Preparing for your garden soiree? Our audio guru assessed Bose's mightiest movable speaker and awarded it an almost flawless rating.
Bose SoundLink Max: A High-End Bluetooth Speaker with Impressive Sound Quality
The Bose SoundLink Max, a premium Bluetooth speaker, stands out for its excellent sound quality and rugged design. However, it lacks Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control features, and its price tag of £399.95 makes it the most expensive portable speaker in this comparison.
Sound Performance
The Bose SoundLink Max delivers a big, burly, and convincing sound with notable punch and a touch of stereo effect. Its sound is agile, with substantial bass and clarity, making it one of the best-sounding speakers in its size class without smart features [2].
Design and Durability
Compared to some other Bluetooth speakers, the Bose SoundLink Max is more rugged, featuring soft curves and a design that exudes a sense of quality. It comes in three colours: Black, Blue Dusk, and Citrus Yellow. The speaker also has connections for USB-C and 3.5mm, and it comes with an interchangeable handle [1].
Ease of Use
The Bose SoundLink Max is designed with tactile controls (power, Bluetooth pairing, play/pause, volume, and a customizable shortcut button). It is fully waterproof and dust-proof (IP67) and weighs about 2.13kg, making it portable yet sturdy [1][2].
Additional Features
The Bose SoundLink Max can charge other devices through its USB-C port. It also offers 15 quirky name suggestions for the Bluetooth speaker. The speaker can stereo pair two units together and has a Party Mode [1].
Comparison with Other Models
Compared to the JBL Charge 6, Sonos Roam 2, and Sonos Move 2, the Bose SoundLink Max excels in sound quality but lacks smart features. The JBL Charge 6 offers excellent sound and durability at a better value, particularly for rugged outdoor use. The Sonos Roam 2 and Move 2 provide integration with smart home systems and multi-room setups but differ in sound strength and portability [2][3][4].
| Feature | Bose SoundLink Max | JBL Charge 6 | Sonos Roam 2 | Sonos Move 2 | |------------------|---------------------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------------|------------------------------| | Sound Quality | Big, punchy, agile, subtle stereo | Clear, rich bass, wide soundstage| Good volume, somewhat weak bass| Punchy, 36 watts, multidimensional sound | | Waterproof Rating| IP67 | IP68 | IP67 | IP56 | | Battery Life | 20 hours | 24+ hours (with boost) | 10 hours | ~11 hours | | Portability | Portable, 4.89 lbs, rope handle | Portable, rugged, power bank | Very portable, integrates with Sonos | Less compact, multi-host switch | | Price | ~$399 | ~$179.95 | Mid-range | High-end |
Alternative Option
For those seeking a more affordable alternative, the Bose SoundLink Plus is priced at £249.95 [1].
[1] Bose SoundLink Max Product Page
[2] Bose SoundLink Max Review
[3] JBL Charge 6 Product Page
[4] Sonos Roam 2 Product Page [4] Sonos Move 2 Product Page
The Bose SoundLink Max's sound performance offers a big, burly, and convincing sound with agile bass and a touch of stereo effect, making it ideal for art enthusiasts and those seeking a premium colorful addition to their home-and-garden or outdoor-living lifestyle. Its rugged design, featuring soft curves and three color options, also makes it a durable choice for those who value lifestyle portability.
