Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) vs SoundLink Micro (1st Gen): Should you upgrade?

Bose’s SoundLink Micro has been a go-to for anyone who needs a rugged, ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker—but eight years later, it’s starting to show its age. The SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) doesn’t change the formula much but brings some meaningful upgrades that modernize the experience. I tested both to see if the newer model’s worth the extra cash or if the original still holds its own. Is it time to upgrade? Let’s find out in this Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) vs SoundLink Micro (1st Gen) comparison.

What’s it like to use the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) compared to the Bose SoundLink Micro (1st Gen)?

While the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) and the original look nearly identical at first glance, there are a few subtle but significant changes. The newer model upgrades from IPX7 to IP67, making it waterproof and dustproof, giving it a durability edge in environments like the beach or hiking trails. Bose also swapped out the rubber strap on the 1st Gen for a fabric-based strap on the 2nd Gen, which feels more secure and rugged in real-world use. Another usability upgrade is the addition of a shortcut button, which you can configure in the Bose Connect app to launch a playlist or trigger your phone’s voice assistant.

The charging port also received a much-needed update, moving from the outdated Micro-USB on the 1st Gen to USB-C on the 2nd Gen. That change alone makes charging far more convenient with modern cables and accessories. However, not every change is a win. Bose removed the built-in microphone from the 2nd Gen, meaning you lose out on speakerphone functionality and voice assistant access through the speaker itself—something many users appreciated on the original. Both models remain extremely portable and intuitive to use, but the 2nd Gen strikes a better balance of modern convenience and durability, even if it sacrifices a bit of versatility.

How do you control the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) and the Bose SoundLink Micro (1st Gen)?

Both the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) and Micro (1st Gen) operate via physical buttons. Below is a breakdown of how they operate.

Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen)

Bose SoundLink Micro (1st Gen)

Does the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) or the Bose SoundLink Micro (1st Gen) have more features?

The SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) clearly pulls ahead when it comes to features. Unlike the original, it offers EQ customization through the Bose app, giving you access to a basic 3-band EQ and a few presets. While the app remains minimal overall, this addition allows for some tonal adjustment depending on your preferences or the type of content you’re listening to. The 2nd Gen also introduces a shortcut button, which you can assign to Spotify Tap or use for quick pairing with other current-generation SoundLink speakers like the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) or SoundLink Plus.

The 1st Gen SoundLink Micro, by comparison, skips all of that. It has no EQ settings, no customizable button, and more limited pairing compatibility—it doesn’t work in Party Mode with newer Bose speakers. While both models support Stereo Mode when paired with an identical unit, the 2nd Gen offers better integration within Bose’s current ecosystem. If you care about fine-tuning your sound or getting more utility out of your speaker, the 2nd Gen delivers noticeably more functionality.

How do the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) and Bose SoundLink Micro (1st Gen) connect?

The SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) improves connectivity by using Bluetooth 5.4. It supports SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive codecs for higher-quality wireless audio—especially on Android devices with Snapdragon chipsets. It also includes Bluetooth multipoint, allowing you to connect two devices simultaneously and switch between them without needing to disconnect. In practice, this made jumping between my laptop and phone seamless, which is a big plus for everyday convenience.

The original SoundLink Micro also supports Bluetooth multipoint, despite running on the older Bluetooth 4.2 standard. However, it only supports the SBC codec, which limits audio quality options, especially for Apple users who prefer AAC or Android users with aptX-capable devices. Charging is done via Micro-USB, which feels outdated now and adds an extra cable to your daily carry. While both models connect reliably, the 2nd Gen clearly offers more modern and flexible connectivity.

Is battery life better on the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) or Bose SoundLink Micro (1st Gen)?

On paper, the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) promises a dramatic improvement in battery life with up to 12 hours of playback, which is twice what the original model advertised. However, that figure only holds up at lower volumes. In our standard battery test, which plays music at a steady 80dB from one meter away—a volume closer to typical party use—the speaker lasted just 4 hours and 33 minutes. That result is far from the claimed 12 hours and not enough for a full-day event if you plan to keep the volume high. You may come close to the 12-hour mark at quieter, personal listening levels, but performance will vary depending on usage.

The original Bose SoundLink Micro also came up short in our testing. While Bose said it could last up to 6 hours, we only got around 5 hours of playtime at moderate volume. Charging takes longer, too, and the outdated charging port doesn’t help. That said, you can still listen to music while it’s plugged in, which is convenient if you’re near a power outlet or using a portable battery. Between the two, the 2nd Gen lasts a bit longer and is easier to charge, but neither one holds up for extended loud listening sessions.

Does the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) sound better than the Bose SoundLink Micro (1st Gen)?

The SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) delivers a clear improvement in sound quality over the original. It sounds bigger than it looks, with fuller bass, cleaner treble, and a more balanced overall tuning. Bose has refined the audio profile to give this tiny speaker a more open, dynamic sound that holds up better at higher volumes. It also plays slightly louder than the first version without introducing harsh distortion, making it better suited for everyday use in various settings.

The SoundLink Micro (1st Gen) sounds like a small speaker, with a boxy, mid-heavy sound that lacks the treble clarity and low-end response of the newer model. Vocals are more forward, but the rest of the frequency range feels compressed and limited. Back in 2017, it was a solid choice for its size and price—but after eight years, portable speaker tech has moved on. The original still works for casual listening, but compared directly with the 2nd Gen, it feels dated. If sound quality is important to you, the 2nd Gen is the clear winner.

Should you get the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) or Bose SoundLink Micro (1st Gen)?

This one’s easy. Get the SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen). It’s a clear improvement in nearly every way, with better sound quality, modern connectivity, longer battery life at low volumes, and a more durable, dustproof design. It also adds useful features like USB-C charging, a customizable shortcut button, EQ controls, and broader codec support, making it much more versatile than the original.

The only real trade-off is that Bose removed the built-in microphone, so you lose speakerphone functionality and voice assistant access. If that’s important to you, it might be worth holding onto the 1st Gen—or jumping to something like the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen), which still includes a mic.

While the 1st Gen was a great speaker when it launched back in 2017, it doesn’t hold up to today’s standards. The 2nd Gen gives you a noticeably better experience without a major price jump. If you’re weighing the two, there’s really no reason not to go with the 2nd Gen—unless you really need that mic.

Otherwise, if you need something with a little more output, be sure to check out our list of the Best Bluetooth speakers.

What should you get instead of the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) and Bose SoundLink Micro (1st Gen)?

If you like the compact size and rugged build of the SoundLink Micro but want to save a few bucks, the JBL Clip 5 is a solid alternative. It keeps the same ultra-portable form factor and adds a built-in carabiner, making it easy to clip onto a bag or bike. While it doesn’t sound quite as refined as the SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen), it holds its own for casual listening and comes in at a lower price. You can usually find it for $79.95 at Amazon, making it a great pick for budget-conscious buyers who still want a tough, grab-and-go Bluetooth speaker.

On the other hand, if you’re willing to spend a little more, the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is the next step up. For about $20 more, it gives you more bass, louder output, and retains the same modern features and rugged design found in the Micro (2nd Gen). Plus, it includes a built-in microphone, which the Micro now lacks. If you want something with more power for outdoor hangouts or small gatherings, the Flex (2nd Gen) offers great value at $149 at Amazon.