Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen) - Portable Outdoor Speaker with Hi-Fi Audio, Waterproof and Dustproof, USB-C, Up to 12 Hours Battery Life, Blue Dusk
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
The Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen is a rugged, 1.3-pound waterproof speaker built for travelers and beachgoers who want clear vocals and customizable EQ over raw, booming volume.
At 1.3 pounds with an IP67 rating, it survives drops and water immersion flawlessly. The Bluetooth 5.3 and aptX upgrades make it a great grab-and-go option for Android users. The 12-hour battery and mono output limit its use for all-day parties.
If you need room-filling stereo sound or 20+ hours of battery, step up to a larger 2-pound speaker with dual passive radiators.
Regret Score™
Low RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Bose app now includes a 3-band EQ to dial back the default heavy bass
- Upgraded to Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint to connect your phone and laptop simultaneously
- IP67 rated and floats in water, surviving pool drops without damage
- Snapdragon Sound support streams higher-quality aptX audio for compatible Android phones
- PositionIQ tech physically detects if it is flat or standing and adjusts the sound profile
Cons
- Battery life remains capped at 12 hours, identical to the older generation
- Zero 3.5mm AUX input for wired listening
- Noticeable audio delay when PositionIQ switches EQ profiles after moving the speaker
- Single-driver mono sound means zero stereo separation unless you buy a second unit
Dimension Scores
Warm mids and clear vocals shine, and the new 3-band EQ fixes the muddy treble from the first generation.
Punches above its 1.3-pound weight class, though it distorts slightly at max volume and will not fill a large backyard.
Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint and aptX Adaptive provides a rock-solid connection up to 30 feet.
The silicone-wrapped steel grille and IP67 rating make it practically indestructible for travel.
Best For
- Clipping to a hiking backpack using the built-in nylon utility loop
- Android users with Snapdragon phones who can utilize the aptX codec upgrade
- Poolside listening where the speaker might accidentally fall into the water and need to float
Not Recommended For
- Watching YouTube or movies due to noticeable Bluetooth lip-sync latency
- Filling large, noisy backyards or gymnasiums where a larger speaker pushes more raw volume
Watch Out For
- The PositionIQ feature causes a slight audio delay when you flip the speaker from its back to its feet.
- There is no way to turn off the automatic orientation EQ in the app if you just want a consistent sound profile.
- Multiple users report a low-frequency distortion bug that appears after installing the latest firmware update.
- The new Shortcut button only triggers stereo pairing or Spotify Tap, offering very limited customization.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 017817852487 |
| ASIN | B0D6WB7BV6 |
| Brand | Bose |
| Color | Blue Dusk |
| Shape | irregular shape |
| Style | Gen 2 |
| Material | Plastic |
| Set Name | Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker Color Set |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Model Name | Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker 2nd Gen, Blue Dusk |
| Item Weight | 1.3 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Bose |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Speaker Size | 5.23 Centimeters |
| Speaker Type | Outdoor |
| Input Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Is Waterproof | True |
| Maximum Range | 30 Feet |
| Mounting Type | No Mount |
| Series Number | 2 |
| Warranty Type | Limited |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Bluetooth Range | 30 Feet |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Dustproof, Hi Res Audio, Waterproof |
| Tweeter Diameter | 1 Inches |
| Audio Driver Size | 5.23 Centimeters |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Audio Output Mode | Stereo |
| Item model number | 887612-0200 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet |
| Frequency Response | 20 KHz |
| Product Dimensions | 3.56"D x 7.93"W x 2.06"H |
| Included Components | Bose SoundLink Flex (Gen. 2) Bluetooth Speaker, USB Type-C cable |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Indoor/Outdoor Usage | Outdoor |
| Customer Package Type | FFP |
| Number of Power Levels | 1 |
| Water Resistance Level | Waterproof |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Specific Uses For Product | Outdoor/Portable Audio Setups |
| Recommended Uses For Product | For Smartphones or Tablets, For Computers |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Subwoofer Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth |
| Surround Sound Channel Configuration | 2.0 |
What Buyers Say
The biggest revelation from daily users is that the new 3-band EQ completely transforms the listening experience, allowing you to fix the muddy default bass. Android owners are thrilled with the aptX codec upgrade, noting a distinct bump in clarity over standard AAC. The physical design remains a tank, surviving drops onto concrete and dunks in the pool without a scratch. A vocal minority of owners are frustrated by a firmware bug causing low-end distortion, and many wish Bose had bumped the battery life past the old 12-hour mark.
