Customer Ratings & Reviews

I have had the Bose Soundlink Max SE for about a week now and have been using it more than 5 hours a day, so I feel like I’ve had enough time to really get a feel for it. I spent quite a bit of time comparing different Bluetooth speakers before buying this one. I wanted something with really good sound and bass, but also something that was easy to carry and could handle being used outside. So far, I am really happy with my choice. The main reason I went with Bose was the overall balance. There are cheaper speakers out there, and there are also bigger speakers that can get louder, but I didn’t want something big and bulky that I would only use in one place. I wanted something I could easily move from the kitchen to the backyard, take to another room, put in the car, or bring along when we are hanging outside. For the size of this speaker, the sound is surprisingly big. The music feels full and does not sound like it is coming from a small portable speaker. Vocals are clear, instruments sound good, and the bass has a nice punch. I’ve listened to all kinds of music during the past week, and it has handled everything pretty well. I especially like it with music that has good bass. If you really push the volume, the bass can get a little less clean and slightly muddled, but honestly, that is not surprising for a speaker this size. I also like the EQ in the Bose app. You can adjust the bass, midrange and treble, which is useful because everyone has a different preference for how they like their music to sound. It is not a tiny speaker, but it is also not so big that I don't want to carry it around. It has some weight to it, which makes it feel solid and well built, but I don't find it difficult to move. The handle is actually more useful than I expected. At first, I thought it was just a nice design feature, but after using the speaker for a week, I find myself using the handle all the time. I can just grab it with one hand and move it wherever I need it. I went with the Black color, and I’m happy with it. It looks clean and simple and doesn't stand out too much. It also seems like a practical color for a speaker that is going to get used outside. The speaker feels solid when you pick it up. Nothing feels cheap or fragile, and I don't feel like I have to baby it. The IP67 rating is a big plus for me. I like being able to use it outside without constantly worrying about dust, splashes or unexpected weather. I haven't intentionally put it in water, and I don't plan to, but knowing it has that protection gives me some peace of mind. It is also easy to clean. The outside can be wiped down pretty easily, which I appreciate even more now that I’ve actually been using it outdoors. I’ve been using it for several hours every day and haven't had any issues with the battery. Bose rates it for up to 16 hours, although actual battery life will depend on volume and how you use it. For my normal use, it has been more than enough. I also like that it uses USB-C, so charging is simple and convenient. Setup : I connected it to my phone over Bluetooth and was playing music within a few minutes. I haven't had any frustrating connection issues so far. The buttons on top are simple and easy to understand. The Bose app is also useful for checking the battery and making sound adjustments. One thing I really appreciate is the 3.5mm AUX input. I don't use it every day, but I like having the option. It is one of those features you may not think about until you actually need it. The Soundlink Max SE is a slightly simpler version of the regular Soundlink Max. The SE is rated for up to 16 hours of battery life, and some features from the regular Max are not included. I knew that before getting it, and for me, it wasn't a big deal. If you are deciding between the two, I would definitely compare the features and price before making a decision. For what I wanted, the SE made more sense. Pros Big, full sound for its size Good bass, especially at normal listening levels Clear vocals and good detail Solid and premium-feeling build IP67 water and dust resistance makes it great for outdoor use Easy to carry with the built-in handle Compact enough to move around without feeling bulky Good battery life for everyday use USB-C charging Simple, easy-to-use buttons Bose app gives you bass, midrange and treble adjustment 3.5mm AUX input is a nice option to have Easy to clean Black color looks simple and practical Cons Not the cheapest portable Bluetooth speaker Bass can become a little less clean at very high volume The SE has fewer features than the regular Soundlink Max Battery life is rated at up to 16 hours, which is less than the regular Max Overall, after a week of using it heavily, the SoundLink Max SE has become one of those things I keep grabbing without really thinking about it. I use it around the house, outside, while working in the yard, and whenever I just want some music playing in the background. The biggest thing for me is the combination of sound quality, size, portability and durability. It feels like a speaker I can actually use and take places instead of one I have to constantly be careful with. So, if you are looking for a portable speaker that is easy to carry but still gives you a big, enjoyable sound, I think the SoundLink Max SE is definitely worth considering.

