BEST OVERALL
Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II: 360° Bluetooth Speaker (Silver)
4.6

★★★★⯨ 4.6

About this item MORE SOUND ALL AROUND: Engineered to deliver true 360 sound for consistent, uniform coverage from a bluetooth…

View On Amazon

Introduction

In the crowded world of portable Bluetooth speakers, the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) stands out as a premium contender, promising immersive 360-degree sound, rugged durability, and all-day battery life. Priced at around $238, this silver-hued speaker boasts a stellar 4.6 out of 5-star rating from over 7,200 Amazon reviews, making it a favorite among audio enthusiasts. Whether you’re blasting tunes at a backyard barbecue, taking calls on the go, or syncing it with other Bose devices for a party setup, the SoundLink Revolve+ II aims to deliver Bose’s signature sound quality in a compact, portable package.

In this comprehensive Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Series II review, we’ll dive deep into its features, performance, real-user feedback, and whether it’s worth the investment compared to budget alternatives like JBL or Anker speakers. If you’re searching for the best portable Bluetooth speaker with 360 sound, read on to see if this Bose powerhouse lives up to the hype.

Product Overview

The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) is an upgraded iteration of Bose’s popular cylindrical Bluetooth speaker, designed for omnidirectional audio that fills any room or outdoor space evenly. Measuring about 4.13 x 7.25 inches and weighing 2 pounds, it’s easy to tote thanks to its flexible fabric handle. The silver finish not only looks sleek but also resists showing dirt better than darker colors, according to some users.

Key specs include:

  • Sound Profile: True 360-degree sound with deeper bass and louder output than the original Revolve+.
  • Battery Life: Up to 17 hours from a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, charged via Micro-USB.
  • Durability: IP55 dust and water resistance, ideal for poolside splashes or light rain.
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 with voice-guided pairing, multi-device support (pair two devices simultaneously), and a 3.5mm aux input.
  • Smart Features: Built-in microphone for calls and voice assistants (Siri/Google), plus Bose SimpleSync for linking with other Bose speakers like the Soundbar 900.
  • Extras: Bose Connect app for EQ tweaks, Party Mode, and Stereo Mode; includes USB cable but no charging cradle.

This speaker excels in versatility, from solo listening to multi-speaker setups, positioning it as a top choice for wireless portable speakers with microphone.

Pros

The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Series II shines in several areas, earning its high ratings through superior engineering and user-friendly design. Here are the top advantages based on hands-on testing and thousands of reviews:

1. Immersive 360-Degree Sound Quality

Bose’s engineering delivers uniform sound coverage from every angle, with punchy bass, clear mids, and crisp highs—even at high volumes. Users rave about its balance for music, podcasts, and audiobooks, outperforming smaller competitors like the JBL Flip series.

2. Exceptional Battery Life

Clocking up to 17 hours of playtime (real-world 5-6 hours at 50-70% volume), this speaker outlasts many rivals. Moderate daily use can stretch it over a week, making it perfect for camping trips or all-day events.

3. Rugged Portability and Build

At just 2 pounds with a grippy handle, it’s backpack-friendly. The IP55 rating handles dust, splashes, and minor drops, while the flexible fabric handle ensures easy carrying. Long-term users report 5+ years of durability with daily use.

4. Seamless Connectivity and Multi-Device Pairing

Voice prompts guide Bluetooth pairing, which is stable over long ranges. Switch effortlessly between two paired devices, and the 3.5mm jack adds wired flexibility for non-Bluetooth gear like PCs.

5. Built-In Microphone and Voice Assistant Support

Handle calls crystal-clearly or summon Siri/Google without touching your phone. Pair with Alexa devices for hands-free control, enhancing its smart home integration.

6. Bose Ecosystem Integration (Party and Stereo Mode)

SimpleSync technology lets you link multiple Bose speakers for synchronized sound. Users love Stereo Mode with two Revolve+ units, rivaling high-end soundbars in bass and clarity.

7. User-Friendly Bose Connect App

Easy firmware updates, multi-speaker linking, and basic EQ customization make it simple to optimize for your listening preferences.

