The amazing Bose SoundLink Max Bluetooth speaker is hard to beat

There are so many great Bluetooth speakers out this year that it can be hard to know which one to buy. Some budget models like the Tribit Stormbox 2 offer incredible value for money, but if you want something special with truly high-quality sound, then take a look at the new Bose SoundLink Max.

Bose is a brand that can divide a room. Some audiophiles are a bit skeptical about the name. The company doesn’t publish technical specifications for its products, preferring to let potential customers use their ears to decide for themselves. In my experience, music enthusiasts love the big, powerful Bose sound, which has captivated listeners for more than 60 years, ever since Dr. Amar Bose left the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to start his fledgling audio company.

When Dr. Bose died in 2013, he donated his nonvoting stock to MIT, and the institution now receives cash dividends from the company’s large profits. Dr. Bose was clearly a grateful student, and his gift was a tribute to how much he had learned at MIT, especially from Professor Y. W. Lee, his thesis advisor. Since then, Bose has built a formidable reputation for making great PA systems, great noise-cancelling headphones, and great Bluetooth speakers.

Bose’s latest Bluetooth speaker is the new SoundLink Max, a compact model with a handy carry handle and a sound that’s a lot bigger than you might expect from its compact size. It’s hard to understand how such a small box can produce such big, clear sound, but Bose knows a thing or two about the physics of acoustics, thanks to its 60 years of experience.

Since Bose doesn’t disclose the exact audio measurements of its products, I can’t give you the usual numbers like power output, frequency range, or total harmonic distortion. So for this review, we’ll rely solely on my ears and the features packed into this amazing little speaker.

Since Bose doesn’t disclose the exact audio measurements of its products, I can’t give you typical specs like output, frequency range, or total harmonic distortion. So, for this review, we’ll go solely by my ears and the features packed into this amazing little speaker.

The SoundLink Max speaker features Bose Articulated Array technology, which features three drivers positioned at the front of the speaker. They deliver a wide soundstage with an impressive stereo image for such a small speaker.

Two specially designed passive radiators boost the bass frequencies in what is probably one of the most effective applications of passive radiators I’ve ever heard. There’s plenty of rumble here, and if you want even more, there’s an EQ function in the Bose smartphone app that will crank it up even more.

The SoundLink Max’s top plate has the usual buttons for turning the speaker on, pairing with Bluetooth devices, adjusting volume, and controlling music. There’s also a special programmable button that you can assign using the Bose smartphone app. The buttons are super soft and very responsive, which is a change; most Bluetooth speakers seem to require long, hard presses on the controls.

Currently, a dedicated programmable button toggles between selecting the 3.5mm AUX input or Spotify Tap, but additional features may be added in the future. The app also has a few custom features, including setting a time after which the speaker will turn itself off to save battery life.

Bose claims its proprietary digital signal processing dramatically minimizes distortion, allowing the speaker to reproduce fuller, more natural sound no matter what you’re listening to. I think they’re right. You can crank up the volume on the SoundLink Max and it won’t break a sweat. The clarity and separation of instruments and vocals mark this speaker as something special.

The SoundLink Max has a powder-coated silicone cover around its steel casing, making the speaker durable and resistant to scratches and abrasions. Bose claims that the finish won’t flake or chip over time, which is reassuring since some cheaper speakers don’t always have the most durable finishes. The speaker’s surface is also corrosion and UV resistant, and its IP67 rating means it’s resistant to water, dust, rust, and drops, making it ideal for taking to the beach, pool, or backyard.

For the powerful sound the SoundLink Max puts out, it’s a pretty small package, weighing in at just 2.27kg. The rope handle is detachable, and an optional rope shoulder strap is available, which is great for carrying the speaker to the beach.

The SoundLink Max can provide up to 20 hours of playtime on a single charge of its built-in battery. The speaker can be charged via the USB-C port, which has a bidirectional function, so you can connect your smartphone to charge your phone’s battery, then continue streaming music.

In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, the SoundLink Max has a 3.5mm stereo jack, so you can connect a non-Bluetooth analog device like a Walkman and play it through the speaker. You can even connect an AirPlay receiver like the Belkin SoundConnect if you want to stream music at higher quality or use it as part of a multiroom setup. The speaker uses Bluetooth 5.3 and supports both SBC and AAC audio codecs. For high-resolution audio, the SoundLink Max also features Snapdragon Sound with Qualcomm aptX An adaptive codec that automatically adjusts for lossless streaming over a wireless network.

This is the first Bluetooth speaker I’ve tested that has Snapdragon Sound technology ^Technology on board for seamless, solid connectivity with compatible Android devices. SoundLink Max also includes Google Fast Pair support for faster Bluetooth connection with Android devices.

Verdict: The sound produced by the Bose SoundLink Max speaker is simply astonishing considering its size. The Bose brand isn’t for everyone, but if you listen to this stunning little speaker, you’ll be delighted. It does its job admirably, but it comes at a hefty price. The SoundLink Max is one of the most expensive Bluetooth speakers of its type, and you’re paying a premium for the exceptional sound and extras like support for Snapdragon Sound technology. Listen to one and you’ll quickly find out if it’s the speaker for you. This is truly an exceptional speaker. Highly recommended.

Prices and availability: The Bose SoundLink Max is available in Black and Blue Dusk. Price is $399 / £399.95 / €399.95.

Technical data:

• Drivers: 3 x full range.
• Passive radiators: 2 x.
• Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive.
• Snapdragon Sound: Yes.
• Battery life: 20 hours on a single charge.
• Charging port: USB Type-C
• Smartphone app: Yes.