The Bose Soundlink Max may look like an ordinary speaker, but it delivers in all the right areas.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Key takeaways from ZDNET
- that bose soundlink max It’s on sale on Amazon boss For $299.
- This humble Bluetooth speaker delivers the high-quality sound Bose is known for, along with battery life to keep the party going all night long.
- You might not like the regular price considering you can get a fully capable speaker for less money. However, the sale price makes it much more accessible.
Decades ago, when I worked at an audio installation company, we used to hear, “There’s no best, there’s no bottom. It has to be Bose.” We were dealing with speakers that cost tens of thousands of dollars, so the idea of a consumer-grade product was ridiculous.
Even today, the fact remains that Bose makes speakers, headphones, and earbuds that can produce rich, elegant sound with a wide soundstage, powerful bass, and clear highs. This is the case with Sound Link Max.
Also: These portable Bluetooth speakers may not be Bose or JBL, but they still deliver bass.
When listening to the Soundlink Max, I was very reminded of the original Soundlink, a great speaker from about 10 years ago. I have always felt that these speakers are the best I have ever used. This new iteration is even better because it can push the volume to new heights without the slightest distortion.
Although its sound may not please the ears of discerning audiophiles, its big bass and powerful volume are sure to please the crowd. Let’s get into it.
Bose SoundLink Max Tech Specifications
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4
- Weight: 4.9 pounds
- Size: 4.73 x 10.42 x 4.13 inches
- Battery: Up to 20 hours
- Port: USB-C, 3.5mm
- Color: black, blue
- Buttons: Media controls on top
- Water and dust resistance: IP67
- Price: $299 on Amazon
The first thing you notice about these speakers is that the typical Bose processing makes them sound a bit airy. This works well with popular genres of audio that don’t generally demand too much from the hardware, and is due to the way Bose processes midrange sound for a stereo effect. Unfortunately, this can translate into an inaccurate midrange sound that is slightly off-color. I’ve experienced this with almost every Bose speaker I’ve purchased or tested.
That’s not a bad thing. That’s just the boss’s job.
I also couldn’t help but notice that this speaker was lacking in functionality. You can connect two devices simultaneously and it has a 3-band EQ (at least accessible from the mobile app). android/iOS), and includes a play/pause button. That’s it.
The problem is: High-quality portable speakers don’t need tons of features. I want my device to sound great, have long battery life, and be easy to use. The Bose Soundlink Max easily checks all these boxes.
Also: I finally found a Bluetooth speaker that pumps out loud sound, and it looks good.
When I started testing these speakers, I changed my usual testing strategy. Since I was familiar with the Bose sound, I decided to throw in two different albums and see how it went. The first was Yes’ “Big Generator”. This album was recorded and mastered at a time that was perfect for the Bose sound, and it sounded better than I expected. The mids were ideal for Jon Anderson’s chorus, the guitars were perfectly crunchy, and the soundstage was surprisingly wide.
Next I chose Classic, a genre that doesn’t really suit the Bose sound. I was amazed at how George Frideric Handel’s “Wassermusik” sounded. It was rich, vibrant and not at all awkward. Of course, no party is complete without a baroque masterpiece.
Also: Anker recalls three Bluetooth speakers due to fire risk. Stop using it now.
As far as bass goes, the Soundlink Max performs great at around 65Hz. Below that, the bass rolls off a bit, so you won’t feel the kick drum that you would from larger speakers. But considering the size of this device, it performs well on its own at the budget end.
ZDNET’s Buying Advice
If you’re a fan of Bose sound and want a portable speaker that can fill a room, Sound Link Max It’s an obvious choice. If you don’t like the Bose sound or prefer more EQ options than three bands, you should check out the Anker Soundcore Motion X500, which retails for around $170.
Ultimately, fans of Bose sound will love this speaker, and since it’s built like a tank, you won’t have to worry about it even at crowded parties.