I am a big fan of the Bose SoundLink Max SE. It sounds good, has the same big, satisfying Bose sound I expect from the SoundLink Max, and is a great portable speaker for using around the house. If I had two of the same color sitting side by side, I honestly do not think I could tell the regular Max and this SE version apart without checking which one was which. The SoundLink Max SE feels a little lighter than my regular SoundLink Max, and its rated battery life seems a little shorter: up to 16 hours versus up to 20 hours for the standard model. I do think it’s all in my head though because they list them as being the same weight. For my normal at-home use, that difference is not a problem at all. It’s is still plenty of runtime for everyday listening. Same excellent Bose sound: The reason to buy this speaker is the sound. It delivers full audio with deep bass and enough presence to make music feel substantial in a room. It is easy to carry from one spot to another, but it does not sound like a tiny portable speaker trying to act bigger than it is. I really like that these have a handle! It’s so natural to carry it from room to room or place to place. For background music, cleaning, working around the house, or taking music outdoors, this is simply a very enjoyable speaker. Bose got the fundamentals right: it sounds great, it is easy to use, and it feels well made. Speaker Link is the killer feature! I especially like the Bose Speaker Link system. Any Bose speaker with the shortcut button can be synchronized with another compatible speaker. With two SoundLink Max speakers, you can switch into Stereo Mode, where one speaker handles the left channel and the other handles the right channel. That makes the listening experience much wider and more immersive. Stereo Mode requires two speakers of similar mode. If you link different compatible Bose speakers—or want several speakers playing together, you can use Party Mode, which sends the same audio to all linked speakers. That is very useful for filling multiple rooms or spreading sound around a patio or gathering. You can activate the modes with the shortcut button or through the Bose app. The difference I found is phone charging. My regular blue SoundLink Max can use its USB-C port to charge my phone directly from the speaker battery. The SoundLink Max SE did not charge my phone when I tried it. That is not an accident: Bose says that the SE removes the standard Max’s power-bank function. The regular SoundLink Max supports USB-C output for charging a phone or tablet, while the SE is a simplified version with lower stated battery life and no device-charging capability. I dont understand why Bose took that feature away, especially when the speakers are otherwise so similar and the pricing is close. It is not a dealbreaker for me, but it is worth knowing before buying. If using the speaker as a backup phone battery matters to you, look for the regular SoundLink Max rather than the SE. I bought a third-party protective cover with attachment points for a shoulder strap, and it makes the speaker more convenient to move around. I really wish Bose offered an official fitted case or cover with a strap. The speaker has a sturdy built-in carry handle, but a case with a shoulder strap would be useful for travel, carrying it outside, or protecting it between uses. The Bose SoundLink Max SE is an excellent portable Bluetooth speaker, and I recommend it. The sound is outstanding, the size is practical around the house, and Speaker Link makes it even more compelling if you already own—or plan to add—another compatible Bose speaker. The SE makes a few compromises: slightly less battery life and no USB-C phone-charging output. Still, because it otherwise feels and sounds so similar to the regular SoundLink Max, most people will be very happy with it. Just know that you are giving up charging, and maybe get a protective cover with a strap if you expect to carry it around often. RECOMMENDED!

I’ve loved the big sound and compact form of this speaker. Bose has a nice design language going on here that’s both rugged and refined, It’s durable with a built-in silicone sleeve around the back (not a soft plastic finish) that helps isolate and protect the speaker from dust and water. Up front, forward-firing tweeters and a woofer have great sound out of the box. Side perforations help spread that sound to the sides. The handle is nicely chunky and solid, I love the look of the woven chord too. Unlike other options, this would look great in a whole range of environments, even if placed on a shelf as your primary audio for an office or bedroom. __ Super Simple to Use __ Along the top of the speaker clear buttons for power, volume, etc. make it dead simple to use. I was able to connect my SoundLink Flex 2 easily using the party mode/connection button. Pressing it on each speaker made them instantly connect, making the music feel even more immersive when coming from two quality sources. This will be my go-to portable audio solution from now one. It looks so professional and cool, and sounds amazing without a lot of fussing with bass levels, etc. __ Sound __ Bose typically does great work, and these speakers are a hit for a reason. No other Bluetooth speaker has sounded as balanced as these, straight out of the box. Bass sounded impactful without being ridiculous, while the mids and highs came through clearly without distortion at my preferred volume. Adding a second Bose speaker had a noticeable impact on filling the room in party mode, but this speaker is still room-filling on its own. Compared with the more expensive ‘normal’ MAX, the SE here only seems to drop a small amount of its battery capacity - down to 16 hours of playback, down from 20. That’s still a ton of playback time! It also loses the ability to charge other devices from that battery, but those are very fair compromises to get essentially the same quality speaker (and sound) at a lower price. I also appreciate that it retained the aux port to allow connecting sources directly. Though in practice, the quality from the bluetooth connection is already stellar for my use. __ Overall __ This speaker impressed me in both design and balanced sound. Bose has been a winner in the design category for nailing a form that’s both fun and professional. It exudes quality worthy of its price, while this SE further refines their top offering to save buyers a bit of money in the process.

