Bose makes some of the best Bluetooth speakers, and its SoundLink range has four models targeted at portable use. I used all four SoundLink models, and with Bose rolling out exciting discounts before Black Friday starts in earnest, I'm going to detail which model is ideally suited for your needs.
Before we get to that, here's a quick look at the details of the sale:
- Bose SoundLink Micro: $129 now $109 (16% off)
- Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen: $149 now $119 (20% off)
- Bose SoundLink Plus:
$269now $189 (29% off) - Bose SoundLink Max: $399 now $299 (25% off)
The SoundLink Micro is the stating variant and is a diminutive 5W speaker you can take anywhere, the SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen is the ideal party speaker thanks to its design and ability to deliver 60W of sound, and it hits the sweet spot in the portfolio.
The SoundLink Plus is the next size up, with the 80W speaker a good choice if you want room-filling sound. And as the name suggests, the SoundLink Max is the biggest speaker in this range, with a 100W driver that sounds nothing short of incredible.
Out of the four models, I think the SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen is the one to get if you just need a go-anywhere Bluetooth speaker with great sound. The Flex is the ideal size, and at 450g, it isn't too heavy while still delivering 60W audio. The Micro is a good choice if you need something small you can just attach to the outside of your bag, and while it sounds good in its own right, it doesn't get anywhere as loud or detailed as its siblings.
If size isn't an issue and you just need the best possible sound, the Max would be my recommendation. At 4lb (1.8kg), it is heavier than the rest of the models put together, but you also get highly engaging sound with an excellent bass, and it is more than enough to provide wall-shaking sound at a party. The SoundLink Plus shares a lot of the same characteristics, but is easier to carry around, and doesn't cost as much.
All four models have a few things as standard; they're available in vibrant colors, so if you don't want the usual black Bluetooth speaker, you can get these in blue, green, and yellow (which stands out quite a lot). What's also good to see is that all models get IP67 dust and water resistance, so you can easily use these at the pool or at the beach without any worries whatsoever.
If I had to buy one of these speakers, I'd just get the SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen. The flatter design makes it easier to throw in a bag, and you still get great sound. The rugged durability is what ultimately makes it a great choice, and it's a good overall value — particularly at $119.
I'm also a fan of the SoundLink Plus, and this is the model I used the longest. It strikes the ideal balance between portability and powerful sound, and while it isn't as big or heavy as the Max, it still somehow holds its own. And now that it's down to $189, it is the best value out of the entire SoundLink portfolio.
