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What to Expect with the Bose Soundlink II
This compact wireless speaker measures 5” x 2.19” x 5.16” and has rounded corners, so it is easy to take with you in your backpack or move from one room in the house to another room. The speaker’s black silicone casing is soft to the touch and durable, as well as being splash resistant, which is great when you are listening to tunes at the beach or pool.
The three top features for the Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker II review are:
- Compact Design
- Bold Sound
- Doubles as a Speakerphone
Also, Bose designed the SoundLink II to connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time. Connecting the additional devices is easy to do using the Bose Connect app.
As with the MEGABOOM Charcoal Bluetooth Speaker, the SoundLink II uses a rechargeable battery. The battery life is eight hours for the second-generation wireless device, and it has a wired option too (USB powered).
Qualities We Love about the Bose Best Bluetooth Speaker
In conducting the Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker II review, we realized almost right away that we underestimated its sound quality. As the unit is small, we assumed it would be limited in terms of the audio it offered us. However, when we used it, we were pleasantly surprised at the big sound that emanated from it. It is a step up in this regard from the SoundLink predecessor.
The bass and treble balance well in the newer Bluetooth audio streaming model. Along with the clear sound, the SoundLink II is made to stay where you put it, rather than falling over or moving a few inches, while in use, thanks to the dual opposing passive radiators that keep the vibrations low.
Another reason the Color SoundLink II is one of the best Bluetooth speakers available is that it is multi-functional. Rather than just being a portal to listen to music, the device has a built-in microphone. As a result, the connected unit enables you to pick up phones without having to reach for your smartphone. Simply press a button on the speaker to answer the call. We like the convenience of Bose’s speakerphone option.
Does the Bose SoundLink II sound like a good fit for you? See what else buyers have to say
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Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker II Review: The Drawbacks
We never said the SoundLink II is perfect. While the silicone material is great at repelling drops of water, it is less effective at keeping away the dust. The soft finish is nice to the touch, but it attracts lint and dust, which means having to clean it regularly to maintain its attractive look.
Also, it is important to make the distinction between splash resistance and waterproof. While the Bose model is splash resistant, it may not survive out in the rain for long. This means that if you have the wireless speaker outside and it starts pouring down with rain, you will want to cover up the speaker. Although it looks rugged, the unit does not function in all types of weather, which is a limitation.
Lastly, the battery life of eight hours is shorter than competitor models like the JBL Charge 3 that offers 20 hours of playtime. Being able to go longer between having to charge the Bose speaker would be nice. When it is time to recharge, the portable unit works with most USB power sources.
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Who Would Like the SoundLink II?
The second-generation model delivers a quality of sound that will satisfy the majority of listeners. The balance of bass to treble is great, and users are likely to appreciate the depth of sound that comes from such a small unit.
For a person who is on the go a lot, the SoundLink II’s design is appealing as it is durable and small enough to withstand a journey in a bag or luggage, unlike the more elegant than rugged Harman Kardon SoundSticks Wireless. The speakerphone feature is convenient for a social butterfly or anyone in business, and the ability to connect two devices to the speaker makes it great for a multitasker.
Is this Bose Bluetooth Speaker Worth the Price?
In our quest for the best Bluetooth speaker, we assess the overall value of the top 10 Bluetooth speakers. In this case, the sound quality is great for the price. The wireless speaker is also compact, attractive and easy to carry.
Bose’s speaker is also high in value because of its special features. Not every Bluetooth speaker, for example, has the SoundLink II’s robust silicone exterior, which is both durable and soft to the touch. The built-in microphone for the speakerphone is a very useful feature too that we would like to see in more portable speakers.
While Bose’s SoundLink Speaker II is not the cheapest or the most expensive Bluetooth speaker on the market, we think that the mid-range price tag is appropriate given it offers good value.
Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker II Review Conclusions
While we have pointed out a few minor shortcomings of the SoundLink II Bluetooth Speaker, we realize there are many benefits to it, from the lengthy playtime to the compact design. For us, the best Bluetooth speaker has to have great sound quality, and this Bose wireless device gives us the kick we want in our music.
In conclusion, we think the black wireless Bluetooth speaker offers noteworthy value. It is a small speaker with big sound.
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