Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen
Score: 86/100
Sony ULT Power Sound
Score: 87/100Rankings
The Sony ULT Power Sound series offers rugged, IP67-rated speakers with long battery life, strong bass and customizable lighting. It excels for outdoor parties and camping, though audiophiles may miss high-resolution codecs and a wired aux input.
The 2nd-gen Bose SoundLink Flex adds Bluetooth 5.3, aptX support and a programmable shortcut button while retaining the rugged IP67 build and 12-hour battery of the original. Sound is bass-forward and the PositionIQ sensor fine-tunes EQ, but the lack of an aux port, modest EQ depth and the need for the Bose app keep it from being a complete all-rounder.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
12 hours | 30 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 4 hoursbest | — |
9 metersbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 589 gbest | 670 g |
60 mm | 114 mmbest | |
1 yearsbest | — | |
1 metersbest | 1 metersbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio Performance(1) | ||
Driver Size (mm) | 60 mm | 114 mm |
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 12 hours | 30 hours |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 589 g | 670 g |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers rate the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) between 7.4 and 8.0 out of 10, praising its IP67 durability, strong bass and modern Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX, while noting limited EQ options, lack of substantial hardware changes and a slightly mushy button feel.
Everyday users love the powerful sound, waterproof floating capability and the convenient shortcut button, but repeatedly request an AUX input, richer EQ controls and the ability to charge phones.
Professional reviewers praise the series for its powerful bass, durable IP67 build and innovative app-driven EQ and lighting, while noting the absence of high-resolution codecs and wired inputs.
Everyday users love the durability, impressive bass and long battery life, but many wish for an aux input and complain that the lighting drains the battery.
“Sounds incredible for its size - deep bass and clear mids.”
“Survived pool drops, beach sand, and rain - still works perfectly.”
“Wish there was an AUX port for older devices.”
