SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen), Black

Why it works as a gift

A portable speaker is a gift that gets used in many places, which is what makes it feel generous at this budget. Bose rates the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) IP67 for water and dust, and says it floats and can survive an accidental drop in water for up to 30 minutes, though it isn't designed for use in water. That makes it a sensible choice for a beach bag, a boat, a shower shelf or a picnic. A utility loop clips it to a pack, and Bose lists up to 12 hours of battery on a charge.

It is also easy to live with. At about 7.9 inches wide and 1.3 pounds, per Bose, it fits in a tote. Bluetooth 5.3 reaches up to 30 feet, and multipoint keeps two phones or tablets connected at once, so a couple or roommates can take turns choosing music without re-pairing. Bose says PositionIQ senses how the speaker is placed and adjusts the sound to suit, and a built-in microphone handles calls.

Against a premium Wi-Fi home speaker at a similar or higher budget, the Flex trades a home speaker's room-filling role and smart-home features for portability and toughness. Against a cheaper no-name Bluetooth speaker, it brings a recognized maker, a one-year Bose limited warranty and the option of pairing a second compatible Bose speaker for stereo or party mode later, which makes it a gift that can grow.

Who it’s for

• A friend who hikes, camps or spends summer weekends at the lake, as a birthday gift that goes everywhere
• A college student or graduate moving into a dorm or first shared apartment
• A home cook who listens to podcasts at the counter, where splashes are a real risk
• An office gift exchange with a higher limit, when you don't know the recipient's taste well

Skip it if

• They want a main speaker for the living room; a plug-in Wi-Fi speaker built for one room is the better gift
• They already own a recent waterproof Bluetooth speaker and rarely leave the house with it
• They listen mostly on noise-canceling headphones and don't share music with others
• They expect a charger in the box: Bose includes a USB-C to USB-A cable but no power adapter

Giving it

• It ships ready to use with a USB-C cable; add a small USB-C wall adapter if they don't have a spare one
• Charge it fully before wrapping, since Bose lists about four hours for a full charge
• Pair it with the Leatherman Wave multi-tool for someone who camps, or the Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 for a graduate's road trip
• If they already own a compatible Bose speaker, mention Stereo Mode and Party Mode in the card
• Check the retailer's return window, and note that Bose offers optional extended protection plans if they want longer coverage

The facts

Water and dust

IP67; floats; withstands accidental drops in water up to 30 minutes, not designed for use in water

Battery

Up to 12 hours; about 4 hours to charge; USB-C

Size and weight

About 7.93 in wide x 3.56 in x 2.06 in; 1.3 lb

Connection

Bluetooth 5.3, range up to 30 ft, multipoint for two devices

Features

PositionIQ orientation sound adjustment; Stereo and Party Mode with a second compatible Bose speaker; built-in microphone; adjustable EQ in the Bose app

In the box

Speaker, USB-C to USB-A cable, safety sheet; no power adapter

Warranty

1-year Bose limited warranty

Consider instead

• Sonos Era 100 Speaker, Black — A plug-in home speaker for someone who wants music in one room rather than portability
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones — Private listening on flights and commutes, for someone who listens alone more than in a group
• Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 Instant Camera — Another take-it-everywhere gift at a similar budget, for someone who documents trips