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Bose SoundLink Max · Photo source

Bose SoundLink Max
Photo 1 of 25

Bose SoundLink Max · Photo source

Bose

SoundLink Max

Released May 2024

Bose's largest SoundLink Bluetooth speaker, a stereo portable with a 20-hour battery and IP67 rating, suited to parties and outdoor use.

Type
Portable speaker
Atmos
No
Connects by
Bluetooth
Battery
20 h
Weight
2.2 kg

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree it sounds big, lively and punchy, with tight bass, and is rugged and pleasant to use. What Hi-Fi? and TechRadar found it could be more detailed; TechRadar and SoundGuys found the finish picks up marks and dust, TechRadar found charging slow, and SoundGuys found it heavy and expensive.

From whathifi.com, techradar.com and soundguys.com

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Sound

Type
Portable speaker
Channels
Stereo
Dolby Atmos
No
Drivers
Three transducers and two custom passive radiators
Room tuning
Adjustable EQ (bass, mid-range and treble) in the Bose app

Connections

Wi-Fi
No
Bluetooth
Yes
AirPlay
No
Voice assistants
None
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.4 (Bose UK spec page; the launch press release said 5.3); SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound); multipoint; Google Fast Pair; A2DP, AVRCP, SPP, iAP and BLE; 9 m range
Ports
USB-C in and out (charges a phone); 3.5 mm AUX input
Streaming
Bluetooth; shortcut button can start Spotify Tap
Multi-room
Stereo Mode or Party Mode with a second SoundLink Max; SimpleSync with Bose smart soundbars and speakers
App
Bose app

Design

Battery life (maker's claim)
Up to 20 hours
Water and dust resistance
IP67
Weight
2.2 kg
Battery life detail
Up to 20 hours; 5 hours to charge; USB-C power adapter not included outside the US
Controls
Buttons, including a shortcut button for AUX switching or Spotify Tap
Microphones
None
Mounting
Removable rope handle included; rope carrying strap sold separately
Size
4.73 × 10.42 × 4.13 in (H × W × D)
Colours
Black, Blue Dusk
In the box
SoundLink Max, USB-C to USB-C cable, safety sheet

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Stereo sound from three transducers and two passive radiators
  • Up to 20 hours of battery, and the USB-C port can charge a phone
  • 3.5 mm AUX input, and aptX Adaptive with Snapdragon Sound phones

Cons

  • Bluetooth only, with no Wi-Fi or AirPlay
  • No microphones, so no calls or voice assistant
  • No power adapter in the box in the UK

Closest rivals

Model
TypeAtmosConnects byBatteryWeightReleased
JBLXtreme 4
Portable speakerNoBluetooth24 h2.1 kgJun 2024
Ultimate EarsEVERBOOM
Portable speakerNoBluetooth20 h0.96 kgJun 2024
Ultimate EarsMEGABOOM 4
Portable speakerNoBluetooth20 h0.935 kgJun 2024

Sources

  1. bose.co.uk/p/speakers/bose-soundlink-max-portable-speaker/SLMAX-SPEAKERWIRELESS…
  2. bose.com/pressroom/bose-soundlink-max
  3. assets.bosecreative.com/m/4914edf45a9a1c9f/original/888545_OG_SLMAX-SPEAKERWIRE…

Photo: assets.bosecreative.com

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