bass for its compact size
  • Highly durable, premium build with a silicone-wrapped exterior and metal grille
  • IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating, and it can float in water
  • Excellent portability with a lightweight, compact body and a built-in nylon loop
  • PositionIQ technology automatically optimizes audio output based on speaker orientation
  • Companion app now features a user-adjustable 3-band graphic equalizer (EQ)
  • Upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with multipoint pairing for two devices
  • Integrated microphone allows for clear hands-free phone calls and voice assistant access
  • Can pair with another second-generation Flex speaker for true stereo playback

What customers don't like about Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen

  • Real-world battery life often drops to 6–7 hours at higher volumes, falling short of the advertised 12 hours
  • Audio can experience compression, harshness, and minor distortion when pushed past 80% volume
  • Lacks the low-end sub-bass thump found in larger portable speakers
  • Relatively minor hardware and sound performance upgrades compared to the 1st Gen model
  • Mono-only playback from a single unit with a somewhat narrow soundstage and front-facing directivity
  • The USB-C port is restricted to charging only and cannot transfer wired audio or charge external devices
  • Lacks an auxiliary (3.5mm aux) input jack
  • The package does not include a carabiner or a flexible attachment strap for the utility loop
  • PositionIQ feature exhibits a slight audio delay when switching orientations and cannot be turned off
  • Stereo pairing is strictly restricted to 2nd Gen SoundLink units and lacks backward compatibility with the 1st Gen Flex

Verdict

The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is an ultra-portable, rugged Bluetooth 5.3 speaker measuring 2.06 x 7.93 x 3.56 inches and weighing 1.29 pounds. Key specifications include an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, up to 12 hours of battery life via USB-C charging, PositionIQ technology that automatically optimizes audio orientation, a built-in microphone for calls, and support for Snapdragon Sound with aptX Adaptive codecs alongside multipoint connectivity. Main pros highlight its robust, floatable silicone design, punchy bass, a customizable 3-band graphic EQ through the companion app, and the ability to link with other speakers in Stereo or Party modes. Main cons include a lack of 360-degree sound from its front-firing driver, audio distortion at maximum volume, the absence of an auxiliary (3.5mm) input, and no power bank capabilities to charge external devices.

Compare Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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