The Bose SoundLink Max SE is a portable Bluetooth speaker that weighs about 5 pounds but still delivers a serious punch. It produces the kind of full, room-filling sound that works just as well for relaxing at home as it does for backyard hangouts, cookouts, poolside listening, or trips to the park. One of the best things about the SoundLink Max SE is that you do not have to baby it. With an IP67 rating, it is built to handle dust and water exposure, making it a great option for enjoying your favorite music just about anywhere. It measures approximately 4.73 inches high, 10.42 inches wide, and 4.13 inches deep, so it is compact enough to carry around without taking up too much space on a table, shelf, or in a bag. Sound quality is easily the main highlight. Music comes through clear, detailed, and surprisingly big for a portable speaker. The bass has plenty of punch without overpowering the song, while vocals and instruments remain clean and balanced. It handles a variety of music styles well, whether you are listening to hip-hop, rock, pop, country, or your favorite podcasts. For a portable speaker, it creates a wide and impressive soundstage. It is able to do that with three front-facing drivers: two 2.5-inch midrange speakers and one 0.79-inch tweeter. The midrange drivers help produce clear vocals and detailed instruments, while the tweeter brings out the higher-frequency detail in music. Together, they give the speaker a fuller and more balanced sound than you might expect from something this portable. Battery life is another major plus. Bose rates the SoundLink Max SE for up to 16 hours of everyday listening, which is more than enough for a full day of music without constantly searching for an outlet. Actual battery life will vary based on volume level, music type, settings, and whether you use the USB-C port to charge another device. USB-C charging is convenient, and the speaker can even provide USB-C power to a compatible phone when needed. Bluetooth connectivity is simple and reliable, while the Bose app gives you additional control over settings and sound. The SoundLink Max SE also includes an AUX input, which is a nice bonus if you want to connect a device with a wired audio cable. Many portable Bluetooth speakers have dropped that feature, so it is useful for older devices or anyone who wants a quick wired connection. Overall, the Bose SoundLink Max SE is a great portable speaker for anyone who wants bold, balanced sound on the go without having to worry too much about the elements or battery life.

The Bose SoundLink Max SE is small, compact, tough and awesome! I just love how well its built and the handle and size make it perfect to carry around without feeling bulky. It is substantial feeling, but not heavy like some of my other BT speakers, and it is tiny too. It also is easy to keep clean, everything is a plastic/rubbery material that is easy to wipe down and it is IP67 rated for water resistance. Other speakers I have you feel like you have to baby them or they will get dirty and they are hard to clean if stuff gets in their grills. Speaker quality is typically solid with Bose. I am not saying this is the best SOUNDING portable speaker I have ever used, but Bose was the original compact but big sound company out there using some audio magic to get more out of a small package. The bass is a little bit muddled given the size of the unit and the woofers, but it is still respectable for a unit this small. There's an EQ you can use in the Bose app but rather than multiple EQ settings you get a wave with minor adjustments to bass, mid, treble. I also really enjoy the minimalistic inputs and buttons. There's just the 3.5mm jack and usb-c without having to open a compartment and it comes with a nice charger and cable. The buttons on top are responsive and easy to read and you can even group two of these together over BT or WiFi to get bigger sound. The documentation says you can also do this with multiple compatible speakers from Bose but I only have the 1. You can also group multiple speakers from different brands using AirPlay 2 on your WiFi network and your Apple products. One minor thing to note is this SE appears to be a slightly pared down version of the highly rated original SoundLink Max. The differences I noted from the specs were a little lower but still excellent 16 hours of battery vs. 20 hours, and the ability to use this as a charging bank for a phone has been removed on the SE. Still not a deal breaker for most and this unit is slightly cheaper so I think the trade-off is reasonable. Love the size and durability, one thing I would say is Bose could've put an embossed Bose logo on the unit to glam it up a little bit, but otherwise love this speaker for the Beach, the Pool, Yard parties, Halloween Trunk or Treat, yard work, camping or whatever else.

