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About this item ASTONISHINGLY LOUD. SURPRISINGLY SMALL: This small, portable wireless speaker is engineered to deliver true 360° sound for…
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Introduction
In the crowded world of portable Bluetooth speakers, the Bose SoundLink Revolve (Series II) stands out as a premium option for those seeking high-quality audio in a compact, rugged package. Priced at $299, this silver-hued speaker boasts a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from over 7,038 Amazon reviews, praising its 360° sound, impressive battery life, and portability. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a small gathering, or need background music for a photo shoot, the Bose SoundLink Revolve II promises to deliver Bose’s signature sound without the bulk. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into its features, performance, pros, cons, and real customer feedback to help you decide if it’s the best portable Bluetooth speaker for your needs.
Product Overview
The Bose SoundLink Revolve (Series II) is a cylindrical portable Bluetooth speaker designed for all-around audio immersion. Measuring just 7.25 inches tall and 4.13 inches in diameter, it weighs a mere 1.46 pounds, making it incredibly easy to toss in a backpack or carry by its integrated handle. Its sleek silver finish gives it a premium, understated look that’s both modern and durable.
Key specs include:
- Sound Profile: True 360° sound for uniform coverage from all angles.
- Battery Life: Up to 13 hours of playtime from a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, charged via Micro-USB.
- Durability: IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, ideal for poolside or outdoor use.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 with voice-guided pairing, multi-device connect (up to two devices), and Bose SimpleSync for linking with other Bose products.
- Additional Features: Built-in microphone for calls and voice assistants, Bose Connect app for EQ customization and updates, and a 1/4″-20 tripod thread on the base.
At its core, this speaker upgrades the original SoundLink Revolve with better battery life and refined internals, delivering astonishingly loud volume from a surprisingly small body. It’s not just about blasting tunes—it’s engineered for consistent, room-filling sound that follows you anywhere.
Pros
The Bose SoundLink Revolve II excels in several areas, earning its high customer ratings through superior engineering and user-friendly design. Here are the top advantages:
- Exceptional 360° Sound Quality: Despite its compact size, it produces clear, balanced audio with rich bass and surprisingly powerful output. Customers rave about the clarity for vocals and instruments, making it great for genres from jazz to rock, even outdoors.
- Impressive Battery Life: Up to 13 hours of playback beats many competitors, allowing all-day use without frequent recharges. Real-world tests show it holds up well for casual listening sessions.
- Rugged and Portable Build: IP55 water and dust resistance means it handles splashes, sand, and light rain effortlessly. The lightweight design with a nylon handle makes it perfect for travel, hikes, or beach days.
- Seamless Connectivity and Controls: Voice prompts guide Bluetooth pairing, and multi-connect supports switching between two devices instantly. The Bose Connect app unlocks EQ tweaks, Party Mode, and firmware updates for a tailored experience.
- Built-in Microphone and Voice Assistant Support: Handle calls hands-free or summon Siri/Google Assistant directly. Pair it with an Alexa device like Echo Dot for even smarter control.
- Bose SimpleSync Technology: Syncs effortlessly with other Bose speakers for multi-room audio or stereo pairing, ideal for expanding your setup room to room.
- Versatile Mounting Option: The 1/4″-20 thread allows tripod or stand mounting, a boon for photographers or content creators needing elevated, stable placement.
These features combine to make the Revolve II a versatile daily driver for audio enthusiasts who prioritize quality over sheer volume.
Cons
No speaker is perfect, and while the Bose SoundLink Revolve II shines in many ways, it has some drawbacks that may deter certain buyers. Here’s a balanced look at the downsides:
- Micro-USB Charging Port: In 2023, sticking with Micro-USB instead of USB-C feels outdated. Charging takes longer (about 4 hours for a full charge), and it lacks fast-charging support, frustrating users with modern devices.
- Not the Loudest for Large Parties: While loud for its size, it doesn’t match bigger party speakers like the UE Megaboom in maximum volume or bass rumble. It’s better suited for personal or small-group use, not wall-shaking events.
- Battery Life Variability: Advertised at 13 hours, real-world performance often falls short (8-10 hours at moderate volumes), especially with bass-heavy tracks or calls. High-volume playback drains it faster.
