If you‘re looking for top-notch sound paired with sleek, portable designs, Bose Bluetooth speakers deliver. With user-friendly controls, crisp audio and bass that packs a punch, Bose speakers are engineered to please the most discerning listeners.
I‘ve tested and reviewed the latest Bose Bluetooth models to suggest the best options across use cases, budgets and audio preferences. Read on for the top 6 picks along with an in-depth buying guide.
Best Overall: Bose Portable Smart Speaker
The Bose Portable Smart Speaker checks all the boxes as an exceptional Bluetooth speaker. With immersive 360° sound, robust bass and an IPX4 water resistant rating, it pumps out rich room-filling audio indoors and out.
Weighing under 2 pounds, its sleek rounded design and built-in strap make it ultraportable. The lithium ion battery lasts up to 12 hours for full day listening. Simple touch controls let you manage playlists and calls via Bluetooth or WiFi connections.
Key Features
- 360° sound with deep bass
- Voice assistant integration
- IPX4 splash and dust protection
- Portable at 1.3 lbs with a strap
- 12 hour battery life
- Touch controls and mobile app
With the complete audio package inside a lightweight and durable frame, the Bose Portable Smart Speaker is a versatile option suitable for any listener.
Best Budget: Bose SoundLink Micro
The Bose SoundLink Micro delivers surprisingly powerful sound from a petite speaker. Weighing just 10.24 oz, its palm-sized build includes a tear resistant silicone exterior and durable aluminum body.
Despite the compact form, audio quality stands up to much larger models with clear mids and highs plus a stunning bass punch. The rechargeable lithium ion battery lasts up to 6 hours. Simple one touch buttons let you manage music and calls from any Bluetooth device up to 30 feet away.
Key Features
- Compact and portable
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Crisp balanced sound with deep bass
- 6 hour battery life
- Bluetooth and aux connectivity
- Built-in microphone for calls
For those seeking big Bose sound on a small budget, the uniquely rugged and portable Bose SoundLink Micro is hard to beat.
Best Portable: Bose SoundLink Flex
The Bose SoundLink Flex balances rich sound with a flexible form in a Bluetooth speaker built for life on the move.
Weighing just 1.25 pounds, its soft silicone back covers the accordion-style flexible body that bends without strain. It stands up vertically on flat ends or hangs using the integrated loop. Despite everyday portability, the SoundLink Flex carries an IP67 dust and waterproof rating.
Audio quality covers sparkling treble down to deep thumping bass you can feel. Simple playback buttons sit on one end with coverage spanning any Bluetooth device within 30 feet. On a full charge, it plays up to 12 hours to last all day.
Key Features
- Bends and flexes easily
- IP67 fully dust and waterproof
- Clear, balanced sound with powerful bass
- Integrated loop for hanging
- 12 hours playtime per charge
- Bluetooth connectivity up to 30 ft
For a durable Bluetooth speaker that can stretch and bend on adventures without missing a beat, Bose SoundLink Flex is a top choice.
Best Sound: Bose SoundLink Revolve+
The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ turns the volume up to 11 with triple the loudness of the original SoundLink Revolve. Driven by powerful transducers and dual passive radiators, it delivers intense, room-filling sound.
The omnidirectional speaker disperses audio evenly in all directions. Deep lows combine with crisp mids and detailed treble for superb tonal balance. Sleek aluminum covers an IP55 water resistant body with a carry handle for easy transport. Battery life lasts up to 16 hours for extended play.
Key Features
- Omnidirectional 360° sound
- Powerful bass with true stereo separation
- Aluminum body with IP55 rating
- 16 hours battery life
- Carry handle for portability
- Seamless Bluetooth and aux options
If you want a Bose speaker that can compete with full stereo systems, the SoundLink Revolve+ brings the big guns for booming immersive sound.
Best Features: Bose Smart Soundbar 900
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 packs a heavy hitting audio arsenal into a sleek soundbar built for bass. With Dolby Atmos and proprietary Bose spatial technologies, cinematic sound flows above and all around you even without in-ceiling surround speakers.
The soundbar houses left, center and right speakers plus four upfiring transducers for overhead effects. Deep lows emit from a separate wireless subwoofer with two opposing woofers. Dual microphones pick up commands for Alexa and Google Assistant while LEDs indicate listening mode.
Key Features
- Dolby Atmos 3D spatial sound
- 5.1.4 channel system with wireless subwoofer
- Built-in voice assistants
- Full HDMI eARC connections
- Simple setup through mobile app
- Bluetooth and WiFi music streaming
If you want to build a home theater without installing rear speakers, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 delivers surround sound from a single front unit – making it one of the best Bose Bluetooth speakers available.
