"Preparing for an alfresco soiree? Our audio specialist evaluated Bose's mightiest portable audio system and awarded it an almost flawless rating"
The Bose SoundLink Max delivers an exciting, punchy sound performance suitable for various music genres, making it stand out among portable speakers. With big, burly sound and minimal distortion at higher volumes, the SoundLink Max excels in sound quality[1][4][2].
Ease of use is another strong point for the SoundLink Max. It features intuitive top-mounted controls (power, Bluetooth pairing, play/pause, volume, and a customizable shortcut button), plus a rugged silicone build that absorbs shocks. However, it has no smart features and charges fully in about 5 hours via USB-C[2].
The battery life is solid with about 20 hours of playback, which is acceptable though not exceptional compared to competitors like JBL Charge 6, which offers up to 24 hours plus fast charging and power bank functionality[1][2][5].
Regarding value, the SoundLink Max is more expensive (around $400 or £400) and lacks smart features or Wi-Fi connectivity found in newer models like Sonos Roam 2 or Move 2. Nevertheless, its sound performance justifies the price as a robust Bluetooth-only speaker, offering very good value for audio quality in realistic listening scenarios[2][4].
The Bose SoundLink Max comes in three colour options: Black, Blue Dusk, and Citrus Yellow. It is suitable for outdoor use, such as garden parties or trips to the beach, but may be less recommendable for travel due to its size and weight[3].
The speaker has an interchangeable handle, making it easy to carry. It also features easy-to-use controls within a trough at the top of the speaker, next to the handle. The handle is swappable for a longer version that can be purchased separately[6].
The Bose app allows EQ adjustments and programming of the physical shortcut button on the speaker. Unfortunately, the SoundLink Max lacks Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control from assistants like Alexa[7]. However, it does offer multi-point Bluetooth connectivity and an Aux In port for connecting other devices[8].
In terms of comparison, the Bose SoundLink Max is louder and more impressive than the Sonos Roam 2 and comparable to the Sonos Move 2 in terms of sound volume. It is also a Bluetooth speaker with dimensions of 120 x 265 x 105mm and weighs 2.13kg[9].
In summary, the Bose SoundLink Max delivers superior sound quality and solid battery life but is pricier and less feature-rich than the JBL Charge 6, Sonos Roam 2, and Sonos Move 2, which offer more features like smart functions and Wi-Fi connectivity. If audio quality in Bluetooth mode is your priority and you're comfortable with a higher price, the SoundLink Max performs very well. For more versatile smart features or longer battery life, the JBL Charge 6 or Sonos models may be better choices[1][2][4][5].
| Feature | Bose SoundLink Max | JBL Charge 6 | Sonos Roam 2 | Sonos Move 2 | |-------------------|---------------------------------|----------------------------|---------------------------|--------------------------| | Sound Quality | Powerful, clear, punchy, minimal distortion; big sound; slightly stereo | Strong bass, clearer than previous Charge; very good clarity; louder than smaller models | Balanced and clear, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, less bass than bigger speakers | Rich, loud, highly detailed with smart features and stereo separation | | Ease of Use | Simple controls on top, rugged silicone build, no smart features | Waterproof, removable handle, charge-out USB-C, power bank feature | Smart (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth), voice control, portable | Smart with Alexa/Google Assistant, Wi-Fi, slightly larger | | Battery Life | ~20 hours, 5 hours charging | Up to 24 hours, fast charging, power bank charging | ~10 hours | ~11 hours | | Value | Expensive for Bluetooth-only, excels in sound quality | Cheaper, more versatile with power bank and USB-C, strong contender | Compact, smart-enabled, moderate price | Larger, smart speaker, higher price |
[1] https://www.techradar.com/reviews/bose-soundlink-max [2] https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/bose-soundlink-max [3] https://www.pocket-lint.com/speakers/bose/news/bose-soundlink-max-review-the-best-bluetooth-speaker-ever-made [4] https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/bose-soundlink-max-review/ [5] https://www.cnet.com/reviews/bose-soundlink-max/ [6] https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/speakers/portable_speakers/soundlink_max.html [7] https://www.bose.com/en_us/support/faqs/BLUETOOTH_SOUNDLINK_MAX.html [8] https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/speakers/portable_speakers/soundlink_max.html [9] https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/speakers/portable_speakers/soundlink_max.html
The Bose SoundLink Max, with its stylish home-and-garden color options of Black, Blue Dusk, and Citrus Yellow, seamlessly integrates art into any lifestyle setting. This robust Bluetooth speaker, renowned for its powerful sound performance, could easily be the focal point of a home-and-garden party, yet it may not be the most travel-friendly option due to its size and weight.
