Bose SoundLink Mini II Wireless Speakers Performance and Features

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Wireless Bose Speaker Soundlink Color II
Credit: pexels.com, Wireless Bose Speaker Soundlink Color II

The Bose SoundLink Mini II Wireless Speakers are a great choice for anyone looking for a compact and portable speaker. They're small enough to fit in a backpack or purse.

With up to 8 hours of battery life, you can enjoy music on the go without worrying about running out of power. This is a significant improvement over the original SoundLink Mini, which had a battery life of around 5 hours.

The SoundLink Mini II also has a water-resistant design, making it perfect for outdoor use. It can withstand being submerged in water up to 3.3 feet for up to 30 minutes.

Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to take with you wherever you go.

Design and Features

The Bose SoundLink Mini II is a well-designed speaker that exudes quality. It's built like a tank, with a hefty 1.5 lb weight and aluminum casing that's quite heavy considering its small dimensions.

Stylish luxury car interior featuring leather seats, red accents, and modern design elements.
Credit: pexels.com, Stylish luxury car interior featuring leather seats, red accents, and modern design elements.

The speaker's controls are located on top, making it easy to access power, volume, pairing, and a multi-function button that can change tracks or activate voice assistants like Siri. A mic is also built-in, allowing you to take calls.

The left side of the speaker features a microUSB charging port and a 3.5mm headphone jack for using legacy devices. The dock provided is a nice touch, allowing you to set the speaker down to charge in one motion.

Here are the key features of the Bose SoundLink Mini II:

  • Big sound with deep bass for a full-range listening experience.
  • Wireless and ultra-compact for portability.
  • Built-in speakerphone for hands-free calls.
  • Voice prompts guide through Bluetooth pairing.
  • Lithium-ion battery provides up to 10 hours of playtime.

Design

The Bose SoundLink Mini II is a premium speaker that exudes quality from the moment you pick it up. Its hefty 1.5 lb weight gives it a solid feel, despite its compact 2 x 7.1 x 2.3 inch dimensions.

The speaker's controls are conveniently located on top, making it easy to power on, adjust the volume, pair with other devices, and even activate voice assistants like Siri. A multi-function button lets you switch between music tracks or use voice commands.

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A flat lay of a red iPhone surrounded by AirPods and Bose headphones on a wooden surface.
Credit: pexels.com, A flat lay of a red iPhone surrounded by AirPods and Bose headphones on a wooden surface.

A microphone is built into the speaker, allowing you to take calls hands-free. On the left side, you'll find a microUSB charging port and a 3.5mm headphone jack for connecting legacy devices.

The speaker's aluminum case and weight give it a premium look and feel. It's small enough to fit in a bag, but you might want to think twice about taking it to the beach, as it's not water-resistant.

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Key Features

The design and features of this product really caught my attention. The key features of this product are quite impressive.

The speaker produces a big sound with deep bass, giving you a full-range listening experience. This is perfect for music lovers who want to immerse themselves in their favorite tunes.

One of the standout features is its wireless and ultra-compact design, making it super portable and easy to take on the go. I can imagine taking this to the beach or a park and enjoying some music without being tied down.

Close-up of a luxurious car interior featuring brown leather and a Bose speaker panel.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a luxurious car interior featuring brown leather and a Bose speaker panel.

For hands-free calls, the speaker has a built-in speakerphone. This is a convenient feature that allows you to take calls without having to hold the speaker.

Voice prompts guide you through the Bluetooth pairing process, making it easy to connect your device. I've had my fair share of frustrating pairing experiences, so this is a welcome feature.

The lithium-ion battery provides up to 10 hours of playtime, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your music or podcasts. This is a great feature for long trips or outdoor activities.

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Performance and Controls

The Bose SoundLink Mini II wireless speaker is a powerhouse when it comes to sound quality. It punches way above its weight, delivering a balanced sound with deep bass that's hard to believe from such a compact speaker.

The speaker's bass is its standout feature, with a quality and impact that's unmatched by its competitors. It can produce a sense of space around instruments, making violins and cymbals sound spacious and detailed.

