Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker Review
I love music and always look for the best portable speaker. I’ve searched for one that’s tough and sounds great, perfect for outdoor fun. That’s when I found the Bose SoundLink Flex. It changed how I think about outdoor sound.
Key Takeaways
- The Bose SoundLink Flex is a durable, IP67-rated Bluetooth speaker designed for outdoor use
- It offers impressive audio quality with “astonishing bass” and the ability to fill a small living room
- The speaker’s versatile design allows for multiple positioning options, including horizontal, flat, and vertical configurations
- With a battery life of up to 12 hours, the SoundLink Flex is a reliable companion for extended outdoor adventures
- Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity and the Bose Connect app provide seamless wireless control and connectivity
Introduction: Unveiling the Bose SoundLink Flex
The Bose SoundLink Flex is a new portable Bluetooth speaker from Bose. It’s made for outdoor use, with great sound, a tough build, and smart features. It’s small and light, but can handle dust, water, and minor drops.
It costs $—–, which is 27% off its original price of $—-. This makes it a good deal compared to other wireless audio options like the Urbanista Malibu and the Tribit XSound Go.
The Bose SoundLink Flex has a long battery life, up to 12 hours. This is as long as the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 and longer than the JBL Flip 5.
| Speaker Model | Price | Battery Life | Waterproof Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bose SoundLink Flex | Check Amazon | Up to 12 hours | IP67 |
| Urbanista Malibu | Check Amazon | N/A | N/A |
| Tribit XSound Go | Check Amazon | N/A | N/A |
| Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 | Check Amazon | Up to 11 hours | IPX7 |
| JBL Flip 5 | Check Amazon | Up to 12 hours | IPX7 |
A sleek, modern Bose Bluetooth speaker placed on a sandy beach under a clear blue sky, with gentle waves lapping at the shore and vibrant beach towels in the background. The speaker’s design showcases its portable, rugged style and elegant colors, capturing a summery, outdoor vibe.
The Bose SoundLink Flex is built to last, with an IP67 rating. This means it can handle the outdoors well. It’s as tough as the W-King X10 and tougher than the JBL Flip 5.
The Bose SoundLink Flex is a solid choice for a portable Bluetooth speaker. It’s durable, has a long battery life, and might have great sound. It’s a good pick for anyone looking for a reliable outdoor audio friend.
Design and Build Quality: Rugged and Ready for Adventure
The Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker has a rugged design that can handle tough conditions. It’s got an IP67 rating, meaning it’s dust-tight and can stay underwater for 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for outdoor fun, as it can handle water and dust and dirt without a problem.
Waterproof and Dust-Resistant
The SoundLink Flex meets the IP67 rating, making it waterproof and dustproof all around. You can take it on adventures without fear of damage from the elements.
Soft Silicone Back and Powder-Coated Steel Grille
The Bose SoundLink Flex looks good and is built to last. Its back is soft silicone for a comfy grip and protection from scratches and scuffs. The front grille is made of powder-coated steel, which Bose says can resist corrosion and wear, perfect for outdoor use.
| Speaker | Battery Life | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Bose SoundLink Flex | Up to 12 hours | 1.3 lbs |
| Sony XB13 Extra Bass | Up to 16 hours | 8.9 oz |
| Sonos Move 2 | Up to 24 hours | 6.7 lbs |
| Turtlebox Gen2: Loud! | 25 hours | 10 lbs |
| Ultimate Ears Everboom | Up to 20 hours | 2.12 lbs |
| JBL Flip 5 | Up to 12 hours | 1.2 lbs |
| JBL Clip 3 | Up to 10 hours | 7.8 oz |
| Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore | Up to 27 hours | 22.5 oz |
Connectivity and Setup: Bluetooth Simplicity
The Bose SoundLink Flex connects to your devices via Bluetooth 4.2. It offers a reliable wireless connection up to 30 feet. Setting it up is easy, with Bluetooth pairing done through the top buttons or the Bose Connect app. It doesn’t support the newer Bluetooth 5.1 but focuses on interoperability and reliability.
To connect, download the Bose Connect app for iOS and Android. Name your speaker and connect to wireless audio. Even with Bluetooth 4.2, the SoundLink Flex tested up to 160 feet, ensuring a stable connection.
The Bose SoundLink Flex has PositionIQ Technology. It adjusts sound based on the speaker’s position. This feature improves your listening experience indoors or outdoors.
The SoundLink Flex may not offer customization like some rivals. But, its simplicity and reliability make it a great choice. It combines Bluetooth 4.2, wireless audio, and PositionIQ technology for a seamless listening experience.
Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker, Portable Speaker: Review
The Bose SoundLink Flex is a top-notch portable speaker with great sound in a small, tough body. It’s a wireless speaker that connects easily via Bluetooth. It’s perfect for outdoor fun or indoor listening.
This speaker is tiny, at 9 x 20 x 5cm and 600g, but it’s super portable. It’s also waterproof and dust-resistant thanks to its IP67 rating. Its design is durable, with a soft silicone back and a powder-coated steel grille.
