Bose makes some of the best audio devices in the world. Whether that's noise-cancelling headphones or portable speakers, it regularly releases new products that deliver class-leading sound and premium style.
The Bose Soundlink Max is the audio giant's biggest and most powerful wireless speaker. But it doesn't come cheap. Available to buy now, it will set you back £399 from retailers like Amazon and John Lewis.
I've been trying it out over the last few weeks to find out whether it's worth spending all that money. To cut to the chase, the Soundlink Max is a fantastic speaker, but it does have a couple of drawbacks which is a shame given the eye-watering price tag. Here's everything I thought about its design, setup, performance and battery life.
Pros
- Powerful sound for outside
- Dust and water resistant
- 20 hours of battery
Cons
- No speakerphone function
- Takes 5 hours to charge
Bose Soundlink Max key specs
| Weight | 2.13kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12 x 26.5 x 10.5cm |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, Aux-in |
| Water resistance | IP67 |
Bose Soundlink Max review: design and setup
Bose has a good track record when it comes to device design, whether that's its QuietComfort Ultra headphones, its latest QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or its line of sleek portable speakers.
The Bose Soundlink Max is no different. It's a big portable speaker that looks like a blown-up version of the Bose Soundlink Flex. Measuring 12 x 26.5 x 10.5cm and weighing 2.13kg, it's not a gadget you'll regularly carry around in your bag. This is a speaker for special occasions when you're looking to entertain groups of people outside in the garden or further afield. To help you transport it, there's a removable rope handle and a matching carrying strap to take it on your shoulder.
Powder-coated and wrapped in silicone, the steel box looks lovely and feels smooth. You can buy the speaker in two colours, black or blue. Both look equally as sleek, for my testing I had the blue version.
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It's also super durable. It will withstand knocks and bumps, and it's IP67 water- and dust-resistant meaning you can use it just about anywhere without worrying about damaging it. This is a speaker that will survive sudden downpourings of rain in the garden, splashes from a pool or being dropped in sand at the beach.
To control the device, there are a few buttons along the top: there's one to turn it on, one to activate Bluetooth, two to adjust the volume and one to pause or play the music. There's also a button to switch audio inputs, and it can be programmed to activate Spotify Tap.
Connecting to the speaker is easy thanks to Bluetooth connectivity. It has Google Fast Pair to get it set up quickly with Android smartphones and there's an AUX input for a wired connection too.
At this price, it would have been nice to see some WiFi connectivity or even extra smarts like voice control.
Bose Soundlink Max review: performance and battery
The Bose Soundlink Max has a seriously big sound, which makes sense given the fact that it's made to be used outside and the sound needs to travel.
I used it to listen to music at my desk during the workday and while hosting a busy barbecue — this speaker was perfect in both scenarios.
Not only is it plenty loud enough, but it's also very assertive with a definite focus on the lower frequencies. But in true Bose form, the Soundlink Max does justice to the entire soundstage. It's clear and precise as well as being bouncy and dynamic.
If you plan to use it just for listening to podcasts or ballads then you may want something that sounds a little more detailed. But, if you intend to use this regularly with groups of people then the Soundlink Max is a fun listen that can switch gears and deliver crisp treble performance when it needs to.
You can adjust the bass, mid-range and treble through the equaliser in the Bose smartphone app. There are also four preset sound modes to choose from. My favourite setting was Bass Boost – it's super energetic and adds an even more impactful punch to the sound, perfect for parties! You'll also be able to use the app to adjust the volume and see the remaining battery percentage.
The Soundlink Max has SimpleSync technology, which means you can join it up to your Bose multiroom system and sync it up to your compatible home speakers and soundbars.
The Bose Soundlink Max has 20 hours of battery life, which will last an entire day at the park or a short weekend away, although you may have to charge it occasionally if you intend to take it on holiday. It charges using a USB-C cable and will take about 5 hours with a 15W charger (not included in the box). You can also use the USB-C port to charge your devices if need be.
Bose Soundlink Max review: verdict
If you want a powerful portable speaker then the Bose Soundlink Max is sure to tick a lot of boxes. It will be loud enough to entertain the crowds with a crystal clear, punchy audio performance, and the EQ settings mean you can tailor the sound to the occasion and type of music. The Bass Boost in particular is fantastic for parties.
As well as being powerful, the Soundlink Max is practical. It's useful to have the choice of a carrying handle and strap, the battery lasts plenty of time and the water and dust resistance mean you can use it anytime, anywhere.
It's a shame the Soundlink Max takes so long to charge and there's no speakerphone functionality, but those seem like quite minor drawbacks to an otherwise fantastic bit of kit, if you've got the cash to spend on it.
Bose Soundlink Max review: also consider
Another big portable speaker with a cool design is the Marshall Middleton. It's lighter than the Bose Soundlink Flex but still delivers loud, well-balanced audio. Like the Bose, it has 20 hours of battery life, water resistance and a strap to carry it. It's slightly cheaper than the Soundlink too.
If you want something a little more bag-friendly, take a look at the Sonos Roam because it has crystal-clear audio despite being so small. To add to that, it's waterproof, with the Google Assistant and Alexa for hands-free control. The battery will only last about 10 hours, though.
