Customer Ratings & Reviews

Without question, the SL Max provides great sound out-of-the-box dominating speakers twice its size and form factor. With very few shortcomings, it will be my go-to speaker for beach/picnic outings due to its space filling soundscape and portability. Performance- Rich, full sound with a great balance of treble and bass. No peaking on high volumes and easily able fill a room and/or cover a space in a mid-size gathering. App based EQ can further implement a specific sound profile to match different genres of music. My overall rating is specifically tied to its robust performance. Size/ Portability- A lot packed into a little. For comparison, it's roughly the size of a Fiji water bottle and easily able to fit into any backpack without hogging too much space. With that, the control panel buttons are sized just right, even for my thick fingers. Another high point. Build- When you first grab the handle, you may be slightly surprised at how heavy the capsule is. With that weight comes confidence in the build. This is a solid, sturdy road companion. I have no issue toss around, getting wet, or placing in the sand. A downside it there are no covers for the power or aux inputs, but there is a warning system for charging. If there is water detected, the led will flash until dry. In any event Bose recommends fan usage for drying/clearing debris, so I can still feel confident in taking it wherever I boldly go. This goes for the handle as well. Very sturdy, without the need to be delicate. Battery- The first 10% of the fully charged battery disappeared after about an hour and some change, which I assumed I was going to get roughly 10% per hour. But, I've been at 80% for well past that metric which gives a solid plus for battery life. Of course, the louder the play, the shorter the battery life, but for sporadic usage, the battery has surpassed satisfaction. Finish- This is where I find one of my main issues. The finish of the Max is a rubber based matte coating. While I know it helps with durability, it is terrible for keeping your speaker looking its best. All knicks, dust, specks, marks, etc. show on the surface and are not easily removed. So, if you're going to put this speaker to hardship, let it be known it will look the part over time. Also, I have known such finishes to not do well over time with oxidation. Only time will tell, but this is/has been my experience. App experience- Easily connected to several BT sources with/without the app. App adds EQ and quick settings so it will be advantageous if you like to tinker with your sound. The app has been improved since my last foray with the S1 Pro. So far, dependable and useful when I choose to use it. A few things to wrap up. The first is the Shortcut button. It is promoted as programmable, but the only choices are for the AUX and Spotify. I'm hoping that can be expanded through a software update at a later date, as of writing this, it is simply a disguised "source" button. I would love to set the button to my preferred music app of choice. Second, there are no in-call options. No mic or speaker output of calls. That can be a hit or miss feature, and they chose to exclude it here. When you take a call, music stops, call is taken through handset. Once call completes, music automatically resumes with no interaction needed. Not an issue, but is one of those features that should be noted. In closing, The Soundlink Max lives up to the boisterous claims and satisfies just about all of my needs and wants in an on-the-go speaker. A worthy companion.

