Best Bose Bluetooth Speakers of 2023: Reviews of SoundLink Revolve, Mini II & Smart Speaker

Bose is one of the most well-known and respected brands when it comes to speakers and audio equipment. For decades, Bose has been at the forefront of innovative speaker technology and premium sound quality. This focus on excellence also extends to Bose’s lineup of Bluetooth speakers.

Bose’s portable Bluetooth speakers deliver the amazing audio performance the brand is famous for in compact, wireless designs perfect for listening on the go. Whether you’re looking for rich, immersive sound for music, crisp dialog for videos, or powerful audio for outdoor use, Bose has a Bluetooth speaker that fits the bill.

In this guide, we’ll cover the key things to know about Bose Bluetooth speakers and provide in-depth reviews of some of the top models in Bose’s current lineup. We’ll compare the sound quality, features, battery life, portability and other factors that make these speakers stand out. Read on to find the perfect Bose Bluetooth speaker for your needs and budget.

Why Choose a Bose Bluetooth Speaker?

Here are some of the main benefits Bose Bluetooth speakers offer compared to competitors:

• Superior sound quality – Bose is renowned for its excellent audio engineering. Proprietary technologies like TriPort acoustic architecture and Active EQ allow Bose Bluetooth Speakers to deliver deeper bass, crisp mids and clear highs compared to most portable speakers.
• Innovative proprietary tech – In addition to traditional speaker drivers, Bose adds unique tech like reflectors and phase guides to sculpt precise, lifelike sound in a compact form factor.
• Premium build quality – Bose speakers feature durable, premium materials like aluminum, stainless steel and glass-filled plastics. They are built to last and deliver top-notch acoustics.
• Great for voice and calls – Integrated omnidirectional microphones allow Bose Bluetooth speakers to provide clear call quality and seamless access to voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant.
• Leading battery life – Efficient amplification coupled with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries allows most Bose speakers to operate for up to 12 hours between charges.

While Bose Bluetooth speakers demand a premium price, the combination of incredible audio performance, durable build quality and useful features make them a worthwhile investment for serious music listeners and audio lovers.

Top Bose Bluetooth Speaker Picks

Bose has several excellent Bluetooth speaker models to choose from across a range of sizes, features and pricing. Here are some of the top Bose Bluetooth speakers available in 2023:

Bose SoundLink Revolve

The Bose SoundLink Revolve is one of Bose’s best selling and top rated Bluetooth speakers. This compact cylindrical speaker delivers 360 degree sound through a combination of downward and side firing drivers and advanced digital signal processing.

Some key features of the SoundLink Revolve:

• Omnidirectional sound fills the whole room, unlike directional speakers
• IP55 water resistance rating makes it splash and dust proof
• Sturdy aluminum body with rubberized plastic base
• Up to 12 hours of battery life per charge
• Wireless Bluetooth pairing with a 30 ft range
• Built-in microphone for speakerphone and accessing Siri/Google Assistant
• Seamless switching between two connected devices

With deep bass and crystal clear treble, the SoundLink Revolve is ideal for wirelessly streaming music, videos, games and more both indoors and outdoors.

Bose Portable Smart Speaker

The Bose Portable Smart Speaker adds integrated Alexa support to deliver a versatile voice controlled speaker. Key features include:

• Ask Alexa to play music, set reminders, check the weather, and more
• Stream music from Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora and others
• Connects via WiFi and Bluetooth
• 12 hour battery life when in portable mode
• Rugged silicone back and aluminum top
• IPX4 splash proof rating
• Works with other Alexa enabled smart home devices

With the Portable Smart Speaker, you get the convenience of voice control combined with the signature Bose sound. It’s like having an Amazon Echo Dot with far better audio performance.

