EDITOR’S CHOICE
Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II: 360° Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
4.6

★★★★⯨ 4.6

About this item The charger port is located at the bottom of the back of the speaker › See more…

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Introduction

If you’re in the market for a premium portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers immersive 360-degree sound without compromising on portability or durability, the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) in black demands your attention. Priced at $239, this speaker boasts a stellar 4.6 out of 5-star rating from over 7,219 Amazon reviews, making it a fan favorite among audio enthusiasts. With features like water resistance, a built-in microphone, long-lasting battery, and a convenient handle, it’s designed for on-the-go lifestyles. In this comprehensive Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Series II review, we’ll dive deep into its performance, drawing from 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 speaker that lives up to Bose’s reputation for superior audio engineering. Measuring about 4.13 x 7.25 inches and weighing around 2 pounds, it’s compact enough to toss into a backpack yet powerful enough to fill a room—or even an outdoor space—with rich, balanced sound. Key highlights include:

  • 360-Degree Sound: Uniform audio dispersion in all directions, ideal for parties or group listening.
  • Wireless and Water Resistant: IP55 rating protects against dust and water jets, perfect for beach days or poolside vibes.
  • Long-Lasting Battery: Up to 17 hours of playtime, though real-world use at moderate volumes yields 5-6 hours.
  • Built-in Microphone: Enables hands-free calling with clear voice pickup.
  • Handle and Portability: Integrated soft-touch handle for easy carrying.
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 with multi-device pairing, plus a 3.5mm aux input. The charger port is discreetly located at the bottom of the back.

Bose’s companion app allows EQ adjustments, Party Mode (link multiple speakers), and Stereo Mode for dual-speaker setups. While it ships with a micro USB cable, there’s no included charging cradle—a common point of discussion among users.

Pros

The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Series II excels in several areas, earning its high ratings through consistent real-world performance. Here are the top advantages based on extensive user experiences:

  1. Exceptional 360-Degree Sound Quality: Customers rave about the superb balance of highs, mids, and bass. Even at high volumes (50-70%), clarity remains pristine, with punchy lows that rival larger systems. In Party or Stereo Mode with two units, it competes with home soundbars like the Bose Smart Soundbar 900.
  2. Impressive Battery Life and Portability: Delivers 5-6+ hours at moderate volumes, with some users reporting over a week of light use. The lightweight design (fits in a backpack) and handle make it ideal for chores, hikes, picnics, or travel—far superior to “mid-tier” competitors like older JBL or Jambox models that lasted only 1-2 years.
  3. Durable Build with Proven Longevity: Users report 5+ years of daily heavy use without sound degradation (until side-by-side comparisons). It’s rugged, water-resistant, and handles knocks, though minor dents can occur.
  4. Seamless Connectivity and Multi-Speaker Features: Effortless Bluetooth pairing supports two devices simultaneously—a rare perk. Stereo and Party Modes link with other Bose SoundLink speakers for immersive setups. Stable connection even across rooms.
  5. Versatile Features Like Built-in Mic and Aux Input: Crystal-clear calls via the microphone, and the 3.5mm jack connects to non-Bluetooth devices like PCs. Great for podcasts, audiobooks, music, or movies.
  6. Rich Bass and Volume Without Distortion: Vocals stand out clearly at loud levels, and bass is “excellent” for the size—perfect for genres like hip-hop or EDM.

Cons

No speaker is perfect, and the Revolve+ Series II has a few drawbacks that prevent a flawless score. These are drawn directly from customer critiques:

  1. Micro USB Charging (Not USB-C): In 2023, sticking with outdated micro USB feels like a miss on a premium $239 product. Users must dig out old cables or buy adapters, especially frustrating when USB-C is the standard.
  2. No Included Charging Cradle: The optional cradle (sold separately, only in black) is a “must-have” for convenience, but its absence at this price point irks many. It simplifies charging and storage but adds extra cost.
  3. Black Finish Shows Dirt and Fingerprints: While durable, the black model attracts dust, smudges, and fingerprints more than silver alternatives. The handle hides grime better, but the body requires frequent wiping.
  4. Basic Bose App with Connectivity Glitches: The app is simple for EQ and multi-speaker linking but disconnects frequently. Highs aren’t as refined as bass, making instrumental music “good but not excellent.”
  5. Premium Price Tag: At $239, it’s expensive compared to budget options. However, sales (e.g., Black Friday) often drop it $100, improving value.

