Bluetooth speakers · Ranked #4 of 10 · Best rugged midsize speaker

Bose SoundLink Plus

84
Well liked
Average of 6 professional reviews
5 of 6 recommend it · broad agreement
Where the 6 reviews landedRange 77–90
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Exact average 84.2 · 4 printed, 2 estimated · printed scores only: 86

Bose SoundLink PlusImage: Bose

6 professional reviewers tested the Bose SoundLink Plus, and 5 recommend it. Most praised: sound quality and build quality. Most common complaint: battery life.

Reviewed by Android Central, Trusted Reviews, CNET and 3 more

The catch: Charging takes about five hours, and battery drops at high volume.

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What 6 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 90
    Android CentralHands-on review · 2025

    One of the best portable speakers of its size with rich sound, great build and the ability to float; the basic app and long charge time are minor negatives.

    Read Android Central review
  2. 90
    Trusted ReviewsHands-on review · 2025

    Beefy, entertaining and spacious portable sound with good value, but weak rhythmic articulation and volume-sensitive battery leave some frustration.

    Read Trusted Reviews review
  3. 85
    CNETHands-on review · 2025

    Strikes a sweet spot between the Flex and Max, offering rich, clear sound and rugged build, but is still pricey and lacks a mic or aux input.

    Read CNET review
  4. 80
    WIREDHands-on review

    A midsize Bluetooth speaker with room-filling, nuanced sound and a premium rugged build, though battery life is only good and it lacks an aux input.

    Read WIRED review
  5. 83est.
    Popular ScienceNo printed score · Buying guide

    Chosen as the best all-round speaker for outings, with warm vocals, composed sound and punchy low end in a tough, floatable body.

    Read Popular Science review
  6. 77est.
    CNN UnderscoredNo printed score · Buying guide · 2026

    Editors rate its sound among the clearest and punchiest they have tested, with a useful app.

    Read CNN Underscored review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

What critics praise most

Sound quality6 of 6
Build quality4 of 6
Design2 of 6

What critics dislike most

Battery life2 of 6
Call quality2 of 6
Price2 of 6

Other Bluetooth speakers critics rate highly

JBL Flip 7Image: JBL
Top pick, narrowlyJBL Flip 712 reviews · broad agreement86
Marshall Kilburn IIIImage: Marshall
Best for battery and big soundMarshall Kilburn III5 reviews · broad agreement86
Bose SoundLink MaxImage: Bose
Best big portable soundBose SoundLink Max8 reviews · critics split86
JBL Charge 6Image: JBL
Longest batteryJBL Charge 69 reviews · broad agreement83

Also reviewed, not yet scored

Common questions

Is the Bose SoundLink Plus worth it?

Most critics think so: 5 of 6 recommend it. Charging takes about five hours, and battery drops at high volume.

Do critics agree about the Bose SoundLink Plus?

Broad agreement: scores range from 77 (CNN Underscored) to 90 (Android Central), a spread of 13 points across 6 reviews. Most reviewers land fairly close together.

What do critics dislike about the Bose SoundLink Plus?

Battery life (2 of 6 reviews), Call quality (2 of 6 reviews), Price (2 of 6 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the Bose SoundLink Plus?

The JBL Flip 7 (critic score 86), top pick, narrowly.