The Bose SoundLink Flex has a long battery life. You can listen for up to 12 hours on one charge. This means you can enjoy music or podcasts for hours without needing to recharge.
The speaker’s sound is bold and punchy, with great bass for its size. It has a well-balanced and detailed sound. This makes listening to music or podcasts a joy.
The Bose SoundLink Flex also adjusts its sound based on how you place it. This is thanks to its PositionIQ technology. It ensures great sound quality, no matter where you put it.
In summary, the Bose SoundLink Flex is a great portable speaker. It has a tough design, amazing sound, and useful features. It’s a top pick for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile Bluetooth speaker for any situation.
“The Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker is the best mini Bluetooth speaker you can buy right now.”
Sound Performance: Surprising Bass and Clarity
The Bose SoundLink Flex is small but packs a punch. It boasts “astonishing bass” that feels in your chest. This speaker offers robust bass performance and a detailed audio experience.
It’s perfect for smaller spaces, delivering clear and powerful sound. You won’t fill a big room with it, but it’s great for smaller areas.
The Bose SoundLink Flex also shines in sound reproduction. It handles vocals and lead instruments with audio clarity. This makes it versatile for many music genres.
It keeps its audio quality even when turned up loud. This means you can enjoy it without worrying about distortion.
Astonishing Bass for Its Size
The Bose SoundLink Flex scores 125, ranking third in Essential Speakers. It scored 126 in Timbre, showing top performance. In Dynamics, it scored 107, offering enjoyable punch.
Well-Balanced and Detailed Sound
The Spatial sub-score for the Bose SoundLink Flex was 95. This shows it has limited wideness due to its design. A Volume sub-score of 57 indicates it’s not the loudest.
The Artifacts sub-score was 105, showing it’s clean at lower volumes but distorts at higher ones.
“The Bose SoundLink Flex delivers impressive sound quality, with Bose claiming ‘astonishing bass’ that can be felt in the chest.”
Battery Life and Charging: Portable Power
The Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker is made for those who love to move around. It lasts up to 12 hours at a moderate volume, so you can listen for hours without a break. It also charges via USB-C, making it easy to get ready for your next outing.
At just 1.3 pounds, the SoundLink Flex is perfect for anyone always on the go. It has twice the battery life of the SoundLink Micro, great for longer listening times. Whether you’re at the beach, hiking, or having a party, its battery and fast charging keep the music alive.
| Feature | Bose SoundLink Flex | Bose SoundLink Micro | Ultimate Ears Boom 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours | Up to 6 hours | Up to 15 hours |
| Charging | USB-C | Micro-USB | USB-C |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs | 0.64 lbs | 1.2 lbs |
| Price | $149 | $99 | $149 |
The Bose SoundLink Flex is a top-notch portable audio choice. Its battery life and USB-C charging make it perfect for any adventure. Enjoy great sound wherever you go.
Versatile Positioning and PositionIQ Technology
The Bose SoundLink Flex has a design that lets you place it in many ways. You can set it up horizontally, flat, or even hang it vertically. Its PositionIQ technology makes sure the sound is always great, no matter how you position it.
Multipositional Design
The multipositional design of the Bose SoundLink Flex means you can enjoy great sound in many places. You can put it on a table, mount it on a wall, or even hang it from a backpack. It’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor fun, like parties or adventures.
Automatic Sound Optimization
Bose’s PositionIQ technology makes setting up the speaker easy. It adjusts the audio output based on how you place the SoundLink Flex. So, whether it’s standing up, lying down, or hanging, the sound is always great.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Multipositional Design | The Bose SoundLink Flex can be propped up horizontally, laid flat, or hung vertically using the integrated loop. |
| Automatic Sound Optimization | Bose’s PositionIQ technology automatically adjusts the audio output to match the speaker’s physical orientation. |
| IP67 Rating | The SoundLink Flex is dust-tight and fully waterproof, allowing it to be submerged and float. |
| Battery Life | The SoundLink Flex offers an estimated battery life of 12 hours on a full charge. |
The Bose SoundLink Flex’s design and PositionIQ technology mean you always get a great sound. It works well in many places and situations.
Outdoor Capabilities: Adventure-Ready Speaker
The Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker is perfect for outdoor lovers. It has an IP67 rating, making it waterproof and dust-resistant. This means it can handle accidental drops in water and dust.
It’s built tough with a powder-coated steel grille and a silicone exterior. The SoundLink Flex can resist damage from peeling, flaking, rust, and UV light. It’s made for outdoor use, keeping your music playing no matter where you go.
It’s light at just 1.300 lb, making it easy to carry. Its small size and unique loop let you hang it anywhere. This makes it great for different outdoor activities.
“The Bose SoundLink Flex is engineered and tested to withstand extreme conditions, ensuring durability and reliability in various environments.”
The speaker lasts up to 12 hours on a single charge. It connects via Bluetooth 4.2 and has a 30-foot range. This makes it perfect for your outdoor adventures.