Most Compact: Bose SoundLink Color II
The Bose SoundLink Color II packs a sonic punch in a rugged portable body built for life on the move. Despite measuring just 2x8x2.3 inches, its advanced audio drivers produce crisp treble, smooth midrange and deep lows that belie its small stature.
The anodized aluminum enclosure resists dents, scratches and corrosion while silicone buttons stand up to everyday operation. It carries an IPX4 splashproof rating with up to 8 hours of continuous playtime. One-touch Bluetooth connectivity reaches devices up to 30 feet away.
Key Features
- Full bass response from a 2 inch package
- Rugged splashproof design
- 8 hour battery with USB charging
- 30 ft Bluetooth range
- Aux input for wired listening
For those seeking serious Bose sound in the most compact form possible, the Bose SoundLink Color II delivers.
How to Choose the Best Bose Bluetooth Speaker
With a range of portable and compact options available, picking the right Bose Bluetooth speaker depends on your listening habits, use cases and budget. Keep these tips in mind while shopping:
Step 1: Consider the environment where you plan on using the speaker most – indoors at home, outdoors at a park or pool, in a garage, traveling etc. Waterproof and dustproof models work best for outdoor adventures and poolside listening.
Step 2: Determine the right size based on intended use. Larger speakers like the Bose Portable Smart Speaker offer 360° sound that fills big rooms. More compact models like the SoundLink Color II provide impressive power from smaller packages ideal for travel and personal listening.
Step 3: Compare sound quality elements like bass response, maximum volume and overall balance. Certain models like the SoundLink Revolve+ optimize audio strength and bass over portability. Analyze your listening preferences to choose a matching sonic profile.
Step 4: Assess battery expectations, especially for all day outdoor use. While most Bose speakers last 8-12 hours per charge, others like the SoundLink Revolve+ offer extended 16+ hour runtimes. Just remember to adjust loudness higher battery drain.
Step 5: Pick convenience features accordingly, like voice assistant support, speakerphone for calls, mobile app control etc. Certain lifestyle and connectivity options may dictate choices here.
Step 6: Match price range to budget goals. Bose offers suitable speakers across lower and higher tiers. Compact travel-sized models retail under $100 while premium home theater and outdoor selections run over $400.
No matter which you choose, Bose engineers quality sound into every speaker. Identify use cases, size needs and audio elements most important to you to discover the perfect model.
Getting the Most Out of Your Bose Speaker
Bose speakers sound great out of the box but you can follow these tips to further dial in performance:
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Adjust placement: Position speakers at ear level on a steady surface away from objects blocking ports for optimal sound.
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Configure EQ: Use Bose mobile apps where available to tweak equalization or choose between presets to best suit genres.
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Try stereo pairing: Combining two same-model Bose speakers enhances separation and widens the soundstage.
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Consider surrounds: Add rear surround speakers and subwoofers from Bose lines like the Smart Soundbar 900 for true cinematic audio.
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Update firmware: Download updates via mobile apps to keep speakers refreshed with latest patches and features.
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Take the speaker indoors when not in use and store in dry locations to maintain condition. Also remember to fully recharge between long listening sessions via wall outlet, computer or portable charger.
With essential care and some personalization, your Bose speaker will sing for years of wireless listening enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Bose compare to other brands like JBL or Sony for Bluetooth speakers?
A: Bose stands ahead of the competition when it comes to seamless Bluetooth integration, bold sound and sleek aesthetics. Engineers optimize the acoustic design with proprietary technologies you won‘t find elsewhere.
Q: What makes Bose Bluetooth speakers worth the price?
A: Beyond premium materials that withstand daily use, Bose speakers output stunning audio quality for their sizes. You hear sparkling highs, sculpted mids and impressive low frequencies that enhance movies, videos, music and more.
Q: Do all Bose Bluetooth speakers have voice assistant support?
A: Many current models offer built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant access but some more compact or older choices rely solely on manual controls. Check product details if voice functionality is desired.
Q: Can I stream music to my Bose speaker directly from Spotify or Apple Music?
A: Yes, newer selections like the Bose Portable Smart Speaker include WiFi and app support for streaming tunes from leading iOS, Android and web music services without a paired phone present.
I hope this guide helps you select the perfect Bose Bluetooth speaker model for your personal listening habits and environments. Let me know if you have any other questions!
