We've tested 13 Bose speakers. Bose is a well-known audio equipment company that also sells headphones, soundbars, and home audio systems. They make speakers for a wide range of uses, including smart home speakers and waterproof speakers that you can use outdoors.
Updates
- 10/31/2024 Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) reviewed
- 10/24/2024 Bose SoundLink Flex updated
- 07/12/2024 Bose SoundLink Max reviewed
- 03/05/2024 Bose Home Speaker 500 updated
- 02/02/2024 Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition reviewed
Best Bose Speakers
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Best Bose Speaker
Music7.4Videos/Movies6.5Podcasts8.0Voice Assistant3.0Outdoors8.2Battery PoweredYesSpeakerphoneNoVoice AssistantNoBluetoothYesWi-FiNoThe best Bose Bluetooth speaker we've tested is the Bose SoundLink Max. This stylish portable speaker is able to pack a lot of features and solid performance into a compact design that can be carried around using the included rope carrying handle. It's rated IP67 for protection against dust and water damage, and its silicon, metal, and plastic construction give it a sturdy build quality. The default sound is balanced, with a good amount of bass on tap, and it can be tuned further via the graphic EQ and presets in the app. This speaker can get plenty loud without compressing too much as you crank the volume, making it a great fit for bringing the party with you.
It's loaded with useful, modern features, like Bluetooth multi-device pairing, over 15 hours of battery life, and a remappable button that can be set to access your Spotify playlists instantly. There's even an AUX input for old-school connectivity. That said, users who like to control their speakers with their voice will want to look at something like the Bose Home Speaker 500, as the SoundLink Max doesn't feature any voice assistant capabilities. The stylish Home Speaker 500 comes with built-in support for Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free control, and the LED screen in the front of the speaker lets you keep track of the song you're listening to. That said, it's not battery-powered, which limits its use to inside the house. It also doesn't have a sound profile that's as balanced as its portable cousin, the SoundLink Max.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Bose Speaker
Music6.6Videos/Movies6.2Podcasts7.8Voice Assistant5.8Outdoors7.2Battery PoweredYesSpeakerphoneYesVoice AssistantYesBluetoothYesWi-FiNoThe Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II is the best Bose portable speaker we've tested in the upper mid-range price category. This speaker is slightly more affordable than our top pick, the Bose SoundLink Max, and it's battery-powered, so you can take it on the go without worrying about plugging it into a power outlet. As a result, it's a great choice for listening to music outdoors, especially since it's rated IP55 for dust and water resistance. The manufacturer also says it can withstand some small bumps and drops.
You can use the built-in handle to carry this speaker wherever you go. This speaker also reproduces voices and other instruments with clarity so you can enjoy all your favorite songs. Plus, the speaker lasts over eight hours off a single charge, which is great for long days outside. Unfortunately, compared to the SoundLink Max, you don't have any tools to adjust its sound, and there's no built-in voice assistant support. Still, you can use a voice assistant from a paired smartphone, which is a nice touch.
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Best Mid-Range Bose Speaker
Music6.5Videos/Movies6.3Podcasts7.7Voice Assistant6.6Outdoors7.2Battery PoweredYesSpeakerphoneYesVoice AssistantYesBluetoothYesWi-FiNoThe Bose SoundLink Revolve II is one of the best Bose speakers to pick up if you're looking for something that won't make too big a dent in your wallet. This portable Bluetooth speaker has a similar overall design, though it doesn't have a built-in handle. That said, it's lightweight and easy to bring with you outside, with an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance to help protect it against light rain exposure. You can pair your phone over Bluetooth to enjoy your favorite tunes, and if your phone supports Siri or Google Assistant, you can use those voice assistants to control it with your voice.
