Bose SoundLink Plus specifications and in-depth review

Bose SoundLink Plus

Manufacturer: Bose

The Bose SoundLink Plus is a portable speaker designed for use in demanding environments, offering a robust build that carries an IP67 waterproof rating — meaning it holds up against dust and submersion. Weighing 1492.32 g and measuring 231.14 mm wide by 100.076 mm tall, it sits on the larger end of the portable speaker spectrum, with physical controls placed directly on the device for straightforward operation. Voice prompts and a battery level indicator add to its day-to-day usability, while a sleep timer gives users additional control over playback.

On the connectivity side, the SoundLink Plus runs on Bluetooth 5.4 with a maximum wireless range of 10 m, and includes a USB Type-C port for charging. Battery life is rated at 20 hours, with a full charge taking approximately 5 hours from a rechargeable, non-removable cell. The speaker does not support Wi-Fi, NFC pairing, AirPlay, or any aptX or LDAC audio codec variants, and there is no 3.5 mm audio input available. Smartphone remote support is included, allowing basic playback management from a paired device.

Pros
  • IP67 rating means it can handle full dust ingress and temporary water submersion without damage
  • Bluetooth 5.4 offers a current-generation wireless connection for stable pairing
  • 20-hour battery life allows for extended use between charges
  • Voice prompts provide audio feedback without needing to look at the device
  • Sleep timer adds a layer of control over unattended playback
  • USB Type-C port is a widely adopted standard that simplifies cable compatibility
Cons
  • At 1492.32 g, the weight may make it less convenient to carry for extended periods
  • Charge time of 5 hours is relatively long given the battery capacity
  • No stereo speakers or passive radiator based on the available spec data
  • Bluetooth range is limited to 10 m, restricting flexibility in larger spaces
  • No support for any advanced audio codecs such as aptX, AAC, or LDAC
  • Wireless charging is not supported, requiring a physical cable connection every time
Who is this for?

This speaker suits users who need a durable portable option for outdoor or active environments, given its IP67 waterproof rating that handles both dust and water exposure. The 20-hour battery life makes it a practical choice for extended sessions away from power sources, such as camping, beach outings, or travel. Users who rely on smartphone-controlled playback and appreciate audio feedback through voice prompts will also find the feature set aligned with their habits, particularly when paired with a sleep timer for overnight or relaxed listening scenarios.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who prioritize high-fidelity audio will find the lack of advanced codec support — including aptX, AAC, and LDAC — a notable limitation, as audio is transmitted without any enhanced compression format. The speaker is also a poor fit for those looking to build a multi-speaker stereo setup, since stereo pairing is not supported. At 1492.32 g and with a Bluetooth range capped at 10 m, it is equally unsuitable for users seeking a lightweight, easily portable unit or those who need reliable wireless coverage across larger indoor or outdoor spaces.

Design:

Ingress Protection (IP) rating IP67
volume 1997.6420950304 cm³
has a neodymium magnet
control panel placed on a device
water resistance Waterproof
travel bag is included
has a touch screen
has RGB lighting
has a detachable cable
is a neckband speaker
has a remote control
weight 1492.32 g
height 100.076 mm
width 231.14 mm
thickness 86.36 mm

The Bose SoundLink Plus carries an IP67 rating, classifying it as waterproof and giving it full protection against dust and temporary submersion. Its physical dimensions come in at 231.14 mm wide, 100.076 mm tall, and 86.36 mm thick, with a volume of approximately 1997.64 cm³ and a weight of 1492.32 g, placing it firmly in the heavier end of the portable speaker range. Controls are built directly onto the device, while features such as a touch screen, RGB lighting, remote control, detachable cable, and a travel bag are all absent from this model.

Sound quality:

has stereo speakers
has a subwoofer
Has a passive radiator
has a noise-canceling microphone
has a magnetic shielding

In terms of sound quality features, the Bose SoundLink Plus does not include stereo speakers or a subwoofer, and there is no passive radiator present in its design. The unit also lacks a noise-canceling microphone and does not feature magnetic shielding.

Power:

Battery life 20 hours
charge time 5 hours
has a battery level indicator
has a rechargeable battery
has a removable battery
has wireless charging

The Bose SoundLink Plus is equipped with a built-in rechargeable battery offering a rated battery life of 20 hours, with a full charge taking approximately 5 hours via wired connection. A battery level indicator is included to keep users informed of remaining charge. The battery is not removable, and the speaker does not support wireless charging.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth version 5.4
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
has an AUX input
has aptX Lossless
has LDAC
has aptX Adaptive
has aptX HD
has aptX
has aptX Low Latency
has AAC
has AirPlay
has Chromecast built-in
has Auracast
has Bluetooth LE Audio
maximum Bluetooth range 10 m
supports Wi-Fi
USB ports 1
Has USB Type-C
has a 3.5mm male connector
has an external memory slot
is DLNA-certified
supports Ethernet
has a microphone input

The Bose SoundLink Plus connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.4, with a maximum range of 10 m, and includes a single USB Type-C port for wired connectivity. NFC pairing is not supported, and there is no 3.5 mm audio jack, AUX input, 3.5 mm male connector, or microphone input available. On the audio codec side, the speaker does not support aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, aptX Low Latency, AAC, or LDAC, and streaming protocols such as AirPlay, Chromecast, Auracast, and Bluetooth LE Audio are equally absent. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and DLNA certification are not featured, and there is no external memory slot on the device.

Features:

Can be used wirelessly
supports a remote smartphone
has fast pairing
has voice commands
Has a radio
Has voice prompts
has a mute function
works as a power bank
has a sleep timer

The Bose SoundLink Plus can be used wirelessly and supports smartphone remote control, allowing basic playback management from a paired device. It includes voice prompts for audio feedback and a sleep timer for scheduled playback shutoff. Fast pairing, voice commands, a mute function, and radio are not available, and the speaker cannot function as a power bank.

Miscellaneous:

supports pairing for stereo sound

The Bose SoundLink Plus does not support stereo pairing, meaning it cannot be paired with a second unit to create a two-speaker stereo configuration.

Final Verdict

The Bose SoundLink Plus is a portable speaker that makes a clear case for itself in rugged, outdoor-oriented use, anchored by its IP67 waterproof rating and a 20-hour battery life that keeps it running through extended sessions away from a power source. Its Bluetooth 5.4 connection, USB Type-C charging, and smartphone remote support round out a functional, if deliberately streamlined, feature set. Where it falls short — notably in codec support, stereo pairing, and Bluetooth range — reflects a product tuned for durability and endurance rather than audiophile performance or expansive wireless coverage. For users whose priority is a dependable, weather-resistant speaker built for active use, the SoundLink Plus delivers a focused and coherent package.

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