Bose SoundLink Plus sits between the SoundLink Flex and SoundLink Max
Bose’s SoundLink Flex not loud enough? SoundLink Max too bulky and expensive? The new SoundLink Plus strikes the balance in size and price.
American premium audio brand Bose has just unveiled their latest addition to the SoundLink portable speaker lineup. The lineup is currently comprised of three sizes of wireless speakers, SoundLink Micro, SoundLink Flex, and SoundLink Max, with each step up increasing in physical size, acoustics and price. The SoundLink Plus is a larger SoundLink Flex and smaller SoundLink Max, following the established design language of these existing speakers.
The all-new Bose SoundLink Plus was announced alongside the second generation SoundLink Micro and the second generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
As with its siblings, The Bose SoundLink Plus has a rugged and durable design that is shock and rust resistant, and water and dustproof, with a floatable design and IP67 rating. The speaker is comprised of a powder-coated steel grille, soft-touch silicone. There’s also a utility nylon rope, that allows the speaker to easily be clipped onto anything.
The Bose SoundLink Plus measures 9.1 x 3.9 x 3.4-inches and weighs just under four pounds. Big enough to provide powerful sound, while small and light enough to fit discreetly in a backpack. Internally, there’s a new acoustic architecture with one subwoofer, one tweeter and four passive radiators.
The SoundLinks Plus connects over Bluetooth 5.4, with support for multipoint connectivity, which lets you connect to two devices simulateously. Additionally, there’s Google Fast Pair for one-touch pairing on Android devices. Any two current SoundLink speakers can be paired in Party Mode for synchronized playback and increased amplification. If the speakers are the same model, you can also use Stereo Mode, where one speaker acts as the left channel, while the other handles the right channel. SBC and AAC codecs are support, with Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive also available for lossless audio when connected with Snapdragon Sound-certified Android devices.
As with Bose’s suit of other SoundLink speakers, the Bose app can be used to customize the speaker, including EQ adjustments, customize the shortcut button, Bose SimpleSync technology and automatic firmware updates.
On top of increased acoustics, a larger footprint also allows more room for battery. The SoundLink Plus is good for 20 hours of play time. The USB-C charging port works both ways, letting the speaker double as an external battery.
The Bose SoundLink Plus is available for pre-order in Black and Blue Dusk now and will begin shipping June 26. Pre-orders for a limited-edition Citrus Yellow model will open June 18. At $269, it fits nicely between the $149 SoundLink Flex and the $399 SoundLink Max.