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Close-up of a portable wireless speaker MS-1615BT with control buttons and handle in a green outdoor setting.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a portable wireless speaker MS-1615BT with control buttons and handle in a green outdoor setting.

The SoundLink Mini II also shines in its ability to retrieve details like a musician's breath and the clinking of glasses from the audience in live jazz tracks. This level of nuance is a rare find in wireless speakers of its size.

Here are the basic controls you'll need to know:

  • Power Button: Press to turn the speaker on or off.
  • Volume Buttons: Use the '+' and '-' buttons to adjust the volume.
  • Multi-function Button (•••): This button controls playback and calls.

The Multi-function button is also used to answer, end, and decline calls, as well as switch to handset during a call.

Performance

The Bose SoundLink Mini II is a powerhouse when it comes to sound quality. It punches way above its weight, delivering a balanced sound that's hard to beat.

The speaker's bass is particularly impressive, with a lovely balance that doesn't overpower the high frequencies. This makes it perfect for bass-heavy songs that can often overwhelm smaller speakers.

In comparison to other compact wireless speakers, the SoundLink Mini II just sounds better. It's able to produce a sense of space around instruments that's often lacking in smaller speakers.

Close-up of portable Bluetooth speaker MS-1615BT in a vibrant outdoor setting.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of portable Bluetooth speaker MS-1615BT in a vibrant outdoor setting.

Highs are energetic and help make violins and cymbals sound spacious, while mids are lush and warm, making vocal-heavy tracks shine. This is particularly evident in songs with detailed instrumentation, like live jazz tracks.

One of the most surprising aspects of the SoundLink Mini II's performance is its ability to sound great at any volume. It produces the same bass impact and depth at low listening volumes, which is a rare feat for a wireless speaker of its size.

The speaker also has seemingly unlimited levels of volume adjustment, allowing you to dial in exactly how loud you want your music. This is a huge plus for anyone who likes to listen at different volumes throughout the day.

4.1 Basic Controls

To navigate the speaker's basic controls, you'll want to get familiar with the Power Button, Volume Buttons, and Multi-function Button. The Power Button is used to turn the speaker on or off.

A close-up of a hand holding a portable wireless speaker with a power button, set against a blurred natural background.
Credit: pexels.com, A close-up of a hand holding a portable wireless speaker with a power button, set against a blurred natural background.

The Volume Buttons are straightforward, allowing you to adjust the volume with the '+' and '-' buttons. This comes in handy when you're blasting your favorite tunes or making hands-free calls.

The Multi-function Button is a triple threat, controlling playback, calls, and even switching between the speaker and your phone. To end a call, simply press the Multi-function button once.

You can also use the Multi-function Button to decline a call by pressing and holding it. This feature is especially useful if you're in a meeting or don't want to take an incoming call.

Here's a quick rundown of the Multi-function Button's call controls:

Setup and Maintenance

To set up your Bose SoundLink Mini II wireless speaker, start by charging it for at least 10 hours to get up to 10 hours of playtime. You can place it on the included charging cradle or connect the USB cable directly to the speaker and a wall charger.

Portable wooden speaker with eco-friendly design held outdoors in a hand, offering a natural aesthetic.
Credit: pexels.com, Portable wooden speaker with eco-friendly design held outdoors in a hand, offering a natural aesthetic.

To power on the speaker, press the Power button located on the top panel. A voice prompt will indicate the battery level, giving you an idea of how much juice is left.

Next, press the Bluetooth button on the top panel to initiate pairing. The Bluetooth indicator light will blink blue, and a voice prompt will guide you to connect to your device. Simply enable Bluetooth on your device and select "Bose Mini II" from the list of available devices.

To keep your speaker in top shape, follow these care guidelines:

  • Clean the speaker's surface with a soft, dry cloth to avoid any damage.
  • Store the speaker in a cool, dry place when not in use to prevent damage from moisture.
  • Avoid exposing the speaker to water or excessive moisture, as it's not waterproof.