Bose SoundLink Max in Blue Dusk Bose has a new set of portable bluetooth speakers that it has named the SoundLink Max line There are 2 models available in blue or black colors. I am discussing the Dusk Blue model here but both have identical specifications Approximate sizing is 10.4 inches wide, 6.4 inches high and approximately 4.1 inches deep. The speakers have Bluetooth 5.3 The internal battery, per the Bose specifications on the website, should last up to 20 hours of usage on a charge at moderate volume levels. The specs say a battery charge lasts 3 hours at full volume. I did not test this water proof feature, but the speakers are also IP67 waterproof and dust-resistant. I don't normally mix water and electronics. Of good convenience is another set of features: The speaker has both an analog 3.5mm auxiliary input jack and a USB-C port; the USB-C is to both to charge the speaker and charge external devices such as phones, using the internal speaker battery, when circumstances require it. Of course, doing so will reduce the length the speaker will play music. It works to charge my phone. The sound quality is very robust, rich and filled with both strong bass and bright treble depending on how the Bose app is adjusted for a user’s preference. Let me state that it has quite some strong volume that will cause some of my less exuberant family members to loudly implore me to turn down the volume. It is very good! Bose has apps available for their Bose headphones and Bose portable speakers that likely are mostly used with mobile devices such as phones, tablets, Chromebooks, and other bluetooth portable music devices. Using that app allows setting the music tone quality (EQ equalizer settings). Really cool. The app is also compatible with Bose SimpleSync to enable a multi room audio environment. I did not test that since this is my only Bose Bluetooth speaker (for now). There is a feature that powers off the speaker if no sound is transmitted via bluetooth and no control buttons are used for 20 minutes. That time length is adjustable to hours or turned off via the app. A voice prompt announces the battery level every time the power is turned on, or when being used, if the power button is pushed and held. It also announces the device it is connected to via bluetooth. It can connect to 2 bluetooth sources at once and mine does announce my Samsung Android phone and my Gigabyte Windows PC when powered up. BTW: I have grown very much accustomed to using this with my laptop since the sound it produces is FAR superior to my internal tiny speakers as well as other computer speakers. Recommended with enthusiasm!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely love this speaker! The Bose SoundLink Max delivers powerful, crystal-clear sound with deep bass that fills any room or backyard. The battery easily lasts all day, and the removable handle makes it super easy to carry to the beach or a friend’s house. It feels solid and premium, and the water-resistant design gives me peace of mind outdoors. Pairing was instant, and the Bluetooth connection stays rock-steady. Worth every penny—this is the best portable speaker I’ve ever owned!

Best all in one portable sound system for fidelity, quality, durability, esthetics. Heavy, built like a tank. Really want 2 for the stereo sound. AMAZING sound. Very long lasting battery for multiple days of constant use for needing to recharge. You can charge over devices via USB-C port. Paid under $300 and it's currently selling for $340-400 which SUCKS. Need this at $300 or less. Took it all over puerto rico on vacation. Heavy! Again but better than most home systems by itself

I bought this to replace my Bose Mini SoundLink 1. That speaker served me for 11 years! College parties, beach trips, kayaking, camping, work, grilling, sad boy hours. You name it, that speaker played its little heart out. It became an icon in the friend group. While many have had 4-6 speakers over the years, I've had just the one. I unfortunately dunked it in water while on the river. The battery was beginning to fail anyway, but that deemed to be too much for my Mini. It still played for a few hours after that, but its final song was Great Expectations by Day Wave on 07/04/2024. It played all the way through and turned off for its last time. I put that speaker though things it was never built to do, and it just kept going. I bought the Max because it IS built to withstand my lifestyle, and Bose as a portable speaker has won me over. I will forever buy Bose, and this speaker.. I mean wow! What a sound! The battery life is incredible, the tone and bass is amazing! truly one of the best sounding Bluetooth speakers I've heard for its size. To be fair it's a little too soon to tell, but if this is anything like my Mini SoundLink 1, (and this can withstand the river) I will be playing music out of it for many years to come, and I believe this too will become the next icon amongst friends and family. I have already enjoyed many hours from the new Bose Max.

The Bose SoundLink Max Portable Bluetooth Speaker is an impressive piece of audio engineering and the Blue Dusk color is a nice touch too! The speaker is quite lightweight relative to the extremely impressive audio quality that it delivers. The deep base is stereo sound is really quite impressive and it will keep delivering such impressive audio for nearly 20 hours according to Bose on a single charge. When you're not charging the speaker, you can even use it to charge your phone! The speaker is charged by a USB-C charger (included). It has an IP67 Water and Dust resistance rating and so it's ready to go on your next adventure wherever that may take you. It weighs in at 4.7lbs and measures 4.73" H x 10.42" W x 4.13" D. It's definitely a companion you'll want with you wherever you're going. The handle at the top is detachable should you want to remove it. Setup was exceptionally easy using the Bose app on iOS. The app is also available on the Google Play store for those with an Android based phone or tablet. You can easily connect to the speaker using the app, Bluetooth or the Aux connection. I would definitely recommend this speaker to anyone looking for a speaker to take on the road with them!

I use this speaker every day, and it has been worth it. The sound fills the room without distortion, and the bass is deeper than I expected. It’s easy to move around thanks to the handle, and the battery lasts a long time. I also like that it’s durable and can handle being used in different rooms. It’s simple to pair and works smoothly with my phone. Definitely one of my favorite purchases.

