Bose Soundlink Micro Bluetooth Speaker Review: Small Size, Big Sound?

If you’re curious whether the Bose Soundlink Micro lives up to its reputation, you’re in for an interesting exploration. This compact Bluetooth speaker packs surprisingly rich sound—think lively bass and clear vocals—in a tiny, rugged body designed to handle life’s bumps and splashes.

Its IPX7 waterproof rating means you can toss it in a backpack or beach bag without worry. Still, with its size-centric design, you might ask if it truly delivers big sound—let’s find out.

Key Takeaways

• Compact and lightweight design with durable, water-resistant IPX7 shell for outdoor use.
• Produces clear, balanced sound with strong bass, ideal for small to medium spaces.
• Bluetooth 4.2 offers reliable connectivity with a 30-foot range and multipoint pairing.
• Battery lasts about 5 hours, with micro-USB charging taking around 3-4 hours.
• Excellent for outdoor adventures, but high-volume sound may reduce clarity and bass response.

Overview of the Bose Soundlink Micro

If you want a small, easy-to-carry speaker that keeps up with your active life, the Bose SoundLink Micro is a good choice. It’s a tiny square speaker, about 9.9 cm wide on each side. It weighs only about 9 grams, so you can put it in your bag or pocket easily.

The outside is made of soft silicone rubber, which looks nice and helps protect it. This silicone cover is also water-resistant. You can dunk the speaker in water up to a meter deep for half an hour without getting it wet or damaged. That makes it perfect for outdoor fun, like camping or beach days.

The speaker has a built-in silicone strap. You can attach it to your backpack, bike, or anywhere you go. This makes it easy to take along wherever you’re headed.

The battery can last up to six hours on a single charge. When it’s time to recharge, it takes about 3 to 4 hours to fill the battery again using a micro-USB cable. This means you can enjoy music or calls for a long time and then easily give it power back when needed.

Design and Build Quality

The Bose Soundlink Micro is built to be tough and simple to use. Its small, square shape helps it fit easily in your bag or pocket. The shell is made from impact-resistant material, so it can handle bumps and drops. The outer surface has a textured finish that helps you grip it firmly, even if your hands are sweaty or if it’s raining.

• It has a rugged build with an IPX7 water resistance rating.
• Made from good, strong materials that last outside.
• Rubber buttons and covers protect the ports.
• A silicone strap is built-in to attach it to bags or bikes.
• It’s light—only about 9 grams—so you can carry it easily.

Every part of this speaker is designed to last and work well. It feels reliable, so you can take it on outdoor trips or daily errands without worries.

Water Resistance and Durability

Water resistance and durability are very important for outdoor gadgets. The Bose Soundlink Micro has an IPX7 rating. This means it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes without breaking.

Its rubberized exterior and strong build help it withstand bumps and drops. The sealed ports and rubber flaps stop dust and water from getting inside. After water gets in, it quickly drains out from the inside.

The small, sturdy design is built to handle accidental drops and bangs. This makes the speaker a reliable buddy for outdoor fun. It’s a tough and resilient device ready for any adventure.

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Portability Features and Attachments

Want to take your Bose Soundlink Micro anywhere? It’s small and easy to carry. The built-in silicone strap makes it simple to attach to backpacks, bike handles, or outdoor gear. You don’t need extra tools or parts.

The speaker’s rugged rubber outside keeps it safe and helps you hold on tight. Whether you’re hiking or riding to work, it stays secure.

The lightweight design, just about 0.6 pounds, lets you put it in small bags or pockets without adding weight.

Here are some ways to attach and carry it:

• Silicone strap for quick attachment
• Durable exterior for tough conditions
• Compact size for packing easily
• Multiple attachment points
• Light weight for easy carrying

All these features help keep your speaker with you on every trip. It’s built to be portable and tough so you can use it anywhere you go.

Sound Performance and Audio Quality

If you want to know how good the Bose SoundLink Micro sounds in real life, you might be surprised. It’s small, but it plays loud and clear. It has strong bass that beats many other tiny speakers.

At moderate volume levels, the sound feels balanced. Vocals stay sharp, and instruments shine without crackling or distorting.

When you turn the volume above 75%, the sound gets slightly worse. The high sounds, like treble, become less clear. This can make it harder to hear small details in music or voices.

