Bose Bluetooth speakers in comparison: This is how the SoundLink boxes differ


SPEAKER

In addition to headphones, Bose also offers various Bluetooth speakers. We explain how the Soundlink boxes differ from each other.

Audio manufacturer Bose is known – and loved – for high-quality audio products. The US company has been around since 1964. The manufacturer has never stopped keeping up with the times and is an established brand in the field of Bluetooth headphones, among other things. In addition, Bose also offers various Bluetooth speakers, currently there are eight different models.

These usually run under the name SoundLink, but there are exceptions. In contrast to other manufacturers, Bose rarely brings new models onto the market, some of the models currently being sold are already six years old. This does not detract from the sound, but the latest Bluetooth technology is not always used.

Similar to Teufel loudspeakers or JBL boxes, there are also models with a different focus in addition to classic, compact Bluetooth loudspeakers. Among other things, Bose also sells a portable smart speaker and two larger party or hi-fi speakers. Below we go into more detail about the different models.

The SoundLink Micro is Bose’s most compact Bluetooth speaker. It weighs 290 grams and measures only 10 x 10 x 3.5 centimeters. Thanks to the integrated strap, the speaker can be attached to a backpack or bicycle handlebars.

SoundLink Micro

SoundLink Micro

  • Perfomance: Not specified
  • Weight: 290.3g
  • Dimensions: 9.83 x 9.83 x 3.48 cm
  • Battery life: 6 hours
  • Waterproof: IP67

to offer

The speaker is waterproof and dustproof according to IP67. In addition, it has a robust design, so that even minor impacts do not harm it. The box can be coupled with several others and operated together, the battery life is up to 6 hours.

The SoundLink Mini II is slightly larger and also heavier at 680 grams. In addition to the Bluetooth connection, it also offers an AUX input, which you can use to connect analogue players such as a CD player.

SoundLink Mini II

SoundLink Mini II

  • Perfomance: Not specified
  • Weight: 0.68kg
  • Dimensions: 5.1 x 18 x 5.8 cm
  • Battery life: 12 hours
  • Waterproof: No

to offer

You also get access to language assistants, an integrated hands-free function and up to 12 hours of battery life. In terms of sound, the SoundLink Mini II also sounds much more mature than the Micro. However, it is not protected against water.

The SoundLink Flex, on the other hand, is robust and waterproof and is about the same size and weight as the SoundLink Mini II. It has a small loop, which you can use to attach it to a backpack and the like.

SoundLink Flex

SoundLink Flex

  • Perfomance: Not specified
  • Weight: 0.6kg
  • Dimensions: 9 x 20.1 x 5.2 cm
  • Battery life: 12 hours
  • Waterproof: IP67

to offer

The battery life is up to 12 hours, and the Flex can also be paired with additional speakers. It is ideal for you if you want a decent sound performance, but would also like to take it to the pool, lake or to a barbecue.

The SoundLink Revolve II is also water- and dust-repellent, but in terms of design it also makes a good impression indoors. This also enables the speaker to produce a 360-degree sound. You have access to Siri and Google Assistant, so you can use voice control. It also has an integrated microphone for hands-free use in phone calls.

The Revolve II offers a battery life of up to 13 hours. It is charged via a charging station, which means that it can also be used stationary on the desk and co. With 660 grams and device dimensions of 15.2 x 8.2 x 8.2 centimeters, it is still portable and can therefore be taken with you without any problems.

With the Revolve+ II, Bose has another “big brother” on offer. With 900 grams and slightly larger device dimensions, it offers a longer battery life, especially with up to 17 hours. This makes it particularly suitable for longer use away from the charging station.

Portable home speakers

With the Portable Home Speaker, Bose also offers a mix of Bluetooth and smart speakers. It can also be connected to WiFi and supports AirPlay 2 and Multiroom. Like the Revolve II series, this model also offers 360-degree sound.

In addition, the speaker is designed to be robust and water-repellent, and the battery life is up to 12 hours. The speaker has control buttons on the top, but alternatively the integrated voice assistant or the Bose app can be used for media playback.

S1 Pro and S1+ Pro

With the S1 Pro and S1+ Pro, Bose has two full-blown hi-fi or party speakers. They weigh significantly more at 7.1 or 6.5 kilograms and are primarily intended for stationary use at parties or for performances. The speakers also offer various connections via XLR or jack, so that you can also connect instruments and microphones.

S1 Pro

S1 Pro

  • Perfomance: Not specified
  • Weight: 7.1kg
  • Dimensions: 33 x 24.13 x 28.45 cm
  • Battery life: 11 hours
  • Waterproof: No

to offer

You can use the Bose Music app to adjust the sound to your liking using equalizers and the like. The S1 Pro can be connected to a second speaker in party mode. In addition, it measures itself in the room and adjusts its sound accordingly in order to get the best out of it.

S1 Pro+

S1 Pro+

  • Perfomance: Not specified
  • Weight: 6.5kg
  • Dimensions: 33.2 x 23.8 x 27.9 cm
  • Battery life: 11 hours
  • Waterproof: No

to offer

The S1 Pro+ also offers optional wireless accessories. There is a wireless mic/line transmitter as well as an instrument transmitter, which allows you to connect microphones and instruments wirelessly. Both speakers offer a battery life of up to 11 hours.

outdoor suitability

With a few exceptions, most Bose speakers are water and dust resistant. If this is an important criterion for you because you also want to use the speakers at the lake, pool or beach, you should check the feature before buying. Because the popular SoundLink Mini II in particular has no water protection.

Bose Connect

The Bose Connect app gives you access to additional product features and settings. Among other things, you can adjust the sound via an equalizer. Not all speakers sold are compatible with the app.

You have to do without the function with the SoundLink Mini II and the Portable Smart Speaker. The other loudspeakers shown by us support the program connection.

SimpleSync

Pairing Bluetooth speakers works with many models from all manufacturers. However, there are always small peculiarities here – not every model supports the technology. It’s easier with Bose, because all boxes can play music synchronously using the “SimpleSync” function.

The technology supports many Bose products, including sound bars and home theater systems. The Bluetooth boxes can also be coupled via it. All models we show are compatible with SimpleSync.

Hi-Res Audio

In contrast to other manufacturers, Bose does not advertise its Bluetooth speakers with the addition “Hi-Res Audio”. Nevertheless, you don’t have to be disappointed, because the award is also a bit of marketing in the Bluetooth area.

Strictly speaking, even Hi-Res-rated speakers don’t even achieve CD quality, because wireless technology just can’t handle the required transfer rate at the moment.

AUX connections for analogue players

If you not only want to use music streaming, but maybe also want to use analogue players such as CD players or turntables, then pay attention to an AUX input. Many Bose speakers offer a 3.5 millimeter jack input, but not all models. If this is important to you, keep that in mind when purchasing.

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