Bose is a well-known audio equipment company that also sells headphones, soundbars, and home audio systems. Bose makes speakers for a wide range of uses, from portable outdoor listening to voice-controlled home audio. When choosing between them, consider whether you need battery power and weather resistance or prefer louder sound and smart features. We've tested over 15 Bose speakers.
Updates
- 08/03/2026Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker reviewed
- 02/05/2026Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) reviewed
- 07/04/2025Bose SoundLink Plus reviewed
- 11/28/2024Bose SoundLink Home reviewed
- 10/31/2024Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) reviewed
All of our recommendations start with the products we've tested. And, they're backed by in-house experts who ensure unbiased, objective data to help you choose the right speaker.
Want to see how we've tested more than 200 speakers? Our How We Test Speakers article walks you through the entire process: from selecting and purchasing products to testing, reviewing, and publishing our results.
-
Best Bose Speaker
MusicVideos/MoviesPodcastsVoice AssistantOutdoorsBattery Powered:YesSpeakerphone:NoVoice Assistant:NoBluetooth:YesSee all our test resultsWi-Fi:NoThe best Bose Bluetooth speaker we've tested is the Bose SoundLink Max. This stylish portable speaker packs a lot of features and solid performance into a compact design, and you can carry it around using the included handle. It has dust and water resistance, making it a solid choice for outdoor use, and its silicone, metal, and plastic construction gives it a sturdy build quality. The default sound is balanced, with enough bass to keep your favorite disco tunes feeling groovy. And the speaker can be tuned further via the graphic EQ and presets in the app. That said, its directivity is only okay, so you'll want to ensure it's facing you to get the best possible sound.
This speaker can get plenty loud without compressing too much as you crank the volume, making it a great fit for bringing the party with you. It's also loaded with useful, modern features, like Bluetooth multi-device pairing, over 15 hours of battery life, and a remappable button that can be set to instantly access your Spotify playlists. There's even an AUX input for old-school connectivity. That said, if you want built-in voice control, check out our pick for the best home speaker from Bose further down the page.
-
Best Upper Mid-Range Bose Speaker
MusicVideos/MoviesPodcastsVoice AssistantOutdoorsBattery Powered:YesSpeakerphone:YesVoice Assistant:YesBluetooth:YesSee all our test resultsWi-Fi:NoIf you don't need to customize your speaker's sound, the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II offers a cheaper way into Bose's speaker lineup. It's slightly more affordable than our top pick, the Bose SoundLink Max, but it's still battery-powered, so you can take it on the go without worrying about plugging it into a power outlet. As a result, it's a great choice for listening to music outdoors, especially since it's dust and water-resistant. The manufacturer also says it can withstand some small bumps and drops, so you don't need to baby it.
The built-in handle allows you to carry it wherever you go. This speaker also reproduces voices and instruments clearly, letting you enjoy all your favorite songs. Plus, the battery lasts over eight hours off a single charge, which is great for long days outside. The 360-degree design also means your audio sounds consistent from different angles as you move around. Unfortunately, compared to the SoundLink Max, you don't have any tools to adjust its sound, and there's no built-in voice assistant support. Still, you can use a voice assistant from a paired smartphone, which is a nice touch.
-
Best Mid-Range Bose Speaker
MusicVideos/MoviesPodcastsVoice AssistantOutdoorsBattery Powered:YesSpeakerphone:NoVoice Assistant:NoBluetooth:YesSee all our test resultsWi-Fi:NoThe 360-degree design of the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II is nice to have, but if you don't mind keeping your speaker facing you, and you're looking for something a little less expensive, check out the Bose SoundLink Plus. This portable Bluetooth speaker is one of the best Bose speakers we've tested in the mid-range; it has a similar overall design to the Bose SoundLink Max, though it comes with a smaller carrying loop instead of a full handle, and it's a bit less costly.
It's lightweight and easy to take outdoors, with dust and water resistance to protect it against dust and immersion in water. It's also similar in size to the Revolve+ II and gets a little louder, though neither speaker reaches the volume of the Bose SoundLink Max. In terms of sound quality, voices and lead instruments are clear and detailed in the mix, making it suitable for a wide range of audio content. Podcasts and audiobooks sound great with the speaker since it reproduces dialogue accurately. It doesn't quite put out as much bass as the Bose SoundLink Max, but that's to be expected from a smaller device. You can also tweak the sound using the graphic EQ in the companion app. Unfortunately, it downmixes stereo content to mono and has forward-facing drivers, so you'll want to ensure it's facing you to get the best audio quality. Still, its amazing 19-hour battery life makes it a solid choice for taking with you on a weekend camping trip.
