With so many Bluetooth audio system on the market, and extra arriving virtually day by day, it may be straightforward to underestimate one which dwells within the center floor. Sandwiched between the packable Soundlink Flex and the beefy Soundlink Max (9/10, WIRED Recommends), Bose’s new midsize Soundlink Plus (no, these aren’t streaming companies) carves out its personal area of interest thanks largely to profitable sound with equal elements nuance and bravado.
Like its siblings, the Plus seems to be and looks like a premium speaker with an accordingly premium worth; it’s dressed to the nines, particularly fetching within the Citrus Yellow coloration I reviewed, however bears commensurate dust- and waterproofing for good protection in opposition to the weather. Medium construct however, that is nonetheless a hefty package deal, however when you’re after a very good compromise between boombox would possibly and breezy portability, the Soundlink Plus abides.
Premium Safety
{Photograph}: Ryan Waniata
There’s type within the Sound Plus’s minimalism, with a glossy but sturdy powder-coated metal grille, supple contact keys alongside its rubberized topside, and a hearty checkered nylon deal with on the aspect that makes it simpler to haul (or cling).
On the again are vents for its 4 bass radiators and an open USB-C port. A degree of observe there: the Plus is ok to dunk given its IP67 score, and it even floats, however you’ll want to attend for the port to dry earlier than charging. That’s additional notable provided that, just like the Max, the Plus takes a sluggish 5 hours to cost its 20-hour battery from zero. That mentioned, it didn’t take lengthy for the orange-and-white flashing LED to return to strong white following a shower in my laundry sink, signaling a transparent and prepared port.
Measuring 9.1 x 3.94 x 3.4 inches (WxHxD) and weighing over 3 kilos, this isn’t essentially the most packable speaker, however it’s nonetheless recreation for the open highway. It took me some time to get used to its heft, however it fared properly on its first job after unboxing, a tenting journey within the Columbia River Gorge. If it appears dangerous taking a shiny new lemon-meringue speaker into the dusty woods, you’re not improper, however I used to be pleasantly stunned by how properly the speaker cleans up. You’ll inevitably appeal to some marks, although, and the Nightfall Blue and Black ought to age higher.
Regardless of the coloration, I dig the Plus’ aesthetic, and so did most individuals I confirmed it to (although they principally remarked on the good sound). It feels good to the contact, and each the look and construct high quality appear a step above flack-jacketed rivals just like the JBL Cost 6 and UE MegaBoom 4. I’d nonetheless choose both of these audio system for a tough fall—not as a result of the Bose wouldn’t survive, it’s simply extra more likely to get nicks or dents. The Cost 6’s IP68 score theoretically offers it bragging rights for water resistance, however all three are dunkable, like most audio system we check.
Strong Extras
{Photograph}: Ryan Waniata
Soundlink Plus options appear somewhat austere at first look, however there’s sufficient right here to maintain away characteristic envy. The unified Bose app’s compact interface can be acquainted to anybody with Bose headphones, with choices like the flexibility to hook up with two units over Bluetooth multipoint, a three-band EQ and presets, and monitoring for battery and quantity.
