Out of all the portable audio products, a Bluetooth speaker is one of the best investments you could make. There’s no shortage of options available, so choosing one over another can be tough. A good tip is to stick to a brand you know and trust.
In the audio world, Bose has a legendary reputation. I was skeptical of this brand until I reviewed the Bose Sport Earbuds and the Bose Revolve II. Since then, I’ve become a fan. With so much competition in the headphones, speakers, and audio, can Bose compete in the portable Bluetooth speaker space?
I’m reviewing the Bose SoundLink Flex. This is a waterproof Bluetooth wireless speaker with a rugged design and 12-hour battery life. Is it a worthy investment?
Specs: Bose SoundLink Flex
- Built-in microphone for hands-free calls and voice assistants
- IP67 rating, withstand water, dust, and debris
- Pairs with compatible Bose smart speakers and soundbars
- Floats in water
Design of the Bose SoundLink Flex
The SoundLink Flex is designed for portability and comes in Black, Stone Blue, and White Smoke. It measures approximately 8”x3.5”x2” (WHD), and weighs a little over one pound. The body is constructed from a hard plastic shell with a powder-coated steel grille. The backside has a soft silicone rubber surface with a smaller grill.
On the right side of the speaker is a loop made from fabric. By attaching a carabiner, the SoundLink Flex can be clipped to a backpack or hook. A USB-C charging port is located on the left side.
The top of the SoundLink features the controls. Here you’ll find the power, volume, Bluetooth, and Multifunction button. A small pinhole mic sits next to the Bluetooth button.
The Bose SoundLink Flex can be positioned in three ways. It can be placed upright and project the sound forward. Feet on the back allow it to sit flat with the sound projecting upward. Another option is to hang it with the use of the utility loop.
Bose PositionIQ technology
The SoundLink Flex features a new Bose technology called PositionIQ. A sensor inside tracks the speaker’s orientation and adjusts the audio profile accordingly. According to Bose, this is the first time a Bluetooth speaker can detect its orientation and adjust the sound profile to ensure optimal sound quality.
Connectivity options
Pairing the SoundLink Flex with mobile devices is simple and straightforward. There’s voice prompts for Bluetooth pairing to a phone or tablet. It can remember up to eight connections for seamless switching from one device to the next. This is super convenient for people who work between a smartphone, tablet, and laptop. Users can also access their phone’s voice assistant and take calls hands-free.
The SoundLink Flex also works with the Bose Connect app. Here users can control the Flex, personalized settings, and receive the latest software updates. It can also be paired with a second SoundLink Flex or another Bose speaker for Stereo Mode or Party Mode. With Party Mode, the music will simultaneously play on multiple speakers at the same time.
Using the Bose SoundLink Flex
Pairing the SoundLink Flex to my mobile devices was simple. I like the fact that it pairs with multiple devices at the same time. That’s a huge selling point for people who use laptops, smartphones, and tablets interchangeably. There is nothing fun about unpairing a speaker from one device to pair to another. This feature takes that inconvenience out of the equation.
I don’t own a TV inside my house so I primarily watch content off a tablet. The SoundLink Flex makes for a perfect companion to watch TV shows and movies from a mobile device. It sounds great indoors with a rich, full sound profile. Since it floats in water, you could even take it into the bathtub. I’m more of a shower guy, so I brought it in to listen to podcasts. With an IP67 rating, you don’t have to worry about water splashing on it.
The real test for me was outdoor use. This speaker is rugged and designed to handle the elements. I used it in my backyard during my daily jump rope sessions. Normally I use the Bose Sport Headphones because it has a rich deep bass that keeps me in the zone jumping. I was curious to know if the SoundLink Flex could do the same.
I turned the volume to max to test the sound quality before jumping. There was no distortion and everything sounded clear and crisp. This is due to Bose’s proprietary digital signal processing (DSP) technology. It was an absolute delight to jump to. The bass thumps and allows me to sync my jumps to the beat. I also liked that I could position it flat so the sound was coming up. This allowed me to play it at max volume without disrupting my next-door neigbour too much.
Final thoughts on the Bose SoundLink Flex
Some brands are better than others. In terms of audio products, Bose stands on top. They don’t release many products but when they do, it’s hard to be disappointed. The sound profile their products produce is second to none. The Bose SoundLink Flex is a case in point.
That said, you’ll find cheaper, more affordable Bluetooth speakers on the market. The person buying Bose is likely an audiophile or someone who appreciates a well-balanced sound. Considering its size, it sounds like a much larger speaker. At max volume, there is no distortion. The one thing I couldn’t audibly hear any difference was the PostitionIQ. Nevertheless, it sounded great in every orientation.
This is a great buy for someone who wants a Bluetooth speaker for multiple devices. Out of all the features, this is my favourite because of its day-to-day practicality. It was always paired to my smartphone and tablet at the same time. The experience between the devices was seamless – the way it’s supposed to be.
If you value exceptional sound and need one Bluetooth speaker for all your mobile devices, I highly recommend you give the Bose SoundLink Flex a good, hard look. You will not be disappointed.
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