-
Best Lower Mid-Range Bose Speaker
MusicVideos/MoviesPodcastsVoice AssistantOutdoorsBattery Powered:YesSpeakerphone:YesVoice Assistant:YesBluetooth:YesSee all our test resultsWi-Fi:NoThe Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) can't get as loud as the larger Bose SoundLink Plus, but it's about half the price and has a similarly sturdy design. You may even find this speaker on sale for less than our budget pick, making it quite the steal if you can get your hands on it. Its solid build quality makes the Flex (2nd Gen) great for taking your favorite tunes with you on the go. It's also dust and water-resistant, so it can survive accidental immersion in water, and the manufacturer says it can withstand some drops. It also lasts roughly 6.5 hours off a single charge, so it should get you through a day at the park, but it'll need recharging if you go camping for a few days, unlike the SoundLink Plus.
The Flex (2nd Gen) can automatically adjust its output based on its orientation, meaning you can use it standing up or lying on its back, depending on your needs. The speaker reproduces voices and other lead instruments clearly, making it a solid choice for many music genres, podcasts, and audiobooks. You might find higher-pitched sounds like cymbals are a touch too bright at times. If so, its companion app comes with a simple 3-band EQ so you can customize the sound to your tastes. And unlike the SoundLink Plus, the Flex (2nd Gen) has a built-in mic, so it works with your phone's voice assistant, which can be useful if you like to listen to podcasts while cooking.
-
Best Budget Bose Speaker
MusicVideos/MoviesPodcastsVoice AssistantOutdoorsBattery Powered:YesSpeakerphone:NoVoice Assistant:NoBluetooth:YesSee all our test resultsWi-Fi:NoIf price is a big factor, then check out the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen), which is a little cheaper and much smaller than the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen). It's easier to clip onto a bag or carry with you, though it doesn't get as loud as its larger sibling, so it can't fill larger spaces with sound as effectively. Still, like the Flex (2nd Gen), the Micro (2nd Gen) is one of the best Bose Bluetooth speakers we've tested at this price point, thanks to its lightweight and portable design. Its dust and water-resistant design means you can take it on a dusty trail and even briefly dunk it in water without breaking it. The smaller Bose even has a similar battery life to the Flex (2nd Gen), although it lacks a built-in mic, so there's no support for a voice assistant.
The Micro (2nd Gen) is a small speaker, so it can't produce much bass at all. That said, a boost in the low-mids helps thicken the sound a touch, and the treble is rolled off a little, meaning your audio doesn't sound overly thin. The mid-range is pretty balanced, and voices sound especially clear through this speaker. The larger Bose speakers above offer more oomph in the bass, but none are as easy to clip to a bike handle as the Micro (2nd Gen), so if you're also looking for something really portable, this is a great option.
-
Best Bose Home Speaker
MusicVideos/MoviesPodcastsVoice AssistantOutdoorsBattery Powered:NoSpeakerphone:NoVoice Assistant:YesBluetooth:YesSee all our test resultsWi-Fi:YesUnlike the portable SoundLink models above, the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker runs on AC power and has no water or dust resistance, so it's designed to stay put indoors. However, this speaker shines when placed in your home. You can control the speaker with your voice, thanks to Amazon Alexa built in. Google Assistant and Siri also work, albeit through a paired smartphone. Still, voice assistant support can make everyday tasks like creating grocery lists or setting alarms a cinch. Its built-in microphones pick up commands exceptionally well, even if you're standing on the other side of your room. It also supports the usual suite of connectivity options you'd expect from a premium home speaker, including Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay, Google Chromecast, and Bluetooth. The AUX input lets you plug in devices like CD players, too.
The speaker has a warm sound that suits vocals and acoustic instruments, though it doesn't produce much deep bass, so it's not the best choice for getting a techno party started. It gets loud enough to fill an average-sized room, though, and the companion app includes a graphic EQ if you prefer a different tuning. On its own, the speaker downmixes stereo content to mono, but you can pair it with a second unit via the companion app for stereo sound. A pair of Lifestyle Ultra Speakers can also serve as wireless surrounds for the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar using the companion app, which is great if you're looking for a step up from your TV speakers. Since this is a forward-facing speaker, you'll want to point it toward your listening position for the best sound; it sounds quite muffled from behind.
Compared To Other Brands
-
Well-balanced sound profile.
Bose's speakers offer generally balanced sound profiles out of the box, especially in the mid-range. Vocals and lead instruments are usually reproduced clearly and accurately, making them suitable for listening to different types of audio content.
-
Bluetooth-compatible.Bose speakers support Bluetooth, so you can wirelessly stream your audio to the speaker from another paired Bluetooth device, like your smartphone. Some of their smart speakers also support Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay.
