Big Bass and Beach Vibes: A Worthy Price Experience

In the vast world of audio technology, Bluetooth speakers cater to a diverse array of lifestyles and preferences. For outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists, there are robust, durable options designed to withstand the elements. Travelers can find compact, lightweight speakers that don’t take up much space. For those who love to throw parties, there are powerful speakers that can fill any room with sound, sometimes even annoying the neighbors in the process. And let’s not forget about the standard portable Bluetooth speakers meant for everyday use—apologies for the pun, but the competition in this market is fierce. Standing out in the crowded field of Bluetooth speakers can be challenging, yet a touch of creativity can make a significant difference. One brand that exemplifies this approach is Bose.

See SoundLink Plus at Amazon

See SoundLink Plus (Citrus Yellow) at Best Buy

Bose has recently launched its SoundLink Plus, a portable Bluetooth speaker that, while not the most thrilling innovation in the audio realm, still offers numerous appealing features. This lightweight speaker not only delivers impressive sound quality but also boasts a vibrant, summery aesthetic that rivals even the most refreshing drinks in a beach advertisement. From my experience, the SoundLink Plus truly embodies these qualities. Let’s delve into the exciting updates Bose has introduced with this latest addition. To begin with, let’s talk about pricing—the SoundLink Plus is positioned between the SoundLink Flex and SoundLink Max at a price point of $269. While this makes it pricier than many comparable JBL speakers, the investment reflects its quality (more details on that later).

Another standout feature is the exciting citrus yellow color, which, while it may not appeal to all audiophiles, truly makes this speaker pop. This vibrant hue evokes thoughts of warm tropical locales, reminiscent of the laid-back vibes found in a Jimmy Buffett song. The moment I see this striking shade, I am transported to a sunny beach, feeling the soothing essence of summer wash over me. While color preferences are undoubtedly subjective, my experience showed that when I showcased this speaker to friends, many reacted with genuine excitement, some even squealing in delight. I’m dubbing this speaker the grass-type Pokémon of Bluetooth speakers due to its lively aesthetic, and I’m sticking by this claim.

Equally impressive is the tactile experience of the speaker. Constructed with a durable “powder-coated” steel grille and a luxurious “soft-touch silicone,” as stated by Bose, this design not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its robust water-resistant rating of IP67. This means it is nearly waterproof and dustproof. Beyond its protective features, the speaker feels incredibly pleasant to hold—soft and smooth to the touch. Every time I pick it up, I can’t help but encourage my friends to experience it too. Though they may consider it odd when I ask them to admire my Bluetooth speaker, they often concur with the sentiment, “Wow, that does feel amazing.”

When it comes to battery life, the SoundLink Plus also impresses. Bose estimates a maximum of approximately 20 hours of use, although this can vary based on volume levels. After using it for a couple of weeks, I find this estimate to be accurate, particularly if you’re using the speaker to charge your phone’s battery. An added bonus is that the SoundLink Plus functions as a substantial USB-C battery bank, which is useful for charging Android devices and iPhone 15s or newer, although it may not be as helpful for older iPhones with a Lightning connector.

See SoundLink Plus at Amazon

See SoundLink Plus (Citrus Yellow) at Best Buy

Bose has officially labeled this device as “portable,” claiming that it’s compact enough to fit snugly in a backpack or duffel bag. After testing it myself, I can confidently say this claim holds true. I easily tossed the speaker into my backpack and took it to a nearby park, carrying it around the city after work with ease. At no point did I feel overwhelmed by the weight of this Bluetooth audio device. For reference, the speaker measures nine inches wide and weighs 3.29 pounds. Don’t be misled by its size; the sound it produces is impressively powerful.

The SoundLink Plus is equipped with a subwoofer, a tweeter, and four passive radiators. While these technical specifications may not seem significant at first glance, I can assure you that they collectively contribute to an impressive sound output. Although it may not shake the walls of your home, the speaker is certainly powerful enough for outdoor gatherings or even to compete with loud beach crowds in New York. What truly stood out to me, however, was Bose’s meticulous audio tuning. Before using the SoundLink Plus, I had been relying on a similarly sized speaker from JBL (the Charge 5), and the difference in sound quality was striking. If you’re upgrading from a lower-end Bluetooth speaker to a Bose model, like I did, you’re likely to notice the enhanced audio quality as well.

On a personal note, when I brought the SoundLink Plus into the bathroom while my partner was showering, she initially mistook it for my multi-speaker home audio system cranked up, due not only to its clarity but also its impressive bass response. While $300 may seem steep for a speaker that you likely won’t use all the time in your home, I genuinely believe that the Bose brand still holds significant value in terms of audio excellence, especially after experiencing the SoundLink Plus.

If I had to point out one drawback of the SoundLink Plus, it would be that the default tuning can sometimes lean a bit too heavily on the bass for my taste. However, this can be easily adjusted through the Bose app, allowing you to customize the equalization to your preference. While this feature may not appeal to everyone, it’s a fantastic option for those of us who are particular about sound quality. After investing approximately $270 in a portable Bluetooth speaker, having the ability to fine-tune the audio experience is a valuable perk. Yes, $270 is a significant amount to spend on an outdoor-focused Bluetooth speaker, particularly for many consumers. However, in this case, you truly get what you pay for—a high-quality speaker in a stunning color that you can enjoy thoroughly. If your budget allows for the Bose premium or if you’re in the mood to indulge, I wholeheartedly recommend the SoundLink Plus as a worthwhile investment.

See SoundLink Plus at Amazon

See SoundLink Plus (Citrus Yellow) at Best Buy