The Bose's sound quality is solid. Voices and lead instruments are clear and detailed in the mix, so it's suitable for many different types of audio content. Podcasts and audiobooks sound great with the speaker since it reproduces dialogue accurately. However, you won't find any customization tools to switch up its sound. Also, given its smaller size, it's no surprise that this speaker doesn't get as loud as the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II. That said, if you're listening in an average-size room, it'll get the job done.
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Best Budget Bose Speaker
Music6.3Videos/Movies5.7Podcasts7.5Voice Assistant6.2Outdoors7.0Battery PoweredYesSpeakerphoneYesVoice AssistantYesBluetoothYesWi-FiNoThe Bose SoundLink Flex is the best Bose Bluetooth speaker available in the budget range. It's been replaced by the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen), but the original is still a great choice if you're on a budget. It's a portable speaker that's sold in several different colors. Its sturdy design is great for taking your favorite tunes with you on the go. On your next trip outdoors, use the built-in strap to attach the speaker to your bag or backpack. It's rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, and the manufacturer says it can withstand some falls to the floor. It lasts over seven hours off a single charge, so you can keep listening all day.
This speaker uses Bose's PositionIQ technology to automatically adjust its output based on its orientation, meaning you can use it horizontally or vertically, depending on your needs. With a clear and accurate reproduction of voices and other lead instruments, it's a solid choice for many music genres, podcasts, and audiobooks. Compared to the Bose SoundLink Revolve II, it doesn't have as good of a soundstage since it lacks a 360-degree design and automatically downmixes your audio to mono. Still, it's a great budget-friendly choice if you want something to take outdoors.
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Best Bose Wireless PA System
Music6.9Videos/Movies6.0Podcasts8.2Voice Assistant3.1Outdoors7.2Battery PoweredYesSpeakerphoneNoVoice AssistantNoBluetoothYesWi-FiNoThe Bose S1 Pro+ is a wireless public address (PA) system that's great for musicians who want to rock out wherever they go. Thanks to its built-in handle and battery-powered design, you can easily take this speaker to your next gig. It supports connections for microphones, electric guitars, and more, and you can even use Bose's Wireless Transmitters to connect wireless instruments. An integrated three-channel mixer lets you adjust the sound of your instruments accordingly, and you can use its ToneMatch EQ to automatically adjust for the instrument's most natural sound.
While it's on the larger side of Bluetooth speakers, you can adjust the speaker to sit horizontally or vertically, depending on your needs. The AutoEQ feature automatically compensates for the best possible sound regardless of how you situate the speaker, which is handy. You can connect a separate subwoofer to the device to bring out more thump and rumble in the bass range. Plus, the LiveStream tool is on hand to send audio from the speaker to the computer, which is great for hosting a live stream or recording your music for later.
Compared To Other Brands
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Well-balanced sound profile.
Bose's speakers offer pretty neutral, balanced sound profiles out of the box, especially in the mid-range. Vocals and lead instruments are usually reproduced clearly and accurately, making them suitable for listening to different types of audio content. -
Bluetooth-compatible.
Bose speakers support Bluetooth, so you can wirelessly stream your audio to the speaker from another paired Bluetooth device, like your smartphone. Some of their smart speakers also support Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay. -
Voice assistant support.
Most Bose speakers support voice assistants. Some models use the voice assistant from your paired smartphone, while their smart speakers have built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant over a Wi-Fi connection. -
Large speaker selection.
Bose offer a wide variety of speakers, including everything from small, portable Bluetooth speakers, to more premium options. They even offer speakers that are targeted at musicians and singers.
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Lackluster customization options.
While some of Bose's more premium speakers are compatible with the Bose Music app, which gives you access to bass and treble adjustment features, they don't offer graphic EQs for full sound customization. Other Bose speakers don't have any sound customization features at all. -
Limited stereo support.
While a few of the Bose speakers we've tested support stereo content, most of them need to be paired to a second unit to play stereo audio and downmix stereo content to mono when used on their own, which doesn't sound as immersive.
