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Bose SoundLink Flex vs Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II: Overview of expert opinions

The Bose SoundLink Flex is better for bass-heavy music genres and outdoor use due to its powerful low-frequency response and rugged design with an IP67 rating. It is also more portable and affordable than the Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II, making it a great option for those who are always on the go and want to take their music with them wherever they go.

The Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II is better for dialogue-centric audio content and indoor/outdoor use due to its well-balanced sound suitable for various music genres and amazing directivity. It is also better for users who need a longer battery life for extended use, as it can last up to 17 hours on a single charge and has a larger battery capacity.

Additionally, it is more suitable for stationary use as it is larger and heavier, making it a great choice for those who want to fill a room with music.

The Bose SoundLink Flex is the better option for those who prioritize portability and outdoor activities, while the Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II is better for those who prioritize sound quality and stationary use. The SoundLink Flex is perfect for travel and can easily fit into a backpack or small bag, while the Soundlink Revolve Plus II is ideal for those who want to use it in a fixed location, such as in a living room or bedroom.

The Bose SoundLink Flex is better for those who need a speaker that can withstand harsh weather conditions and accidental drops or impacts, while the Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II is better for those who need a speaker with a more sturdy aluminum grille and rubber bumpers for protection against falls.

The Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II is better for those who prioritize Bluetooth range and low latency for watching movies and videos, while the Bose SoundLink Flex is better for those who value the convenience of connecting to multiple devices and prefer a faster and more solid Bluetooth connection.

Overall, both speakers have unique features that cater to different needs, and it ultimately depends on the user's preferences and intended use. If water resistance and durability are a top priority, the SoundLink Flex is the better option. However, if portability, sound quality, and compatibility with other Bose products are more important, the Soundlink Revolve Plus II is the way to go.

Table of contents (click on an item)

Sound quality
The Bose SoundLink Flex is better for bass-heavy music and outdoor use, while the Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II is better for dialogue-centric audio content and indoor/outdoor use.
Click to jump to the Sound quality comparison
Battery life
The Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II is better for extended use and larger rooms, while the Bose SoundLink Flex is more portable and affordable with a quicker charging time.
Click to jump to the Battery life comparison
Portability
The Bose SoundLink Flex is better for portability and outdoor activities, while the Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II is better for sound quality and stationary use.
Click to jump to the Portability comparison
Durability
The Bose SoundLink Flex is better for harsh weather conditions and accidental drops, while the Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II is better for protection against falls and splashes.
Click to jump to the Durability comparison
Connectivity
The Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II is better for Bluetooth range and low latency, while the Bose SoundLink Flex is better for connecting to multiple devices and a faster Bluetooth connection.
Click to jump to the Connectivity comparison
Additional features
The Bose SoundLink Flex is better for water-resistant outdoor activities, while the Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II is better for larger gatherings and compatibility with other Bose products.
Click to jump to the Additional features comparison

Sound quality

According to expert reviews, the Bose SoundLink Flex is better for bass-heavy music genres like hip-hop or EDM, as it delivers a powerful low-frequency response that sounds as if it's coming from a larger speaker and can fill a small living room with sound. It also has a warm and pleasant sound with well-balanced midrange, making it a good option for indoor use.

However, at top volumes, the bass on the SoundLink Flex flirts with distortion, but DSP keeps things in check. The SoundLink Flex is also more rugged and durable, with an IP67 rating, making it a better option for outdoor use and adventures.

On the other hand, the Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II has a well-balanced sound suitable for various music genres and amazing directivity, making it a great option for listening to dialogue-centric audio content like audiobooks and podcasts. It is also remarkably portable and well-built, with an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, making it a good option for outdoor use.

However, it struggles to reproduce a deep, thumpy, and rumbling bass, which may be disappointing to fans of bass-heavy music like hip-hop or EDM. It may also have compression artifacts at max volume, so your audio may not sound as clean and clear during louder listening sessions.

Overall, the Bose SoundLink Flex is better for bass-heavy music genres and outdoor use, while the Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II is better for dialogue-centric audio content and indoor/outdoor use.

