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Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) · Photo source

Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)
Photo 1 of 72

Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) · Photo source

Bose · SoundLink

SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)

Released September 2024

Bose's small, rugged Bluetooth speaker from 2024, waterproof to IP67 and able to float, suited to taking to the beach, a campsite or the shower.

Type
Portable speaker
Atmos
No
Connects by
Bluetooth
Battery
12 h
Weight
0.59 kg

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree it is rugged, easy to carry and sounds clean and balanced for its size, but changes little from the first model, so owners of that need not upgrade. SoundGuys found the EQ limited and misses an aux input; they differ on battery life, which T3 found disappointing and Android Police impressive.

From soundguys.com, t3.com and androidpolice.com

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Sound

Type
Portable speaker
Dolby Atmos
No
Room tuning
PositionIQ senses the speaker's orientation and adjusts the sound; adjustable EQ in the Bose app

Connections

Wi-Fi
No
Bluetooth
Yes
AirPlay
No
Voice assistants
None
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.3 with a 9 m range; multipoint connection to two devices; aptX Adaptive with Snapdragon Sound devices
Ports
USB-C (charging)
Streaming
Bluetooth; the shortcut button can start Spotify Tap
Multi-room
Stereo Mode with a second Flex (2nd Gen), or Party Mode with another current SoundLink speaker (Micro 2nd Gen, Plus or Max); SimpleSync with Bose smart soundbars and speakers
App
Bose app

Design

Battery life (maker's claim)
Up to 12 hours
Water and dust resistance
IP67
Weight
0.59 kg
Battery life detail
Up to 12 hours; up to 3 hours at maximum volume; up to 4 hours to charge; no power adapter included
Controls
Buttons on top, including a programmable shortcut button (linking two speakers by default; Spotify Tap or the phone's voice assistant)
Microphones
Built-in microphone for speakerphone calls
Mounting
Nylon utility loop for carrying or clipping to a bag
Size
2.06 × 7.93 × 3.56 in (H × W × D); 1.291 lb
Colours
Black, Blue Dusk, Alpine Sage and Sandstone, plus limited editions; Bose UK currently sells Dewdrop Mint
In the box
SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen), USB-C to USB-A cable, safety sheet

Pros and cons

Pros

  • IP67 dust and water resistance, and it floats
  • aptX Adaptive with Snapdragon Sound devices, plus multipoint
  • PositionIQ tunes the sound to how it's standing, lying or hanging

Cons

  • Up to 12 hours of battery, and up to 3 hours at maximum volume
  • Bluetooth only, with no Wi-Fi, AirPlay or aux input
  • No power adapter in the box, and a full charge takes up to 4 hours

Closest rivals

Model
TypeAtmosConnects byBatteryWeightReleased
Ultimate EarsBOOM 4
Portable speakerNoBluetooth15 h0.62 kgJun 2024
SonyULT FIELD 1
Portable speakerNoBluetooth12 h0.65 kgApr 2024
MarshallEmberton III
Portable speakerNoBluetooth32 h0.67 kgAug 2024

Sources

  1. bose.co.uk/p/speakers/bose-soundlink-flex-portable-speaker-2nd-gen/SLFLXII-SPEA…
  2. assets.bosecreative.com/m/409c7c0457a61e44/original/891014_OG_SLFLXII-SPEAKERWI…
  3. bose.com/p/speakers/bose-soundlink-flex-portable-speaker-2nd-gen/SLFLXII-SPEAKE…
  4. bose.com/pressroom/new-bose-soundlink-plus-and-micro-speakers
  5. techradar.com/audio/wireless-bluetooth-speakers/bose-soundlink-flex-gen-2-review

Photo: assets.bosecreative.com

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