Bose SoundLink Plus: The Perfect Beach Speaker for Summer
▼ Summary
– The Bose SoundLink Plus is a durable, portable Bluetooth speaker with an IP67 rating, making it suitable for outdoor use.
– Priced at $269, it falls between cheaper competitors like the JBL Charge 6 and more expensive options with advanced features like Wi-Fi or stereo speakers.
– The speaker delivers strong bass and clear vocals but can become fatiguing at high volumes and lacks advanced features like Wi-Fi or AirPlay.
– It has a silicone-coated design that attracts lint and dust but is easy to clean, and it includes a 15W power bank feature for charging devices.
– The SoundLink Plus offers up to 20 hours of playback and supports multipoint Bluetooth but takes five hours to fully charge.
The Bose SoundLink Plus delivers impressive sound quality in a rugged, portable package, making it a solid choice for outdoor adventures. This IP67-rated Bluetooth speaker combines durability with Bose’s signature audio performance, though its premium price tag places it in a competitive middle ground between budget and high-end options.
At $269, the SoundLink Plus sits above similarly sized rivals like the JBL Charge 6 and Sony ULT Field 3, yet falls short of offering advanced features like Wi-Fi or smart assistant integration found in pricier models. What it lacks in extras, it makes up for in powerful, well-balanced sound, thanks to its mono driver setup with a tweeter, four passive radiators, and a rear-firing subwoofer.
Despite its compact size, comparable to a 20-ounce water bottle, the SoundLink Plus delivers surprising volume and deep bass. Tracks like Billie Eilish’s “bad guy” showcase its ability to handle punchy low-end while keeping vocals crisp. However, at higher volumes, some distortion creeps in, and the treble can become fatiguing, a common trait in Bose’s tuning.
The silicone-wrapped exterior and powder-coated steel grille give the speaker a sleek, durable finish, though the material tends to attract dust and lint. Its IP67 certification means it can survive submersion in water up to three feet for 30 minutes, making it ideal for poolside or beach use. During testing, it floated face-down when submerged, requiring retrieval to continue playback.
Controls are minimal, with physical buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, and a customizable shortcut key. The Bose Music app offers basic EQ adjustments but lacks advanced features like track skipping, most users will prefer controlling playback directly from their phone.
Battery life is a strong point, with up to 20 hours of playback at moderate volumes. The speaker doubles as a 15W power bank, though charging speeds are sluggish, adding just 10% to an iPhone in an hour. A full recharge takes five hours, so planning ahead is essential.
While the SoundLink Plus excels in sound and durability, its lack of Wi-Fi, AirPlay, or Spotify Connect may deter those seeking seamless multi-room audio. For pure Bluetooth performance in tough conditions, however, it’s a reliable, high-quality option, just be prepared to pay a premium for the Bose name.
(Source: The Verge)
