Introduction to the Bose SoundLink Color II
The Bose SoundLink Color II is a compact and portable Bluetooth speaker that aims to deliver high-quality sound in a small package. Known for its durability and ease of use, this speaker is designed to be your go-to companion for on-the-go audio experiences. Whether you are heading to the park, planning a beach day, or just need a reliable speaker for your home, the Bose SoundLink Color II promises to pack bold sound despite its small size. This review will explore the various features, performance, and overall value of this device to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your audio needs.
Design and Build Quality
Compact and Durable Construction
One of the standout features of the Bose SoundLink Color II is its design. The speaker has a square-shaped design that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Its small size makes it incredibly portable, fitting easily into backpacks and even large pockets. The exterior is made from a soft-touch silicone material, which not only adds to its ruggedness but also makes it comfortable to hold and less prone to slipping from your hands.
Water Resistance
The SoundLink Color II comes with an IPX4 rating for water resistance. This means it can withstand splashes of water, making it a suitable companion for poolside gatherings, beach trips, and other outdoor activities where it might be exposed to light moisture. While it’s not completely waterproof and shouldn’t be submerged, this feature provides peace of mind in a variety of settings.
Available Colors
The Bose SoundLink Color II is available in multiple color options, including Aquatic Blue, Coral Red, Soft Black, and Polar White. This variety allows users to choose a speaker that best matches their personal style.
Sound Quality
Well-Balanced Mid-Range
A critical aspect of any speaker is its sound quality, and the Bose SoundLink Color II performs admirably in this area, particularly in its mid-range. Vocals and lead instruments are reproduced clearly, making it an excellent choice for listening to music genres that emphasize these elements. Podcasts and audiobooks also benefit from this clarity, ensuring that dialogue is easily understandable.
Underemphasized Treble
However, the speaker’s treble range is somewhat underemphasized. High frequencies, such as cymbals and high-pitched vocals, may sound less crisp and veiled. This can be a drawback for listeners who enjoy genres with a lot of high-frequency content, such as classical or certain electronic music.
Lack of Low-Bass
The Bose SoundLink Color II also struggles with producing low-bass. This means that bass-heavy tracks might lack the punch and depth that some listeners crave. If you are a fan of genres like hip-hop, EDM, or anything that relies heavily on deep bass, you might find the SoundLink Color II lacking in this area.
Stereo Sound Without Downmixing
On the positive side, the Bose SoundLink Color II can play stereo content without downmixing it into mono. This capability allows for a more immersive listening experience, giving a sense of space and directionality to the audio.
Portability and Battery Life
Lightweight and Easy to Carry
Weighing just 1.2 pounds, the SoundLink Color II is incredibly lightweight. Its compact dimensions (5.25 x 5.0 x 2.25 inches) further enhance its portability, making it easy to carry around. Whether you’re traveling, heading to a friend’s house, or moving from room to room, this speaker is designed to go with you effortlessly.
Battery Life
The Bose SoundLink Color II is equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that offers up to 8 hours of playtime on a single charge. This battery life is sufficient for a day’s worth of listening, whether it’s during a long work session, a day at the beach, or an evening gathering. The speaker is rechargeable via USB power sources, adding to its convenience.
Connectivity and Features
Bluetooth Pairing and Voice Prompts
The SoundLink Color II offers wireless Bluetooth pairing, which is enhanced by voice prompts. These prompts guide you through the pairing process, making it user-friendly even for those who might not be tech-savvy. The speaker also supports NFC devices for quick pairing.
Speakerphone Functionality
Another useful feature of the Bose SoundLink Color II is its built-in microphone, which allows it to function as a speakerphone. This means you can take clear conference or personal calls directly through the speaker without needing to disconnect your phone. The microphone also enables interaction with your phone’s virtual assistant, providing hands-free control over various tasks.
Bose SimpleSync Technology
For those who want to expand their audio setup, the Bose SoundLink Color II can be paired with other Bose speakers using Bose SimpleSync technology. This feature allows you to play the same audio in sync across multiple speakers, enhancing your listening experience whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying music in different rooms of your home.