-
Voice assistant support.Most Bose speakers support voice assistants. Some models use the voice assistant from your paired smartphone, while their smart speakers have built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant over a Wi-Fi connection.
-
Large speaker selection.
Bose offer a wide variety of speakers, including everything from small, portable Bluetooth speakers to more premium options. They even offer speakers designed for musicians and singers.
-
Lackluster customization options.
While some Bose speakers offer app-based sound customization, including presets, bass and treble adjustments, or a graphic EQ, other models have limited or no sound customization features.
-
Limited stereo support.
While a few Bose speakers we've tested support stereo playback, most need to be paired with a second unit to play stereo audio. On their own, they downmix stereo content to mono, which doesn't sound as immersive.
Bose vs Sonos
Sonos and Bose are similar audio manufacturers that produce premium speakers with built-in smart capabilities. If you already own products in their respective ecosystems, their speakers are designed for easy compatibility, so you can spread music throughout your home. You can also find a few models with outdoor-oriented designs at more budget-friendly prices. You'll find Bluetooth compatibility with Bose, while pricier Sonos speakers tend to operate over Wi-Fi, though portable models are Bluetooth-friendly.
Bose vs JBL
JBL is another well-known speaker manufacturer that offers a wider range of devices compared to Bose. With JBL, you'll find more budget-friendly models with outdoor-ready designs and some high-end party speakers for big events. That said, JBL's speakers aren't as well-designed as Bose's and tend to lack built-in voice assistant capabilities.
Bose vs Ultimate Ears
Ultimate Ears produces outdoor-geared speakers that are usually available at wallet-friendly price points. With ratings for dust and water resistance and the ability to float in water, some Ultimate Ears devices are better suited to the outdoors than Bose's sleek, home-friendly speakers. That said, Bose's speakers are generally better built, and their smart features offer additional support for voice assistants.
Bose offers a wide variety of speakers, from small portable Bluetooth speakers to more premium options like smart speakers. Generally, you'll get Bluetooth compatibility and a balanced sound right out of the box. Many Bose speakers are compatible with voice assistants from a paired device or via built-in support. However, some models still have limited sound customization features, and they generally lack more advanced tools like room correction.
Lineup
Bose speakers are designed to suit a wide range of uses, from in-home to outdoor listening.
Portable Bluetooth Speakers
- SoundLink series: Mid-range models that you can pair together to amplify sound.
- S1 Pro series: Portable PA systems with AutoEQ calibration.
Home Audio Speakers
- Smart Speaker series: Premium smart speakers with built-in voice assistant support.
- Lifestyle Ultra series: Premium AC-powered home speakers with built-in Amazon Alexa, Wi-Fi connectivity, and multi-room support.
Amplifiers
- Amplifier series: Smart home devices that connect to your record player, CD player, or passive speakers to amplify audio.
Stereo Speakers
- 251 series: Outdoor speakers meant to withstand snow, rain, salt, and extreme temperatures; compatible with the Bose Music Amplifier.
- 791 series: In-ceiling speakers with a slim design to blend into your home environment; compatible with the Bose Music Amplifier.
Computer Speakers
- Companion series: Mid-range multimedia speaker systems designed for easy integration with your computer.
Portable PA and Loudspeaker Systems
- S1 Pro series: Portable party-oriented speakers with AutoEQ and Bluetooth compatibility.
- F1 series: Premium loudspeakers that adjust the coverage pattern based on the space you're in; compatible with the F1 subwoofer.
Within the same product series, higher model numbers usually indicate more features. Depending on your needs, you may or may not find these features worth it.
Recent Updates
Oct 06, 2026:
We haven't tested any new Bose speakers since the last update. We've confirmed that all the picks are in stock and the text is accurate, but there have been no changes to our recommendations.
Aug 03, 2026:
We've added a new pick to this article: the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is our new choice for the 'Best Bose Home Speaker.' It offers strong Wi-Fi and voice assistant support, and its design is better suited for indoor use. We've removed the 'Best Bose Wireless PA' pick.
May 29, 2026:
We've checked that these are all still the best picks in their respective categories and tightened up the text in a couple of places.
Apr 22, 2026:
We've checked that all our picks are accurate and in stock but haven't changed them.
Apr 02, 2026:
We haven't tested any new Bose speakers since the last update, but we've checked that our picks are still in stock and tightened up the text.
Conclusion
Bose is a well-known brand that offers many different types of speakers; depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the others. They make well-built Bluetooth speakers with a balanced sound out of the box, and many of their smart speakers support voice assistants, with some offering built-in support. However, some models still have limited sound customization features. Check out the table below to see the full list of Bose speakers we've tested.