The Bose SoundLink Plus is a rugged, bass-focused portable Bluetooth speaker with app-based EQ, phone charging and a claimed battery life of up to 20 hours. Bose lists it at 3.29 pounds, so it is portable for a bag or outing rather than pocket-sized. Its strongest case is for listeners who want a substantial speaker for indoor and outdoor use; its weight, lack of a microphone and battery estimate’s specific test conditions are worth weighing before buying.
What the SoundLink Plus offers
Bose describes the SoundLink Plus as a battery-powered Bluetooth speaker built around one subwoofer, one tweeter and four passive radiators. That configuration and the product positioning point to bass-forward sound, but they do not establish how it sounds in a room: this review is based on listed specifications and manufacturer claims, not independent listening tests.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Bose’s Australian specifications list Bluetooth 5.4, a wireless range of up to 33 feet and Bose App compatibility. The speaker has no microphone, so it is not a speakerphone. Bose’s Australian specifications also list USB-C input/output.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Size, durability and outdoor use
Bose lists dimensions of 9.1 × 3.94 × 3.4 inches and a weight of 3.29 pounds. That is manageable to carry in a backpack or by hand, but the weight and footprint make it less convenient for a small day bag than a compact pocket speaker.
#1 Best Overall
- ENERGIZING OUTDOOR SPEAKER: Plus up the energy of any group hang thanks to the SoundLink Plus Portable Speaker’s bold, resonant audio and booming bass.
- DESIGNED FOR PORTABILITY: The SoundLink Plus Bluetooth Speaker keeps bold sound at hand. Its portable size means you can toss it in a backpack or gym bag and plus up the energy whenever the moment calls. A carrying loop helps you hang on to your music.
- DURABLE, DUST AND WATERPROOF: A tough, ready-for-anything exterior means this wireless outdoor speaker can withstand all weather and survive fumbles, tumbles, and falls. Dust- and waterproof (rated IP67), and shock and rust resistant.
- TWENTY-HOUR BATTERY: Boasting up to 20 hours of battery – full charge in approximately 5 hours – this medium Bluetooth speaker is ready to keep the vibes going and make the moment last.
- USB-C CHARGE OUT: Keep your phone charged by plugging directly into your wireless speaker’s USB-C charging port – so staying powered isn’t a problem.
Bose rates it IP67 and describes it as dust- and water-resistant, as well as shock- and rust-resistant. The company’s launch announcement also says it floats. These are manufacturer claims, not a guarantee that the speaker is indestructible or immune to damage in every situation. Bose’s launch announcement provides the durability claims.
Battery life: what “up to 20 hours” means
Bose advertises up to 20 hours of playback, but that is a conditional estimate, not a promise of 20 hours in every use. The US product page specifies its test conditions: Bluetooth A2DP, volume at 65%, temperature between 20 and 25°C, default EQ, a specified music mix, and no charging of external devices. Bose says actual battery life varies, and its specifications warn that maximum-volume listening reduces it. Charging a phone from the speaker also uses power that is not included in the stated playback estimate.
Rank #2
- ENERGIZING OUTDOOR SPEAKER: Plus up the energy of any group hang thanks to the SoundLink Plus Portable Speaker’s bold, resonant audio and booming bass.
- DESIGNED FOR PORTABILITY. The SoundLink Plus Bluetooth Speaker keeps bold sound at hand. Its portable size means you can toss it in a backpack or gym bag and plus up the energy whenever the moment calls. A carrying loop helps you hang on to your music.
- DURABLE, DUST AND WATERPROOF: A tough, ready-for-anything exterior means this wireless, outdoor speaker can withstand all weather and survive fumbles, tumbles, and falls. Dust- and waterproof (rated IP67), and shock and rust resistant.
- TWENTY-HOUR BATTERY: Boasting up to 20 hours of battery – full charge in approximately 5 hours – this medium Bluetooth speaker is ready to keep the vibes going and make the moment last.
- USB-C CHARGE OUT: Keep your phone charged by plugging directly into your wireless speaker’s USB-C charging port – so staying powered isn’t a problem.
For a long outing, treat the figure as a best-case reference under Bose’s stated conditions. Louder playback, different EQ settings, temperature and phone charging can all make the usable time shorter. Bose’s US product information describes the battery estimate and its conditions.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Controls, charging and multi-speaker modes
USB-C output and phone charging
The USB-C port can charge a phone or another device, in addition to serving as the speaker’s USB-C connection. This is useful as an emergency power source, but using it means less energy is available for music playback. Bose’s Australian specifications list USB-C input/output, while its announcement describes the port’s ability to charge phones and other devices.
