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Music is a major part of my life. I majored in music performance in college, and I’m always listening to music whether I’m cleaning the house, doing a project outdoors, or having friends over. Finding a speaker with a long battery life and the portability needed to keep up with those activities is challenging, especially when you don’t want to sacrifice sound quality.
The Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker seemed like a practical solution. Designed for indoor and outdoor use, the speaker boasts a long battery life and Bose’s renowned quality sound. I tested the speaker to see how it performed and whether this compact device could deliver the stereo sound advertised.
The Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker shipped double boxed and arrived in excellent condition. The internal box was surrounded with bubble wrap and I was instantly impressed by its quality feel. The box is attractive and has a sleek, premium look.
The speaker was held in place with cardboard inserts and wrapped in a protective fabric covering. The box also included a brief user manual, power cord, and a plug.
When I first picked up the speaker, I was surprised by how solid it felt. While it’s light enough to be portable, it’s a serious upgrade from my older Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker. The SoundLink Max has a sleek feel and a stylish, comfortable handle. Knowing how well my SoundLink Mini performs, I was excited to test out the Max.
Bose sells the SoundLink Max Portable Speaker for $399 and offers price matching for in-stock products sold by Best Buy, Target, or Walmart. The SoundLink Max costs more than twice what the smaller Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker costs ($149), but it also includes features like a longer battery life. The SoundLink Max costs about $36 less than comparable models like the Sonos Move 2 Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speaker, and is about $100 less than the JBL Boombox 3.
The SoundLink Max measures 4.73 inches high x 10.42 inches wide x 4.13 inches deep and weighs 4.7 pounds. It’s a solid-feeling speaker, but also easily portable, thanks to the included rope handle. Rating: 5/5.
The SoundLink Max features an IP67 rating, which means it’s been tested and proven to withstand an accidental drop into water. Bose reports the speaker can withstand submersion into water about three feet deep for up to 30 minutes, and a moisture detection alert signals when your speaker has dried out and can safely be recharged again. The speaker can also withstand being exposed to a dust storm. Rating: 5/5.
This may be a small speaker, but it delivers big stereo sound, particularly when used indoors. It not only feels like the sound is surrounding you, but the music is clear and I didn’t experience any distortion while testing it. The sound quality isn’t quite as great when outdoors. Rating: 4.5/5.
The speaker features six buttons along the top: power, Bluetooth, shortcut, volume down, play/pause, and volume up. The controls are slightly recessed, so you wouldn’t easily accidentally press them while carrying the speaker. You can set the shortcut button to switch your AUX source or to start your Spotify playlist. I found I used the app for most of the controls, but the volume controls on the speaker are particularly handy. Rating: 5/5.
The Bose App can enhance your use of the speaker. It includes an equalizer, with functions like a bass and treble boost and reducer, allowing you to customize the speaker’s balance and sound. The app also features numerous tips, like how to customize your shortcut button, how to switch between Bluetooth devices, and even how to switch out the handles on the speaker. Bose sells a larger, cross-body handle for taking your speaker on the go. Rating: 5/5.
The Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker packs serious power and sound into a compact package. It’s easy to use, so it’s perfect for the casual listener, but the Bose App’s equalizer also gives you control of the sound balance, so I can see music buffs appreciating the speaker, too.
This speaker is rugged, and its water- and dust-resistance mean you don’t have to be afraid to take it outdoors. It’s something you can sling over your shoulder during trips with friends, or place it poolside during a party. Its fantastic volume range means it’s strong enough to easily be heard during larger parties, especially when indoors. While its stereo sound quality isn’t quite as great outdoors as it is inside, this speaker delivers overall fantastic music quality with a powerful bass and minimal distortion.
Choose the Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker if you want quality stereo sound you can take with you. It delivers better sound quality than noise-canceling headphones or earbuds. This speaker is a great choice for parties and get-togethers, as well as for outdoor use when you’re working on projects or relaxing by the pool. Though it’s an expensive option, its durability means you don’t have to worry about it, and the speaker has such volume that it won’t be overpowered by loud environments. I could see it being a great gift for people who have everything, and it’s a great tech gift idea for music lovers.