The Bose - SoundLink Max Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a top of the line portable speaker! The sound is crisp, clear and overall just awesome! When the speaker is charged it last close to 20 hours, which makes it great to carry to the lake, pool, or a park. Included in my box was the Bose Soundlink Max Portable Bluetooth Speaker, a safety sheet, USB-C to C cable, and the USB-C power supply. Quick set-up instuctions are located on the box along with a QR code to download the Bose app. After downloading the app, I followed the instructions to connect to bluetooth. I had no problems connecting the Bose portable speaker to my android cellphone. Within the app you may chose whether you want a Bass Boost, Bass reducer, Treble Boost, or Treble reducer. If connected to your phone you can hear connection status, connected devices, and incoming caller ID. You can not answer a phone call. This Bose Soundlink speaker can be paired with 8 devices. If you have another Bose speaker that is compatible, you can link both speakers to play simultaneously. I have my speaker connected to my cellphone along with my Smart TV, TV Sound Bar, and desktop computer. Highly recommend.

TLDR: For anyone looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker in the price range, you will most be happy with your purchase. As an owner of Bose Soundlink Color II, I was pretty excited to try out Bose’s latest offering. Right of the bat, the speaker gives a much fuller sound. With the larger size, you get a lot more bass than the Color II. Setup of the speaker was simple. Bose recommended performing a factory reset before pairing for the first time (holding + and – button for a few seconds). After resetting, I was able to connect the speaker to my iPhone. Next, I highly recommend downloading the latest Bose app and adding the speaker. The app has a few built-in guides that explain most of the speaker’s functionality and customizations you can perform. As a Spotify user, I like the fact that I can change the Shortcut button to directly launch Spotify. One thing I will say is that initially, I thought the sound from the speaker was a little harsh. Thankfully within the app you can customize the EQ. After a good amount of experimentation, I was able to find a configuration that sounded good to me. For reference, my settings are: Bass: +1 Mid: -3 Treble: +3 While I haven’t done any testing in this area, the speaker is IP67 rated, so you should be able to take it just about anywhere and not have to worry about the speaker getting wet or full of dust. The speaker also has some sensors to determine if it is wet, so you don’t plug it in while there is still some moisture in the USB port. Having an included USB-C cable and charger is a nice touch. You can also use the speaker as a power bank and charge your phone through the USB port. You can remove the carrying handle, but I am not sure why you would. Overall, after a bit of tweaking of the settings, I am happy with the speaker and would recommend it to most people. While it won’t replace my home theater setup, it does make for a good experience on the go.

I love this thing battery lasts me all day at work full volume, very loud and clear can be heard all around the shop with loud tools going. The audio quality is top tier! Very portable easy to use and overall great!

This speaker ROCKS. It is powerful, with amazing highs, lows, and midrange sound. I LOVE how the grab handle is on top. Simple things like that make it a keeper. It was NOT cheap, but at the same time, the sound is just....wow. And a 20 hour battery? Oh, and this thing actually has STEREO sound. Sit close enough to it and you can hear the left and right channels. Bonus...keeper. I might buy another one and link them up.

I recently purchased the Bose Soundlink Max speaker, and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations in every way. Despite its compact size, the sound quality is impressively powerful. The clarity is remarkable, making it perfect for any genre of music. The bass remains deep and rich, even at low volumes, which is ideal for quiet listening sessions. Portability is another major plus. Its small size makes it easy to carry around the house, so you can enjoy great sound in any room. The Bluetooth connection is stable and quick to set up, with no perceptible lag in sound, ensuring a seamless listening experience. Additionally, the accompanying app is very functional. It allows for easy adjustments in the EQ, so you can tailor the sound to your preference with minimal hassle. Overall, the Bose Soundlink Max is a fantastic speaker that delivers excellent sound quality and convenience. Highly recommended!