Bose SoundLink Mini II

If portability is your top priority, the Bose SoundLink Mini II delivers surprisingly powerful sound from an ultra-compact speaker. Features include:

• Only 2.3 pounds and 2 inches thick – fits in bags, backpacks, etc.
• Despite its small size, delivers deep bass tones
• Soft silicone exterior protects from bumps and drops
• Up to 10 hours of battery life per charge
• Wireless Bluetooth range up to 30 feet
• Built-in speakerphone for calls
• Available in two classy color options – carbon or pearl

The SoundLink Mini II is the perfect Bose speaker to always keep with you for music on the go. Its rugged design can withstand daily use with ease.

Bose Speaker Sound Quality

One of the main reasons to choose a Bose Bluetooth speaker is the incredible audio performance. Bose engineers its speakers to deliver premium sound quality that brings music, movies, games and more to life.

Proprietary Audio Technologies

Bose speakers incorporate proprietary technologies to enhance sound in ways that standard speakers can’t match:

• TriPort technology – Bose’s unique triangular port design increases bass impact and reduces distortion.
• PhaseGuiding – Special ports optimize the phase coherence for clearer vocals and instruments.
• Active EQ – Built-in DSP automatically tunes the frequency response for balanced sound at any volume.
• Immersive audio – Reflective surfaces and precision tuning create a wider, more natural soundstage.

Real-World Performance

In real-world testing and user reviews, Bose Bluetooth speakers consistently impress with their audio quality:

• Deep bass – The bass has excellent presence and impact but avoids muddiness or distortion even at high volumes.
• Crisp mids/highs – Vocals sound clear and pristine. Subtle details in instrumentation come through as well.
• 360° sound – Omnidirectional models like the SoundLink Revolve fill the whole room with rich, immersive sound.
• Loud volumes – Despite their compact size, Bose speakers can play loudly enough for small gatherings and outdoor use.
• Voice clarity – Integrated mics pick up voices clearly for speakerphone calls and voice assistant commands.

While compact, Bose speakers outperform most Bluetooth speakers for audio quality and loudness. The sound lives up to the Bose reputation.

Frequency Response

Most Bose Bluetooth speakers have an advertised frequency response ranging from approx. 90 Hz on the low end up to 20 kHz on the high end. This allows them to reproduce the full range of sound audible to the human ear for highly accurate music reproduction. Extended bass and treble enhance the listening experience.

Key Bluetooth Speaker Features to Consider

When selecting a Bluetooth speaker, there are several important features and specifications to take into account beyond just sound quality and brand name. Bose speakers perform very well across these areas:

Battery Life

How long a Bose Bluetooth Speaker can play per charge is crucial. A short battery life of just 4-6 hours can be very limiting. Bose engineers its speakers for impressive battery life:

• SoundLink Revolve – Up to 12 hours of continuous playtime on a full charge. Enough for all-day listening.
• Portable Smart Speaker – Up to 12 hours of portable playback when away from AC power. Great for long days out.
• SoundLink Mini II – Up to 10 hours of battery life. Excellent for a compact speaker.

Real-world battery life varies based on volume levels. But in general, Bose speakers will last for multiple hours of daily listening for a whole week between charges.

Wireless Connectivity

Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity allows convenient streaming from smartphones, tablets, computers and more without any wires:

• Bluetooth – Bose speakers have Bluetooth 4.2 or above for pairing with phones, laptops, etc. from over 30 feet away. Support for advanced Bluetooth codecs like AAC improves sound.
• WiFi – Models like the Portable Smart Speaker can connect directly to WiFi networks for streaming from services like Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM and more without needing a phone.
• Multipoint Bluetooth – Simultaneously stay connected to two devices, allowing you to take calls while still listening to music from another paired phone or tablet.
• NFC – Tap to instantly connect NFC-enabled devices to speakers like the SoundLink Revolve for quick Bluetooth pairing.

Voice Assistant Integration

Having a built-in voice assistant allows convenient hands-free control of speaker features and smart home devices:

• Alexa – Ask Alexa on the Portable Smart Speaker to play music, set timers, check the weather, control smart home devices and more. Even when offline, you can manage Bluetooth playback.
• Siri & Google Assistant – Access Siri or Google Assistant by long pressing the multifunction button on supported Bose models to make requests and more via the speakerphone.