Even though it’s small, it can fill small to medium rooms with a full range of sound. It does this because it handles low bass well.

The sound is mostly mono, meaning it comes from one speaker, so it doesn’t have a wide soundstage like bigger speakers. Still, it works very well for portable use. It’s a great choice if you want good, clear music on the go and don’t need super loud or stereo sound.

Bass, Mids, and Highs Analysis

Want to know how the Bose SoundLink Micro sounds across different parts of the music? It does a good job considering its small size.

The bass is noticeable and goes down to about 91 Hz. You won’t get deep rumbling sounds, but the bass is still pretty punchy.

The mids are warm and clear. They let vocals and instruments come through nicely. Sometimes, at very high volume, the mids can sound a little bit hidden.

The high sounds are soft and smooth. They don’t sparkle or show a lot of details, especially in cymbals or sharp treble sounds.

Overall, the bass feels present without taking over. The mids are balanced but can become a little muffled at loud volumes.

The highs stay gentle but lack some brightness. When you turn the volume above 85%, sound quality starts to get worse. The music sounds compressed and less clear.

This speaker is best for casual listening. It’s not made for deep bass or for listening in very loud environments.

Volume Capacity and Clarity at Different Levels

The Bose SoundLink Micro gets loud enough for small get-togethers or outdoor trips. It makes clear sound without distortion at normal levels.

But when you turn the volume past 75%, the sound starts to change. The treble sounds less sharp, and the bass doesn’t feel as strong. This can make the music sound a little muffled.

Still, the speaker keeps good clarity thanks to balanced sound. The middle sounds are clear, and the bass is decent.

When you reach the highest volume, you might hear some compression, but overall, the sound stays steady at lower and moderate levels.

The speaker is good for people who want a portable device that sounds nice without being super loud for big crowds.

Microphone Capabilities and Voice Use

The Bose Soundlink Micro has a built-in microphone that helps with voice commands and speakerphone calls. It works okay, but it’s not meant for professional use.

The microphone picks up your voice clearly enough for casual calls or basic commands. But in noisy places or if you take the speaker underwater, call quality can go down. Your voice might sound muffled or hard to hear.

The waterproof feature helps protect the speaker, but it can also affect the microphone when submerged. So, don’t expect perfect call quality underwater.

Here are a few important points:

• It captures your voice well for simple calls and voice commands.
• You can use it to activate Siri or Google Assistant if your device supports it.
• Call quality can drop outside in noisy places.
• Waterproofing can make microphone performance worse when submerged.
• It’s not made for professional-quality voice work.

This microphone works well for everyday use but has limits. Keep these points in mind to get the best experience.

Connectivity Options and Pairing Process

Connecting your Bose SoundLink Micro is easy. First, turn on the speaker. Press and hold the Bluetooth button until the LED blinks blue.

Next, go to your phone or device. Open the Bluetooth settings. Find “Bose SoundLink Micro” in the list. Tap it to connect.

The Bluetooth connection uses Bluetooth 4.2. This gives you a good, steady link. You can stay about 30 feet away from the speaker, even if there are walls or furniture in between.

If you want to connect a second device, no problem. The Bose Micro supports Bluetooth multipoint. This means you can pair two devices at the same time. You can then switch between them easily.

The Bose Connect app makes setup even better. It helps you manage your Bluetooth connections, update the firmware, and pair with another Bose speaker for stereo sound. This app makes listening simple and smooth.

Wireless Range and Bluetooth Performance

You’ll be happy to hear that the Bose SoundLink Micro has good Bluetooth, staying connected up to about 30 feet away. It works well even through walls and furniture. This means you can move around without losing your music.

The connection stays strong as long as there are no big obstacles. In open spaces, the signal stays steady. Walls and clothing can cause small drops, but they usually don’t stop the music.

The Bluetooth works well even outside.

Thanks to this range, you can share your music easily with friends. You don’t have to stay close to your device, which makes listening more fun. This speaker helps keep the music flowing and makes it easy to stay connected anywhere.

Companion App Features and Enhancements

The Bose Connect app is simple but useful. It helps you manage your SoundLink Micro and other Bose devices. The main job of the app is to update the device’s software. These updates can be slow and mightn’t be needed if you’re happy with how your speaker sounds now.

The app makes it easy to switch between different modes. For example, you can turn on Party Mode or set up stereo pairing. This lets you share music with friends and sync your devices easily.

