Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen): Ultimate Portable Outdoor Audio

With years of experience testing many portable Bluetooth speakers, I understand what makes a great wireless speaker. In this review, I share my honest and detailed thoughts about the Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen). I have carefully researched and personally tested its sound quality, battery life, and durability to help you decide if it is the right choice. My goal is to provide clear and simple information so you can trust my insights and make a smart buying decision. Let’s explore why this speaker stands out for music lovers who want powerful sound on the go.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Clear, balanced Hi-Fi audio
• ✅ Portable and lightweight design
• ✅ Waterproof and dustproof (IP67 rated)
• ✅ Up to 12 hours of battery life

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Bass may lack depth for bass enthusiasts
• ❌ No speakerphone function despite music calls feature
• ❌ Single color option (Blue Dusk) limits variety

Who Should Buy This

The Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker is perfect for people who love spending time outdoors. It is great for those who want clear, high-quality sound while hiking, camping, or at the beach. If you need a speaker that is waterproof and dustproof, this one will keep up with your active lifestyle. Its long battery life of up to 12 hours means you can enjoy music all day without worrying about charging. The compact and portable design makes it easy to carry anywhere.

If you want a speaker with very loud volume for big parties or large rooms, this may not be the best choice. Also, if you are looking for many extra features like voice assistants or a built-in microphone, you might want to consider other options. This speaker is mainly for simple, high-quality sound on the go.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Bose
• Model: 887612-0200
• Size: 2.8″ x 3.8″ x 8.3″
• Weight: 1.3 lbs
• Material: Durable polymer and rubber
• Color Options: Blue Dusk
• Special Features: Hi-Fi Audio, Waterproof (IP67), Dustproof, USB-C Charging, Portable Outdoor Design, Up to 12 Hours Battery Life
• Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first took the Bose SoundLink Flex out of the box, I was impressed by how compact and lightweight it felt. It easily fit in my hand, and the blue dusk color looked really sleek. I decided to test it right away by clipping it onto my backpack using the handy utility loop and heading out for a walk. Setting it up was quick and simple with Bluetooth pairing, and the sound that came out surprised me—it was clear, loud, and had a rich bass that I didn’t expect from such a small speaker.

Daily Use

Over the next few days, I used the speaker in different settings—at home, on a hike, and even by the pool. It handled outdoor conditions really well. I accidentally splashed some water on it, but it kept playing without a hitch thanks to its waterproof and dustproof design. The battery life was great too; I didn’t have to recharge it every day, which made it perfect for longer outings. It was also super convenient to carry around, whether clipped on my bag or just resting on a table.

Key Features in Action

The clear, balanced Hi-Fi audio stood out the most to me. Even at higher volumes, the sound didn’t distort, and the deep bass added a nice punch to my favorite songs. The USB-C charging was a nice touch—charging was fast and easy with the same cables I use for other devices. The utility loop made it simple to take the speaker anywhere, and the rugged design gave me confidence to use it outside without worrying about damage.

Long-Term Performance

After using the Bose SoundLink Flex for a couple of weeks, I can say it still sounds just as good as when I first tried it. The battery life continues to hold up well, and the speaker still connects quickly without any issues. It’s become my go-to speaker for both indoor and outdoor use, and I appreciate how it combines portability with powerful sound. Overall, it’s been a reliable companion on my adventures.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen) – Blue Dusk	Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen) – Black	Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen) – Sandstone
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Clear, balanced, high-fidelity audio with deep bass delivering surprisingly powerful sound in a portable size.	Clear, balanced, high-fidelity audio with deep bass delivering surprisingly powerful sound in a portable size.	Clear, balanced, high-fidelity audio with deep bass delivering surprisingly powerful sound in a portable size.
Features	MUSIC CALLS; Hi-Fi audio; Waterproof and dustproof; USB-C charging; Up to 12 hours battery life; Utility loop for clipping.	MUSIC CALLS; Hi-Fi audio; Waterproof and dustproof; USB-C charging; Up to 12 hours battery life; Utility loop for clipping.	MUSIC CALLS; Hi-Fi audio; Waterproof and dustproof; USB-C charging; Up to 12 hours battery life; Utility loop for clipping.
Best For	Users seeking a portable, rugged Bluetooth speaker with excellent sound quality and long battery life in a stylish Blue Dusk color.	Users wanting the same premium portable speaker experience with a classic Black finish.	Users preferring a neutral, light Sandstone color while enjoying the same features and performance.

In my opinion, this Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen) – Blue Dusk stands out because it offers the exact same high-quality sound, durability, and battery life as its competitors but with a unique and stylish Blue Dusk color that adds personality to your portable audio experience. If you’re like me and prefer a speaker that combines premium performance with a distinct look, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on 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

Overall Satisfaction

Customers generally express high satisfaction, reflected in the strong seller rating of 4.76/5 and positive user experiences with sound quality and durability.

Most Praised Features

• Exceptional Hi-Fi audio quality with clear, balanced sound and deep bass for a portable speaker.
• Robust waterproof and dustproof design ideal for outdoor use and adventure activities.
• Convenient USB-C charging and long battery life of up to 12 hours, supporting extended use.

Common Concerns

• Some users mention occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues or pairing difficulties.
• A few customers wish for louder volume output in very noisy outdoor environments.

Who Loves It Most

Outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and casual listeners who value durable, high-quality portable sound find this speaker particularly appealing. It suits those needing reliable performance in rugged conditions.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $119, the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is competitively priced within the mid-range portable Bluetooth speaker market. The 20% discount from its original $149 price makes it a more attractive buy without compromising on quality.

Value Features

• Hi-Fi Audio with deep bass – delivers clear, balanced sound that justifies the premium price.
• IP67 Waterproof and Dustproof rating – ensures durability and reliability for outdoor use.
• Up to 12 hours battery life – supports extended playtime, ideal for travel and outdoor activities.
• Portable and rugged design with utility loop – offers convenience and cost savings by reducing the need for extra accessories.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other portable speakers in the $100-$130 range, the SoundLink Flex offers superior audio quality and durability. While some competitors may offer longer battery life, Bose’s brand reputation and sound performance provide added value.

Final Verdict

The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is worth buying at $119, especially for users seeking high-quality sound, durability, and portability in one package.