Voice capabilities elevate speakers beyond just passive listening to smart, voice-controlled devices.

Water/Dust Resistance

IP ratings tell you how well a speaker is protected against dust ingress and water exposure:

• SoundLink Revolve – IP55 rating – The highest rating among Bose speakers makes the Revolve very splashproof and dust/debris resistant. Safe to use by the pool or beach.
• Portable Smart Speaker – IPX4 rating – Protected against splashes and sprays, so you can use it in misty conditions with peace of mind.

Water and dust resistance allows you to use speakers worry-free in more environments like patios, decks, showers, gardens and other outdoor settings.

Comparing Key Bose Bluetooth Speaker Models

With several excellent Bluetooth speaker options, Bose has a model for every listening need. Here is an in-depth guide comparing some of their most popular portable speakers across various features and specifications:

Size and Portability

• SoundLink Revolve – Measuring 3.3″ x 3.3″ x 6″ and weighing 1.5 lbs, the Revolve has a cylindrical shape that’s easy to grab and transport. Fits easily in bags and backpacks.
• Portable Smart Speaker – A little larger at 6.3” x 3.7” x 4.1” and heavier at 2.1 lbs. The squat rectangular shape takes up more space but has room for full-range drivers.
• SoundLink Mini II – Extremely portable at just 1.9” x 1.9” x 5.2” and 1.1 lbs. Among the smallest profile of any Bose speaker. Fits anywhere and you can take it everywhere.

For ultimate portability, the Mini II is the top choice. But the Revolve offers a great balance of size versus performance.

Battery Life

Duration of battery life varies between models:

• SoundLink Revolve – Up to 12 hours of continuous playback on a full charge makes it the battery leader. You can listen all day or through multiple days between charging.
• Portable Smart Speaker – Up to 12 hours of wireless listening away from AC power. Great for long days of use away from an outlet. Standby time extends past 24 hours.
• SoundLink Mini II – Provides up to 10 hours of battery life. Very good for a speaker this compact, enough for most days of average use.

The Revolve is the winner if marathon battery life is important to you. But the others deliver solid performance too.

Wireless Connectivity

All three speakers offer excellent wireless connectivity:

• Bluetooth – Bluetooth 4.2 on the Revolve and Mini II and Bluetooth 5.1 on the Smart Speaker allow easy pairing and streaming from phones, tablets and laptops up to 30+ feet away. Support for AAC and SBC codecs provides solid audio quality over the wireless connection.
• WiFi – The Portable Smart Speaker has dual band WiFi allowing direct connection to home WiFi networks for streaming content wirelessly without a phone in range.
• Multipoint – The Smart Speaker and Revolve support staying connected to two devices simultaneously so you can take calls while listening to music from another device.
• NFC – Tap to quickly pair NFC-enabled devices with the SoundLink Revolve.

With multipoint Bluetooth and WiFi, the Smart Speaker has the most wireless flexibility. But they all connect easily.

Sound Quality

Though compact, all three deliver impressive premium sound:

• SoundLink Revolve – Room-filling 360° sound with deep bass, crisp vocals and clear instruments. Warm, balanced profile great for music of all genres.
• Portable Smart Speaker – Powerful audio with thumping bass and clear treble thanks to custom drivers and DSP processing. Even at high volumes, the sound stays distortion-free.
• SoundLink Mini II – Despite the small size, dual opposing passive radiators help the Mini II produce surprising low end punch and bass. Overall balanced profile with emphasized lows perfect for pop, hip-hop and EDM.

The Revolve probably has the most natural, immersive sound. But they all sound far better than typical portable Bose Bluetooth Speakers.

Voice Assistant Support

• Revolve & Mini II – No built-in voice assistant, but you can access Siri or Google Assistant by long pressing the multifunction button to activate the speakerphone.
• Portable Smart Speaker – Integrated Alexa allows voice control of music, smart home devices, information and more. Just ask Alexa out loud to play tunes, set reminders, check weather, news and more.

For full voice control, the Portable Smart Speaker with Alexa built-in is the clear choice.