The Bose Soundlink Max SE Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a fun party speaker to always have with me. The speaker is very portable and easy to take on the go, but it delivers pretty good sound to fill the room or space. I have taken this speaker to backyard parties, school sports practice, and using it while working out in my home gym. This Bose speaker offers a stereo sound that impressed me right away. It’s loud but with clarity, from such a small package. The battery life on this speaker can go for up to 16 hours with a full charge and it has proven to be helpful while we were on an overnight camping trip. No outlets nearby us, but we had a fully charged Soundlink Max SE and it gave us music and good vibes around the campfire in the remote woods. I’ve also liked the ability to remove or keep the handle on the speaker as it proves to be helpful for grab and go, but also when removed it looks like a more elegant speaker. I will say with the handle it’s more secure to easily pick it up with cold hands or wet hands when doing things in outdoor elements. This is also a great waterproof and dustproof speaker that has an IP67 rating, and it could handle the splashes nearby the pool or shower as well. There are buttons on top of the speaker which make it easy to operate with dry or wet hands. The Bose app lets you also control the speaker settings from your smartphone. I can easily check the battery life from the app, adjust the bass, treble, and midrange. There is also a shortcut button which proves to be helpful and expedite access to Spotify for my preference. I have mainly used this speaker via Bluetooth mode with my iPhone, but there is also the option to use the AUX input audio jack for external playback sources. Included in the package is the Soundlink Max SE speaker, a USB-C cable, and the safety sheet.

Bose has made a new portable speaker, the Bose SoundLink Max SE. This is a great offering from Bose. It comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable and charging block and the speaker. I charged it when I first took it out of the box. It didn’t take too long to charge from 40% to 100%. There is a USB-C charge port and a 3.5mm jack are on the back of the speaker. On the top of the speaker is the carry handle and buttons. The play/pause button has raised dots on it so it is easy to find by touch. To each side of that are the volume up/down buttons. The power button is easy to find as well as it is recessed. Next to that are two buttons, the bluetooth button and the shortcut button. The case is well made and feels very solid. The majority of it is non-slip rubber. The rope handle has a non-slip rubber sheath over it. This helps to avoid the rope handle from wearing on my had when I carry it. The rope handle is thick and I have no worry if it every breaking. The grill on the front is aluminum and well made. The best part of it is the sound quality. The clarity is nothing short of amazing. Audio books and music sound great. I can definitely feel the bass from it and the speaker’s ability to produce clear highs makes the overall sound a pleasure to hear. This is definitely the level of audio I’ve come to expect from Bose. They hit the mark with the SoundLink Max SE. One of my TVs doesn’t have a soundbar. This speaker is good enough to use in place of one when I want to use it for that. With the multi-point connection feature, it is easy enough to pair with my phone, TV, etc. and hear audio from one of two of the active paired devices. The Bose app for the SoundLink is the same Bose app I use for my Bose headphones. I can set the volume of the speaker, check battery level, pair and select source, set the EQ, and configure what the shortcut button does. The app makes it easy to find what I’m looking for when I open it. It’s not cluttered with too much stuff, only what I need. Bose has continued to bring amazing sound from another device. The sound quality from the SoundLink Max SE is incredible. It sounds better than my other portable speaker that I was using. This is replacing it. Bose, you have done an incredible job with the SoundLink Max SE. Just keep doing what you are doing. I’m very happy with the Bose SoundLink Max SE. It is going to replace my other portable speaker. I think anyone would enjoy the sound quality from this speaker. If you are looking for a portable speaker or just want something with great sound quality for your home, then consider the Bose SoundLink Max SE.

I've been extremely impressed with the Bose SoundLink Max SE. Setup was quick and easy, and I paired it with my iPhone 17 Pro Max through the app in just a few moments. The standout feature is the sound quality. Whether I was listening indoors or outside on my patio, the speaker delivered rich, immersive audio with deep bass and excellent clarity. Vocals came through cleanly, and the speaker had no trouble filling larger spaces with sound without distortion, even at higher volumes. One feature I ended up using more than expected was the dedicated shortcut for Spotify. Being able to start my music directly from the speaker without reaching for my phone was surprisingly convenient and made the overall experience feel more seamless. I was also impressed by how well the sound carried outdoors. Many portable speakers lose some of their presence outside, but the SoundLink Max maintained strong, balanced audio that sounded just as enjoyable outdoors as it did inside. To test additional connectivity options, I connected the speaker to my CD player using the AUX input and had a great experience. Audio quality remained excellent, and it was nice to have the flexibility of a wired connection for older devices. I also paired the SoundLink Max with a second compatible Bose speaker. The setup process was straightforward through the Bose app, and the support guides on Bose's website were helpful when getting everything configured. Once paired, the speakers worked together seamlessly and provided an even more immersive listening experience. If I had one minor nitpick, it's that the speaker is on the heavier side for a portable model. That said, the weight didn't bother me much because it feels solid, premium, and well-built, and the sound quality more than justifies the added heft. Overall, the Bose SoundLink Max SE delivers exceptional audio performance, versatile connectivity options, premium build quality, and thoughtful features in a portable package. From Bluetooth streaming and one-touch Spotify access to AUX playback and multi-speaker pairing, it handled everything I threw at it with ease. If sound quality is your top priority in a portable Bluetooth speaker, this one is an easy recommendation.

