The Bose SoundLink Flex is a portable Bluetooth speaker that’s marketed as being rugged and stylish. But is it worth the price tag? I recently got my hands on one to test it out, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. In this review, I’ll go over my experience with the SoundLink Flex, including its design, sound quality, features, and overall value.
The Bose SoundLink Flex is a compact and portable Bluetooth speaker designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Released in 2021, it boasts a durable design, IP67 water and dust resistance, and aims to deliver Bose’s signature sound quality in a grab-and-go format. It’s marketed towards those with active lifestyles, promising to be a reliable audio companion for adventures and everyday use alike.
First Impressions:
Unboxing the SoundLink Flex, the first thing that struck me was its design. It’s undeniably sleek and modern, with a minimalist aesthetic that’s become synonymous with Bose. Available in a variety of colors, the unit I tested was a vibrant blue that immediately caught the eye. The speaker feels robust and well-built, with a soft-touch silicone exterior and a powder-coated steel grille. It’s compact and lightweight, easily fitting into my backpack or even a large coat pocket.
Design and Build Quality:
Bose has clearly put a lot of thought into the design of the SoundLink Flex. The speaker has a rectangular shape with rounded edges, making it comfortable to hold and carry. The controls are located on the top of the speaker and are easy to use. They’re seamlessly integrated into the design, with raised buttons for power, volume, and Bluetooth pairing. There’s also a handy utility loop made from tear-resistant fabric, allowing you to attach the speaker to a backpack, belt loop, or carabiner.
The IP67 rating means the SoundLink Flex is fully dustproof and can be submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. This makes it ideal for use at the beach, by the pool, or even in the shower. I tested its water resistance by taking it to the pool, and it performed flawlessly. Even after being submerged for several minutes, the speaker continued to work perfectly.
Sound Quality:
While the SoundLink Flex is undeniably stylish, I was initially skeptical about its sound quality. Could such a small speaker truly deliver the rich and balanced audio Bose is known for? The answer, to my surprise, is a resounding yes. The SoundLink Flex produces a surprisingly powerful sound for its size. The bass is deep and punchy, the mids are clear and detailed, and the highs are crisp and well-defined.
I tested the speaker with a variety of music genres, from classical to hip-hop, and it handled everything I threw at it with ease. Even at high volumes, there was minimal distortion. The SoundLink Flex also features Bose’s PositionIQ technology, which automatically adjusts the EQ based on the speaker’s orientation. This ensures that you get optimal sound quality whether the speaker is standing upright, lying flat, or hanging from its utility loop.
Features:
The SoundLink Flex keeps things simple in terms of features, focusing on core functionality. Here are some highlights:
- Bluetooth 5.1: Provides a stable and reliable wireless connection with a range of up to 30 feet.
- Speakerphone: Built-in microphone allows you to take calls directly through the speaker.
- Bose Connect App: While not essential, the app provides some additional features like software updates, battery level indication, and the ability to pair two SoundLink Flex speakers for stereo sound.
- Voice Assistant Compatibility: You can access your device’s voice assistant (Siri or Google Assistant) through the speaker.
Battery Life:
Bose claims that the SoundLink Flex has a battery life of up to 12 hours. In my testing, I found this to be fairly accurate. I was able to get around 10-11 hours of playtime at moderate volume. The battery life will obviously vary depending on the volume level and type of music you’re playing. Charging is done via a USB-C port, and a full charge takes around four hours.
What Could Be Improved:
While the SoundLink Flex impressed me overall, there are a few areas where I think Bose could make improvements:
- Lack of EQ Customization: While PositionIQ is a nice feature, it would be great to have more control over the EQ settings.
- No AUX Input: The lack of an auxiliary input limits the speaker’s connectivity options.
- Mono Sound: While the sound is impressive for a single speaker, it lacks the stereo separation that some users might prefer.
Who is the SoundLink Flex for?
The Bose SoundLink Flex is an ideal speaker for anyone who wants a portable, durable, and stylish speaker with good sound quality. It’s perfect for use outdoors, thanks to its IP67 rating, and it’s also great for use around the house. I would particularly recommend this speaker to:
- Outdoor enthusiasts: Hikers, campers, and beachgoers will appreciate the speaker’s ruggedness and portability.
- Style-conscious users: The SoundLink Flex’s sleek design will appeal to those who value aesthetics.
- Casual listeners: This speaker is perfect for everyday use, whether you’re listening to music at home or taking calls on the go.
Final Verdict:
The Bose SoundLink Flex is a great all-around portable speaker that excels in both design and sound quality. While it may not be the most feature-packed speaker on the market, its combination of durability, portability, and audio performance make it a compelling option for many users. If you’re looking for a stylish and reliable speaker that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the SoundLink Flex is definitely worth considering.
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