Go for the gen 1. It's solid. Gen 2 has minor changes only. Answer from nirmalv on reddit.com
RTINGS
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Bose SoundLink Flex vs SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen): Which Speaker Is Better? - RTINGS.com
October 31, 2024 - The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is a better speaker than the first-generation Bose SoundLink Flex. The 2nd Gen comes with an app that lets you EQ the sound to your preferences, support for AAC and aptX codecs (with compatible devices), and ...
Reddit
reddit.com › r/bose › should one buy the bose soundlink flex gen 1 now over gen 2?
r/bose on Reddit: Should one buy the Bose Soundlink FLex Gen 1 now over Gen 2?
October 9, 2024 -
Gen 1 is available for $119 right now in India, which is the lowest it has been.
Gen 2 is available for $200.
Should I go with the Gen 1? I don't need EQ support. The only thing I am worried about is the Bluetooth version 4.2 used in Gen 1.
Thanks.
Top answer 1 of 11
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Go for the gen 1. It's solid. Gen 2 has minor changes only.
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I have both Gen 2 and Gen 1. 2 speakers of each for the stereo effect. One thing is for certain. When pairing 2 speakers and watching movies on the iPad/Macbook, the Gen 2 lip syncing is vastly improved! The lip syncing is finally not a distraction, which was unbearable (Gen 1). As single units, the both Gens were fine with the lip syncing, but not in stereo for the Gen 1. Maybe it's the BT 5.3 vs 4.0 difference that does it. The distance and battery efficiency are supposed to be vastly improved with BT 5.3. The sound is basically the same between both Gens, give it take. I'm satisfied with the sound. The 3 band EQ on the app does make a difference, but it's not a night & day difference maker. The Bose folks made their EQ to sound good at any end of the spectrum. So it's not a "true" EQ, but more of a flavoring. The Gen 1 was veiled standing up so I put it on it's back where the auto EQ make the speaker much brighter sounding and open. Now with the EQ, I can brighten the Gen 2 up enough so it sounds better standing up. Aside of that, the battery is nearly the same. It's nice to have the sync button which can be used to sync 2 units (when they're paired, it tells you which is the left out right speaker). The sync button can also be programmed in the app to open Spotify or used as an action button with your cell phone's answer bot. For me, the extra money is worth it for the video lip syncing improvement alone, and secondly the EQ, as I'm a fiddler/tweaker, but honestly, the Gen 1 on its back changed the EQ to brighter to be satisfactory for me. The big sound is still there and when you have two paired, that's when they rock. It starts sounding more like a plugged in Sonos 1 (which I also own) than a middling, barely acceptable, BT speaker toy.
Released: Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)
The only difference I see is Bluetooth 5.3. More on reddit.com
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September 26, 2024Should one buy the Bose Soundlink FLex Gen 1 now over Gen 2?
Go for the gen 1. It's solid. Gen 2 has minor changes only. More on reddit.com
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October 9, 2024How do you control the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)?
The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) operates via the physical buttons located on top of the speaker’s enclosure. Below is a breakdown of how they operate in stock form.
soundguys.com
soundguys.com › home › speakers › bose soundlink flex (2nd gen) review
Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) review - SoundGuys
Does the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) have AUX input?
No, the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) does not have a wired AUX input. Bluetooth is your only connection option.
soundguys.com
soundguys.com › home › speakers › bose soundlink flex (2nd gen) review
Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) review - SoundGuys
Is the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) waterproof?
Yes, with an IP67 protection rating, the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) can survive being submerged in water up to a meter for 30 minutes. It can also float, although Bose does not recommend playing music from the device while floating.
soundguys.com
soundguys.com › home › speakers › bose soundlink flex (2nd gen) review
Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) review - SoundGuys
Videos
06:44
Bose Soundlink FLEX 2nd Gen FULL Review - YouTube
00:53
Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen VS Gen 1! - YouTube
02:28
Bose SoundLink Flex 1 vs Generation 2 Portable Speaker | Compare ...
02:28
Watch Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 VS Gen 1 - What's The Difference?? ...
39:05
Bose Flex 1 vs 2 - YouTube
11:07
Bose Soundlink Family Explained - Flex 2 Vs Plus Vs Max - YouTube
SoundGuys
soundguys.com › home › speakers › bose soundlink flex (2nd gen) review
Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) review - SoundGuys
Bose Soundlink Flex (2nd Gen)
This new generation is still wrapped ... and water-resistant; Bose also states it’s still drop-proof and rust-proof. Safe to say, the new SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is still ready for your next outdoor adventure or poolside hangout. ... SoundLink Flex 1st Gen is above, and 2nd Gen ... Same Flex, newer tech.
Android Police
androidpolice.com › home › audio › audio reviews › review: bose's 2nd-gen soundlink flex is strong but samey
Review: Bose's 2nd-gen SoundLink Flex is strong but samey
Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)
The 2024 update to the Bose SoundLink Flex doesn't change a whole lot, but why fix what isn't broken? The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is a 2024 update to Bose's portable Bluetooth speaker, with a new Shortcut button and Snapdragon Sound support.
Bose
bose.com › home › speakers › bose soundlink flex portable speaker (2nd gen)
SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen) | Bose
November 28, 2025 - Enjoy music on-the-go with the all-new SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen), featuring new colorways and Bluetooth connection through the Bose App.
VERSUS
versus.com › home › portable speaker comparison › bose soundlink flex vs bose soundlink flex (2nd gen)
Bose SoundLink Flex vs Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen): What is the difference?
