Torn between the Bose SoundLink Plus and its SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen counterpart? This guide is here to help.
Considering the Bose SoundLink Plus not only boasts a 4.5-star rating but also top spot in our best bluetooth speaker list, how does the Flex 2nd Gen compare?
Although we’re yet to review the Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen, we’ve compared its specs to its larger counterpart below. Keep reading to see what’s new with the Flex 2nd Gen, compared to its predecessor, and how it looks likely to measure up to the Plus.
Price
You can pick up the Bose SoundLink Plus for around £249.99 / $269.99. Unlike the Flex, the Plus is only available in a choice of three colours: Citrus Yellow, Blue Dusk and Black.
In comparison, the SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen is undoubtedly a less expensive option with an RRP of £149.95 / $149 . Plus, despite only being a year old, it’s possible to find a price drop for the speaker. For example, at the time of writing the Flex 2nd Gen is retailing for just £109.95/$129 on Bose’s official site.
Alongside the same colour options as the Plus, the SoundLink Flex is available in three additional options: Pink, Sandstone and Twilight Blue.
Bose SoundLink Flex 2 is lighter
If you’re looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker then the SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen would make a more appealing option. Sure, the SoundLink Plus isn’t necessarily large enough to be considered heavy at 1.5kg, but the Flex 2nd Gen is considerably lighter in comparison at just 0.59kg.
Both, however, are designed to be carried around easily thanks to their respective nylon handles that should carry the speaker’s weight comfortably. However, it’s worth disclaiming that while we found the Plus’ nylon rope to be “more than capable of supporting” its weight, we are yet to confirm the Flex’s ability ourselves.
Bose SoundLink Plus offers up to 20 hours battery
Following on from the above, the trade-off for a lighter and more compact speaker is usually its battery life, which is certainly the case with the Flex 2nd Gen. While Bose promises users can expect up to a decent 12 hours, which is the same as the Bose SoundLink Flex, the exact amount will vary depending on factors such as the volume, EQ settings and more.
On the other hand, the SoundLink Plus boasts up to 20 hours of battery life instead. However, we found in our review that if you are someone who likes your music loud, then the Plus will manage to eke out just four hours instead.
Bose SoundLink Flex 2 has PositionIQ technology
The SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen benefits from Bose’s PositionIQ technology, which is a tool that adjusts the speaker’s EQ based on whether it’s laying horizontally, on its back or standing up vertically. Bose promises this technology helps to provide the “best audio performance in the current speaker orientation.”
This is a feature that is unfortunately missing from the Plus.
Both have EQ Adjustment
Following on from the above, although the Flex does benefit from PositionIQ technology, it’s worth noting that both the speakers in question have adjustable EQs, which is a feature that was missing from the original SoundLink Flex.
Found via the compatible Bose app on iOS and Android, users can adjust the likes of the bass and treble according to their own preferences.
While this may feel like a fairly standard inclusion, this is an improvement for the SoundLink Flex 2nd as its predecessor lacked an adjustable EQ.
Both have an IP67 rating
As both the SoundLink Plus and Flex 2nd are designed to be used on the go, it’s important they are fitted with a good level of protection and durability. Fortunately, both boast an IP67 rating, which means they are dust-tight and are protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water.
Although neither the Flex 2nd Gen or Plus are designed to be used while in water, the two SoundLink speakers can float, which saves you from needing to fish the speaker out in the instance of an accidental drop.
Early Verdict
As we’re yet to review the SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen, we’ll hold off on giving a definitive verdict for now. Otherwise, if you’re looking for a lightweight, yet cheaper Bluetooth speaker that you can comfortably carry around on the go, then the SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen is a promising option.
On the other hand, with a longer battery life and hailed by us as offering “entertaining portable sound”, the SoundLink Plus remains a very good option.