Customer Reviews Analysis

With 7,219 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Series II is overwhelmingly praised, though not without nitpicks. Positive feedback dominates (over 80% 4-5 stars), focusing on sound, durability, and versatility.

Sound and Performance: A long-term user with 5+ years on Series I (and now II) calls the audio “superb” with balanced highs/bass and no distortion at loud volumes. Spanish-speaking reviewers highlight “excellent graves” (bass) and voice clarity for calls/podcasts. Dual-unit Stereo Mode is a standout, delivering soundbar-level immersion. Many prefer it over JBL or Jambox for superior quality and longevity.

Battery and Portability: Real-world tests confirm 5-6 hours at 50-70% volume, extending longer on low. It’s “lightweight, backpack-friendly,” with the handle praised for everyday carry—from house chores to outdoor adventures.

Durability and Build: Stories of 5+ years of abuse (drops, daily use) affirm its toughness, though dents appear easily without affecting sound. Water resistance shines for beach/picnic use.

Drawbacks in Reviews: Micro USB and absent cradle recur as frustrations. The black model’s dirt visibility is noted (silver hides it better, but black handle/cradle matches). App issues and dated voice prompts (“sounds like 2011 Siri”) disappoint some. One gifted unit review oddly listed positives under negatives, emphasizing bigger sound, bass, and battery over prior Bose models.

Overall, loyalists upgrade from Series I for smoother Bluetooth and subtle clarity gains, justifying the investment for heavy users. Budget hunters advise waiting for sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does the battery last on the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Series II?

Bose claims up to 17 hours, but customers report 5-6 hours at 50-70% volume with mixed content. Light use (podcasts) can stretch to a week. Recharge via micro USB in about 4 hours.

Yes, with an IP55 rating—dust-resistant and handles water jets from any direction. Fine for splashes, rain, or poolsides, but not submersible. Avoid full submersion.

Absolutely. Party Mode links up to 10+ for amplified sound; Stereo Mode pairs two for left/right channels. Compatible with other SoundLink models via the Bose app.

4. Does it have a microphone for calls?

Yes, the built-in mic delivers clear hands-free calling. Users praise voice separation even at high volumes.

5. What’s the difference between Series I and Series II?

Series II offers faster Bluetooth pairing, slightly better software-driven clarity, and multi-device support. Battery life is similar; sound differences are minor unless comparing worn units.

Who Should Buy This Product

The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Series II is ideal for:

  • Audio Purists and Party Hosts: Craving 360-degree sound with deep bass and Stereo/Party Mode for gatherings.
  • Travelers and Outdoor Enthusiasts: Portability, water resistance, and long battery suit hikes, beaches, or camping.
  • Daily Commuters or Home Users: Perfect for podcasts, calls, or background music during chores/PC use.
  • Bose Ecosystem Owners: Seamless integration with other SoundLink speakers or soundbars.

Skip if you’re on a tight budget (under $100), need USB-C charging, or prioritize treble-heavy music. Families with kids might prefer cheaper, dent-proof alternatives.

Final Verdict

The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) Bluetooth Speaker earns a solid 4.6/5 in our review—matching its Amazon score. It shines as a top-tier portable Bluetooth speaker with unmatched 360-degree sound, durability (5+ years proven), and features like Party Mode and water resistance. At $239, the value holds for premium audio lovers, especially on sale. Minor cons like micro USB and no cradle don’t overshadow its strengths, but they temper perfection.

Recommendation: Buy if sound quality and longevity top your list. Pair two for ultimate immersion—your ears (and guests) will thank you.

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