Bose SoundLink Plus vs SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen): What’s the best Bose Bluetooth speaker?

Bose just dropped the SoundLink Plus, the larger and more expensive sibling to the popular grab-and-go SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen). But is the added size and weight worth the higher price? Both offer the same rugged build, decent battery life, and familiar Bose tuning, so which should you buy? I’m breaking it all down in this Bose SoundLink Plus vs SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) article to help you decide.

What’s it like to use the Bose SoundLink Plus compared to the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)?

The Bose SoundLink Plus fits into the rest of the SoundLink lineup with its rubberized silicone shell, metal grille, top-mounted buttons, and built-in loop for easy carry. It’s IP67-rated, meaning it’s dustproof, waterproof, and even floats. Bose also claims it’s shock-resistant. It’s the heavier and bulkier of the two speakers. The size is more comparable to the JBL Charge 6, making it backpack-friendly, but you’ll notice its weight once it’s in there. Around back, there’s a USB-C port for charging and 15W power output, though it doesn’t support USB-C audio.

On the other hand, the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is much more compact and portable. It uses the same IP67 rating and rugged build as the rest of the SoundLink lineup, including an attachment strap, but it’s not even close in size or weight. At just 589 grams, about a third of the Plus, it’s the clear winner for portability, closer in size to something like the JBL Flip 7. If you want to toss a speaker in your bag and forget it’s there, the Flex is the better fit. Lastly, it’s worth knowing that the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) has a built-in microphone if you’re keen on taking calls while connected to your speaker, or accessing your phone’s voice assistant.

How do you control the Bose SoundLink Plus and Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)?

Both the SoundLink Plus and SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) operate via physical controls. Below is a breakdown of how these buttons operate.

Bose SoundLink Plus controls:

Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) controls:

Does the Bose SoundLink Plus or Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) have more features?

The Bose SoundLink Plus and SoundLink Flex share nearly the same feature set. Both work with the Bose app, where you get a very basic 3-band EQ, plus the option to assign the shortcut button. You can assign it to pair a second speaker, launch Spotify Tap, or activate its built—in mic on the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) to access your phone’s voice assistant.

That said, casual listeners can easily skip the app altogether. Just be sure to check for firmware updates when you first set things up.

How do the Bose SoundLink Plus and Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) connect?

There’s a lot of overlap between these two. The Bose SoundLink Plus connects over Bluetooth 5.4 and supports multipoint pairing, Google Fast Pair, and both SBC and AAC codecs. But Android users get a little bonus. Just like the Flex (2nd Gen), the Plus also supports aptX Adaptive and will switch to it automatically if you’re paired with a Snapdragon Sound-certified device.

Being a little older, the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) uses Bluetooth 5.3 but supports all the same codecs as the Plus. In day-to-day use, you’re unlikely to notice much of a difference. Of course, either can pair with an identical model for true stereo performance, or link up with each other for synchronized mono playback.

Is battery life better on the Bose SoundLink Plus or the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)?

No contest here, though it’s not exactly a fair fight. The SoundLink Plus has a much larger enclosure, which means room for a bigger battery. Bose says it will last up to 20 hours on a full charge, while the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is rated for 12 hours. But what did we actually get?

In our standard battery test, where we loop music at 80dB from a meter away, the SoundLink Plus held out for 20 hours and 55 minutes. That’s right on the money. The Flex (2nd Gen) managed 7 hours and 3 minutes. Not great, not awful—just enough to get you through a beach day or an afternoon at the park. If battery life matters most to you, the SoundLink Plus clearly wins this one.

Does the Bose SoundLink Plus sound better than the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)?

The first thing to know about the SoundLink Plus and SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is that both are mono speakers, unlike their biggest sibling, the SoundLink Max. As for output and wattage, Bose keeps those details under wraps. Even reviewers like myself don’t get the specs, so we genuinely have no idea how many watts either speaker is pushing.

Both speakers share a similar tuning and sound great out of the box, with boosted bass and treble that make them feel lively and fun. The mids are slightly recessed, so guitars, snare drums, and vocals sit a bit further back in the mix. You can tweak the midrange using the basic three-band EQ in the app, though it is limited. Still, it’s better than nothing.

Naturally, the larger SoundLink Plus delivers more output and fuller bass than the Flex. If you are hosting backyard barbecues, pool days, or hanging with a crowd of ten or more, the Plus gives you that extra “oomph”. Just remember, it also brings additional weight and a higher price tag.

The SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is a better fit for smaller hangouts or personal listening. Again, it delivers great sound right out of the box with a similar tuning, just not at the volume or scale the SoundLink Plus can manage. It’s designed to be the more portable and affordable of the two.

Should you get the Bose SoundLink Plus or Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)?

No need to overthink this one. If you want bigger sound, longer battery life, and plan to play music for a group, the Bose SoundLink Plus is the clear pick. It costs more and weighs more, but that extra power and bass make a real difference at smaller parties or outdoor hangouts.

If portability is your main priority and you mostly listen in smaller spaces or on the go, the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is still a solid choice. It’s lighter, more affordable, and sounds surprisingly good for its size.

Go with the SoundLink Plus if you want the most performance, or grab the Flex if you want something easy to toss in a bag that still delivers.

What should you get instead of the Bose SoundLink Plus and Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)?

If neither Bose speaker feels quite right, JBL’s lineup is well worth a look.

The JBL Charge 6 is an excellent alternative to the SoundLink Plus if you want something just as tough, just as loud, and a little easier on your wallet. It’s got an IP68 rating, a handy built-in strap, and you can actually dial in your sound with the full 7-band EQ in the JBL Portable app. For the price, it ticks a lot of the right boxes. Find one for $199.95 at Amazon.

Similarly, if you’re keeping things portable, the JBL Flip 7 ($149 at Amazon) lines up well with the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen). You can check out our JBL Flip 7 vs Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) comparison to see how these two capable speakers stack up.