Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) vs JBL Go 5

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SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) compared with Go 5

	BoseSoundLink Micro (2nd Gen)	JBLGo 5
Overview
Released
Released	August 2025	April 2026
Sound
Type
Type	Portable speaker	Portable speaker
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos	No	No
Drivers
Drivers	One driver and two passive radiators	45 mm full-range driver
Amplifiers
Amplifiers	–	4.8 W RMS
Frequency response
Frequency response	–	87 Hz – 20 kHz (-6 dB); signal-to-noise ratio over 85 dB
Audio formats
Audio formats	–	SBC, AAC and LC3 over Bluetooth; lossless USB-C audio with compatible content and source
Room tuning
Room tuning	Active EQ; adjustable EQ in the Bose app	7-band EQ and presets in the JBL Portable app
Connections
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi	No	No
Bluetooth
Bluetooth	Yes	Yes
AirPlay
AirPlay	No	No
Voice assistants
Voice assistants	None	None
Bluetooth
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.4 with a 9 m range; SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive (with Snapdragon Sound devices); multipoint connection to two devices; Google Fast Pair	Bluetooth 6.0; A2DP 1.4 and AVRCP 1.6
Ports
Ports	USB-C (charging only; it can't charge other devices)	USB-C for charging and lossless audio playback
Streaming
Streaming	Bluetooth; the shortcut button can start Spotify Tap	–
Multi-room
Multi-room	Stereo Mode with a second Micro (2nd Gen); Party Mode with the Flex (2nd Gen), Plus or Max; SimpleSync with Bose smart soundbars and speakers	AirTouch pairs two Go 5 speakers by touching them together for left/right stereo; Auracast links compatible JBL speakers
App
App	Bose app	JBL Portable app for EQ, lighting themes and firmware updates
Design
Battery life (maker's claim)
Battery life (maker's claim)	Up to 12 hours	Up to 8 hours
Water and dust resistance
Water and dust resistance	IP67	IP68
Weight
Weight	0.33 kg	0.23 kg (better)
Battery life detail
Battery life detail	Up to 12 hours; up to 3 hours at maximum volume; Bose UK's spec table gives 3 hours to charge, the owner's guide up to 4 hours; no quick charging	Up to 8 hours normally, or 10 with Playtime Boost; dependent on volume, content and lighting. 3.85 Wh lithium-ion battery (3.85 V, 1000 mAh); 3-hour charge at 5 V / 1 A
Controls
Controls	Buttons on the front, including a programmable shortcut button (linking two speakers by default; Spotify Tap or the phone's voice assistant)	Physical playback, volume, power, Bluetooth and Auracast buttons; ambient edge lighting with selectable themes and status indications
Microphones
Microphones	None	–
Mounting
Mounting	Removable fabric nylon strap for bags, bikes, shower heads and carabiners	Built-in carry loop
Size
Size	1.693 × 4.094 × 4.094 in (H × W × D); 0.725 lb	101 × 77.4 × 43 mm (W × H × D)
Colours
Colours	Black and Blue Dusk at launch, plus later limited editions; Bose UK currently sells Dewdrop Mint	Black, White, Purple, Blue, Pink, Red and Squad on the UK product page; additional colours vary by market
In the box
In the box	SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen), USB-C to USB-A cable, safety sheet	Go 5, quick start guide, warranty card and safety sheet; USB cable not included