- Premium Price Point: At $299, it’s significantly more expensive than budget alternatives like JBL or Anker speakers, which may offer similar portability but compromise on sound refinement.
- Slight Directional Bias: Though marketed as 360°, some users note a front-biased tweeter and rear port, creating minor hotspots/dead zones when circling the speaker closely.
These cons are minor for most users but worth considering if budget, power, or cutting-edge ports are priorities.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With a stellar 4.6/5 rating from 7,038 reviews, the Bose SoundLink Revolve II garners widespread praise, though not without critique. Positive feedback dominates, focusing on sound and usability.
Positive Highlights:
- Customers love the portable power: “Bose Bluetooth speakers are portable, compact and deliver powerful sound with deep bass… ideal for carrying.” Many highlight its small size yet big sound, perfect for travel or outdoor use.
- Easy setup shines: “Se conectan muy fácil el sonido es excelente… se puede llevar a donde sea.” Bilingual reviews emphasize intuitive pairing and app control.
- Real-world versatility: Photographers appreciate the tripod thread and balanced mids for shoots, while musicians use it for background tunes without overpowering conversations. One reviewer called it “perfect for small gatherings… enough volume to clearly hear the tunes, but not so loud as to bother the neighbors.”
Negative Feedback:
- Battery expectations: Users replacing older models note it doesn’t always hit 13 hours, prompting charging base purchases. “Battery life is serviceable… I’d expect a unit of this size to have at least double the advertised runtime.”
- Volume and bass: Not a “party speaker”—lacks the boom of competitors. “Far less pronounced bass… but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Bose is much tighter.”
- Charging gripe: Repeated mentions of Micro-USB as a “huge letdown” in the Series II.
Overall, 80-85% of reviews are 4-5 stars, with negatives often from power users expecting audiophile levels. It’s a hit for casual listeners valuing Bose’s clarity and build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common queries about the Bose SoundLink Revolve (Series II) based on product specs and user experiences:
- How waterproof is the Bose SoundLink Revolve II?
It has an IP55 rating, resisting dust ingress and water jets from any direction. It’s great for pool splashes or rain but not submersible—avoid full immersion.
- What’s the battery life like in real use?
Up to 13 hours at moderate volume, but expect 8-10 hours with bass-heavy music or high volumes. Full charge via Micro-USB takes about 4 hours.
- Does it support stereo pairing?
Yes, via Bose SimpleSync—pair two Revolve IIs for stereo sound or link with other Bose speakers for multi-room audio.
- Is it compatible with voice assistants?
Built-in mic supports your phone’s Siri/Google Assistant. Connect to Alexa-enabled devices like Echo Dot for hands-free music control.
- Can I use it while charging?
Absolutely—it plays seamlessly while plugged in, making it ideal for extended sessions with a charging base (sold separately).
Who Should Buy This Product
The Bose SoundLink Revolve (Series II) is ideal for:
- Travelers and Outdoor Enthusiasts: Its portability, durability, and 360° sound make it perfect for camping, beach trips, or hikes.
- Casual Listeners and Small Gatherings: Great for patios, picnics, or background music where clarity trumps sheer volume.
- Content Creators and Photographers: Tripod compatibility and balanced audio fit seamlessly into shoots or vlogs.
- Bose Ecosystem Users: SimpleSync expands your setup effortlessly.
Skip it if you’re a bass-head DJ needing party-rattling volume, on a tight budget, or insist on USB-C charging. For those, consider JBL Charge or Sony options.
Final Verdict
The Bose SoundLink Revolve (Series II) Portable Bluetooth Speaker earns its 4.6-star acclaim as a top-tier compact audio solution. Its 360° sound, rugged IP55 build, and smart features like the Bose app and SimpleSync deliver premium performance in a pocketable form. While Micro-USB and moderate max volume hold it back slightly, these are small trade-offs for Bose’s legendary clarity and portability.
Rating: 4.6/5 – Highly recommended for quality-conscious users seeking a reliable, versatile speaker. At $299, it’s a worthwhile investment for everyday excellence, outshining many rivals in balanced, immersive audio. If portability and Bose sound are your priorities, add this to your cart—you won’t be disappointed.
