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The short answer
Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker wins this comparison. Choose it if sound quality comes first. Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker has the higher sound-quality rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 8.4/10 versus 7.5/10.
Bose
Stereo sound, a rope carry handle and phone charging make this a practical backyard speaker. It offers up to 20 hours of playtime, with 4.7 lb to carry.
Bettr Score
91.6/100
Bose
A compact speaker that floats and adjusts its sound when you change its position. IP67 protection and a built-in microphone suit outdoor listening and hands-free calls.
Bettr Score
82/100
| Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker | Specification | Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
$399 | Reference price | $149 ✓ Winner |
20 hours ✓ Winner | Advertised battery life | 12 hours |
4.7 lb | Weight | 1.3 lb ✓ Winner |
IP67 | Ingress protectionTie | IP67 |
4 | Durability tierTie | 4 |
5.3 | Bluetooth versionTie | 5.3 |
Yes ✓ Winner | Can charge another device | No |
No | USB audio inputTie | No |
No | Auracast or compatible broadcast pairingTie | No |
No | Floats in water | Yes ✓ Winner |
No | Speakerphone | Yes ✓ Winner |
The buying advice
Choose Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker if sound quality comes first. Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker has the higher sound-quality rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 8.4/10 versus 7.5/10.
Choose Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) if tested durability is your priority. Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) has the higher durability rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 9/10 versus 7.5/10.
Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker has the higher sound-quality rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 8.4/10 versus 7.5/10. Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) has the higher durability rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 9/10 versus 7.5/10. The recorded reference-price difference is $250.00.
Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker has the higher sound-quality rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 8.4/10 versus 7.5/10.
Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) has the higher durability rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 9/10 versus 7.5/10.
Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker has the higher battery-endurance rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 7.5/10 versus 4.6/10.
Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker has the higher volume rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 8.3/10 versus 6.6/10.
People's Pick
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eBay — New
In stock · checked Oct 30, 2026
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$315.00
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eBay — New
In stock · checked Oct 30, 2026
Price needs rechecking. Confirm at the retailer.
$94.99
Item price · shipping unknown
We may earn a commission when you buy through links marked “Affiliate link.” This does not change your price or our scores. How we earn
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