Durability & Water Resistance

• SoundLink Revolve – With an IP55 rating, the Revolve is dustproof, splashproof and able to withstand water jets. Safe to use outside, by the pool and in inclement weather. Rugged enough for active use.
• Portable Smart Speaker – IPX4 water resistant rating allows it to handle splashes and sprays. Good for use in the garden, kitchen or other areas where it may get wet.
• SoundLink Mini II – No official water rating, but the silicone exterior allows it to withstand dust, drops and bumps of daily use. Not recommended for extended outdoor use.

The Revolve is the best choice for outdoor adventures and use in wet areas thanks to the highest Ingress Protection rating. But the others will also hold up well to regular portable use.

As you can see, each speaker has unique strengths. The SoundLink Revolve is the best all-around option with great sound, portability and durability. But the others work very well for specific use cases and budgets. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional comparison points you want me to cover!

Where to Buy Bose Bluetooth Speakers

Bose portable Bluetooth speakers are sold through Bose directly as well as a variety of online and brick-and-mortar retailers. Here are some of the best places to find deals:

Bose Website

Purchasing directly from Bose.com ensures you are getting a brand new, factory sealed speaker with full warranty. Bose offers free standard shipping and returns in the US.

The Bose site also has discounted refurbished/open box models available which can save up to 25% off retail price. Refurbished Bose speakers are thoroughly tested and repaired by Bose technicians and come with the same 1-year warranty.

Amazon

Amazon is an authorized Bose retailer, so speakers purchased there are guaranteed to be new and authentic Bose products. Amazon offers perks like free Prime shipping, easy returns, and discounts/bundles not available elsewhere.

Check listings closely to ensure the seller is “Ships from and sold by Amazon.com” rather than a third party seller. Amazon is trustworthy, but third party sellers may not always be authorized.

Best Buy

Best Buy sells the full range of new Bose Bluetooth speakers both online and in store. Stores have demo units on display you can listen to in person. As an authorized retailer, Best Buy provides competitive pricing, open-box discounts, free next day delivery and a generous return window.

Walmart

Walmart has a wide selection of Bose speakers available with free 2-day shipping on orders over $35. Walmart’s everyday low prices can translate to especially good deals on package bundles that include cases, wall mounts and other accessories.

Stick to models listed as “Sold & shipped by Walmart” rather than third party sellers on Walmart’s marketplace for ensured authenticity.

Watch for Sales and Deals

Keep an eye out for periodic deals like Black Friday where retailers offer extra discounts on Bose speakers. The official Bose eBay store is also worth checking for open-box speaker deals. Sign up for retailer newsletters and check deal sites for the best promo codes.

Conclusion – Which Bose Bluetooth Speaker is Right for You?

With excellent sound, build quality and features, Bose Bluetooth speakers justify their reputation as some of the best portable wireless speakers available. Which model is the right choice for you?

Bose SoundLink Revolve

The Revolve is the best all-around Bose Bluetooth speaker with nearly unmatched battery life, durability and well-balanced sound. Despite the compact size, it can fill rooms with rich 360° audio perfect for music, videos, parties and outdoor use thanks to the IP55 rating. It’s a smart investment if you want great quality in a portable package.

Bose Portable Smart Speaker

Choose the Portable Smart Speaker if you want the convenience of built-in Alexa voice assistant features alongside great Bose sound. It’s perfect if you want to access Amazon Music, Audible, smart home controls and more through Alexa while away from WiFi. The 12 hours of battery life allows you to take Alexa anywhere.

Bose SoundLink Mini II

The SoundLink Mini II is made for those who put a premium on portability and convenience. It packs impressive bass and sound into a tiny rugged frame that can go anywhere. With almost 10 hours of battery per charge, it will last through nearly any adventure. It’s the Bose to get if you want to throw it in your bag and not think twice.

Any of these three speakers represent the pinnacle of portable Bluetooth audio and demonstrate why Bose remains an industry leader. With functionality, performance and reliability, a Bose Bluetooth speaker is an investment your ears will thank you for.