Rank #3
- ENERGIZING OUTDOOR SPEAKER: Plus up the energy of any group hang thanks to the SoundLink Plus Portable Speaker’s bold, resonant audio and booming bass.
- DESIGNED FOR PORTABILITY: The SoundLink Plus Bluetooth Speaker keeps bold sound at hand. Its portable size means you can toss it in a backpack or gym bag and plus up the energy whenever the moment calls. A carrying loop helps you hang on to your music.
- DURABLE, DUST AND WATERPROOF: A tough, ready-for-anything exterior means this wireless outdoor speaker can withstand all weather and survive fumbles, tumbles, and falls. Dust- and waterproof (rated IP67), and shock and rust resistant.
- TWENTY-HOUR BATTERY: Boasting up to 20 hours of battery – full charge in approximately 5 hours – this medium Bluetooth speaker is ready to keep the vibes going and make the moment last.
- USB-C CHARGE OUT: Keep your phone charged by plugging directly into your wireless speaker’s USB-C charging port – so staying powered isn’t a problem.
Equalizer in the Bose app
Bose says the app lets listeners adjust bass and treble. That provides a way to tailor the balance without relying only on the speaker’s default sound profile; the available specification does not establish a broader graphic equalizer or additional sound controls.
Stereo Mode and Party Mode
Bose describes Stereo Mode for two SoundLink Plus speakers, with balanced output from each source, and Party Mode for synchronized playback. The product page also says the SoundLink Plus can pair with another compatible Bose portable speaker. Check the Bose app or product guidance for the specific compatible pairing before buying a second speaker; the claim does not mean every Bose model can form a stereo pair.
Rank #4
- DEEP BASS, BIG SOUND: Whether you're the crew's go-to DJ or a music lover with the best playlists, the Bose SoundLink Max Bluetooth Speaker delivers deep, rich bass for a sound that will truly wow the party
- VIBE WHEREVER YOU GO: Easily bring your Bose portable speaker to any hangout, the soft removable climbing rope handle makes it easy to pick up the party speaker so the music travels wherever you go
- WATERPROOF AND DUSTPROOF: Worry less about accidental drops or getting caught in the rain, this dustproof and waterproof speaker is IP67 rated and is also shock and rust resistant
- 20 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE*: This large portable speaker gives you up to 20 hours of battery life*, so you can listen to your favorite tunes all day and night so the party never stops. USB-C cable included
- POWER UP WHILE LISTENING: The USB-C port on the back lets you charge any device using the speaker’s built-in battery which means if the SoundLink Max Bluetooth Speaker has power, so does your device
Price and what is in the box
Bose announced a US launch price of $269 on June 12, 2025, with sales beginning June 26, 2025. That is historical launch pricing, not a current quote. Official product-page snapshots accessed October 7, 2026 showed differing sale prices of $199 and $179, illustrating that discounts can vary by listing or color and change over time. Check the live price, color and stock for your region before purchase. Bose’s announcement gives the launch details; its US listing and Australian listing are regional product pages.
Bose’s Australian support specifications list the box contents as the speaker, a USB-C-to-USB-C cable and a safety sheet. That listing does not verify compatibility for particular third-party cables, cases or replacement parts.
Best Value
- MUSIC CALLS: The Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen) packs big, bold sound in a portable size that’s perfect for sharing tunes and good times anywhere on your travels
- SOUND THAT TAKES YOU PLACES: Take advantage of the surprisingly powerful performance of this Bose wireless speaker with its clear, balanced, high-fidelity audio and deep bass that is easy to take with you
- PERFECTLY PORTABLE, WITH BATTERY LIFE TO MATCH: This Bluetooth speaker is small enough to fit in your hand or clip onto a bag using the utility loop, plus it has up to 12 hours of battery life* so you can focus on the fun at the beach, hikes, or pool
- TOSS IT, DROP IT, IT’S ALL GOOD: This IP67 rated Bose portable Bluetooth speaker is waterproof and dustproof and is wrapped in a durable, silicone-wrapped body to withstand drops, shocks, and rust
- STEREO ON THE GO: Amp up the adventure with more sound when you link two compatible Bose speakers, choose Stereo Mode for left and right channels, or go for Party Mode for even bigger, bolder sound
Who should consider it?
- A good fit: someone who wants a relatively substantial portable speaker, values bass, plans to use it outdoors, or would use app EQ and multi-speaker playback.
- Less suitable: someone prioritizing low weight or pocketable portability, needing a built-in microphone for calls, or expecting the full advertised battery life while playing loudly or charging a phone.
The most important trade-off is straightforward: the SoundLink Plus combines outdoor protection, phone-charging capability and Bose’s multi-speaker features in a speaker that weighs more than three pounds. Whether that trade is worthwhile depends on how often you will carry it and whether you need those features.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