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Battery life

According to expert reviews, the Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II is better for users who need a longer battery life for extended use, as it can last up to 17 hours on a single charge and has a larger battery capacity. It is also better for those who need a more powerful sound and can fill a larger room with sound.

On the other hand, the Bose SoundLink Flex is more suitable for those who need a portable speaker with a shorter battery life, as it is smaller and more compact, making it easier to carry around. It is also more affordable than the Soundlink Revolve Plus II. Additionally, the SoundLink Flex may be a better option for users who need a speaker that can be charged quickly, as it can be charged in around 150 minutes when connected to the wall via its USB-C input.

Overall, users should consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing between these two speakers.

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Portability

The Bose SoundLink Flex is better for portability as it is smaller, lighter, and comes with a fabric strap that can be hung off a hook or a bag. It is ideal for those who are always on the go and want to take their music with them wherever they go. It is also great for outdoor activities as it has a higher IP67 rating, which means it can withstand harsh outdoor conditions and even float in water.

The SoundLink Flex is perfect for travel and can easily fit into a backpack or small bag.

On the other hand, the Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II is better for stationary use as it is larger and heavier. It is ideal for those who want to use it in a fixed location, such as in a living room or bedroom. The larger size also means that it can produce a more powerful sound, making it a great choice for those who want to fill a room with music.

The Soundlink Revolve Plus II comes with a woven carrying handle that makes it easy to transport the speaker, but it may not be as convenient for outdoor activities as it has a lower IP55 rating.

Overall, the Bose SoundLink Flex is the better option for those who prioritize portability and outdoor activities, while the Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II is better for those who prioritize sound quality and stationary use.

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Durability

The Bose SoundLink Flex is better for those who need a speaker that can withstand harsh weather conditions and accidental drops or impacts. Its steel and powder-coated grille, soft silicone back, and IP67 certification make it more waterproof and dustproof than the Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II.

It can also float, making it ideal for pool and beach activities.

On the other hand, the Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II is better for those who need a speaker with a more sturdy aluminum grille and rubber bumpers for protection against falls. Its IP55 rating for dust and water resistance makes it resistant to splashes, rain, and dust.

Its flexible fabric carrying handle also adds to its durability.

Overall, both speakers are well-built and durable, and users can expect them to last for a long time with proper care. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance to ensure that the speakers continue to function properly and maintain their durability over time.

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Connectivity

When it comes to connectivity, the Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II is better for those who prioritize Bluetooth range and low latency for watching movies and videos. It has a larger Bluetooth range than the Bose SoundLink Flex and has been reported to have lower latency with both iOS and Android devices.

Additionally, it offers additional connectivity options such as Auxiliary and USB. On the other hand, the Bose SoundLink Flex is better for those who value the convenience of connecting to multiple devices and prefer a faster and more solid Bluetooth connection. It has built-in compatibility with Google Assistant and Siri and immediately informs you of its battery status and confirms a Bluetooth connection quickly.

Ultimately, the choice between these two speakers will depend on specific needs and preferences.

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Additional features

The Bose SoundLink Flex is better for outdoor activities where it may be exposed to water, such as beach trips or pool parties, due to its higher water resistance rating and rugged design. It also has PositionIQ technology that optimizes playback depending on the orientation of the speaker.

The Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II is better for larger outdoor gatherings due to its 360-degree surround sound and longer battery life. It also has a convenient handle for portability and Bose SimpleSync technology, which allows you to pair it with other compatible Bose products for a seamless audio experience.

Additionally, it has Party and Stereo Modes, which allow you to pair two SoundLink Revolve speakers for more performance or try Stereo Mode for an immersive soundstage.

Overall, both speakers have unique features that cater to different needs, and it ultimately depends on the user's preferences and intended use. If water resistance and durability are a top priority, the SoundLink Flex is the better option. However, if portability, sound quality, and compatibility with other Bose products are more important, the Soundlink Revolve Plus II is the way to go.

