Bose SoundLink Max

Robust Bluetooth speaker with powerful sound

In a nutshell

The Bose SoundLink Max makes a confident, dynamic, and slightly unconventional entrance, impressing with solid sound technology, an analogue input, power bank function, a good app, multipoint capability, long battery life, and strong all-round protection against the challenges of rough party use by the pool, at the beach, or in heavy rain.

Pros:

Sound up to above medium volume
Multipoint
Build quality
IP67
Analogue input
Power bank function

Cons:

Only 3-band EQ
Handle mounts cannot be covered

The Bose SoundLink Max isn’t actually as big as its name might suggest, but it sounds big and offers the typical Bose warmth, smoothness, and bass. Its stylish look with interchangeable carry handle underlines Bose’s ambition to stand out from competitors like Soundcore and JBL. Price-wise, Bose positions itself between the many outdoor Bluetooth boomboxes (more expensive) and the smarter Wi-Fi streaming speakers (less expensive). Is it worth it?

Introduction
The hardware
Features and operation
Sound
Conclusion

Introduction

The American brand Bose is not only known for excellent headphones, which we often test here, but has also long been producing high-quality speaker systems whose sound quality impresses in a very compact size.

The SoundLink series – portable speakers with battery and Bluetooth – has been around since 2011. I still own a Bose SoundLink 2 from 2013, which, thanks to its timeless design and high build quality, still works flawlessly. And of course, because of the typical Bose sound – pleasantly full and smooth, remaining tonally stable whether at low or high volume.

Bose SoundLink Max – the hardware

Whether in black or dusk blue, the Bose SoundLink Max contains only the speaker in the chosen colour and a USB-C cable. Even the quick-start guide with QR code for the Android or iOS app is printed directly on the packaging.

The Bose SoundLink Max measures 12 × 26.5 × 10.5 cm, weighs 2.13 kg, is almost completely covered in a pleasant soft silicone (except for the metal front and side grilles), and can be easily carried thanks to its high-quality handle made from cord and silicone. The handle can be swapped out for personalisation, with four colour variants available. For shoulder carrying, Bose offers a matching strap for purchase. Neither handle nor strap can be removed without leaving two uncovered holes on top, as there is no cover for the twist-and-click mounts.

This does not affect the IP67 certification since the ports are sealed, but it does detract from the appearance.

On top, in a shallow recess, are the control buttons and two LED indicators. On the back are the USB-C port (for charging the speaker or powering another device as a power bank) and a 3.5 mm mini-jack input for analogue playback.

Bose is not particularly forthcoming with technical details, so I had to consult some foreign teardown videos to get an idea of what’s inside. It appears to contain two mid-bass drivers angled slightly outwards, a centrally positioned tweeter facing forward, and two passive radiators aimed left and right to support the bass. The rest is electronics and battery.

The IP67 protection ensures it can withstand short immersion in water, as well as heavy rain, dust, and sand. However, Bose advises drying the speaker before use after a dunk, and paying special attention to the unprotected USB-C port to avoid short circuits.

The rechargeable lithium-ion battery charges in five hours via the supplied cable and offers a stated 20 hours of playback at medium volume.

Features and operation

Pairing with the Bose SoundLink Max is straightforward via Bluetooth 5.3. Android users benefit from Google Fast Pair, which also enables higher-quality aptX Adaptive output. iOS users are limited to SBC or AAC.

Bose specifies a range of nine metres, which is conservative – I managed at least 30 metres in open space, and the connection stayed stable through two rooms indoors. Thanks to the analogue aux input, the SoundLink Max can also be used wired; simply plug in, and it switches automatically.

The top control bar offers play/pause/skip, volume, and source selection. The Bose app is required for more detailed adjustments, offering updates, voice prompts (quite detailed), a sleep timer, custom naming, and a 3-band EQ with four presets.

Multipoint pairing is supported for two simultaneous Bluetooth sources. In the app, the shortcut button on the speaker can be assigned to one of three functions: launching Spotify directly from the speaker, switching to the analogue input, or linking speakers. Two SoundLink Max units can be paired for true stereo. Bose’s SimpleSync technology also allows pairing with other Bose speakers or soundbars for party mode or surround sound.

Sound of the Bose SoundLink Max

The Bose SoundLink Max delivers a pleasant, bass-rich sound that is warm, rounded, and smooth, without becoming harsh or scratchy. The deep bass underpins a well-defined, relatively wide soundstage, with mids providing a solid bed for vocals and acoustic instruments, while clear, plentiful highs add sparkle.

I particularly enjoy its sound up to medium volume, where it is full and rich, even at lower listening levels. It also holds up well for loud party use, with bass remaining present at high volumes, unlike many competitors. However, physics still applies – at full blast, the balance is less refined, and the sound feels strained. Short bursts at max volume are fine, but prolonged use becomes fatiguing.

Conclusion

The Bose SoundLink Max looks great, sounds excellent up to and beyond medium volume, and doesn’t collapse at full volume. Handling, build quality, and overall design are top-notch and well thought-out, though the EQ is limited to three bands and the carry handle cannot be removed entirely. While Bose products are generally pricier than comparable competitors, they are often a touch better, more refined, or more timeless – and at least more distinctive. The same holds true for the Bose SoundLink Max.