Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen: Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Category: Budget-Friendly Picks

Key Features

Hi-Fi Audio: Delivers clear, balanced sound with deep bass.
Waterproof and Dustproof (IP67): Durable and can withstand drops and shocks.
Battery Life: Up to 12 hours of continuous play time.
Bluetooth 5.3 Connectivity: Supports up to 30 feet range and multipoint pairing.
Stereo Mode: Enhances sound quality with left and right channels.
Party Mode: Boosts volume for larger gatherings.

Overview and First Impressions

The Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen) is a compact yet powerful outdoor speaker that combines high-quality audio with convenience. It's perfect for sharing music on the go, making it ideal for various use cases including travel, parties, and outdoor adventures. The speaker's design is sleek and black, which makes it both functional and visually appealing.

Design and Build Quality

The Bose SoundLink Flex features a durable, silicone-wrapped body that is both water and dust resistant (IP67 rating). This ensures the speaker can withstand various weather conditions without any damage. The dimensions of 3.56 inches in diameter, 7.93 inches in width, and 2.06 inches in height make it easy to carry around or clip onto a bag. The build quality is solid, with a weight of 1.3 pounds making it relatively lightweight yet sturdy enough for outdoor use.

Setup and Ease of Use

The setup process for the Bose SoundLink Flex is straightforward. It comes with an app that guides you through the initial configuration, including pairing with your device via Bluetooth. The app also allows you to control various settings such as volume, bass boost, and sound mode. Once set up, the speaker is intuitive to use, even for beginners. You can easily adjust its orientation using PositionIQ technology, ensuring optimal sound quality regardless of how it's placed.

Sound Quality

The SoundLink Flex delivers impressive sound quality for a portable speaker. The high-fidelity audio reproduction is clear and balanced, with deep bass that fills the air effectively. The speaker performs well even in noisy environments, making it suitable for outdoor use. The Bluetooth connectivity ensures smooth audio transmission without any lag or interruptions. The flexibility of adjusting sound modes through the app allows users to fine-tune their listening experience according to preferences.

Bluetooth Performance

The Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity on the Bose SoundLink Flex is robust, offering a range of up to 30 feet. This ensures reliable audio transmission even at a distance. The speaker can also pair with multiple devices simultaneously using multipoint technology, which is particularly useful for parties where you might be playing music from different sources. The app provides excellent control over the connected devices and allows you to switch between them seamlessly.

Battery Life

The 12-hour battery life of the Bose SoundLink Flex is impressive, especially considering its size and power output. This long-lasting battery ensures that you can enjoy music for extended periods without needing to recharge frequently. The quick-charging feature allows you to get back into your activities in no time, with just 4 hours of charging providing up to 12 hours of playtime.

Durability and Weather Resistance

The IP67 rating of the Bose SoundLink Flex makes it highly durable and resistant to water and dust. This means you can use it in a variety of outdoor environments without worry. The speaker's waterproof design allows it to be used near bodies of water or during light rain, making it perfect for beach parties or patio gatherings. Its ability to withstand drops and shocks adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring the speaker remains functional even if accidentally dropped.

Features and Extras

The Bose SoundLink Flex comes with several useful features that enhance its functionality. The utility loop allows you to clip the speaker onto a bag or belt, making it easy to carry around. The app provides access to advanced settings and features such as EQ adjustments, bass boost, and sound mode customization. Additionally, the speaker supports group listening in Stereo Mode, which is great for parties where everyone can enjoy their favorite tracks at the same volume.

Performance in Use

In real-world use, the Bose SoundLink Flex performed exceptionally well. During outdoor events or beach parties, its powerful sound and wide coverage made it a crowd-pleaser. The speaker's ability to connect with multiple devices allowed me to play music from my smartphone, tablet, and computer seamlessly. The app was user-friendly, making it easy to adjust settings on the go. The long battery life meant I could enjoy hours of uninterrupted entertainment without worrying about recharging.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

Premium sound quality with high-fidelity audio reproduction.
Durable design with IP67 weather resistance.
Long battery life of up to 12 hours.
Easy setup and intuitive control through the app.
Flexible orientation for optimal sound quality.

Cons:

The speaker is relatively heavy at 1.3 pounds, which might make it difficult to carry for extended periods.
No built-in microphone for hands-free calls, though this can be easily remedied with a compatible accessory.

Final Verdict and Recommendation

The Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen) is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful, durable, and versatile outdoor speaker. Its high-quality audio, long battery life, and weather-resistant design make it suitable for various use cases including travel, parties, and outdoor adventures. While there are a few minor drawbacks such as its weight and lack of built-in microphone, the overall performance is strong enough to recommend this product. For users who prioritize sound quality, durability, and convenience, this speaker offers excellent value for money.

Overall Rating

Buy on Amazon