Bose SoundDock vs. Bose SoundLink: What’s The Difference?

So you’ve settled that you want a Bose speaker? That’s an excellent choice! Bose provides rich and balanced life-like sound that I personally enjoy everyday all day at home and office. Two of the top Bose models are the Bose SoundDock and Bose SoundLink speakers, and we’re here to highlight the difference between them and help you get the best one for yourself.

Bose SoundDock Speakers:

Like its name suggests, the SoundDock is an iPhone/iPod dock speaker that you can dock your phone or iPod on to play music. The SoundDock charges your phone as you dock it, too, so you don’t run out of charge. The speaker also has an auxiliary input so you can connect your TV, computer, DVD or any other music device to it.

There are two main SoundDock models: SoundDock II which requires that it remains connected to an outlet for it to work, and the SoundDock II Portable, which features a rechargeable battery and allows you to play music easily on the go.

Comparison Between SoundDock II and SoundDock II Portable:

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Feature	Proprietary Bose technology livens up your kitchen, bedroom or living room with quality sound. Updated with new, sleeker styling. Works with many iPhone® and iPod® models. Requires an Apple Lightning to 30-pin adapter for use with iPhone 5 and other iPod and iPhone models with an Apple Lightning connector. Remote operates SoundDock system functions and iPod playlist navigation. Auxiliary input lets you play an additional sound source, such as a portable DVD, CD or other MP3 player.	More efficient and higher quality audio reproduction than other battery-powered iPod® speakers. Works with many iPhone and iPod models. Requires an Apple Lightning to 30-pin adapter for use with iPhone 5 and other iPod and iPhone models with an Apple Lightning connector. Rechargeable Li-ion battery gives more playing time per charge than other types of rechargeables Built-in carry handle and rotating dock enable quick and easy transport from place to place Auxiliary input for playing other audio sources, like a portable DVD, CD or other MP3 player.
Title	Bose SoundDock Series II 30-Pin iPod/iPhone Speaker Dock (Black)	Bose SoundDock Portable 30-Pin iPod/iPhone Speaker Dock
Height	6.65 inch	6.75 inch
Weight	4.56 pound	5.23 pound
Width	11.91 inch	12.06 inch
Length	6.48 inch	6.06 inch
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Bose SoundLink Speakers:

The Bose SoundLink is a wireless Bluetooth speaker that allows you to connect it to any Bluetooth enabled device, may that be your phone, your tablet or computer. It’s also portable, featuring a rechargeable battery that plays up to 8 hours before needing to recharge again. The SoundLink gives you the same deep and rich sound experience the SoundDock will give you, but with the SoundLink, you can enjoy it on the go.

The SoundLink is available in different models, SoundLink Mobile Speaker, SoundLink Mini and SoundLink Air Digital Music System, which we compare below:

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Feature	Compact portable speaker for music anywhere Sound performance unlike any other mobile speaker Wirelessly connects to your Bluetooth devices Rechargeable battery plays up to eight hours	Advanced audio performance delivers a full-range listening experience The most compact speaker from Bose easily goes where you go Wirelessly connects to your Bluetooth device Rechargeable battery plays up to 7 hours	Auxiliary input lets you can connect and play music from other devices that don't utilize AirPlay LED interface lets you see which source is selected, network connection status and mute option Buttons on the speaker allow simple volume control Infrared remote lets you control volume and basic iPod/iPhone functions for when the device isn't in your hand. Also controls basic functions of iTunes® running on a computer for control from anywhere in the room
Title	Bose® SoundLink® Bluetooth Mobile Speaker II - Nylon	Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker	SoundLink® Air Digital Music System
Height	5.1 inch	2 inch	6.75 inch
Weight	2.9 pound	1.47 pound	4.67 pound
Width	9.6 inch	7.1 inch	12.16 inch
Length	1.9 inch	2.3 inch	9.4 inch
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Link	More Info	More Info	More Info