Setup

To set up your SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker II, start by charging the speaker. Place it on the included charging cradle or connect the USB cable directly to the speaker and a wall charger. The battery indicator light will show charging status.

A full charge provides up to 10 hours of playtime. This is a great feature, especially if you plan to use the speaker for extended periods.

Close-up of a Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Wireless Speaker
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Wireless Speaker

Next, power on the speaker by pressing the Power button located on the top panel. A voice prompt will indicate the battery level, giving you an idea of how much juice is left.

To pair the speaker with your device, press the Bluetooth button on the top panel. The Bluetooth indicator light will blink blue, and a voice prompt will guide you to connect to your device.

On your device, enable Bluetooth and select "Bose Mini II" from the list of available devices. Once connected, the voice prompt will confirm the connection, and the Bluetooth indicator will glow solid white.

Here are the steps to set up your SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker II in a nutshell:

  1. Charge the speaker.
  2. Power on the speaker.
  3. Pair the speaker with your device via Bluetooth.

Maintenance and Care

To ensure your speaker lasts a long time, clean it regularly with a soft, dry cloth. This will help prevent dust and dirt from building up and damaging the speaker.

For storage, keep your speaker in a cool, dry place when it's not in use. This will help prevent damage from moisture and extreme temperatures.

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MINI
Credit: pexels.com, MINI

The speaker is designed for everyday use, but it's not waterproof. So, be careful not to expose it to water or excessive moisture, as this can cause damage.

To keep your speaker looking its best, avoid using liquids or abrasive cleaners to clean it. These can scratch the surface or damage the electronics inside.

Here are some tips for maintaining your speaker:

  • Clean the speaker's surface with a soft, dry cloth.
  • Store the speaker in a cool, dry place when not in use.
  • Avoid exposure to water or excessive moisture.

7 Troubleshooting

If you're having issues with your Bose SoundLink Mini II wireless speaker, don't worry, it's relatively easy to troubleshoot.

First, ensure the speaker is charged. Connect it to the charging cradle or a USB charger to get it up and running.

If you're having trouble pairing via Bluetooth, check that Bluetooth is enabled on your device. You'll also need to press the Bluetooth button on the speaker to enter pairing mode, and move it closer to your device – within 30 feet is a good rule of thumb.

Bluetooth Speakers Wireless Keyboard and a Smartwatch
Credit: pexels.com, Bluetooth Speakers Wireless Keyboard and a Smartwatch

Clear your device's Bluetooth list and try pairing again if you're still having issues.

Check the volume levels on both the speaker and your connected device if you're not getting any sound. Make sure the correct input source (Bluetooth or AUX) is selected as well.

If the sound is distorted or buzzing, try reducing the volume. You might also want to move the speaker away from potential interference sources, like Wi-Fi routers or other electronic devices.

Review and Verdict

The Soundlink Mini II is a very good speaker that still holds certain advantages despite being missing some features. It has an exceedingly premium build and top-notch audio performance for a portable speaker.

The design of the Soundlink Mini II is class-leading, with a very premium all-aluminium build that looks and feels great. However, it might be a bit too heavy for a portable speaker.

The Soundlink Mini II has a strong audio performance, with a lot of slam and decent punch without the bloat of most speakers. It's great for low-level listening and doesn't diffuse too much with distance.

In terms of value, the Soundlink Mini II doesn't perform well enough to justify the $100 premium over the Envaya Mini, which costs around $150.

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Verdict

Close-up of a hand reaching for a wireless speaker on a desk beside a laptop.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a hand reaching for a wireless speaker on a desk beside a laptop.

The Soundlink Mini II is a very good speaker, but it's missing some features that would make it more versatile.

It's still worth considering, especially if you value its premium build and top-notch audio performance.

The electronics are smart, and the battery life is very good, making it a reliable choice.

However, the Soundlink Mini II is much more expensive than the Envaya Mini, priced around $250 compared to $150.

Despite this, the Soundlink Mini II is easier to find at retailers and is often on sale.

If you're looking for a stylish and rich portable speaker, the Soundlink Mini II is a great choice, but it's not the best value for the price.

