stereoguide.com
  • Home
  • Bluetooth Speakers
    • Home/Indoor
    • Mobile/Outdoor
    • Stereo Speaker Sets
    • Bluetooth Speaker Ranking
  • Headphones
    • In-Ears
    • On-Ear/Over-Ear
    • Noise-Cancelling
    • True Wireless
    • Headphones Ranking
  • Hi-Fi
    • WIFI Onebox
    • WIFI Stereo
    • Soundbars
    • Hi-Fi Ranking
  • Car-Hi-Fi
    • Car Hi-Fi reviews
    • Car-Hi-Fi reports
    • Car Hi-Fi Ranking
  • Guides
    • Buying Guides
    • Technology
    • Acoustics
    • Streaming
  • About us
    • Our approach
    • About us
  • English
stereoguide.com
  • Home
  • Bluetooth Speakers
    • Home/Indoor
    • Mobile/Outdoor
    • Stereo Speaker Sets
    • Bluetooth Speaker Ranking
  • Headphones
    • In-Ears
    • On-Ear/Over-Ear
    • Noise-Cancelling
    • True Wireless
    • Headphones Ranking
  • Hi-Fi
    • WIFI Onebox
    • WIFI Stereo
    • Soundbars
    • Hi-Fi Ranking
  • Car-Hi-Fi
    • Car Hi-Fi reviews
    • Car-Hi-Fi reports
    • Car Hi-Fi Ranking
  • Guides
    • Buying Guides
    • Technology
    • Acoustics
    • Streaming
  • About us
    • Our approach
    • About us
  • English
stereoguide.com
Home » Bluetooth Speakers » Mobile/Outdoor » Bose Soundlink Micro review
Mobile/Outdoor

Bose Soundlink Micro review

One for the Road: Probably the most portable Bose speaker
Stefan SchickedanzBy Stefan Schickedanz5. December 2022
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email
Bose Soundlink Micro in three colours
The Bose Soundlink Micro is available in blue, black or red. (Photo: Bose)

Stereo Guide verdict

70%
70%

+ well balanced yet mature sound
+ decent sound, never annoying
+ really handy to mount or position
- quite limited in terms of dynamics and transparency

Buy at Amazon*
  • Sound: Tonal balance / Transparency
    6.5
  • Price / Performance
    8
  • Sound: Bass / Dynamics
    4.8
  • Ease-of-use / Connectivity
    8.8

Bose has quite a history of surprising people with full-fledged sound out of very tiny enclosures. So their Soundlink Micro, rather smaller than two packs of cigarettes, should behold a maximum potential of astounding people. Remember Bose´s legendary Soundlink Mini defining the genre of tiny bluetooth speakers offering convincing bass.

The Soundlink Micro is also in the same vein, but its rounded and flatter shape is much better suited for handbags and backpacks. You can argue that Danish manufacturers like B&O have occupied this territory already, but Bose seem to be more consistent here in terms of colours. Black, orange and dark red give the Soundlink Micro a certain 1970s retro touch, especially when being strapped to the bicycle handlebar.

What´s the story, Bose?

What turned out to be practical from the first go: voice announcements not only confirm successful connection, but also issue a warning in case battery life is coming to an end. According to the manufacturer, this is after 6 hours, which we consider realistic and fairly average. A small battery indicator on the side also reminds when it is time to get juice or end the party.

Despite from offerting voice assistant´s help, the Soundlink Micro is a Bluetooth-only concept offering no Wifi connection or AUX inputs. The keys for standard functions such as Play, Pause and volume control are positioned quite prominently on the front.

Review Bose Soundlink Micro: USB jack.
Useful multi-LED battery indicator and Micro-USB port are located on the side. The latter is not only good for charging but is also open for future firmware updates. (Photo: Bose)

A rubber strap for quick fastening to bicycle handlebars or e-scooters is included – and really handy. If you prefer to place the Soundlink Micro on a table, this strap serves as kind of isolating base and anti-slip. Bose is particularly proud of its IPX 7 waterproof rating, which makes it possible to submerge it for 30 minutes.

That said, a vented enclosure was no option. Accordingly, the tiny Bose uses a passive compound driver for extending its bass reproduction, as the majority of frequencies are handled by one fullrange driver. The Soundlink Micro is designed as a pure mono speaker and consequently does without features that are rather pointless at this size, such as virtual surround sound.

Summertime, and pairing is easy

Establishing a bluetooth connection worked completely flawlessly, especially since the Soundlink Micro´s voice feedback is commenting almost anything.

Two Soundlink Micros can be easily paired to create a stereo pair. You need the Bose Connect app for iOS or Android to do so. A party mode is also available with the app. For a firmware update, you might want to connect a computer via the included USB cable instead of the app.

Listening test Bose Soundlink Micro

Of course, one shouldn´t expect a miracle in terms of dynamics from a speaker of this size. But especially in the bass region, the Bose Soundlink Mirco turned out to perform surprisingly mature. The bass might not as substantial, which is quickly noticeable with hip-hop and bass-heavy pop, but you still don’t get the feeling of several octaves missing which is not an uncommon impression from speakers of comparable size.

In addition, it offers a tonally well balanced voice reproduction not overly finely resolved, but with a fair amount of clarity. It never gets annoying and is definitely suitable for long-term listening without getting lost too much in the murmurs of a spontaneous beach party.

Verdict and Alternatives

Especially in relation to size and functionality, the Bose Soundlink Micro is not the cheapest mobile speaker on the market. In return, mounting options such as the handleblar fix and its rounded shape are definitely strong points.

And so is the strong bass performance making it a relatively mature speaker. The only competitor being capable of keeping of is the comparably cheaper Tribit Stormbox Micro 2. The latter offers a bit more of dynamics and grippy speed, but cannot keep up with Bose´s relaxed timbre and subtantial bass.