Cons

No speaker is perfect, and the SoundLink Revolve+ II has a few drawbacks that might deter budget shoppers or tech purists. Here’s a balanced look at its shortcomings:

1. Micro-USB Charging (Not USB-C)

In 2023, sticking with Micro-USB feels outdated. While reliable, it means digging out old cables instead of using modern USB-C chargers, a common complaint in reviews.

2. Charging Cradle Not Included

The optional cradle (sold separately, only in black) is a game-changer for convenience, but at this price, many expect it bundled. It simplifies charging and storage but adds extra cost.

3. Prone to Dents and Scratches

Despite solid build quality, the soft-touch exterior dings easily from drops or knocks. Sound isn’t affected, but aesthetics suffer over time—black hides marks better than silver.

4. Basic App with Occasional Glitches

The Bose app is functional but simplistic, with reports of disconnections. Highs aren’t as refined as bass for instrumental music, per some audiophiles.

5. Premium Price Point

At $238, it’s expensive compared to JBL Charge 5 ($180) or Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 ($200). Value shines long-term, but sales (e.g., Black Friday $100 off) are recommended.

Customer Reviews Analysis

With 4.6 stars from 7,219 reviews, the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Series II garners widespread praise, though not without nitpicks. Positive feedback dominates (over 80% 4-5 stars), focusing on sound and longevity.

Standout Positives:

  • Sound Excellence: “Supurb balance between highs and bass… very clear even loud,” says a 5-year user. Bass lovers highlight “graves excelentes” (excellent bass) that holds at max volume.
  • Durability & Battery: Multiple owners report 5+ years of heavy use. Battery impresses: “More than 1 week with moderate use.”
  • Portability & Features: Handle, lightweight design, and multi-linking shine. “Party Mode with two gives my Bose Soundbar 900 a run.”
  • Connectivity: “Effortless Bluetooth… pair two devices.”

Common Complaints:

  • Micro-USB and no cradle: “Miss for a premium 2023 product.”
  • App issues: “Very basic and disconnects often.”
  • Physical wear: “Dents with ease, but doesn’t affect sound.”
  • Audio nuances: Treble lags behind bass for some genres.

Even “negative” reviews often turn positive, like one gifting it for “bigger sound field, more bass, flawless Bluetooth.” Spanish-speaking users echo bass prowess but note app/app highs. Overall, loyalty is high—repeat buyers upgrade for subtle improvements like easier pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Up to 17 hours at moderate volume; real-world tests show 5-6 hours at 50-70% and over a week with light use. Charge via Micro-USB in about 4 hours.

IP55-rated for dust and water jets (e.g., pool splashes), but not submersible. Avoid full immersion.

Yes, via Party Mode (same sound) or Stereo Mode (left/right channels) using Bose SimpleSync or the app. Link up to eight compatible Bose speakers.

4. Does it have a headphone jack or aux input?

Yes, a 3.5mm aux port for wired connections to non-Bluetooth devices like laptops.

5. Is the Bose app necessary?

Not essential for basic use, but recommended for EQ, firmware, and multi-speaker control. It’s available on iOS/Android.

Who Should Buy This Product

The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Series II is ideal for:

  • Music Enthusiasts: Seeking premium 360 sound with deep bass for parties or home use.
  • Travelers & Outdoorsy Types: Portability, long battery, and IP55 make it great for hikes, beaches, or picnics.
  • Bose Ecosystem Owners: Perfect for expanding with SimpleSync—pair two for soundbar-like performance.
  • Daily Commuters: Mic for calls, multi-pairing for phone/laptop switching.

Skip if you’re on a tight budget (under $150), prefer USB-C, or need fully rugged/submersible protection. Families or casual listeners might find cheaper options sufficient.

Final Verdict

The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) earns its 4.6-star acclaim as one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers for sound quality, battery endurance, and Bose integration. Its 360-degree audio, 17-hour battery, and multi-speaker modes make it a versatile powerhouse, backed by proven 5+ year durability. Drawbacks like Micro-USB and the absent cradle are minor for most, especially on sale.

Rating: 4.7/5 – Highly recommended for premium audio seekers. If longevity and immersive sound top your list, invest now; otherwise, watch for discounts to maximize value. This speaker doesn’t just play music—it elevates every listening moment.