Bluetooth speakers · Ranked #3 of 10 · Best big portable sound

Bose SoundLink Max

86
Highly rated
Average of 8 professional reviews
6 of 8 recommend it · critics split
Where the 8 reviews landedRange 70–100
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Exact average 85.5 · 6 printed, 2 estimated · printed scores only: 86

Bose SoundLink MaxImage: Bose

8 professional reviewers tested the Bose SoundLink Max, and 6 recommend it. Most praised: sound quality and battery life. Most common complaint: price.

Reviewed by Trusted Reviews, What Hi-Fi?, WIRED and 5 more

The catch: It is heavy, expensive and slow to charge.

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What 8 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 100
    Trusted ReviewsHands-on review · 2024

    A stellar premium portable speaker with rich, detailed, fun sound that the reviewer rates as the best portable heard in years.

    Read Trusted Reviews review
  2. 95
    What Hi-Fi?The outlet's top rating, counted as 95 · Hands-on review · 2024

    Lively, energetic and enjoyable to listen to, with a rugged, easy-to-use design.

    Read What Hi-Fi? review
  3. 90
    WIREDHands-on review

    A big, bold, rugged Bluetooth speaker with powerful, controlled sound and good battery life.

    Read WIRED review
  4. 90
    TechRadarHands-on review · 2024

    A punchy, party-ready Bluetooth speaker that sounds great indoors and out.

    Read TechRadar review
  5. 73
    TechGearLabHands-on review · 2026

    A mini-boombox with balanced, loud, clear sound that is tough and offers excellent battery life.

    Read TechGearLab review
  6. 70
    The VergeHands-on review · 2024

    The speaker sounds excellent thanks to Bose's processing, but at about 400 dollars it lacks smart features and Wi-Fi and faces cheaper or louder rivals.

    Read The Verge review
  7. 83est.
    Popular ScienceNo printed score · Buying guide

    The reviewer calls it a refined speaker with clear, silky vocals and crisp instruments, and names it the best choice for premium sound.

    Read Popular Science review
  8. 83est.
    Outside OnlineNo printed score · Buying guide · 2025

    Testers picked this speaker as the choice for listeners who care most about sound, praising its immediate, rich delivery that suits many genres.

    Read Outside Online review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

What critics praise most

Sound quality8 of 8
Battery life2 of 8
Design2 of 8

What critics dislike most

Price5 of 8
Call quality3 of 8
Fit and comfort2 of 8

Other Bluetooth speakers critics rate highly

JBL Flip 7Image: JBL
Top pick, narrowlyJBL Flip 712 reviews · broad agreement86
Marshall Kilburn IIIImage: Marshall
Best for battery and big soundMarshall Kilburn III5 reviews · broad agreement86
Bose SoundLink PlusImage: Bose
Best rugged midsize speakerBose SoundLink Plus6 reviews · broad agreement84
JBL Charge 6Image: JBL
Longest batteryJBL Charge 69 reviews · broad agreement83

Compare head to head

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Also reviewed, not yet scored

Common questions

Is the Bose SoundLink Max worth it?

Most critics think so: 6 of 8 recommend it. It is heavy, expensive and slow to charge.

Do critics agree about the Bose SoundLink Max?

Critics split: scores range from 70 (The Verge) to 100 (Trusted Reviews), a spread of 30 points across 8 reviews. Reviewers disagree, so read the individual reviews before buying.

What do critics dislike about the Bose SoundLink Max?

Price (5 of 8 reviews), Call quality (3 of 8 reviews), Fit and comfort (2 of 8 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the Bose SoundLink Max?

The JBL Flip 7 (critic score 86), top pick, narrowly.