is on sale for $329, shaving $70 off its retail price. According to Bose, the SoundLink Max is a flash sale item, and this deal will expire on March 16. However, you can find this speaker for $100 off (in Black only) at Walmart
Fast-forward to today, and it still holds true that Bose makes speakers, headphones, and earbuds that are capable of producing rich, elegant sound with wide soundstages, punchy bass, and crisp highs. Such is the case with the SoundLink Max
Although the sound might not satisfy the ears of a discerning audiophile, its big bass and powerful volume are certainly a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get into it.
Bose Soundlink Max tech specs
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4
- Weight: 4.9 lbs
- Dimensions: 4.73 x 10.42 x 4.13 inches
- Battery: Up to 20 hours
- Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm in
- Colors: Black, blue
- Buttons: Media controls along the top
- Water and dust resistance: IP67
- Price: $299 on Amazon
The first thing I noticed on this speaker was the typical Bose processing, which makes the sound seem a bit airy. This pairs very well with audio from popular genres that typically don’t demand too much from the hardware and is due to how Bose processes mid-range sounds for a stereo effect. Unfortunately, it can translate into imprecise mid-range sounds that are slightly off-color. I’ve experienced that with almost every Bose speaker I’ve purchased or tested.
I also couldn’t help but notice this speaker’s lack of features. It allows two devices to connect simultaneously, has a three-band EQ (accessible from the minimal mobile app — Android/iOS), and includes a play/pause button. That’s it.
Here’s the thing: a quality portable speaker doesn’t need a deluge of features. I want the device to sound great, have plenty of battery life, and be simple to use. The Bose Soundlink Max easily checks all of those boxes.
Next, I opted for a genre that isn’t quite suited for the Bose sound: classical. I was taken aback by how George Frideric Handel’s “Wassermusik” sounded. It was rich, lively, and not at all out of place. Of course, no party is complete without a Baroque masterpiece.
Also: Anker issues recall for three Bluetooth speakers due to fire risk – stop using them now
As far as the bass is concerned, the Soundlink Max does a great job to around 65Hz. Below that, the bass rolls off a bit, so you’re not going to feel the kick drum as you might with a bigger speaker. Given the size of this device, however, it holds its own on the low end.
Ultimately, fans of the Bose sound will enjoy this speaker, and given that it’s built like a tank, you won’t have to worry about it at a crowded party.