Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)
Best Portable Outdoor SpeakerSonos Era 100
Best Smart SpeakerPrice
$149-$179
$197-$219
Summary
Bose's SoundLink Flex is the outdoor Bluetooth speaker that sounds shockingly good for its size. IP67 waterproofing and Bose's signature audio processing make it the top pick for beach, pool, and travel use.
The Era 100 is the smart speaker that audiophiles and casual listeners agree on. Stereo sound, Alexa built-in, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth in a compact package make it the most versatile home speaker at its price.
Pros
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof — floats face-up if dropped in water
- Bose audio processing delivers outsized sound for the size
- Durable rubberized design built for outdoor abuse
- 12-hour battery life
- Consistently recommended across Reddit and expert review sites
- True stereo sound playback — a major upgrade over the Sonos One
- Works with Alexa, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth simultaneously
- Compact design fits any room without dominating it
- Wide streaming service support including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal
- Expandable into a full Sonos multi-room system
Cons
- No aux input
- Pricier than competitors like JBL Flip 7 for similar portability
- No stereo pairing with older Bose models
- No Google Assistant or Google Cast support
- $219 is pricier than Amazon Echo alternatives
- Sonos app has had reliability issues in recent years
Our take
The SoundLink Flex is what you buy when you want Bose sound quality in a rugged, go-anywhere package. Reddit and expert reviewers alike keep recommending it — the audio processing alone justifies the price over cheaper alternatives.
The Era 100 is CNET's top overall speaker pick and the one Sonos model that earns universal praise — it sounds better than any Amazon Echo and integrates with more services than any Apple HomePod.
Buy
