Customer Ratings & Reviews

The SoundLink Max delivers excellent sound quality (which BOSE is known for!) The speaker measures in at 10.5” x 5” x 4” which makes it very portable. The first thing I noticed was the building quality. It has a little heft, which I love, and the rope handle is a nice touch. The sound quality is amazing, which is nice is such a small package. Too many times, I have used bluetooth portable speakers, and the sound quality negates portability. The bass was not too much, and the mids sounded great. I am a big classical fan, and this speaker manages to perform well in the genre. For battery, we are looking at 20 hours at moderate volume. I was able to use the device for around 5 hours, low volume, and the device was still at 100%, which was crazy. I believe if you keep the device at a decent to low volume, you could possibly see better battery life in terms of hours. There is also a USB-C port you can use to charge a phone, which is a neat feature to have. You can never have enough ways to charge handy. Overall, this is a well-designed, excellent performing Bluetooth speak. This will be a daily driver for me and my family as the portablity and sound, along with excellent battery life make this a must have for us.

Bose has come out swinging powerfully with the release of the Soundlink Max wireless speaker. As an owner and fan of the SoundLink Flex speaker, I was surprised and excited to hear that Bose would be releasing a bigger and louder version of it. If you already own a prior version of this line of speakers, you'll kind of know what to expect, but I promise you that you will be impressed! Sound Quality: I am blown away by how good this Bose speaker sounds. It definitely sounds a lot bigger than it physically is. I like to sit it on my window sill when I am listening to music and it fills our living room with music easily. It has such a nice full and immersive sound. I feel like I am standing in a concert hall when I use this speaker in my living room to listen to music. It is loud, even at a low 30-40% volume setting. The bass is very punchy, without drowning out the mids and highs. Mids have a nice subtle tone that carry the treble and voices very nicely to your ears. This speaker sounds so good, that I cannot wait to hear what the next song on my playlist is going to sound like through it. If you're an audiophile, You'll understand what I am saying. I honestly love this speaker, and I plan on using it every chance I get. Bose has proven their sound engineering knowledge and If there is an award for "Portable speaker of the year" I think this one deserves it. Build quality: This speaker is very very rugged. I think it will definitely survive a drop from shoulder height. I'm not going to test my theory, but it is tough. It is heavy, and it's built like a tank. The carry strap is a very nice touch, you can remove it easily if you don't want it. But I think it is classy and since the speaker is chunky ( I can barely wrap my hand around the whole thing), it makes carrying it around a lot easier. my one and only complaint about this speaker, is that the silicone "skin" that covers the speaker is a huge lint and dust magnet. If you have OCD about keeping things dust free as I do. You will find yourself wiping this thing clean very often. lol. I understand the need for it though. It gives the speaker a nice rugged protective skin. I do love that Bose included a 3.5mm aux port on here. I plan on using it to connect it to my home projector when watching movies. The USB C port is for input/output. So it will charge the speaker with a fast charging cable, and it will output power to charge your phone or tablet! I don't know how I feel about draining the battery from this amazing speaker to charge my phone, but it is definitely a very nice feature to have if I need to charge my phone in an emergency. Would I recommend this speaker? Yes, I highly recommend this speaker. You will not be disappointed.

Bose never ceases to amaze me with their products. I hate to sound like a “fan boy” but man…quality and performance is what counts and Bose takes it to the max with the Soundlink Max! I cannot not believe the range, clarity and bass that bursts from the speakers in the Soundlink Max. I wanted to replace a speaker that I had in my garage for projects due to environmental damage. The previous garage speaker had a critter that stored seeds and made a nest in the subwoofer opening! Ruined! IPX proofing is important on an outdoor speaker! Soundlink Max is IPX6… No critter, no water or dust gonna stop Soundlink from brining the tunes. IPX6 rated protection is extremely waterproof but not submersible. It can take rain, splashes or a spilled beverage! It’s ready for the beach, pool or adventure! NOTE: if you get it wet…let it dry COMPLETELY before trying to charge it usb! No hair dryers either. I don’t like reading manuals…but Bose kept it simple on the app so I would recommend checking it out to maximize your Soundlink Max. It also is usb C for charging which I really love. You can also charge your phone from it but note that it will decrease the 20 hours or play. Bose also makes a mention that if you are using max sound setting the 20 hours is greatly reduced as one would expect. To help with battery, if you leave it on accidently, after 20 minutes it will auto shut off which is nice. I also really love the premium material of skin, It feels soft but slip resistant if you have wet hands. The buttons are responsive. You can turn the volume up and down and play and pause on the speaker itself….BUT NO NEXT/BACK SONG BUTTON! That’s definitely a design misstep or bad design choice but totally forgivable. I use my phone most of the time anyway. The speaker sets solid on anything you set it on…beach towel or beach bag. While looking at the manual in the Bose App, I discovered you can change the handle with ease to different color rope design! I like that little touch. I also like the ergonomic handle… feels good and solid in the hand or to use it to tie on the boat somewhere or a canoe on a float trip! I like the app Bose has. I had the app with my BOSE Headphones and the Soundlink Max synced right up no problem. You can play with the EQ if you want…I found the factory set is the best for me. Back to the sound…Just world class. I love music and I have too many headphones and speakers to be honest but I like having the right device for the right job….For summer fun or out door adventure…BOSE SOUNDLINK MAX is by far the way to go. It completely fills my back deck, garage or any room in my house up with full rich, clear and crisp sound with bass that seems impossible from such a small device with no visible subwoofer or tweeters!!! So easy to transport anywhere you want to go! Loud for a party or soft for ambience….just amazing. Not to mention the rich warm conversations from podcasts. I absolutely love the Soundlink Max!

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.

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!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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!

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 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.

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.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review for the Bose SoundLink Max The Bose SoundLink Max is honestly one of the best portable speakers I’ve owned. The sound quality is powerful, clear, and rich with deep bass without sounding distorted, even at high volume. Whether indoors or outside, it fills the space perfectly. The battery life is excellent and lasts for hours, making it great for trips, BBQs, cabins, or relaxing outside. I also love the premium build quality — it feels durable, stylish, and easy to carry. The Bluetooth connection is fast and reliable, and the sound stays consistent even when moving around. What impressed me most is how balanced the audio sounds. Vocals are crisp, bass hits hard, and music sounds immersive no matter the genre. Bose really did an amazing job combining portability with high-end sound. Definitely worth the investment if you want a portable speaker that sounds like a much bigger system.

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!

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!!

The **Bose SoundLink Max** is one of the best premium portable Bluetooth speakers available, offering exceptional sound quality with deep, powerful bass, clear vocals, and a wide stereo soundstage that performs well both indoors and outdoors. Its rugged IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof design, up to 20 hours of battery life, USB-C charging, and built-in power bank functionality make it an excellent companion for camping, road trips, backyard gatherings, and everyday listening. While it is heavier and more expensive than many competitors, its premium build quality and balanced, high-fidelity sound justify the price for those who prioritize audio performance. Compared with speakers like the JBL Xtreme 4, Marshall Emberton III, and Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7, the SoundLink Max delivers the best overall combination of sound quality, durability, and portability, making it an excellent all-around choice if you're looking for a long-lasting premium Bluetooth speaker.

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.

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.

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