Bose SoundLink Flex

The SoundLink Flex delivers the Bose promise big premium sound in a rugged portable package. It is expensive but the audio quality and thoughtful design justify the price.

OVERVIEW

Bose has a knack for making small speakers sound big and the SoundLink Flex is perhaps their best execution of that philosophy. The moment you play the first track you will notice the depth and fullness of the sound deep bass that does not distort clear mids and highs that cut through without being harsh. What is really clever is the PositionIQ technology the speaker automatically detects its orientation whether it is standing upright lying flat or hanging from a strap and adjusts the EQ to optimise the sound accordingly. So if you toss it in your bag and later hang it from a tent pole the audio still sounds great. The IP67 rating means it is not just waterproof it floats which is a fun party trick for pool days. Battery life is a dependable 12 hours and the utility loop makes it easy to clip onto a backpack or cooler. The speakerphone quality is excellent too Bose uses a microphone array that picks up your voice clearly even in noisy environments. It is not cheap but you are paying for that signature Bose sound quality and engineering.

KEY FEATURES

- Big bold sound with deep authoritative bass that defies the portable form factor
- PositionIQ technology automatically detects speaker orientation and optimises audio output accordingly
- IP67 waterproof dustproof and it actually floats making it ideal for pool boating or beach use
- Built-in microphone array delivers clear speakerphone calls even in moderately noisy settings
- Up to 12 hours of battery life covers a full day of outdoor listening
- Utility loop design lets you clip the speaker to bags belts or gear easily

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

- Speaker: Custom transducer + passive radiator
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 USB-C
- Waterproof: IP67 floats
- Battery: 12 hours
- Dimensions: 200 x 90 x 52 mm
- Weight: 590 grams

PROS

+ Sound quality is genuinely impressive for a portable speaker deep rich and well-balanced
+ Floats in water which is rare and surprisingly useful around pools and lakes
+ Bass response is exceptional for the size category thanks to the passive radiator design
+ PositionIQ works seamlessly you never have to think about orientation
+ Speakerphone call quality is among the best in portable Bluetooth speakers

CONS

- No 3.5mm aux input means all audio goes through Bluetooth
- Proprietary charging connection instead of standard USB-C on some units
- No PartyMode or multi-speaker linking unlike JBL PartyBoost or UE apps

VERDICT

The SoundLink Flex delivers the Bose promise big premium sound in a rugged portable package. It is expensive but the audio quality and thoughtful design justify the price.