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. We've tested 17 Bose speakers.
Updates
- 02/05/2026Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) reviewed
- 07/04/2025Bose SoundLink Plus reviewed
- 11/28/2024Bose SoundLink Home reviewed
- 10/31/2024Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) reviewed
- 10/24/2024Bose SoundLink Flex updated
All of our recommendations start with the products we've tested. And, they're backed by in-house experts who ensure unbiased, objective data to help you choose the right speaker.
Want to see how we've tested more than 150 speakers? Our How We Test Speakers article walks you through the entire process: from selecting and purchasing products to testing, reviewing, and publishing our results.
-
Best Bose Speaker
MusicVideos/MoviesPodcastsVoice AssistantOutdoorsBattery Powered:YesSpeakerphone:NoVoice Assistant:NoBluetooth:YesSee all our test resultsWi-Fi:NoThe best Bose Bluetooth speaker we've tested is the Bose SoundLink Max. This stylish portable speaker can pack a lot of features and solid performance into a compact design that can be carried around using the included carrying handle. It's rated IP67 for protection against dust and water damage, and its silicon, metal, and plastic construction gives 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.
-
Best Upper Mid-Range Bose Speaker
MusicVideos/MoviesPodcastsVoice AssistantOutdoorsBattery Powered:YesSpeakerphone:YesVoice Assistant:YesBluetooth:YesSee all our test resultsWi-Fi:NoIf you don't need to customize your speaker's sound, the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II offers a cheaper way into Bose's speaker lineup. It's slightly more affordable than our top pick, the Bose SoundLink Max, but it's still 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, so you don't need to baby it.
The built-in handle allows you to carry it wherever you go. This speaker also reproduces voices and other instruments clearly, letting you enjoy all your favorite songs. Plus, the battery lasts over eight hours off a single charge, which is great for long days outside. The 360-degree design also means that if you move around, your audio sounds more or less the same across angles. 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.
-
Best Mid-Range Bose Speaker
MusicVideos/MoviesPodcastsVoice AssistantOutdoorsBattery Powered:YesSpeakerphone:NoVoice Assistant:NoBluetooth:YesSee all our test resultsWi-Fi:NoThe 360-degree design of the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II is nice to have, but if you're happy to ensure your speaker faces you in exchange for a lower price, check out the Bose SoundLink Plus. This portable Bluetooth speaker has a similar overall design to the Bose SoundLink Max, though it comes with a smaller carrying loop instead of a full handle. That said, it's lightweight and easy to bring with you outside, with an IP67 rating that helps protect it against dusts and immersion in water. It's a similar size to the Revolve+ II, but gets a little louder. Although neither speaker can reach the decibels that the SoundLink Max can.
The SoundLink Plus's sound quality is decent. 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. You can also tweak the sound using the graphic EQ in the companion app. Unfortunately, it downmixes stereo content to mono and has forward-facing drivers, so you'll want to ensure it's facing you to get the best audio quality. Still, its amazing 19-hour battery life makes it a solid choice for taking with you on a weekend camping trip.
-
Best Lower Mid-Range Bose Speaker
MusicVideos/MoviesPodcastsVoice AssistantOutdoorsBattery Powered:YesSpeakerphone:YesVoice Assistant:YesBluetooth:YesSee all our test resultsWi-Fi:NoThe Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) can't get as loud as the larger Bose SoundLink Plus, but it's about half the price and has a similarly sturdy design. That build quality makes the Flex (2nd Gen) great for taking your favorite tunes with you on the go. It's also rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, so it'll survive accidental immersion in a puddle of rainwater, and the manufacturer says it can withstand some falls to the floor. It also lasts roughly 6.5 hours off a single charge, so it should get you through a day at the park, but it'll need recharging if you go camping for a few days, unlike the SoundLink Plus.
The Flex (2nd Gen) uses Bose's PositionIQ technology to automatically adjust its output based on its orientation, meaning you can use it standing up horizontally or lying down on its back, 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. Its companion app comes with a simple 3-band EQ so you can customize the sound to your tastes. And unlike the SoundLink Plus, the Flex (2nd Gen) has a built-in mic, so it works with your phone's voice assistant, which can be useful if you like to listen to podcasts while cooking.
-
Best Budget Bose Speaker
MusicVideos/MoviesPodcastsVoice AssistantOutdoorsBattery Powered:YesSpeakerphone:NoVoice Assistant:NoBluetooth:YesSee all our test resultsWi-Fi:NoThe Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) is a little cheaper and much smaller than the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen). It's easier to clip onto a bag or carry with you, though it doesn't get as loud as its larger sibling, and so can't fill larger spaces with sound as effectively. Still, like the Flex (2nd Gen), the Micro (2nd Gen) is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, so you can take it out on a dusty trail with you and even briefly dunk it in water without breaking it. The smaller Bose even has a similar battery life to the Flex (2nd Gen), although it doesn't have a built-in mic, so there's no support for a voice assistant.
The Micro (2nd Gen) has a balanced frequency response that does an especially good job reproducing mid-range content like the human voice or acoustic guitars. Its small size means it can't put out any low-bass, but there's enough high-bass to keep basslines and audible, if not especially punchy. The larger Bose speakers above all output more oomph in the low-end, but none are as easy to clip to a bike handle as the Micro (2nd Gen). If portability is your top priority, this is the best Bose speaker you can get.
-
Best Bose Wireless PA System
MusicVideos/MoviesPodcastsVoice AssistantOutdoorsBattery Powered:YesSpeakerphone:NoVoice Assistant:NoBluetooth:YesSee all our test resultsWi-Fi:NoThe 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 natural sound.
While it's on the larger side of Bluetooth speakers, you can place it either 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
-
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.
-
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 pricier Sonos speakers tend to operate over Wi-Fi, though portable models are Bluetooth-friendly.
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
Mar 03, 2026:
The Bose SoundLink Revolve II is out of stock at most online retailers, so our new mid-range pick is the Bose SoundLink Plus. We've bumped up the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) from the budget tier to lower mid-range. Our new budget pick is the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen). Finally, we rewrote parts of the text to make tradeoffs between different picks clearer.
Apr 16, 2025:
All of our picks are up-to-date and in stock, so we've made only minor edits to this text for clarity.
Jan 17, 2025:
This article has been checked for accuracy with no changes to the picks and only very minor text edits for clarity.
Dec 18, 2024:
We've ensured that our Bose picks are up to date but haven't changed them.
Nov 21, 2024:
The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) replaces the first-gen Bose SoundLink Flex as our budget pick because of its improved control strip and the useful 3-band EQ in its companion app.
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.