Specifications Bose Soundlink Micro

check at Amazon*
  • Retail price: 130 dollars/pounds/euro
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 3.56 x 9.91 x 9.91 cm
  • Weight:290 g
  • Features: IPX7 waterproof, mic for calls and voice assistants
  • More at www.bose.com
  • Bose Home Speaker 500 review
  • Bose Soundlink Color 2 review
  • Bose Home Speaker 300 review
  • Bose Soundlink Flex review

For links on this page STEREO GUIDE may receive a commission from the merchant – for example for the links marked with *.

Stefan Schickedanz, STEREO GUIDE
Stefan Schickedanz

The founder of STEREO GUIDE has been testing for over three decades as a hi-fi expert for print and online magazines such as AUDIO, VIDEO, stereoplay and LowBeats. In addition to cultivated music playback, he likes fast cars - including classic cars - with rich sound. He also reports regularly on this topic, not least on this platform.

Related Posts

Marshall Middleton review

Please set off this bass firework only outdoors!

Marshall Middleton review

Tronsmart Halo 100 review

The smile it takes: maxi bass for a mini price plus facial expressions

Tronsmart Halo 100 review

Sony SRS-XB23 review

Want some tube sound for less than 100 bucks?

Sony SRS-XB23 review

Bose Soundlink Flex review

Flex sells: maximum dynamics from a flat speaker?

Bose Soundlink Flex review

Comments are closed.

Recent Posts
  • Marshall Middleton review
  • Tronsmart Halo 100 review
  • JBL Quantum 910 review
  • Yamaha TW-E7B TWS review

Marshall Middleton review

Please set off this bass firework only outdoors!

Marshall Middleton review

The still compact Marshall bar is a true bass and dynamic wonder for outdoor use. In the home, on the other hand, it does not fit everywhere.

Tronsmart Halo 100 review

The smile it takes: maxi bass for a mini price plus facial expressions

Tronsmart Halo 100 review

The Tronsmart Halo 100 offered great sound with rich bass for the price of smaller Bluetooth speakers in the test. But his style is not so adult.

JBL Quantum 910 review

One for all? This gaming flagship offers top-notch connectivity

JBL Quantum 910 review

JBL´s top-notch gaming headphones offer a bunch features such as head-tracking and ANC. Soundwise, one has to take tought decisions…

Yamaha TW-E7B TWS review

Classic hi-fi gear in a nutshell open for EQ tweaking

Yamaha TW-E7B TWS review

These NC TWS offer pretty extended dynamics, rich bass and natural NC. If you experience somewhat brittle mids: use the powerful in-app EQ.

Bose Soundlink Micro review

One for the Road: Probably the most portable Bose speaker

Bose Soundlink Micro review

The mobile Bluetooth speaker Bose Soundlink Micro scores with water resistance and is the ideal companion in backpacks and handbags.

Sony SRS-XB23 review

Want some tube sound for less than 100 bucks?

Sony SRS-XB23 review

The Sony is an elegantly tube-shaped decently-sounding bluetooth speaker and offers full-fledged playback indoors as well as for outdoor use.

Bose Soundlink Flex review

Flex sells: maximum dynamics from a flat speaker?

Bose Soundlink Flex review

The Bose Soundlink Flex showed strong points as being the most mature sounding flat speaker. But it is certainly not the most audiophile one.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless review

Finally: audiophile sound plus Noise Cancellation

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless review

The Gen 4 of Sennheiser´s wireless traveler´s headphones offer excellent noise-canceling and audiophile natural sound, but less effects.

Klipsch Heritage Groove review

Lots of dynamics with retro style

Klipsch Heritage Groove review

The Klipsch Heritage Groove offers fine retro design and sound characteristics alkik: For its size, it proved to be pretty dynamic and speedy.

Logitech G935 review

Add some sci-fi style taillights to your gaming experience!

Logitech G935 review

Logitech´s G935 gaming headset is a bit outdated in terms of battery life but offers premium surround sound, software and some lightshow.

Skullcandy PLYR review

Call it a comeback with really unique design

Skullcandy PLYR review

Skullcandy´s multi-platform wireless headset turned out to offer outstanding wearing comfort and great software but is also versatile.

Review: Marshall Woburn 3 with HDMI

Tower of power - will it replace your hi-fi-system?

Review: Marshall Woburn 3 with HDMI

Marshall´s Woburn III does not look any different than its predecessor. But it was the bass-richest onebox system ever and lots of fun.

Beyerdynamic Xelento 2 Wireless review

Shiny finish, awkward concept, sensational sound quality win!

Beyerdynamic Xelento 2 Wireless review

An awkward concept, but a sensational win in terms of sound quality: Beyerdynamic´s Xelento Wireless 2 Gen is a true audiophile masterpiece.

Marshall Stanmore 3 review

The new Marshall plan brings rock´n roll to you!

Marshall Stanmore 3 review

The Marshall Stanmore 3 is a really mature bluetooth speaker. It is easy to operate and gets you plenty of bass, SPL and live feeling.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

Raising the bar and entering a new world

Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

Get the max of music experience in Apple´s small world: The new AirPods Pro 2 are simply best in-ears for iPhone offering cool new features.

  • Home
  • Data protection
  • Imprint
© 2023 Stereo Guide

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Manage cookie consent
We use cookies to optimize our website and service.
Functional Always active
Technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the lawful purpose of enabling the use of a particular service expressly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a message over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access used solely for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, the voluntary consent of your Internet service provider, or additional records from third parties, the information stored or accessed for this purpose alone generally cannot be used to identify you.
Marketing
Technical storage or access is necessary to create user profiles, to send advertisements, or to track the user on a website or across multiple websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
Settings
{title} {title} {title}