How can you tell Bose mini speakers apart?

Bose has consistently garnered attention in the Bluetooth speaker market, particularly with its SoundLink Mini series, which has won widespread popularity with its compact size and exceptional sound quality. As its product line continues to expand, many users often wonder, "Which Bose mini speaker am I buying? How do I tell them apart?"

Today, we'll explain in detail how to identify and differentiate between different Bose mini speaker models, helping you choose the one that's right for you.

1. Design and workmanship

From the front, the Mini II and Mini I look almost identical in size and material, both using an aluminum body and metal grille. The main distinctions are:

Logo and grille color – The Mini II features subtle adjustments to the logo and grille finish.

Bose SoundLink Mini II in Silver:

Bose SoundLink Mini II

Bose SoundLink Mini I in Silver:

Bose SoundLink Mini I

Packaging size – The Mini II’s box is slightly longer, mainly to accommodate the included multi-country plug adapters for travelers.

2. Ports and Charging

The charging and input ports are one of the easiest ways to tell the two models apart.

Bose SoundLink Mini I

Side panel has two round ports:

Top: 3.5 mm AUX input

Bottom: 9V DC power input (requires a dedicated charger)

Charging requires a proprietary power adapter and cable, with a larger fixed plug.

Bose SoundLink Mini I

Bose SoundLink Mini II

Side panel features one elongated port section containing:

3.5 mm AUX input

Micro-USB charging port (5V, works with common Android cables)

USB charging makes it more travel-friendly and reduces the need for multiple cables.

Bose SoundLink Mini II

3. Top Control Panel

Bose SoundLink Mini I

Six buttons: Power, Mute, Volume Down, Volume Up, Bluetooth, and AUX mode.

Switching to wired audio requires pressing the AUX button.

Bose SoundLink Mini II

Streamlined controls: AUX and Mute buttons removed, replaced with a Multi-function button.

The Multi-function button lets you switch between paired devices, answer/end calls, and control playback—similar to Bluetooth headphones.

4. Accessories and Packaging

Mini I – Comes with a proprietary charger and charging cradle, bulkier to carry.

Mini II – Includes multi-country plug adapters and uses USB charging, ideal for international travelers.

5. Connectivity Experience

Mini I – For wired playback, you must manually switch to AUX mode; supports single-device Bluetooth pairing.

Mini II – Focused on wireless use, eliminates the AUX switch button, supports pairing with multiple devices, and allows quick switching without re-pairing.

6. Sound Quality

Both generations are nearly identical in sound quality:

Strong, deep bass—especially impressive for such a compact speaker.

Mid and high frequencies are clear but not exceptional; still competitive among portable Bluetooth speakers.

7. Battery Differences

Aside from the look and controls, the battery is another giveaway. The SoundLink Mini I runs on the Bose 061384 battery, while the Mini II uses the Bose 088772 battery. They’re built differently, so you can’t swap one for the other. If you ever need a replacement, make sure to get the right one for your model—otherwise, you might run into charging problems or shorter playtime.

How to Choose the Correct Battery Model

Choosing the right battery is simple if you know your speaker model.

For SoundLink Mini I owners: look for the Bose 061384 battery.

BOSE-SoundLink-061384-17WH-Speaker-Battery

For SoundLink Mini II owners: choose the Bose 088796 battery.

BOSE-088796-2330mAh-Battery

Always check the label or connector type before buying. Using the wrong battery can cause charging issues or reduce playtime. If in doubt, refer to your speaker’s model number, which is usually printed on the bottom of the unit.

8. Quick Ways to Identify Your Bose Mini

How can you tell Bose mini speakers apart?Quick Ways to Identify Your Bose Mini

Check the charging port – Mini I uses a 9V round DC input; Mini II uses a Micro-USB port.

Look at the top buttons – Mini I has AUX and Mute buttons; Mini II does not.

See the accessories – Mini I comes with a charging cradle; Mini II comes with a USB cable and adapters.

Conclusion

If you need USB charging, easy device switching, and frequent travel convenience, the Bose SoundLink Mini II is the better choice.
If you already own a Mini I and have its charging setup, you can keep using it—its sound quality still holds up.

Whichever you choose, the Bose Mini series offers an excellent balance of portability and premium sound.

If you need a replacement battery for your Bose Mini speaker, you can find high-quality, compatible options at BatteryMall.com.

Want to learn more about speaker care, battery tips, and troubleshooting? Please visit: BatteryMall.com/blogs/support.

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