Which is better for hiking and camping?

The SoundLink Micro II. Its longer battery life covers a full day out, and IP67 protection handles rain and dust. The original is just as tough but runs out sooner.

Can I take calls on either speaker?

Only the original SoundLink Micro has a microphone for speakerphone calls and voice assistants. The Micro II has no microphone, so calls stay on your phone.

The Micro II, by a wide margin: about 12 hours versus about 6 on the original. Both use the same rugged materials and carry the same weight.

Is the Micro II worth stepping up to?

Yes for most buyers. You get double the runtime and newer Bluetooth at the same size and weight. Step down only if you need the microphone.

Do both sound the same?

Both are mono speakers tuned for loud, bass-forward sound from a small body. The II keeps that character; expect similar output rather than a big jump in audio quality.

Yes. The original is waterproof and dustproof, and the Micro II carries an IP67 rating. Neither should be submerged for long periods.

Bose SoundLink Micro vs Bose SoundLink Micro II

The SoundLink Micro II is the better buy for most people. It roughly doubles battery life to about 12 hours, adds Bluetooth 5.4 with 30 ft range, and keeps the same IP67 rating and 0.725 lb weight. The original Micro still sounds good for its size and has a built-in microphone for calls and voice assistants, which the II drops. Owners of both praise the rugged silicone build and strap; the II fixes the original's main complaint, short runtime.

Choose the original SoundLink Micro if you want a speakerphone for calls and voice assistant access in a tiny, strap-on package.
Choose the SoundLink Micro II if you want longer battery life and newer Bluetooth without giving up size, weight or waterproofing.

Prices

Bose SoundLink Micro: $19.99 at bkstr.com (last seen Nov 13)
Bose SoundLink Micro II: $84.99 at eBay (checked today)
Difference: the Bose SoundLink Micro is $65.00 cheaper than the Bose SoundLink Micro II at the latest prices (Nov 13 and Nov 15)

	Bose SoundLink Micro	Bose SoundLink Micro II
Battery life	Up to about 6 hours	Up to about 12 hours
Microphone and calls	Built-in mic for speakerphone and Siri/Google Assistant	No microphone
Bluetooth version	Older Bluetooth, multipoint pairing for two devices	Bluetooth 5.4, 30 ft range
Water and dust rating	Waterproof and dustproof	IP67
Weight and size	0.725 lb, about 3.87 in square	0.725 lb, about 4.09 in square
Charging	USB-C	USB-C, about 3 hours to full
Build materials	Silicone, fabric, PC-ABS, steel	Silicone, fabric, PC-ABS, steel
App support	Bose Connect app for settings and updates	Bose app support for settings and updates

Spec	Bose SoundLink Micro	Bose SoundLink Micro II
Bluetooth	Yes	Yes
Weight	0.725 lb	0.725 lb
actual_color	NONE	Black
color	Other	Black
Portable	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth Version	5.0	5.4
App Control	Yes	Yes
Features	Water Resistant	Water Resistant
Outdoor	Yes	—
Amplifier Power	200W RMS	—
Connectivity Technology	Bluetooth, Wireless	—
Ports And Interfaces	USB-C	—

Spec	Bose SoundLink Micro	Bose SoundLink Micro II
Wi-Fi	No	—
Assistant Support	Google Fast Pair	—
Smart Functions	Multipoint pairing (for two devices)	—
Speaker Placement	Portable	—
Audio Configuration	1 + Subwoofer	—
Audio Highlights	Audio Amplifier	—
Audio Channels	Mono	—
Design Highlights	Portable	—
Material	Silicone, Fabric, Plastic (PC-ABS), Steel	—
Style

Bose SoundLink Micro vs Bose SoundLink Micro II

Prices

Bose SoundLink Micro vs Bose SoundLink Micro II

Prices

Bose SoundLink Micro II

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