Performance in Various Use Cases
Music Listening
The Bose SoundLink Color II is passable for music listening. Its well-balanced mid-range ensures that vocals and lead instruments are clear, but the lack of low-bass and underemphasized treble might disappoint some audiophiles. The ability to play stereo content without downmixing is a significant plus, providing a more immersive experience for those who prioritize stereo sound.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
This speaker excels when it comes to podcasts and audiobooks. The clear and accurate reproduction of dialogue makes it easy to follow conversations and narratives. Its portability and long battery life mean you can enjoy your favorite podcasts on-the-go without worrying about the speaker dying mid-episode.
Outdoor and Travel Use
Given its durable construction and water-resistant design, the Bose SoundLink Color II is well-suited for outdoor use. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just spending time in the backyard, this speaker can handle the elements. Its lightweight build makes it a convenient travel companion, ensuring you have high-quality sound wherever you go.
Office and Home Use
In an office or home setting, the SoundLink Color II provides reliable performance. The speakerphone feature is particularly useful for taking calls without needing to switch devices, and the ability to connect to virtual assistants adds an extra layer of convenience. The compact design means it won’t take up much space on your desk or in your living room.
Comparison with Other Speakers
Bose SoundLink Mini II
Compared to the Bose SoundLink Mini II, the SoundLink Color II is more portable and slightly more rugged, thanks to its silicone exterior and water-resistant design. However, the SoundLink Mini II offers better sound quality, especially in terms of bass performance. If portability and durability are your primary concerns, the Color II is a better choice. For superior sound quality, the Mini II might be the better option.
JBL Flip 5
The JBL Flip 5 is another popular portable Bluetooth speaker. It offers a more robust bass response than the SoundLink Color II and has a higher water resistance rating (IPX7), making it fully waterproof. However, the Bose speaker has better mid-range clarity and a more user-friendly pairing process with voice prompts. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize bass performance and water resistance or mid-range clarity and ease of use.
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2
The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 is known for its 360-degree sound and impressive durability. It also has an IP67 rating, making it dustproof and waterproof. In comparison, the Bose SoundLink Color II offers clearer dialogue reproduction and a more straightforward user interface with voice prompts. The Wonderboom 2 is ideal for those who need a rugged speaker for extreme conditions, while the SoundLink Color II is better suited for users who value sound clarity and ease of use.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Well-Balanced Mid-Range: Vocals and lead instruments sound clear and accurate.
- Small and Portable: Compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around.
- Durable and Water-Resistant: Rugged silicone exterior and IPX4 rating for water resistance.
- Built-in Speakerphone: Allows for clear calls and voice assistant interaction.
- Easy Bluetooth Pairing: Voice prompts simplify the pairing process.
- Stereo Sound: Can play stereo content without downmixing to mono.
- Bose SimpleSync Technology: Enables pairing with other Bose speakers for a synchronized audio experience.
Cons
- Underemphasized Treble: High frequencies can sound dull or veiled.
- Lack of Low-Bass: Struggles to produce deep bass, affecting bass-heavy genres.
- No Built-in EQ: Limited ability to tweak sound to personal preferences.
- Not Fully Waterproof: IPX4 rating means it can handle splashes but not full submersion.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The Bose SoundLink Color II is a versatile and portable Bluetooth speaker that excels in mid-range clarity and ease of use. Its compact design, durability, and water resistance make it a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor activities. While it may not satisfy bass enthusiasts or those who prefer crisp treble, it offers a balanced sound profile that works well for a variety of audio content, including music, podcasts, and audiobooks.
For users looking for a durable, easy-to-use speaker with good mid-range sound quality and portability, the Bose SoundLink Color II is a solid choice. However, if deep bass and high treble performance are critical to your listening experience, you might want to explore other options like the Bose SoundLink Mini II or JBL Flip 5. Overall, the Bose SoundLink Color II provides a good balance of features, performance, and portability, making it a worthwhile investment for many audio enthusiasts.
In summary, this Bose SoundLink Color II Speaker Review highlights its strengths in portability, mid-range sound quality, and user-friendly features, while also acknowledging areas where it could improve.
If these attributes align with your needs, the Bose SoundLink Color II could be the perfect addition to your audio setup.