The Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Stereo Bluetooth Speaker is an addition to Bose’s impressive lineup of portable audio solutions. Known for their commitment to high-quality sound and innovative design, Bose has once again aimed to set a new standard in the portable speaker market with the SoundLink Flex. Here’s a comprehensive review of the features, performance, and overall value of the Bose SoundLink Flex.
Design and Build Quality
The Bose SoundLink Flex features a sleek and compact design that combines aesthetics with functionality. The speaker is built with durable materials, including a powder-coated steel grille and a silicone exterior, making it both rugged and elegant. The build quality is evident in its robust feel, and it is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
One of the standout features is its IP67 rating, which means the SoundLink Flex is both waterproof and dustproof. This makes it an ideal companion for various environments, from the beach to the hiking trail. The speaker can even float in water, adding to its versatility. Its compact size and lightweight nature (weighing just over a pound) make it highly portable, easily fitting into a bag or even a large pocket.
Sound Quality
As expected from Bose, the SoundLink Flex delivers exceptional audio quality. It features a custom-engineered transducer that provides clear, well-balanced sound across all frequencies. The bass is deep and robust, the mids are smooth, and the highs are crisp, creating an immersive listening experience.
One of the key innovations in the SoundLink Flex is its PositionIQ technology. This technology automatically detects the speaker’s orientation (whether it’s upright, hanging, or laid flat) and optimizes the sound output accordingly. This ensures consistent audio quality regardless of how you position the speaker, making it perfect for varied listening scenarios.
Connectivity and Features
The SoundLink Flex excels in connectivity with its Bluetooth 4.2 technology, offering a stable and reliable connection within a range of up to 30 feet. Pairing the speaker with devices is seamless, and it can remember up to eight paired devices, making it easy to switch between different sources.
A notable feature is the integrated microphone, which allows for hands-free calling and access to voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant. The microphone is designed to pick up your voice clearly, even in noisy environments, making it practical for conference calls or quick voice commands.
The Bose Connect app enhances the user experience by providing additional controls and features. Through the app, you can manage Bluetooth connections, update firmware, and access Party Mode to pair multiple Bose speakers for synchronized playback. The app also includes a built-in equalizer, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your preferences.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for portable speakers, and the SoundLink Flex performs admirably in this regard. It offers up to 12 hours of playback on a single charge, which is sufficient for a day out or a long listening session. The speaker charges via USB-C, ensuring faster and more efficient charging. A quick 15-minute charge can provide up to 2 hours of playback, which is convenient for those times when you need a quick power boost.
User Experience
The user experience with the Bose SoundLink Flex is excellent. The control buttons are intuitive and easy to use, even without the app. The speaker also includes a carabiner loop, allowing you to attach it to your bag, belt, or bike for added portability.
Voice prompts guide you through the pairing process and provide notifications for battery life, making it user-friendly even for those who are not tech-savvy. The overall usability is enhanced by its rugged design, which can withstand drops, spills, and other environmental challenges.
Price and Value
The Bose SoundLink Flex is priced competitively within the portable speaker market. While it may be on the higher end of the spectrum, the combination of superior sound quality, durable design, advanced features, and Bose’s reputation for excellence justifies the investment. For those seeking a reliable and versatile portable speaker, the SoundLink Flex offers excellent value for money.
Conclusion
The Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Stereo Bluetooth Speaker is a remarkable product that delivers on its promises. Its superior sound quality, rugged and waterproof design, advanced connectivity features, and user-friendly experience make it a top choice for anyone looking for a high-quality portable speaker.
Bose – SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Waterproof/Dustproof Design – Black
The SoundLink Flex wireless Bluetooth speaker is engineered to deliver clear, deep sound that’s powerful enough to fill a room and loud enough for outdoor adventures.
- Astonishing sound. Wherever life takes you.The SoundLink Flex portable Bluetooth speaker plays crisp, clear sound that is free of distortions, so you can hear each instrument and nuance in the vocals. The treble and bass are perfectly balanced, allowing you to hear every pitch.
- Tilt it. Flip it. Hang it.It doesn’t matter whether SoundLink Flex is upright on the kitchen counter, hanging from a backpack, or flat on its back at the beach. Its PositionIQ technology automatically detects its orientation and ensures natural, lifelike sound in any position.
- Innovative technology for an inspired performance.A product of Bose’s state-of-the-art engineering, SoundLink Flex is packed with exclusive technologies. Its innovative transducer is custom-designed to deliver the clearest possible sound and strong, deep bass you can feel in your chest.
- A rugged exterior that withstands the elements.With its powder-coated steel grille and silicone exterior, this outdoor speaker is adventure-ready. Premium materials provide a tight seal around electronics, protecting them from water, dust and debris.
- Elegant design that sets you apart from the crowd.With its unique ergonomic design, the wireless speaker is easy to hold and feels good in your hand wherever you grab it. Its compact size allows it to fit in a small space or bag.
- Hang it using the utility loop.With its rugged utility loop, you can attach this outdoor Bluetooth speaker to a carabiner, hang it from a beach chair, or secure it to a strap on your backpack on a hike. Designed to resist twisting, the loop won’t spin or turn when it’s hanging.
- Dustproof & waterproof.With an IP67 rating, the SoundLink Flex is a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Don’t worry if it accidentally falls into water, it will float, so it’s easily retrievable. The wireless speaker is also protected against dust, so you don’t need to worry if it gets sandy at the beach.
- A long-lasting battery that goes the distance.The rechargeable lithium-ion battery for SoundLink Flex portable speaker offers up to 12 hours of unplugged play time — enough to last throughout the day.
- Make and answer phone calls.With a built-in microphone, you can receive and make phone calls through SoundLink Flex. Plus, you can press and hold the multifunction button on SoundLink Flex to access your phone’s native voice assistant, like Siri or Google Assistant.
- Bose SimpleSync technologyPair your SoundLink Flex with another Bose Bluetooth speaker for louder, even more immersive sound. You can also pair your speaker with select Bose smart soundbars. Connect at the press of a button.
- Key SpecsSpeaker PairingYesVoice Assistant Built-inNoSpeakerphoneYesNumber of Microphones1WirelessYesRechargeableYesUSB Device ChargingYes
- GeneralProduct NameSoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Waterproof/Dustproof DesignBrandBoseModel Number865983-0100SeriesSoundLink Flex Bluetooth SpeakerColorBlackColor CategoryBlack
- AudioNumber of Speakers1Wattage7 wattsSpeaker PairingYesRadio TunerNo
- VoiceVoice Assistant Built-inNoSpeakerphoneYesBuilt-In MicrophoneYesNumber of Microphones1
- ConnectivityWireless Multi-Room AudioYesWirelessYesWireless ConnectivityBluetoothBluetooth Version4.2Network ConnectivityBluetoothHeadphone JackNoAuxiliary InputNo
- FeaturesProtective QualitiesWater resistant, WaterproofMaximum Depth of Water Resistance3.3 feetControl Button(s)Power on/off, Volume, Microphone, Play/Pause, Track selectionControlsPower, Bluetooth, VolumeRemote Control IncludedNoDigital DisplayNoLighting TypeNone
- PowerRechargeableYesBattery Charge Time4 hoursUSB Device ChargingYesWireless ChargingNo
- DimensionProduct Height3.56 inchesProduct Width7.93 inchesProduct Depth2.06 inchesProduct Weight1.3 pounds
- WarrantyManufacturer’s Warranty – Parts1 yearManufacturer’s Warranty – Labor1 year
- OtherUPC017817832014