However, the app has few options for changing sound settings. It doesn’t have advanced equalizer controls or detailed sound customization.

If you have multiple Bose gadgets or want quick setup options, the app can save you time. For people who only use one device, the app is mainly useful at the start.

Once everything is set, you mightn’t use it every day. Overall, the app works well for basic commands and setup, but it doesn’t add extra features for sound tuning.

Battery Life and Charging Details

The Bose Soundlink Micro isn’t built to play music all night. Still, it has a good battery that works well for outdoor trips. You can listen for about 5 hours at half volume. That’s a little less than the 6 hours the company says, but it’s plenty for most outings.

When it’s time to charge, it takes about 3 to 4 hours using a micro-USB cable. This is normal for a portable speaker. If you take care of the battery, it will keep working well for a long time. But if you use it a lot every day, the battery may lose some capacity over time.

You can also keep the music going by charging the speaker while you use it. Here’s what you need to know:

• Battery life depends on how loud you listen and what you play
• It takes around 3 to 4 hours to fully charge
• Charging while playing can help you enjoy outdoor use longer
• Taking good care of the battery keeps it working well
• Heavy use over time can reduce battery life

User Experience and Usability

Getting started with the Bose Soundlink Micro is easy. First, press and hold the Bluetooth button until it blinks blue. Then, turn on your device’s Bluetooth and select the speaker from the list. It connects quickly and without trouble.

The speaker has small buttons for volume, power, and pairing. They feel smooth and work well, even if it’s dark.

You can ask Siri or Google Voice to help you with commands. Just say what you need, and the speaker will listen.

The device has a sleek look and is water resistant. It can handle splashes or a quick dip in water. You don’t have to worry if you get caught in the rain or spill a drink.

The Bluetooth connection works up to 30 feet away. Sometimes, if many devices are nearby, it may not reconnect automatically.

Strengths and Drawbacks

The Bose Soundlink Micro is good at giving clear sound and lively bass for its small size. It’s tough and waterproof with an IPX7 rating, so you can take it outdoors. Whether you’re at the beach or caught in the rain, it can handle it. The build feels strong and reliable, so it’s made to last long.

But the sound isn’t perfect at very high volumes or with a lot of bass. It’s not the best choice if you want really loud or deep sounds.

Also, the software updates are few and slow. This can be annoying if you want new features or fixes. The auto-reconnect feature is useful but doesn’t always work smoothly. It might reconnect even when Bluetooth is off.

Recommendations and Comparison With Similar Devices

When you compare the Bose Soundlink Micro to other portable speakers, it stands out easily. It’s small and built tough. You can toss it into your bag or backpack without worry.

The speaker has a waterproof rating of IPX7. This means it can handle splashes, rain, or even drops in water. It’s great for outdoor activities or by the pool.

Compared to similar speakers like the JBL Flip or Anker Soundcore 2, the Bose gives better sound. It has richer bass and clearer vocals, especially outside.

The Bose doesn’t have stereo sound or voice assistants. But it makes up for that with durability and water resistance.

If you want a small, portable speaker that sounds good and lasts, the Bose Soundlink Micro is a good choice. It offers a fair price for its size and features.

FAQs

Is the Bose Soundlink Micro Worth It?

You’ll find the Bose Soundlink Micro worth it for its great sound quality, portability, and durability, even with a modest battery life. Its price makes it an inclusive choice for travelers who prioritize reliable, high-performance Bluetooth speakers for their adventures.

How Big Is the Bose Soundlink Micro Bluetooth Speaker?

You’ll love the Bose Soundlink Micro for its compact design and portable size. With dimensions just about 3.9 inches, it’s pocket-friendly and lightweight, making it easy to carry along and feel connected no matter where you go.

Is the Bose Mini Soundlink a Good Speaker?

You’ll find the Bose Mini SoundLink excellent for portability and durability, with solid battery life, impressive sound quality, and a reliable Bluetooth range, making it perfect for sharing music and feeling connected with friends during outdoor adventures.

What Is Better Than Bose Soundlink Mini?

You’ll find models like the Bose SoundLink Flex or Revolve+ better than the Micro, offering a portable design, longer battery life, waterproof features, superior sound quality, and better connectivity options, making them ideal for your outdoor adventures and gatherings.

Last update on 2025-08-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.