The Bose SoundLink range offers a variety of wireless Bluetooth speakers and headphones that feature high-quality engineering, plenty of smartphone functionality and stylish designs. With options suited to the home, travel and outdoor use, Bose has created a collection that makes enjoying music on the move easier than ever.
Based in Framingham, Mass, the American audio giant Bose was founded in 1964 by Amar Bose and has become the world's foremost speaker manufacturer.
Working under the principle of “better sound through research”, Bose has always sought to create speakers that adapt to actual spaces like living rooms or kitchens, focusing on what Bose called “psychoacoustics”: how sound actually sounds inside the listener's head.
For instance, the 2201 (Bose's first product) tried to make rooms seem larger by bouncing sound waves off their walls, enhancing their acoustics in the process. This kind of innovation continued throughout the 80s and 90s, as products like the Bose 901 became iconic audio creations.
SoundLink arrived in 2009, just as the smartphone revolution was getting into gear. Since then, the price of these wireless speakers has dropped rapidly while their quality has improved, placing them at the top of their class.
The Bose SoundLink collection is Bose's flagship range of wireless Bluetooth-enabled speakers. Designed to be operated via phones or computers, they always feature rechargeable batteries, charging cradles, internal microphones, various sound controls and the usual high-quality audio performance we've come to expect from Bose.
These speakers will be handy for so many applications. You could set one up at the centre of a party and allow attendees to stream their own DJ mixes for everyone to enjoy. You can set it up at a barbecue to accompany the smell of the grill, take them to the beach or have one by the pool. They could be stationed at your work desk, taken on flights or used to keep you going during long cooking sessions. Wherever you need great tunes and impressive sound quality, Bose SoundLink speakers will be an excellent option to go for.
SoundLink speakers are extremely simple to operate, and anyone should be able to synch them up to their smartphone or computer. They can also be operated via the Bose Connect app, which can be downloaded for Android and iOS devices. This is well worth downloading if you intend to pair a range of SoundLink speakers. That way, two Bose speakers can be turned into a stereo setup, or you can stream music to two speakers in separate rooms in Party Mode.
Bose's SoundLink series comes in a range of forms, with models that are aimed at home use, models for using outdoors and some ultra-compact options that can be used pretty much anywhere. Here are your main choices from the SoundLink collection:
The SoundLink Revolve Bluetooth Speaker – As the name suggests, the Revolve is a Bluetooth device. The name also provides another clue about its key feature: 360 degrees surround sound from a relatively compact speaker. It's water resistant, so using the Revolve outdoors isn't usually a problem, while omnidirectional technology means that wherever you are in the room, you'll receive the same audio experience. Resilient and extremely portable too, it's a great option for people who need to play music on the move, and it would be ideal for holidaymakers who need something to get the party started at their villa or rental cottage. The rechargeable lithium ion battery also provides 12 hours of playtime, which should last all night long.
The SoundLink Revolve+ Bluetooth Speaker – The plus sign is significant here, signalling that this SoundLink is even more powerful than the standard Revolve. This time around, your battery will last for 16 hours at a stretch, but the speaker is considerably larger. For comparison, the Revolve+ has dimensions of 18.4 x 10.5 x 10.5cm compared to the original Revolve's 15.2 x 8.2 x 8.2cm. It's also slightly heavier, at 0.9kg compared to 0.66kg, so it might not be so handy for travellers. But if you need serious audio chops in your home or business, the Revolve+ will be ideal.
The SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker II – Offering a surprisingly rich bass performance for such a small speaker, this Bluetooth device can just about fit into an average handbag or backpack, and at 0.68kg, it's light enough to be extremely portable. Add in the ability to take calls via the speaker and you've got an intelligently designed, compact home audio option. The Mini offers 10 hours of playtime when fully charged and automatically synchs up to smartphones, letting you stream your MP3s or podcasts at your leisure. The built-in microphone even allows you to talk to Siri or Google Now to queue up your tracks, placing this wireless speaker at the head of the compact audio crowd.
The SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker II – High-quality audio performance with a dash of colour. This compact wireless Bluetooth speaker couples impressive performance with a rugged shell, making it perfect for using outdoors or on the trail. Even lighter than the Mini at just 0.54kg, this tiny little device can be stashed in your backpack without you even noticing the extra weight, but it doesn't sacrifice functionality in the interests of size. You can still synch it up to your phone, control it within 9 metres and talk to it via the internal microphone, and there's a handy micro-USB port to hook up with laptops as well.
The SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker III – You may well see offers for this popular Bose device from HotUKDeals merchants, even though it was discontinued in 2017. If you do see a deal, it's well worth exploring. With its retro look, the III was an aesthetic marvel, bringing a dash of 50s cool to the modern audio scene. Extremely portable, compatible with all types of phone and very powerful, it's as good as its successors and likely to be much cheaper too, so don't dismiss it.
Bose SoundLink Headphones II – These over the ear headphones offer wireless Bluetooth connectivity and superb audio quality. Easy to pair with all kinds of smartphone, these headphones offer consistent sound at high and low volume levels, the ability to take phone calls without touching your phone and the chance to switch between your headphones and other Bose speakers via the Bose Connect app. Add in corrosion-resistant stainless steel frames and padding for extra comfort and you've got a trend-setting set of phones that's way ahead of the pack.
Bose SoundLink Micro – The Bose SoundLink Micro is Bose’s least expensive and smallest speaker in the range (9.83 x 3.48 x 9.83cm). The Micro comes in the colour options black, midnight blue and bright orange and has a fully waterproofed body. The small sound miracle features a built-in speaker phone to make calls and has a battery life lasting for 6 hours.
When shopping for Bose SoundLink products, there are some things that every purchaser should bear in mind.
Firstly, think about what you are going to use the speakers for. There's a massive price difference between the most expensive SoundLink products (the Revolve+) and the cheapest (either the Color II or the Mini II).
If you are a hardened audiophile, by all means opt for a couple of Revolve+ speakers and hook them up to create a surround-sound spectacular. But that's really just necessary for serious music fans. If all you need is high-quality sound to accompany your everyday life, a single Revolve or Mini will do just as well.
Remember that the SoundLink series is Bose's effort to create a range of portable speakers. They aren't totally focused on sound fidelity. That role has fallen to their SoundTouch range, which may be a better place for audio fanatics to search.
If you need the SoundLink speaker for outdoors or portable use, things are different. In this case, forget about a Revolve or Revolve+ and look at the Mini II or the Color II. Both are very light and very portable as well as being rugged and (almost) rain proof. Don't dunk them in the pool or leave them out too long, but these speakers should handle most weather conditions and can also deal with a bit of clunking around in a suitcase.
Then again, some people just want an immersive, private audio experience. If that's you, a pair of SoundLink headphones is the way to go.
When you purchase a Bose SoundLink speaker, having the right accessories could make it much more fun to use and help to extend its lifespan. Here are some options that are worth considering:
Audio cables – Sure, SoundLink devices are designed to be wireless via Bluetooth, but sometimes an audio cable can be a life saver. Bose's own 3.5” jack cables let you connect any SoundLink devices to amps and computers, extending their capabilities in the process.
Headphone carry cases – Designed specifically for SoundLink headphones, these carry cases will keep the padding and steel frame in perfect condition for much longer.
International charger adapters – Don't make the rookie mistake of travelling without having the right adapters to power up your Bose SoundLink device.
SoundLink color cases – The SoundLink Color is designed to be totally portable, but it doesn't come with a carry case. Instead, you can pick up stylish felt cases that have been crafted specifically for the SoundLink range. There are also special cases for SoundLink Minis too, which are definitely worth picking up.
Although Bose SoundLink speakers are at the top of the range for wireless audio devices, finding the cheapest Bose SoundLink Mini or Revolve shouldn't be hard.
When you've decided which speaker or headphone model you'd like to buy, just head over to the Bose SoundLink HotUKDeals listings, where you'll find offers from merchants like Richer Sounds, Amazon, Argos, John Lewis, Currys and, of course, Bose.
There should be discounts available at any time of year. However, if you need to assemble a collection of wireless speakers, it might make sense to wait a while. In November, audio merchants tend to reduce their prices for the Black Friday retail event. It's definitely the best time to pick up SoundLink bargains, so hold fire until then if you can.
Whether you need a collection of wireless speakers for a big party or you need a tiny speaker to take on the road, Bose's SoundLink collection is as good as it gets. With options for travellers, home owners and amateur DJs, there's something for everyone in this speaker range. Whatever product you need, find it for less by shopping at the Bose SoundLink HotUKDeals listings.