I have been a fan of the Bose bluetooth speaker options for quite awhile and really enjoy the Bose Flex SoundLink speaker I have had for a couple of years (the others that I love are the old Bose Home Speaker 300 and the Home Portable Speakers) so I was very interested in trying out the Bose SoundLink Max SE Portable Bluetooth Speaker. I admittedly was instantly surprised by the weight. It's not a deal breaker or anything but it's got some heft without being too heavy to port around. The bass definitely had a lot of punch without sounding distorted, No matter the genre I played it sounded great. Of course if you a a more discerning audiophile you might be able to rattle off numerous issues with the sound output but for the average user you will enjoy it. Battery life has impressed me also. I can feel comfortable taking this on the go without needing to worry about running out juice. The speaker puts out rich, loud sound that I think most users will enjoy. It work well with the Flex SoundLink in Party Mode but it also works well linking via aux cable. It's only been in heavy use for the last week but I am more than loving it as each passes. It's higher than some other options out there but but I think it's worth it if you can afford it

I am a huge fan of Bose overall, and I was very excited to get to use this speaker! It certainly has a lot of volume and can really fill a room or even a backyard with good audio! However, I will be transparent: I was a little less than thrilled with the bass range, particularly given that it is much of what Bose is lauded for in its audio products and that “deep bass” is literally part of this speaker's marketed description. I installed the Bose app on my phone and played around with the EQ settings, but I could never quite get this speaker to sound right. Maybe it is due for an eventual firmware update that will allow the speakers to better demonstrate their capabilities. What I did find rather fun about this speaker was hooking it up to our Soundlink Micro via party mode. We like to host get-togethers with friends, and it is really cool to have the same playlist rocking through our outdoor and indoor speakers. This partylink hookup makes that setup a breeze! I also appreciate this speaker’s build quality and resilient features. It picks up fingerprints and oils like nobody’s business, but this is because of the rubberized material that is covering it, which looks like it is really made to handle some bumps and bruises. The waterproof and dustproof features of the speaker also make me feel more than comfortable having it with us near water and outdoors in general. Overall, I am impressed with this speaker but would like to see what happens over time with updates or firmware changes that might make it sound a bit more worthy of its namesake and price tag. Thanks for reading and I hope that this review has been helpful!

The Bose SoundLink Max SE delivers a nice big punch in a portable take anywhere package! Bose is a bran that pretty much everyone knows for sound and quality and this speaker is no different. Unboxing the device you immediately feel the quality of the device as soon as you pull it out. The speaker has a heft to it that makes it feel very substantial and well made and the removable rope handle and metal front grill add to the impression of quality. Included with the speaker is a USB-C to USB-C cable and a charge brick. As nice and as well made as the speaker is, sound quality is first and foremost the most important aspect and it doesn’t disappoint at all. The speaker delivers nice deep bass for such a small speaker, I’ve used much bigger portable speakers that had less bass. It’s not the boomy type of bass either, it’s clean and adds depth to your music like it should. If bass isn’t your thing you’ll still be happy with whatever the genre is ,wether it’s classic, classical or rock. And if you want you can sync two together for even better sound. Bose rates this as IP67 water and dust proof so taking it to the pool or the beach isn’t a problem. If you want to customize your speaker, Bose does sell the rope handles individually allowing you to add some contrast to your speaker. If you’re looking for a small portable speaker that doesn’t sacrifice sound, the SoundLink Max SE delivers!