November 1, 2018 - Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen) - Portable Outdoor Speaker with Hi-Fi Audio, Waterproof a...Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen) - Portable Outdoor Speaker with Hi-Fi Audio, Waterproof and Dustproof, USB-C, Up to 12 Hours Battery Life, Blue Dusk
YouTube
youtube.com › watch
Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen VS Gen 1! - YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
Published October 4, 2024
Amazon
amazon.com › live › video › 0cf71fb112494087b22b5fffff9bde2c
Watch Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 VS Gen 1 - What's The Difference?? on Amazon Live
Discover the subtle upgrades in Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2. CEONTHEMAKING reveals enhanced sound separation, new shortcut button, and EQ control in this compact powerhouse.
Published October 4, 2024
Reddit
reddit.com › r/bose › released: bose soundlink flex (2nd gen)
r/bose on Reddit: Released: Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)
September 26, 2024 -
Bose Site:
https://www.bose.com/p/speakers/bose-soundlink-flex-portable-speaker-2nd-gen/SLFLXII-SPEAKERWIRELESS.html?dwvar_SLFLXII-SPEAKERWIRELESS_color=BLACK&quantity=1
Top answer 1 of 5
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The only difference I see is Bluetooth 5.3.
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Any one know if the gen 2 still has a speaker phone function? I didn't see one listed on the Bose site. Overall it's a very minor change to the point where Bose didn't even put out a press release. I wonder how much longer this form factor has till Bose decides to fully redesign it. Am also holding out for a model bigger than Flex but smaller than Max if thats possible.
Tom's Guide
tomsguide.com › audio › speakers › bluetooth speakers
Bose launches SoundLink Flex 2nd gen — and it fixes one of our biggest complaints | Tom's Guide
October 1, 2024 - Bose just launched an update to the SoundLink Flex with a new a sequel that brings a number of new features.
B&H eXplora
bhphotovideo.com › explora › consumer-tech › news › bose-announces-2nd-generation-soundlink-flex-wireless-speaker
Bose Announces 2nd-Generation SoundLink Flex Wireless Speaker | B&H eXplora
September 26, 2024 - Bose announced the next generation of its popular SoundLink Flex portable speaker. Featuring a ruggedized design and packed with listener-friendly features, including a party mode and 12-hour all-day battery power, the SoundLink Flex is the ultimate go-anywhere, survive-anything audio device. Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker 2nd Gen
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Hi Barry - here are some key differences. The 2nd Gen has an Equalizer in the app, whereas the 1st Gen does not. The 2nd Gen also has a Shortcut button, which can be customized via the app for accessing e.g. Speaker Link, your voice assistant or Spotify Tap. The 1st Gen doesn't have a Shortcut button.
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I have a 1st Gen Flex and it does allow me to answer phone via the speaker when connected.
I noticed with the 2nd Gen on the Bose website, it doesn’t tout the waterproofing like it did when I bought the 1st Gen. (Unless I missed it.) However, I’ve seen reviews say it’s the same material.
VERSUS
versus.com › home › portable speaker comparison › bose portable home speaker vs bose soundlink flex (2nd gen)
Bose Portable Home Speaker vs Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen): What is the difference?
November 1, 2018 - Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen), Portable Outdoor Speaker with Hi-Fi Audio, Up t...Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen), Portable Outdoor Speaker with Hi-Fi Audio, Up to 12 Hours Battery Life, Waterproof and Dustproof, Black
SoundGuys
soundguys.com › home › speakers › jbl flip 7 vs bose soundlink flex (2nd gen): should you flip? or flex?
JBL Flip 7 vs Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen): Should you Flip? Or Flex? - SoundGuys
May 5, 2025 - While the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) can connect to other Bose Smart Soundbars, since it relies on a different app than the original SoundLink Flex (it uses the “Bose” app rather than the “Bose Connect” app), it doesn’t offer any backward compatibility, meaning you can’t pair it with a 1st Gen for stereo performance either.
YouTube
youtube.com › watch
Comparativa Bose SoundLink Flex 2 vs Flex 1: ¿Cuál comprar en 2025? - YouTube
Hoy comparamos el Bose SoundLink Flex de primera generación con su sucesor, el Flex 2, lanzado como el referente en altavoces Bluetooth de 2025. Hablaremos d...
Published January 27, 2025
YouTube
youtube.com › watch
Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 vs Beats Pill 2024 – Best Bluetooth Speaker for the Money? - YouTube
Are you trying to decide between the Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 and the Beats Pill (2024)? In this in-depth comparison, we break down sound quality, battery l...
Published December 31, 2024
YouTube
youtube.com › watch
Bose SoundLink Flex: Incredible Sound, but at a cost… - YouTube
🤩 Is the Bose SoundLink Flex the best-sounding portable Bluetooth speaker—or does its design hold it back?👀 Buy Bose SoundLink Flex (Affiliate Link): https...
Published December 2, 2024
How-To Geek
howtogeek.com › home › audio/video › bose soundlink flex (2nd gen) review: rich sound from a compact speaker
Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) Review: Rich Sound From a Compact Speaker
Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)
The new SoundLink Flex speaker remains as portable as ever. Enjoy immersive sound anywhere with the Bose SoundLink Flex. This portable Bluetooth speaker offers rich, clear audio, a rugged, waterproof design, and up to 12 hours of battery life for all-day listening.
Bose
boseapac.com › en_in › support › articles › HC2847 › productCodes › SLFLXII-SPEAKERWIRELESS › article.html
Linking Multiple Speakers - Bose SoundLink Flex Portable ...
The first time you press the shortcut button, an instructional prompt will say: "Use the shortcut button to link two speakers. To change your shortcut, use the Bose app".