It's almost as good as the Envaya Mini soundwise, but pursues a more consumer-oriented sound.

The design is class-leading, with a premium look and feel that's hard to beat.

The controls are well thought out, and the speaker comes with a great selection of accessories, including a wall charger, cable, and dock.

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Bluetooth Speaker Review

Black JBL portable wireless speaker with carabiner on textured blue background. Ideal for travel and outdoor use.
Credit: pexels.com, Black JBL portable wireless speaker with carabiner on textured blue background. Ideal for travel and outdoor use.

The Soundlink Mini II is a very good speaker, but it's missing some features like water-resistance and low latency apt-x.

It's worth noting that the electronics are smart and the battery life is very good, making it a reliable choice for portable speaker needs.

The speaker's build quality is exceedingly premium, with an all-aluminum design that looks and feels great.

However, it's a bit too heavy for a portable speaker, but it's very stable during high volume playback.

The bass performance is impressive, with a lot of slam and decent punch without the bloat of most speakers.

Female vocals are the biggest issue with the midrange, but otherwise, they are fine, with nice clarity and detailing.

The treble response is very good, with great body and detail, making it pretty extended for a Bluetooth speaker.

At around $250, the Soundlink Mini II is a premium product that's worth considering, but it doesn't perform well enough to justify the $100 premium over the Envaya Mini.

Overall, the Soundlink Mini II is a very impressive product, with great design, controls, and accessories, making it a great choice for those looking for a reliable, stylish, and rich portable speaker.

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Pros and Cons

Compact Bluetooth speaker with camouflage pattern against a bright yellow background, ideal for outdoor use.
Credit: pexels.com, Compact Bluetooth speaker with camouflage pattern against a bright yellow background, ideal for outdoor use.

The Bose SoundLink Mini II wireless speakers have a few notable pros and cons. The sound quality is stellar, making it one of the best sounding wireless speakers on the market. Its compact form factor is also a plus, making it easy to take on the go.

Here are some of the key pros and cons:

  • Stellar sound
  • Built like a tank
  • Compact form factor

However, the SoundLink Mini II lacks some modern features, including NFC for easy pairing and multipoint Bluetooth for pairing to multiple devices simultaneously. It's also not water resistant, which might be a concern for users who plan to take it to the beach or pool.

Pros

The product has some amazing features that make it a great choice. One of the standout pros is its stellar sound quality.

The build quality is also top-notch, making it feel like a tank. You can be confident that it will withstand regular use.

One of the things that sets this product apart is its compact form factor. This makes it easy to take with you on the go.

Cons

A stylish setup featuring a Marshall wireless speaker and minimalist decor on a white shelf.
Credit: pexels.com, A stylish setup featuring a Marshall wireless speaker and minimalist decor on a white shelf.

The SoundLink Mini II has its downsides, but let's get them out of the way first. Here are some of its notable cons:

It lacks NFC for easy pairing, which can be a bit of a hassle.

The speaker also doesn't have multipoint Bluetooth, which means you can't pair it with multiple devices at the same time.

This is a major drawback, especially if you like to switch between devices frequently.

Its battery life is also a bit of a letdown, clocking in at an average of 10 hours.

This is significantly less than some of its competitors, like the JBL Charge 3, which can last up to 20 hours.

Here are the specific cons in a quick rundown:

  • No NFC for easy pairing
  • No multipoint Bluetooth
  • Not water resistant
  • Average battery life (10 hours)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bose SoundLink Mini II discontinued?

Yes, the Bose SoundLink Mini II is discontinued. Consider alternatives like the Bose SoundLink Color 2 or SoundLink Micro for similar portable speaker options.

Is the Bose SoundLink Mini 2 good?

The Bose SoundLink Mini 2 is a decent choice for music listening, offering a balanced sound profile with a punchy high-bass response. However, its lack of low-bass may not satisfy those seeking a more comprehensive audio experience.

Francis McKenzie

Writer

Francis McKenzie is a skilled writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a focus on technology and software development, Francis has established herself as a knowledgeable and authoritative voice in the field of Next.js development.

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