Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen

What’s new in the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)

The successor to a popular model, the updated Bose SoundLink Flex keeps the familiar silhouette but improves under the hood. Weighing 590g and measuring roughly 9 × 20 × 5.2cm, it’s wrapped in grippy silicone with a powder-coated steel grille. The build feels soft to the touch yet impressively robust – drops and tumbles should pose no issue.

A short carry strap is included, though it’s too small for a wrist. Attaching a carabiner to secure it to a backpack is recommended. The USB-C charging port sits opposite the strap, with a USB-A–to–USB-C cable supplied. The top panel houses physical buttons with firm feedback, while two LEDs indicate status.

The Bose SoundLink Flex is IP67-rated against dust and water and can even float. Inside, a 4.5-inch full-range driver is paired with dual passive radiators (front and back) for enhanced bass. Bose’s PositionIQ technology detects whether the speaker is lying flat, standing upright, or hanging, and optimises sound accordingly. A built-in microphone supports calls and voice assistants.

Features and operation of the Bose SoundLink Flex

Bluetooth has been upgraded to version 5.3. Pairing is quick, with Bose quoting a modest 9m range – though in testing, line-of-sight distances of up to 30m were possible.

Supported codecs include SBC and AAC, plus aptX Adaptive for Snapdragon Sound-certified Android devices. Multipoint pairing allows two devices to stay connected.

Most functions are controlled directly on the speaker: power, Bluetooth pairing, play/pause/skip, volume, and a programmable shortcut button. The shortcut can be set in the Bose Music app to:

• Link two SoundLink Flex units for stereo or activate Party Mode with other compatible Bose speakers.
• Access a voice assistant via the built-in mic.
• Launch Spotify (if installed on the paired device).

The Bose Music app also allows source management, firmware updates, naming the device, adjusting a 3-band EQ (with four presets), setting a sleep timer, and changing the voice prompt language.

Battery life

Here lies the SoundLink Flex’s biggest weakness – up to 12 hours at moderate volume. This is short compared to rivals like the Beats Pill (around 24h) or Tribit Stormbox Flow (up to 30h), both of which also double as power banks. A larger battery would have made the 2nd Gen far more competitive for longer trips.

Sound quality

The SoundLink Flex delivers warm, full-bodied sound with impressively deep bass and well-presented mids for vocals and instruments. Treble is slightly rolled off but remains clear. At higher volumes, bass impact drops and the balance shifts, becoming less even.

This is a speaker that sounds best at moderate (“room”) levels. While detail retrieval is not its strongest suit – and classical or orchestral works may feel constrained – the overall sound quality is strong for its size, especially considering it has no dedicated tweeter. The tonal balance shifts subtly depending on placement, with a smoother presentation lying flat and a more direct sound when upright.

Call quality

Call performance is very good, with the other party sounding clear through the speaker. Staying close to the mic ensures your voice is transmitted well, though “ducking” can occur if both sides speak at once.

Verdict

The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) impresses with its robust build, elegant colour options, and enjoyable sound profile. The Bose Music app adds useful customisation, and IP67 durability makes it truly outdoor-ready. However, the short battery life limits its appeal for long adventures – an area Bose could have improved.