The Bose SoundLink Max SE sounds fantastic, it gets really loud and there is way more bass coming out of this little speaker than I was expecting. Overall, I’m very happy with it! The first thing I noticed taking it out of the box was the weight. It’s heavier than I expected, but I don’t definitely consider that a bad thing. It has a solid feel and with its smooth soft handle it’s quite comfortable to pick up and carry around. The exterior has a soft, rubbery, almost silicone-like feel that seems like it could take a beating and hold up well over the years. My concern is that it looks like it will collect dust and show scuffs pretty easily in the short term, and I’ve already noticed some marks..that do buff out and clean off easily.. The front grille has a solid, metal-like feel, overall the speaker feels very sturdy. I say metal-like because I couldn’t verify whether it's metal or not, but it feels metal to me. I wasn’t a big fan of the rope handle at first, just because of the way it looks, but it has grown on me and I really like it now. It looks good, feels strong and the flexibility works really well when carrying it. The grip is soft and cushioned too. I also like that you can twist the attachments to remove the handle and replace it if you damage it or if you just want a different color or style handle. The sound coming off of this speaker has a lot of depth, you can hear the different layers in the music and the left and right stereo separation is noticeable and really brings the music to life.. It’s very immersive and almost sounds three-dimensional. Even the sounds it makes when turning on and off have that same spacious feel. The bass can overpower the mids and highs a little, so I really appreciate the equalizer in the Bose app. There are bass and treble boost or reducer presets, plus three individual controls for bass, mids and treble that you can slide up and down yourself. Turn the bass all the way up and it is really thumping, way more than you’d expect for a speaker of this size. I love having that control over the sound through my phone. The app is really well set up, with useful tips when you first sign on about charging, Bluetooth, the auxiliary input and the other features, and you can go back to them whenever you need to. You can also customize the shortcut button on the speaker for speaker linking, the AUX source or Spotify Tap. For my speaker I like the Spotify option, being able to press a button to resume music or press it again to discover something different is pretty cool. I love that you can link two compatible Bose speakers, either for separate left and right channels with two matching speakers or to play the same music through both in Party Mode. I can picture two siblings or a couple each getting one for the holidays and then linking them so the family can enjoy the music together, while each still has their own speaker. The buttons on top are nice and soft to press, with just enough give that you can feel when you’ve pushed them. You don’t have to press hard and they’re satisfying to use. I also appreciate the indicator lights for power, charging and Bluetooth. The battery life has been consistent with Bose’s stated up to 16 hours at moderate volume, and I think it works well. It charges through USB-C and there’s a 3.5mm auxiliary input for connecting a wired audio source too. This speaker is good for taking outdoors, it has an IP67 rating that protects against dust and temporary submersion in water, up to one meter for 30 minutes under test conditions, which makes this a good speaker to take camping or on a road trip. There’s also moisture detection, which makes the battery light blink amber and white to let you know you need to let it dry before connecting it to power. Those are nice features that make the speaker more versatile. I’m very pleased with the Bose SoundLink Max SE and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a portable speaker with big sound. I think you’re really going to enjoy this.

I have been using my new Bose SoundLink Max SE almost every day since receiving it, and I must say it is worth every penny. The sound that this speaker produces is amazing! The second i played the first song, this speaker filled the room with sound. Let me start from the beginning. The first thing i did was download the Bose app. Then you search for the product and it finds the SoundLink Max and you connect it via the app. The app is very basic and allows you to adjust the equalizer and customize a few buttons. The most unique function is a button that works with Spotify that allows you to change your Playlist and genres. Pretty cool if you want to simply hit a button and completely change what you are listening to. The build is of extremely high quality. It is heavy and robust, it feels like it will withstand travel and heavy use. The only thing i am not crazy about are the physical feel of the buttons. They are kind of mushy when you press them. I get the feeling that the rubber will eventually tear after repeated use or of you have long fingernails. Overall, i think the new Bose SoundLink Max SE is a perfect Bluetooth speaker to take anywhere and impress everyone with the sound. You will be the envy of your friends if you bring this along to your next gathering.

This speaker has such great features and sound quality that it become my new go-to poolside speaker. Setup only took a couple of minutes. The battery ships asleep, so you have to plug it in once before it will power on. After that, hold the Bluetooth button until the light blinks blue, pick it on your phone, and you're done. It remembers up to six devices and holds two connections at once, so switching between a phone and a laptop is just pausing on one and hitting play on the other. The buttons on top are simple. Double press play to skip, triple press to go back. The shortcut button links a second Bose speaker by default, but you can set it to Spotify Tap in the app, which starts music with one press. That's handy when your hands are wet and you don't want to touch your phone. The handle is sturdy and comes off with a quarter turn if you'd rather use a strap. For its size, it sounds better than expected. Vocals are clear and you can pick out instruments in a mix. The bass is loud but not overpowering. You feel it, but it doesn't swamp everything else or rattle as you turn it up. That matters outdoors, where cheaper speakers do not preform anywhere near this one. It stays balanced at higher volumes, too. Bose rates it at up to 16 hours at 65 percent volume and about 3 hours at max. With music going most of the afternoon and evening at a moderate level, it needs a charge about every three days, which lines up with their number. Charging is USB-C, up to 4.5 hours from empty, and the power brick is included. There's also a 3.5mm aux input if you need it. It's rated IP67, so it can handle up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. It's taken plenty of splashes and I’ve had no problems. Rinse it with fresh water after chlorine exposure, and don't charge it wet. If the port has moisture, the power light blinks white and amber to let you know, which is a nice touch. The auto off timer can only be changed in the app, and the shortcut button only does one thing at a time, so switching between Spotify Tap and speaker linking means opening the app. If you want a speaker that lives outside, handles getting wet, sounds good at volume, and lasts days between charges, this is an easy recommendation. Worth buying if you are in the market for one.