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Neither Bose SoundLink Flex nor Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II were recommended by experts this month

On 4 Sep 2024 (1 month ago) we went through 98 Bluetooth Speaker expert endorsements , however neither Bose SoundLink Flex nor Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II were included in any of those recommendations. Since neither Bluetooth Speaker received a single endorsement, as far as expert recommendations go, it's technically a tie. We do, however, recommend taking a look at JBL Charge 5 or other critically acclaimed Portable Bluetooth Speakers of this month.

For reference, JBL Charge 5 received 4 endorsements this month, from SoundGuys (16 Jul 2024), Tom's Guide (2 Aug 2024) TechRadar (27 Aug 2024) and 1 other.

Rank Change Price Bluetooth Speaker
TechHive
PCMag
SoundGuys
WIRED
Tom's Guide
Rtings.com
TechRadar
Popular Mechanics
What Hi-Fi
Digital Trends
1
- $180
JBL Charge 5
The JBL Charge 5 is highly praised for its improved sound quality, robust design, and long battery life, though it faces criticism for lacking an AUX port and having connectivity issues with the JBL app.
-
-
1
-
6
-
6
-
1
-
N/A N/A $149
Bose SoundLink Flex
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
N/A N/A $299
Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

Curious to see this month's entire Portable Bluetooth Speakers ranking? It's here

About our ranking methodology

MetaRanking Common points from expert reviews summarized.
As can be seen below, in Sep 2024 neither Bose SoundLink Flex nor Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II were recommended by key experts who publish Portable Bluetooth Speakers recommendations.
Rank Change Price Bluetooth Speaker
TechHive
PCMag
SoundGuys
WIRED
Tom's Guide
Rtings.com
TechRadar
Popular Mechanics
What Hi-Fi
Digital Trends
1
- $180
JBL Charge 5
The JBL Charge 5 is highly praised for its improved sound quality, robust design, and long battery life, though it faces criticism for lacking an AUX port and having connectivity issues with the JBL app.
-
-
1
-
6
-
6
-
1
-
2
+19 $170
Sonos Roam 2
-
-
-
2
5
-
1
-
-
4
3
-1 $419
Sonos Move 2
The Sonos Move 2 is lauded for its superior sound quality, extended battery life, and robust design, making it a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor use, though its high price and size may limit its appeal for some users.
5
-
2
-
1
-
-
-
-
5
4
+2 $380
JBL Xtreme 4
-
-
-
-
4
-
5
-
5
2
Show all rows
Expert Reviews There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

Expert reviews [18]

82
Total expert reviews: 18
  • with a score: 10
  • without a score: 8
Highest score by techguide.com.au
95
Average score based on 18 reviews
82
Lowest score by Rtings.com
70

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

Expert reviews [6]

85
Total expert reviews: 6
  • with a score: 4
  • without a score: 2
Highest score by TechGearLab
98
Average score based on 6 reviews
85
Lowest score by Rtings.com
72

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
From Seller:
  • STATE-OF-ART DESIGN: SoundLink Flex outdoor speaker is packed with exclusive technologies and a custom-engineered transducer for deep, clear, and immersive audio at home or on the go
  • CLEAREST POSSIBLE SOUND: Proprietary Position Qtechnology automatically detects the position of your portable Bluetooth speaker for optimal sound quality in any orientation or environment
  • Read more
From Seller:
  • MORE SOUND ALL AROUND: Engineered to deliver true 360 sound for consistent, uniform coverage from a bluetooth speaker. SoundLink Revolve-plus II plays louder and deeper with longer battery life than SoundLink Revolve II
  • Read more
Video Reviews Most popular unboxing/review videos.
No video reviews linked yet for Bose SoundLink Flex.
SCARY LOUD POWER? Bose SoundLink Revolve + II Portable Bluetooth Wireless Water Proof Speaker
Review by Logan Dunning
Popular! 30K views!
Play video review
Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II Product Impressions and Review
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Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II Review
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