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1 / 11Bose
Bose SoundLink Max
Value for Money & durability / build quality
5/ 10
5
0.010.0
A 5 puts its value for money in the bottom 10% of bluetooth speakers we've measured.
Measured on 55 of the 164 we've cataloged.
8.5/ 10
8.5
0.010.0
At 8.5, its durability / build quality beats 40% of bluetooth speakers we've measured.
Measured on 52 of the 164 we've cataloged.
Key specs
Battery Life Wireless
20 hAbove average20 h
5 h42 h
above average for bluetooth speakers — based on 135 of 164 we've cataloged.
IP Rating
IP67Most commonIP6738%IPX732%IPX410%IP686%
IP67 is the most common — on 38% of the 128 bluetooth speakers we've cataloged (of 164).
Bluetooth Version
5.45.335%5.020%5.411%4.29%
5.4 appears on 11% of the 132 bluetooth speakers we've cataloged (of 164).
Is Portable
YesMost commonTrue92%False8%
True is the most common — on 92% of the 157 bluetooth speakers we've cataloged (of 164).
Battery
- Battery Life Wireless
- 20 h
- Charging Method
- USB-C
- Fast Charging
- No
- Powerbank Output
- Yes
Build
- IP Rating
- IP67
- Floating Design
- No
Connectivity
- Bluetooth Version
- 5.4
- Bluetooth Codec
- SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
- Bluetooth Range
- 30 m
- Connection Type
- Bluetooth, wired-aux-3.5mm, usb
- Multi Speaker Chain
- Yes
- Stereo Pairing
- Yes
Design
- Is Portable
- Yes
- Color Options
- Black, blue dusk
- Dimensions Depth
- 120 mm
- Dimensions Height
- 104 mm
- Dimensions Width
- 264 mm
- Carry Strap
- Yes
- Power Source
- Rechargeable battery
- Weight
- 2130 g
Features
- Speakerphone
- No
- Companion App
- IOS + Android
Sound
- Amplification
- Active (powered)
- Channels
- 2
- Driver Count
- 5
SoundGuys review
Read the full review ›Design8.0
Portability7.0
Features8.5
Value5.0
The verdict
While the Bose SoundLink Max is a competent and capable portable Bluetooth speaker, you’ll have to look elsewhere if you're on a budget. Its expensive price tag is hard to ignore. However, for those looking for a premium product with quality sound and a solid feature set, the SoundLink Max delivers.
✓What we like
✓IP67
✓Sound quality
✓Stereo playback
✓aptX
✓Aux-in
✕What could be better
✕Price
✕Heavy
✕Rubberized finish collects dust and debris easily
Features & Opinions
More from the team ›Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
Bose ditched the headphone jack without ditching the headphone jackThis is the one cable I want every pair of USB-C headphones to include.
Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterSonos or Bose? Here's how I'd choose my home theaterBoth systems provide an immersive experience, but what you plan to add later could make one a much better fit.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterSkip the $129 Bose SoundLink Micro: Here are 2 look-alikes I'd buy for lessYou don't have to spend a lot of money to get a great ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker. Here's two I'd recommend instead.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterBose SoundTouch is officially dead, but your speakers may still surviveBose didn’t completely brick SoundTouch speakers, but the shutdown still changed what owners originally paid for.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterDon't buy the JBL Charge 6. Buy these three speakers insteadThe JBL Charge 6 is a solid speaker, but these three alternatives may be worth buying instead.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterApple just took down Bose at their own gameFor decades, Bose has prided itself on this one major advantage of their headphones and earbuds. Now, Apple has beat them at their own game.
Chase BernathBrand & Partnerships Manager
Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterSonos or Bose? Here's how I'd choose my home theaterBoth systems provide an immersive experience, but what you plan to add later could make one a much better fit.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterSkip the $129 Bose SoundLink Micro: Here are 2 look-alikes I'd buy for lessYou don't have to spend a lot of money to get a great ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker. Here's two I'd recommend instead.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterBose SoundTouch is officially dead, but your speakers may still surviveBose didn’t completely brick SoundTouch speakers, but the shutdown still changed what owners originally paid for.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterDon't buy the JBL Charge 6. Buy these three speakers insteadThe JBL Charge 6 is a solid speaker, but these three alternatives may be worth buying instead.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterApple just took down Bose at their own gameFor decades, Bose has prided itself on this one major advantage of their headphones and earbuds. Now, Apple has beat them at their own game.Chase BernathBrand & Partnerships ManagerMore Bluetooth speakers
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