The Bose Soundlink Max is a really good portable speaker if you are more serious about sound when out and about. There are of course a ton of smaller and lighter speakers that are easy to carry in a backpack that deliver decent sound boosts compared to your phone, but the Soundlink Max is good for larger gatherings, parties, or just when you are in a larger area and want your sound to travel further and have more depth to it. First to note, is that this is portable, but NOT pocketable, nor would it be comfortable to carry in a backpack. It has a handle for a reason. It’s just under 5 pounds, and approximately 6 ½ by 10 ½ by 4 inches in size (give or take). The handle has a nice rubber grib with rope” on each tip/side, and you can remove the handle and replace it with other colors if that’s your thing. The Max comes with your standard USB-C charger and cable, but unfortunately not a remote, though you can control more of it via the Bose app from your app store. When you initially turn the speaker on via the power button on top of it, it goes into pairing mode, and my phone immediately recognized it and paired up with no issues. A popup reminds you to download the app, and once you do, you do need to create an account to get going on it. From the app, you can set a timer for the speaker to shut off, program a shortcut button that’s on top of the speaker, check the exact battery level, do some basic equalizer settings, connect the speaker to other Bose speakers, and update the firmware, among others. In other words, to get the most out of your speaker, you really do need the app. Sound quality out of the box is very good. Slightly more bass and muffled at times than I like, but each person has their own preferences. Just a quick bass/treble adjustment in the app makes it perfect. The sound is deep and can fill up a space quickly without getting anywhere near the top of the volume range. I don’t use Spotify, but you can connect to that service if you like via the app as well. Charging is done on the back via the USB-C port, next to an AUX port if you want to use a cable to connect to other devices. The battery takes around 5 hours to fully charge and they quote “up to” 20 hours of use, but that is going to depend on volume and other factors. I have no issues playing the Max through the day and into the night listening to background sounds when sleeping. Bose lists this model as “water proof” and I’m always leery about testing this out. It’s definitely going to handle light rain or splashes, but I would not tempt fate by dunking it in a pool or bathtub – protect it as you would any speaker. Overall I really like the Soundlink Max. It’s attractive with a nice smooth look, the handle is sturdy and looks nice, it’s quick and easy to set up for initial use, and the sounds it cranks out are good. My only complaints… no remote control, you have to use the app for any advanced functions, and the price. Though very nice, it’s pricey. But as always, I say look for it to go on sale and then go for it, as I do recommend it.

Bose’s SoundLink Max SE has quickly become my go-to for everyday listening. For years, I relied on my laptop or phone whenever I wanted music when my last speaker gave out, so having a dedicated speaker again has been a nice upgrade. First thing to notice: this speaker is hefty, about 5 lbs, and you feel it. But the sturdy construction more than makes up for the weight. It looks and feels premium, and the handle makes carrying straightforward. If you want something featherlight, look elsewhere. The tradeoff is worth it for the build quality. The sound quality has been great for my everyday listening. Compared with other speakers I’ve used, the SoundLink Max SE sounds crisp and clear while still delivering solid bass. I listen to everything from hip-hop and contemporary music to pop and the occasional country song, and it has handled all of them really well. Even at higher volumes, the sound holds up nicely for a speaker of this size. I’m not an extreme audiophile, so I can’t speak to all of the finer details, but I could see someone looking for a more nuanced or deeper sound profile wanting more. Setup was also very straightforward. Connecting it to Bluetooth was seamless, and I’ve easily switched between my laptop and phone without any issues. The physical buttons are simple and intuitive, and you can pair it with multiple devices. There is also a Bose app that gives you more control and customization, and I would recommend downloading it even though the speaker works perfectly well without it. Personally, I tend to keep things simple and use the speaker more as a plug-and-play device. Battery life impresses. It lasts all day with no trouble, whether I’m using it for hours on end or leaving it on standby. The included USB-C charger is standard, and there’s an AUX input for anyone who wants to go old-school. My only real hesitation is the price. It is definitely on the pricier side, but considering the sturdy build, premium feel, sound quality, and battery life, I think the price is justified if you’re looking for a higher-quality portable speaker. Bottom line: the SoundLink Max SE is a rock-solid portable speaker. It’s powerful, easy to use, and built to last. If you want great sound, easy setup, and a speaker that feels built to last, I think the SoundLink Max SE is worth considering.

