Bluetooth speakers · Ranked #9 of 10 · Most balanced sound

Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)

79
Mixed
Average of 7 professional reviews
5 of 7 recommend it · critics agree
Where the 7 reviews landedRange 73–85
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Exact average 79.3 · 5 printed, 2 estimated · printed scores only: 77

Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)Image: Bose

7 professional reviewers tested the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen), and 5 recommend it. Most praised: sound quality and build quality. Most common complaint: battery life.

Reviewed by TechRadar, T3, How-To Geek and 4 more

The catch: The silicone shell attracts dust.

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What 7 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 80
    TechRadarRated 4/5 · Hands-on review

    Called a great Bluetooth speaker with clean sound and standout design, but it changes little from its predecessor and has average battery life.

    Read TechRadar review
  2. 80
    T3Rated 4/5 · Hands-on review · 2025

    A positive review praising clean, room-filling sound and a rugged design, with caveats about weak battery life and minimal changes from the original.

    Read T3 review
  3. 80
    How-To GeekHands-on review · 2024

    A solid recommendation for a compact, rugged speaker with big bass, though changes from gen 1 are minor and features are basic.

    Read How-To Geek review
  4. 74
    SoundGuysHands-on review · 2025

    A rugged, waterproof portable speaker that is a solid choice but barely improves on the original.

    Read SoundGuys review
  5. 73
    TechGearLabHands-on review · 2026

    Tested hands-on and ranked first of 14 Bluetooth speakers, it earns a clear recommendation for balanced, vocal-friendly sound in a tiny, tough body.

    Read TechGearLab review
  6. 85est.
    Android CentralNo printed score · Buying guide

    In a deals-driven buying guide the writer picks the Flex 2nd Gen as the go-anywhere Bose speaker for its sound, durability and value, though its hands-on coverage is brief.

    Read Android Central review
  7. 83est.
    Good Housekeeping UKNo printed score · Buying guide

    Named the most versatile pick in a tested roundup, with adaptive sound and voice features, though it barely differs from the first generation and is not the overall winner.

    Read Good Housekeeping UK review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

What critics praise most

Sound quality6 of 7
Build quality3 of 7

What critics dislike most

Battery life3 of 7
Controls and app2 of 7

Other Bluetooth speakers critics rate highly

JBL Flip 7Image: JBL
Top pick, narrowlyJBL Flip 712 reviews · broad agreement86
Marshall Kilburn IIIImage: Marshall
Best for battery and big soundMarshall Kilburn III5 reviews · broad agreement86
Bose SoundLink MaxImage: Bose
Best big portable soundBose SoundLink Max8 reviews · critics split86
Bose SoundLink PlusImage: Bose
Best rugged midsize speakerBose SoundLink Plus6 reviews · broad agreement84

Also reviewed, not yet scored

Common questions

Is the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) worth it?

Most critics think so: 5 of 7 recommend it. The silicone shell attracts dust.

Do critics agree about the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)?

Critics agree: scores range from 73 (TechGearLab) to 85 (Android Central), a spread of 12 points across 7 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.

What do critics dislike about the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)?

Battery life (3 of 7 reviews), Controls and app (2 of 7 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)?

The JBL Flip 7 (critic score 86), top pick, narrowly.