Whether hiking, camping, or at the beach, the Bose SoundLink Flex is your go-to. It’s designed to deliver great sound in any outdoor setting.
Stereo Pairing and Party Mode: Amplify the Experience
The Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker boosts your wireless audio experience. It offers impressive stereo pairing and party mode. Perfect for lively gatherings or personal listening, this speaker is versatile.
Pair two SoundLink Flex speakers for a captivating stereo soundstage. The synchronized audio creates a wider, more dynamic sound. Plus, the speaker’s bass performance is impressive.
The party mode lets you connect multiple Bose Bluetooth speakers. This multi-speaker connectivity fills your space with a wireless audio experience. It’s sure to impress your guests.
Enhance your next gathering or solo session with the Bose SoundLink Flex. Enjoy a captivating soundscape and amplify the atmosphere. This versatile Bluetooth speaker is high-performing.
Voice Assistant Support: Hands-Free Control
The Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker doesn’t have a built-in voice assistant. But it works great with your smartphone’s virtual assistant. This means you can control it hands-free, whether you use Google Assistant or Siri.
The speaker’s microphone picks up your voice well, even when it’s loud. This lets you manage your music, check the weather, and set reminders without touching your phone. It’s perfect for music lovers and those who like voice-activated features.
The speaker’s voice recognition is top-notch. It makes sure your commands are heard clearly, so you can control it from afar. This, along with its great sound and portable design, makes the Bose SoundLink Flex a great choice for anyone on the go.
“The voice assistant integration on the Bose SoundLink Flex is a game-changer, allowing me to control my music and smart home devices without ever having to touch my phone. It’s a real time-saver and adds an extra layer of convenience to my daily routine.”
Whether you’re at home, outdoors, or on the move, the Bose SoundLink Flex offers great hands-free control. It’s a versatile and easy-to-use Bluetooth speaker for your daily needs.
Bose Connect App: Customization at Your Fingertips
The Bose Connect app is available for iOS and Android. It makes controlling and personalizing your Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker easy. You can manage Bluetooth connections, enable Party Mode, and adjust settings like the auto-off timer and voice prompts.
The app doesn’t have advanced audio settings like a graphic equalizer. But it’s great for managing the speaker’s main features. With a few taps, you can make your Bose SoundLink Flex fit your listening style.
The Bose Connect app works well with your Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker. It lets you control your speaker wirelessly and integrate it with apps. You can easily switch between devices or tweak settings with the app.
With the Bose Connect app, your Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker will be more than just a speaker. It will be a part of your personalized listening experience, no matter where you are.
Conclusion: A Portable Speaker Worth Considering
The Bose SoundLink Flex is a top-notch portable Bluetooth speaker. It offers great sound quality, durability, and smart features. Its strong build and IP67 rating are perfect for outdoor use. Plus, its battery lasts a long time, making it great for adventures.
Even though it doesn’t have all the fancy features, it’s still a great choice. It has amazing sound, including deep bass and clear highs. It’s also water and dust resistant, and connects easily to Bluetooth. You can even make hands-free calls with it.
In summary, the Bose SoundLink Flex is a fantastic portable speaker. It’s perfect for anyone who wants great sound and a rugged design. It’s ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, making it a top pick for those who love music on the go.
FAQ
What is the Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker?
The Bose SoundLink Flex is a portable Bluetooth speaker made for outdoor fun. It’s tough against dust and water, thanks to its IP67 rating.
What are the key design and build quality features of the Bose SoundLink Flex?
The Bose SoundLink Flex is built to last with a rugged design. It has a soft silicone back and a powder-coated steel grille. It’s dust-tight and can handle being underwater for 30 minutes, perfect for outdoor use.
How does the Bose SoundLink Flex connect to devices?
The Bose SoundLink Flex connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 4.2. It can reach up to 30 feet away. Setting it up is easy, using the dedicated buttons or the Bose Connect app.
What is the sound quality like on the Bose SoundLink Flex?
Despite its small size, the Bose SoundLink Flex packs a punch with its sound. Bose says it has “astonishing bass” that feels in your chest. It offers clear and detailed sound for all kinds of music.
How long is the battery life on the Bose SoundLink Flex?
The Bose SoundLink Flex’s battery lasts up to 12 hours at a moderate volume. It charges via USB-C, making it easy to recharge when you’re out.
What are the versatile positioning and PositionIQ features of the Bose SoundLink Flex?
You can use the Bose SoundLink Flex in three ways: propped up, laid flat, or hung vertically. Bose’s PositionIQ tech adjusts the sound based on how you position it, ensuring great sound every time.
How is the Bose SoundLink Flex suited for outdoor use?
The Bose SoundLink Flex is built to handle the outdoors. Its IP67 rating means it’s dust and water resistant, making it perfect for adventures, beach trips, and more.
What smart features does the Bose SoundLink Flex offer?
The Bose SoundLink Flex works with your phone’s virtual assistant, like Google Assistant or Siri. This lets you control the speaker and do voice-activated tasks without your hands. The Bose Connect app also makes managing the speaker easy.
