Bose has unveiled its new SoundLink Plus Portable Speaker, designed for robust sound and durability on the go. It looks like a great option for beaches, pools, and other outdoor destinations where you need a powerful speaker.
The SoundLink Plus has a sound system with a subwoofer, tweeter, and four passive radiators, all working together to produce deep bass and crisp highs for its size. This design helps the speaker give great sound from a relatively small package that measures 9.1 inches wide, 3.94 inches high, and 3.4 inches deep while weighing under four pounds.
The speaker is pretty small, and you’re not going to get the same quality as you would from larger speakers. However, it’s cheaper than a bigger speaker would be and has great sound quality despite its small size. This isn’t to mention that it is much easier to move around and keep on the go than a bigger speaker.
A key part of the SoundLink Plus’s impressive sound is Bose’s Active EQ technology. This automatic sound adjustment system continuously fine-tunes the speaker’s audio output, giving the best possible sound no matter where you’re listening. You can improve the audio by pairing two SoundLink Plus speakers in Stereo Mode, creating a true left-right stereo setup. Alternatively, Party Mode lets you sync playback with any current SoundLink speaker with an on-unit shortcut button.
Beyond its great audio performance, the SoundLink Plus is built to handle everyday use and more. Its IP67 rating means it is fully waterproof and dustproof, able to survive being submerged in up to three feet of water for 30 minutes. Its tough design is likely in part due to its powder-coated steel grille, soft-touch silicone details, and resistance to shocks and rust. A sturdy nylon loop adds practicality, making it easy to carry or attach the speaker.
The speaker even floats, which Bose claims makes it great for pool or beach use. The speaker can withstand submersion of up to three feet for 30 minutes. Even with that being said, I’d never recommend using a speaker inside the water. Despite being water-resistant, it’s always better to be safe and keep speakers outside pools or bodies of water.
The SoundLink Plus gives up to 20 hours of playback on a single charge, and its USB-C port offers 15W of power output to charge phones and other devices. Charging the speaker itself takes about five hours on a USB-C. Do not leave this speaker near water while charging.
The speaker comes in Black, Blue Dusk, and a bright, limited-edition Citrus Yellow. The SoundLink Plus costs $269 and is available for preorder onthe Bose website, with full release starting June 26.