The Bose Soundlink Max SE is the latest release in their portable speaker line. The speaker clocks in at just under 5 pounds with a beautiful black matte finish and a rope strap attached at the top for easy portability. Bose has included a charger and USB-C cord, which is a nice addition because lately I’ve noticed some companies opting to not include these items. Initial setup is a breeze using the Bose app or just pairing directly with Bluetooth on your phone, although I do recommend using the app as it allows more customization of EQ settings. The audio quality on Soundlink Max SE doesn’t disappoint, it’s one of the nicest portable speakers I’ve ever heard. Bose speakers are always synonymous with high quality audio, but the Max SE takes the cake! It fills the room with beautiful clear vocals while still providing powerful bass that doesn’t get distorted with higher volumes. It easily could handle music at a party or gathering without being overwhelming. If you don’t find the speaker powerful enough you can buy a 2nd Max SE and pair them together for left and right stereo. The speaker is IP67 rated so it’s waterproof and dustproof so you can take it with you on an outing to the beach or lake day without worrying about damaging it. Battery life is robust with up to 20 hours, giving you playability all day without having to worry about charging it. Overall, I’ve been very impressed with the Bose Soundlink Max SE. It’s a beautiful speaker with amazing battery life and easy portability but most importantly has the audio quality that you’ve come to expect from Bose. If you’re looking for a portable speaker for any occasion I would highly recommend you consider this as an option. I give it 5 stars!

When looking for great speakers that won't break the bank, Bose has always been the right choice. Of course, there are now many choices in this arena and price point, but Bose is a very trustworthy legacy brand. The Soundlink Max SE lives up to the hype and hits all the right notes. The rugged, pill shaped enclosure impresses with a blend of seriousness and whimsical style with a rubber coated rope handle. The speaker is small so I was surprised at how heavy it is (5Lbs), surely packs some punchy drivers. The top buttons are easy to understand, including a programmable shortcut button that allows you to either link another speaker, resume music for an app, or switch to AUX. The rear usb-c port is dual purpose, allowing you to charge your phone with the substantial 20hr battery. The aux-in port was very useful for the initial reason I got this, connecting it to my outdoor projector. The Soundlink sounds amazing with its signature rich, deep bass and side firing tweeters creating a very convincing surround effect, even outside. The Bose app is great for learning new things about the speaker, optimizing EQ settings, and checking the battery level. I like that I don't have to worry about the occasional shower or splash of water since the speaker is highly water resistant. There's even a moisture detector that alerts you so you don't plug it in to charge until it's dry enough so it doesn't cause a short. This may not be the best speaker for classical concertos as it's built with rich bass in mind, and although the midrange and tweeters deliver good sound, they don't capture the subtle tones and nuances in classical opera like Pavarotti. That said, it can be modified in the EQ settings, I find raising the mid level and reducing the bass really helps. A great all-around speaker that's easy to take along with you, in a backpack.

Bose has been a leader in speakers and anything sound for as long as I can remember! They have never let me down. I have had many portable Bluetooth speakers in the past, from various brands. Although their sound quality is good enough, NOTHING compares to that crisp, deep bass sound that Bose offers in their speakers. Out of the box, the Bose - SoundLink Max SE Portable Bluetooth Speaker came pretty much fully charged. While I was charging the SoundLink speaker, I went ahead and downloaded the app to get it ready to pair. I know... not another app on my phone. BUT you most definitely want to download the app, as it offers audio tunability functions for your speaker. So don't skip out on it. Let me say this clearly, the Bose - SoundLink Max SE Portable Bluetooth Speaker sound quality is incredible!! I like my music with a little extra bass, so into the app adjustment I went. The audio quality is SO MUCH better than other comparable speakers in the market. That signature crisp clear bass from Bose devices just makes my heart sing. This speaker is really loud and I will for sure be using it for get-togethers and parties. That's how loud this little speaker it. Although the price might seem a bit on the high side, this may be the last speaker you will ever need. Do yourself a favor and go get the Bose - SoundLink Max SE Portable Bluetooth Speaker. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Just to put it out there that I have a huge amount of respect for Bose and the products that they make and sell. They have set the standard for noise canceling and headphones for decades When I was looking for a new portable speaker for around the pool (and yes, it is in an area that is protected from splashes but they say it is IP67 protected, but just in case...), the Bose name instantly caught my attention They offered three (3) colors, but the blue and yellow were "not my thing", so I chose the standard black Set-up was a complete breeze. All of the standard Bluetooth pairing steps apply - you got this Before I set-it up, I did top off the charge. Bose states a 5 hour full charge and a 20 hour runtime. I don't doubt either of these specs Once paired to my phone and started my music playlist, the sound was rich and amazing. I was using iOS, and they state that Android is better (Snapdragon), but I was perfectly pleased They also state that you can link this other speakers to extend the range. I did not try this Included in the package is a very nice quality case to store this safely Lastly, there is a Bose app where you can customize the sound, but the defaults sounded perfect to me and I chose not to mess with it Overall this product exceeded all of my high expectations. It is a Bose! I chose