Having tried two other popular brands, the BOSE Max was FAR superior in sound. I'm not looking for a party speaker that sounds flat or accentuates the highs but not the lows. At 70% this speaker has plenty of sound to do my house or outdoor deck. I would suggest to BOSE that they developed a more robust app to include many presets and a multi channel eq to replace the 3 channel very basic eq. Otherwise, this is the best wireless speaker I've found that is waterproof and solid for drops.

This Bose SoundLink Max is awesome. The sound is powerful, clear, and the bass hits just right. It gets loud without sounding messy, which is a big plus. It’s easy to carry, connects fast, and the battery lasts long enough for a full day of music. Whether you’re at home, outside, or hanging out with friends, it just works. If you want a portable speaker with great sound and no headaches, this Bose is a solid pick. Totally worth it.

Couldn't wait to get my hands on the new Bose Soundlink Max. Unboxing was as easy as it gets. After pulling the unit out of the box, I did a quick factory reset by holding the + and - buttons at the same time for about 5-10 seconds to make sure it was at its factory settings. I also already had the Bose app up and running on my iphone since I have other Bose products throughout the house that I control. If you don't have the app on your phone, I highly recommend doing that. It's very intuitive and makes it easy to connect via bluetooth and gives you control of volume and equalization of the device to your preferred sound quality settings. The speaker came charged at about 30%, so I would recommend charging it for the full 5 hours as recommended. Product has both a USB-C and auxiliary port, which also comes with the USB-C charger. Bose states the charge has a 20 hour battery life which is pretty exceptional. I have about 6 hours of use so far and battery life still seems good. Note: (I have not tested for the full 20 hours yet). One thing I like about this speaker is the ability to have two phones dual linked to the Soundlink Max. This is a feature I haven't seen before, but it comes in real handy when I'm busy grilling and my wife can control the music playlist without grabbing my iphone. The handle makes it super easy to transport from one location to another and reminds me of the old boom boxes I used to carry around in the 80's and 90's but with a more compact feel. Let's talk about the sound. This for me, is why I rated this new Bose portable speaker a 4 star rating. Since I own a lot of different speakers in my home like Sonos, Bose, and JBL, which all have great Sound quality in my opinion, I naturally have pretty high expectations. I will say the clean sound clarity which is well known in all Bose systems was consistent. The Bass in my opinion based off the size of the speaker was decent, but lacked punch. I was expecting a little more for the price point. Here are my final thoughts. You can never go wrong with a high quality and reputable brand such as Bose and with that, usually comes a higher price point. There are a lot of positive features with the new soundlink Max at the same time keeping the product simple, compact, and well made. If you are looking for a little stronger cleaner punch in the bass, I think you might find something out there and pay a little less.

Indulge in a sensory voyage like no other with the Bose SounkLink Max speaker, a harmonious fusion of syle, power, and unparalleled audio prowess. From the moment you press play, you're catapulted into a realm where sound transcends mere listening and becomes an immersive experience that envelops your entire being. Let's start with the design, sleek, sophisticated, and undeniably Bose. The SoundLink Max blends well in any environment, whether you're sitting around a cozy fire or partying pool side. It's compact size belies its capabilities, making it the perfect companion for both intimate moments or lively celebrations. The SoundLink Max isn't just about raw power. It's also about versatility and convenience. With its seamless bluetooth connectivity you can effortlessly stream your favorite tunes from any compatible device, freeing you from the constraints of wires and cables. And thanks to its great battery life you can keep the party going for hours on end with out missing a beat. And if you are like me and have other Bose units you will be happy to know it uses the same app and is very easy to set up, navigate and use. And the wife just loves the light blue color!!

I bought this product with the expectation that it would be a bass power house. I can for sure tell you it beat my expectation. Though its not the loudest kid on the block it for sure delivers crisp sound and amazingly good bass for its size of speakers. Now given its multiple speakers its battery life isnt as great at high volume. Now if you have it at a decent medium high volume it will last a good 6 to 8 hours on an single charge. Im a diesel tech and it delivers perfectly in a loud environment like mine. Made with good quality and a good battery. I cant forget the connectivity, with a long range i can walk awayy with my phone about 20 feet and it still plays really well. In essence the down side is the battery does drain quick at high volume but thats due to asking it for everything it has. Not the loudest but delivers great bass Not fully portable but great size for its sound. I will definitely continue to invest in Bose products.

