Bose SoundLink Max Bluetooth Speaker – Portable Wireless Party Speaker, IP67 Waterproof, Rope Handle, Up to 20 Hours of Playtime, USB-C, Built-in 3.5mm AUX Input, Blue Dusk

It brings the bass
As a long-time owner of the first-generation Bose SoundLink Mini, I had high expectations for the Bose SoundLink Max, and it did not disappoint. This review covers various aspects of the speaker, including sound quality, durability, ease of use, compatibility, setup, and design. The SoundLink Max lives up to the Bose name. After testing it with a myriad of musical genres, I was blown away by the fullness of the sound. The bass is so powerful that you can feel it, yet it does not drown out the mid and treble frequencies. It is worth noting that the initial EQ settings are flat, which might be why some users have complained about the lack of fullness. This could be addressed by repurposing the shortcut button for quick EQ adjustment. The SoundLink Max meets the IP67 standards, making it rugged, dustproof, and waterproof. Weighing nearly five pounds, it is heavy, but this is an acceptable trade-off for the durability it offers. In a pinch, you could even use it as a brick or a weapon for defending yourself from zombies! Using the SoundLink Max is straightforward. Press the power button, then play to start enjoying your music. When it’s time to change settings, the buttons are clearly labeled. The Max charges via a supplied USB-C cord and power block and can also serve as a portable power device. This is my main point of contention and it is not specifically with the Max, but with Bose as a whole. They have partnered with Qualcomm/Snapdragon for their HD Audio, which is currently confined to the Android ecosystem. As an iPhone user, I felt a little left out in the cold. Straight out-of-the-box, the Max was nearly ready to go. It took two seconds to pair and less than that to start charging, thanks to the included USB-C cable and power brick. The Bose app was easy to find and quick to install. I was able to set up an account and start using the app right away. While the setup was easy, more emphasis should be placed on the necessity of using the app to achieve the best sound, as the default EQ settings are a bit flat. The SoundLink Max boasts a sleek and simple design. There are no unnecessary lights or reminiscent designs to distract you—just a rugged exterior that protects the speakers while delivering excellent sound quality. The rope handle is a nice feature that accentuates the rugged yet simple design. They are easily changeable for other colored handles and shoulder straps, which are available at a steep premium on the Bose website. The Bose SoundLink Max is a phenomenal portable speaker that lives up to the high standards we expect from Bose. After several days of testing in various locations and with different music genres, I have not been disappointed. While there have been some reports of less-than-fantastic sound quality, this issue is easily resolved by adjusting the EQ settings in the Bose app. The final question is, is the SoundLink Max worth the $400 price tag? The simple answer is yes, it is worth every penny.

Worth Every Penny!
I did a ton of research on speakers in this class, with the main competitor being the JBL Xtreme 3. The biggest complaints I kept seeing about the BSM were the price, the limited EQ options, and the battery life compared to JBL. Honestly, the 3-band EQ on the Bose is more than enough for the average person, and the speaker sounds amazing even without adjustments—so the EQ is just a bonus for me. The battery life is great for its size and power. Even if you listen at around 80% volume, it lasts long enough, and worst case, you can just plug it in while using it. People forget that even 8 hours of playtime is actually really good. Who’s listening to music straight for 8+ hours anyway? Just be responsible about charging it—you already charge your phone.As for the price, I genuinely don’t care. You get what you pay for, and this speaker is worth every penny. It sounds so good that I get excited every time I turn it on. The area where I’ll give the JBL Xtreme 3 a win is the included shoulder strap, while Bose charges $45 for theirs. Call me crazy, but I’d still buy the Bose even if the JBL were much cheaper—it’s that good. The sound this thing produces is insane. I’m not great at describing audio, but it has a warmer tone that doesn’t hurt your ears as you turn up the volume. The passive radiators do an excellent job dispersing both the sound especially the bass, creating an incredibly enjoyable listening experience. If you mainly listen to rap or very bass-heavy music, the JBL might be the better choice—but for everything else, this speaker is my pick.If you can grab this speaker on sale like I did on Black Friday, do it. I would still buy it at full price too if you miss the sale.

I bought this speaker about a year ago as an upgrade for my old Bose speaker. After using it every day, I can honestly say I love this speaker! With anything though, it does have its pros and cons.Pros:- great sound- bluetooth connects quickly- can charge your phone from the speaker- can use the Bose app to customize the sound- water resistantCons:- battery does not last very long when the speaker is playing at its loudest volume (usually 1 full day playing at its loudest volume)- charges slowly (~5-6 hours)Overall, it’s a great speaker and I recommend it. I mainly use mine in my house, so the battery and charging doesn’t bother me. However, if you’re looking for something that will last days without being charged, this may not be the speaker for you.

Excelente sonido, es simplemente perfecto, se ecualiza desde tu teléfono. Cubre perfecto una habitación grande y hasta un pequeño jardín. Altamente recomendable, los graves increíbles.

Bose has made a winner. A durable bluetooth 5.0 speaker that can be paired with a second Bose speaker to create a true stereo image. Excellent battery life, mine has gone for more than 8 hours at a time at LOUD volume and still going strong… this battery just doesn’t die. Case is splash, rain, and shower resistant. Also, the casing is made of silicon, not rubber, so it won’t get sticky or gummy like most portable speakers do with age. I connected it to my Home Theatre setup and there is no noticeable delay in audio/video sync. It has a convenient handle to help transport it since it is not that light, but when it comes to speakers, heavier is better. Makes for a great gift, too. Did I mention, it sounds as good as the Sonos, if not better?