“Upgraded from the gen 1 just for the EQ app and it sounds way less muddy now, but I'm kinda pissed the battery still dies after 8 hours at the beach.”
Common Praise
- The 3-band EQ in the app finally lets you boost the treble for podcasts
- Silicone coating prevents scratches when tossed into a beach bag with keys
- Multipoint Bluetooth seamlessly swaps between a phone and a laptop without repairing
- Vocals and acoustic tracks sound incredibly warm and detailed for a 1.3-pound speaker
Common Complaints
- Firmware updates occasionally introduce a rattling distortion on bass-heavy tracks
- The 12-hour battery life drains much faster if you push the volume past 70%
- PositionIQ takes a full second to adjust the sound when you stand the speaker up
- No 3.5mm jack means you can't plug it into a non-Bluetooth device
Ownership Tips
- The silicone exterior attracts dust and pet hair like a magnet, requiring frequent wipe-downs.
- Leaving it in the sun on a hot day does not cause overheating shutdowns like some cheaper speakers.
- The nylon utility loop starts to fray after a few months of hanging from carabiners.
- Stereo pairing two of these units completely changes the soundstage, making them sound like a $300 home system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2nd Gen sound better than the 1st Gen?
The hardware is nearly identical. The 2nd Gen adds aptX codec support for Android and a 3-band EQ in the Bose app to tweak the sound.
Can I pair this with an older Bose speaker?
Yes. You can use the Bose app's SimpleSync feature to link it with other compatible Bose Bluetooth speakers for Party Mode.
Does it have an aux jack for wired connections?
No. Bose removed wired audio entirely, so it only connects via Bluetooth 5.3.
Will it survive falling in the pool?
Yes. It has an IP67 waterproof rating and is designed to float on the surface of the water.
How long does the battery actually last?
Bose claims 12 hours. Playing it at 75% volume or higher outdoors will drain it closer to 8 or 9 hours.
Buying Guide
When buying a portable outdoor speaker, you need to balance weight against bass output. At 1.3 pounds, this speaker relies on digital processing to fake deep bass, which sounds great indoors but gets lost in open air. You are paying a premium for the Bose tuning and the rugged, floating design. If you just want the loudest possible noise for a tailgate, your money goes further elsewhere.
IP67 Rating
This means the speaker is completely sealed against dust and can survive being submerged in 3 feet of water for 30 minutes. It is the difference between a speaker dying in the rain and surviving a drop in the lake.
aptX Adaptive Codec
Think of this as a wider pipe for your music data. If you have a compatible Android phone, it sends higher-quality audio files to the speaker with less compression than standard Bluetooth.
Multipoint Bluetooth
This lets the speaker stay connected to two devices at once. You can watch a video on your laptop, and when your phone rings, the speaker automatically switches over to take the call.
Alternatives
If you need 20+ hours of battery life and louder volume for large outdoor parties, search for a cylindrical speaker weighing around 2 pounds with dual passive radiators.
You Might Also Like
Computer Speakers for Desktop PC Monitor, USB Plug-in, Wired, Computer Soundbar for PC, Laptop Speakers with Adaptive-Channel-Switching, Loud Sound, Deep Bass, USB C Adapter, Easy to Clip on Monitor
Price range unavailableThis $30 clip-on USB soundbar is a massive upgrade over tinny laptop speakers, perfect for cramped home offices that need clear audio without the cable clutter of a 2.1 system.
Bluetooth Pillow Speaker for Sleeping, Mini Portable Under Pillow Speaker with White Noise Timer Wireless Sleep Aid with Stereo Bass Private Sleep Headphones for Adult Kids
$0-$49A 3-Watt stereo Bluetooth 5.4 pillow speaker with 20-hour battery life and white noise, designed for private listening without disturbing others.
Amazon Echo Pop (newest model), Our smallest speaker with Alexa+ Early Access, Fits in any room, Charcoal
This is Amazon's cheapest, smallest Alexa speaker, built for adding voice control to tight spaces like a bathroom or dorm room, not for filling a room with music.
Amazon Echo Pop (newest model), Our smallest speaker with Alexa+ Early Access, Fits in any room, Midnight Teal
This is a cheap, no-frills Alexa speaker for small spaces like bathrooms and hallways, not for anyone who actually cares about music quality.