After months of searching for the best outdoor speaker, I finally decided to purchase the Bose SoundLink Max. Here’s my honest review after using it for about 3 months. What I Love: - Impressive Sound Quality: The sound quality of the Bose SoundLink Max is truly remarkable. I’ve owned several Bluetooth speakers over the years, and this one stands out for its full, rich audio that captivates you and makes you stop what you’re doing to appreciate the music. The bass is deep and impactful without being muddy, while the vocals are crystal clear. I use it for a variety of occasions, from enjoying morning pump up music to hosting weekend pool parties, and it effortlessly handles everything crisp. - Bulletproof Build Quality: The build quality of the Bose SoundLink Max is impressive. The silicone coating gives it a premium feel, and I appreciate that I don’t have to be overly cautious with it. I’ve accidentally dropped it a few times, been caught in rainstorms, and even dipped it in the pool to clean some dirt off, and it still functions flawlessly. The IP67 rating is not just a marketing gimmick. - Exceptional Battery Life: Bose claims a battery life of 20 hours, but I consistently get closer to 22-24 hours of mixed volume listening. The reverse charging feature is a lifesaver when camping or at the beach. Being able to charge my phone directly from the speaker has saved me multiple times. The rope handle is well-designed. It’s comfortable to carry and feels sturdy. What Could Be Better: - High Price: The Bose SoundLink Max is quite expensive at $399. I managed to find it for $299 during a sale, which was the sweet spot for the price, but at full retail, it’s definitely an expensive purchase. - Slightly Heavier Than Expected: At almost 5 pounds, the speaker is heavier than I anticipated. It’s definitely noticeable when carrying it in a backpack. - Basic Bose App: The Bose app is basic. It offers a simple EQ and multiple speaker linking, and that’s about it. For Bose, I would expect more customization options. Other cheaper speaker companies provide significantly more app features. The charging and aux ports lack covers, which seems like an oversight for a rugged device. I know it’s waterproof, but I’m still always a bit weary. In real-world use, I primarily rely on this speaker for outdoor entertaining/poolside music. It fills my backyard (about 30x40 feet) with clear, crisp sound, and the wireless freedom allows me to place it anywhere. The aux input is convenient, and pairing with my phone is always instant and reliable. It also has options to connect to multiple phones at once, so if my phone leaves, my wife’s phone will automatically connect, which is great when the unexpected happens. Overall, if you can find it on sale for around $300, it’s a solid investment. The sound quality and build quality justify the cost at that price point. At full retail, you’re paying a premium for the Bose brand, but you do get premium performance. Just be prepared for the weight if portability is a major concern. Would I buy it again? Yes, but I’d definitely wait for another sale. It’s become my go to speaker for any situation where I want excellent sound. Recommendation: Wait for a discount, but don’t hesitate once the price drops to $300 or below.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The Bose SoundLink Max is a game-changer in portable speakers, delivering an unparalleled audio experience. Compared to the already impressive Bose SoundLink Flex which was my original bose speaker, the Max takes sound quality to a whole new level—20 times better, to be exact! Its rich bass, crystal-clear highs, and room-filling sound leave the Flex in the dust, making it the ultimate choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. While the SoundLink Flex is a solid option for its size and portability, the Max truly lives up to its name, providing superior depth, clarity, and volume without distortion. If you're looking for a portable speaker that delivers premium sound quality, the SoundLink Max is worth every penny.

I've been a Bose Head for about 15years now and I've owned their headphones, earbuds, speakers and home theater systems. This Bose speaker may be the best speaker that I've owned. Ive had jbl, HK, and beats and none of the 3 perform the way this Bose speaker does. Easy to pair up with your phones (apple/android). No distortion. Battery life is great. I use it about 3 hrs full blast at work for about 4 days before i need to fully charge it again. I got the yellow one. Gotten plenty of compliments on its look and how loud it is for its size. The only negative thing I got for it is how easy the speaker attracts dust/dirt. It can get reallt dirty fast.