Bose vs Sonos
Sonos and Bose are similar audio manufacturers producing high-end speakers with built-in smart capabilities. If you already own products in their respective ecosystems, their speakers are designed for easy compatibility, so you can spread music throughout your home. You can also find a few models with outdoor-oriented designs at more budget-friendly prices. You'll find Bluetooth compatibility with Bose, while Sonos speakers tend to operate over Wi-Fi.
Bose vs JBL
JBL is another well-known speaker manufacturer that offers a wider range of devices compared to Bose. With JBL, you'll find more budget-friendly models with outdoor-ready designs and some high-end party speakers for big events. That said, JBL's speakers aren't as well-designed as Bose's and tend to lack built-in voice assistant capabilities.
Bose vs Ultimate Ears
Ultimate Ears produces outdoor-geared speakers that are usually available at wallet-friendly price points. With ratings for dust and water resistance and the ability to float in water, some Ultimate Ears devices are better suited to the outdoors than Bose's sleek, home-friendly speakers. That said, Bose's speakers are generally better built, and their smart features offer additional support for voice assistants.
Overall, Bose offers a large speaker selection, including smart speakers, portable Bluetooth speakers, and speakers for musicians. Generally, you'll get Bluetooth compatibility and a balanced sound right out of the box. Many Bose speakers are compatible with voice assistants from a paired device or via built-in support. However, their models tend to lack more premium sound customization features like graphic EQs or room correction features.
Lineup
Bose's speakers are designed to suit a wide array of potential consumer needs, from in-home to outdoor use.
Portable Bluetooth Speakers
- SoundLink series: Mid-range models that you can pair together to amplify sound.
- S1 Pro series: Premium party models with Auto EQ calibration.
- Smart Speaker series: Premium smart speakers with built-in voice assistant support; battery-powered, unlike the home audio models.
Home Audio Speakers
- Smart Speaker series: Premium smart speakers with built-in voice assistant support; wired-only compared to the portable models.
Amplifiers
- Amplifier series: Smart home devices that connect to your record player, CD player, or passive speakers to amplify audio.
Stereo Speakers
- 251 series: Environmental outdoor speakers meant to withstand snow, rain, salt, and extreme temperatures; compatible with the Bose Music Amplifier.
- 791 series: In-series speakers with a slim design to blend into your home environment; compatible with the Bose Music Amplifier.
Computer Speakers
- Companion series: Mid-range multimedia speaker systems designed for easy integration with your computer.
Portable PA and Loudspeaker Systems
- S1 Pro series: Portable party-oriented speakers with Auto EQ and Bluetooth compatibility.
- F1 series: Premium loudspeakers with Auto EQ and Flexible Array technology to adjust the coverage pattern based on the space you're in; compatible with the F1 subwoofer.
Generally speaking, the higher the model number, the more features are included. Depending on your needs, you may or may not find these features worth it.
Recent Updates
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We didn't change our picks, but we edited the text to improve its clarity and updated our comparisons between Bose and other brands.
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Sep 27, 2024: We've checked this article to ensure it still represents the best Bose speakers available for purchase, but have made only minor changes to the text.
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Aug 29, 2024: We've updated this article with the Bose SoundLink Max as our top pick due to its well-rounded performance and feature set. However, we've kept the Bose Home Speaker 500 as an alternative for those prioritizing voice assistant support.
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Jul 02, 2024: We've added a mention of the Bose SoundLink Max, which is currently in testing. Otherwise, we've checked the text and made no changes to our picks.
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Feb 28, 2024: No changes in product picks. We've ensured they're all still the best for user needs in their unique categories.
Conclusion
Bose is a well-known brand that offers many different types of speakers; depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the others. They make well-built Bluetooth speakers with a balanced and neutral sound out of the box, and their smart speakers come with built-in voice assistant support. However, their models tend to lack extra sound customization options. Check out the table below to see a full list of the best Bose Bluetooth speakers available to purchase.