Bose is known for manufacturing speakers that deliver superb sound, and the SoundLink Max is no exception. When used indoors, the Max delivers a stereo sound that’s almost reminiscent of having multiple speakers positioned throughout the room. Sounds are crisp and clear, and when I listened to a radio talk show, it sounded like the hosts were in the room with me.
The sound remains balanced and clear when listening to music of different genres, including classical, country, pop, and folk. Instrumentals are resonant, and the bass is powerful without causing distortion.
The speaker also offers a volume range that’s greater than what you’d likely ever need. I’ve counted about 40 volume increments ranging from the inaudible to volume so loud that you wouldn’t be able to shout over the music. I found the sound retained its quality when I turned the volume up high. At the highest volumes, I could hear bits of distortion, but those volumes were so high, I doubt most people would use them.
When I took the speaker outside, the sound lost some of its resonance, and the stereo quality decreased just slightly. The sound was still excellent, but if you want the best listening experience, I’d use the speaker indoors.
According to Bose, the speaker’s battery lasts up to 20 hours when played at 65% volume and unused at temperatures between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. I found that to be true and was surprised by how little I had to recharge the speaker.
The USB-C port means you can charge the speaker even while it's in use, ideal for louder events where you’ll be playing the speaker at a higher volume for an extended time. The USB-C port can also be used to charge your phone while listening to the speaker. That feature can be helpful when you’re out and about, and since the battery lasts for up to 20 hours, you can charge your phone without significantly impacting the battery life.
The speaker easily connects to devices via Bluetooth, and the app features the ability to simultaneously connect the speaker to two devices. Android users can use Google Fast Pair to automatically pair their phones to the SoundLink Max. According to Bose, you can also use Bose SimpleSync technology to connect the SoundLink Max to a SimpleSync-enabled Bose smart soundbar or Bose smart speaker. Alternatively, the auxiliary port allows for a cabled connection to a device like an MP3 player.
The Bluetooth range is excellent. I used the Bose app to connect the speaker to my iPhone SE via Bluetooth and was able to walk throughout my entire three-bedroom home, including going into the basement, without losing the connection. When using the speaker outside, I walked 200 feet and maintained the connection, so you won’t be restricted when having a large outdoor gathering.
Though I had no problems using the Bluetooth connection, this speaker lacks a Wi-Fi connection, which is a little unusual for a speaker of this price point. Adding a Wi-Fi connection would make this speaker more versatile.
The SoundLink Max comes in blue or black, and it resembles a small boombox. It’s stylish and modern, and it’s small enough to sit on a shelf or table. Six controls along the top are recessed and easy to press, though I found that I mainly operated the speaker using the app or whatever device I was streaming music from.
About three quarters of the speaker features a silicone finish which provides good grip and a durable design. The silicone definitely attracts dust, but is also easy enough to wipe clean. The front panel is metal, and the speaker has an overall quality and modern aesthetic.
A rope handle with a silicone wrap provides a secure and comfortable handhold. While the speaker weighs nearly five pounds and is heavy and solid, the handle makes it easy to carry.
It’s also very stable. The silicone bottom provides grip to help keep it from sliding on a table or other surface, and four “feet” keep it balanced and prevent any vibration while it's in use. It would take a lot to knock this speaker over.
The Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker may be more expensive than some smaller speaker alternatives, but its value justifies the price. The SoundLink Max features excellent sound quality, and it’s easy and simple to use. The 20-hour battery life and compact speaker design mean you aren’t tied down, and the speaker’s fantastic volume range makes it suitable for even large gatherings, both indoors and outdoors.
With its rugged construction and water- and dust-resistance, this speaker is a truly versatile option. It’s an excellent choice for entertainment for parties and gatherings, but its sound quality means discerning music fans will also appreciate the SoundLink Max.
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