Bose Portable Bluetooth Speaker, IP67

The Bose SoundLink Max pairs deep-bass positioning with an IP67-rated, dustproof and waterproof design, so it’s built for more than listening from a shelf. Its removable rope handle makes it easier to carry to a gathering, while Bluetooth and a built-in AUX input offer both wireless and wired ways to play music.

The advertised battery life is up to 20 hours, and the speaker can also charge another device through USB-C. That combination is useful for longer outings, though “up to” is a maximum claim rather than a promise of the same runtime in every session.

Technical details

Bose describes the SoundLink Max as a portable party speaker with deep, rich bass. It has an IP67 rating for dust and water protection, and is also described as shock- and rust-resistant. Those protections make it more suited to a patio, a day outside, or a spot near a pool than a speaker intended only for a dry indoor room. They don’t remove the need to handle it sensibly, especially around hard surfaces or water.

Bluetooth covers wireless playback, while the built-in 3.5mm AUX input gives you a wired option for a turntable, CD player, or MP3 player. The USB-C port can charge another device using the speaker’s battery, and a USB-C cable is included. In the Bose app, you can adjust bass, midrange, and treble, check battery life, and manage connected devices. The handle is removable, which gives you the option to take it off when carrying it isn’t useful.

Getting the most from it

Use Bluetooth for a quick setup at a get-together, then adjust the EQ in the app if the default sound doesn’t suit the room or playlist. For a turntable or another compatible source with a 3.5mm connection, AUX avoids relying on wireless playback. A practical example: carry it by the rope handle from the kitchen to the patio, connect a phone over Bluetooth, and keep the phone topped up from USB-C if its battery is running low.

It makes sense if you want one speaker for both indoor listening and casual outdoor gatherings, and you’ll use the wired input, app controls, or device-charging feature. Compared with a simpler Bluetooth-only speaker, this model offers more ways to connect and a tougher stated rating. On the other hand, if your main need is a basic speaker for occasional listening at home, those added features may not matter much. The listing doesn’t provide dimensions or weight, so it’s hard to judge how convenient it will feel to carry for longer stretches.

Practical doubts

Can it play music without Bluetooth? Yes. The 3.5mm AUX input supports wired playback from sources such as a turntable, CD player, or MP3 player.

Can it charge a phone while playing music? The USB-C port can charge another device using the speaker’s built-in battery, so it can provide that extra power while you listen as long as the speaker has charge.

Can you change the sound settings? The Bose app lets you adjust bass, midrange, and treble, as well as check battery life and manage connected devices.

Final verdict

The SoundLink Max is a fit for buyers who want a carryable speaker with bass-focused sound, wired and wireless playback, and stated protection against dust and water. Its up-to-20-hour battery claim and USB-C device charging add flexibility for longer listening sessions. Not the best choice if you only need a straightforward indoor speaker and won’t use those extras, the missing size and weight details also leave portability harder to assess before buying.