Short answer: choose the Bose S1 Pro+ for a light, mixer-focused speaker for speech and small performance; choose a Soundboks 3 only when you need dramatically higher outdoor output and accept buying a discontinued model. The Soundboks has two 10-inch woofers, a claimed 126dB maximum SPL, IP65 protection, and a 40-hour battery claim, but it weighs 34 lbs (15.4 kg) and is no longer sold by Soundboks. The Soundboks 3 is discontinued; its replacement is the Soundboks 4.
The Soundboks 3 is the better outdoor volume machine. Its large drivers, horn-loaded compression tweeter, removable battery, IP65 rating, app EQ, two combo mic or instrument inputs, and TeamUp linking make it suitable for loud outdoor parties or informal performance. It is still a large carry, uses an external charging brick, is not as neutral or bass-deep as stronger Partybox options, and resale stock brings the usual battery-condition and support concerns.
The Bose is more practical where sound reinforcement needs control, not brute volume. At 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) it is far easier to carry, with multiple placement angles, Auto EQ, two combo inputs, per-channel tone and reverb, and optional wireless transmitters. It has no weather protection and full-range music can distort above roughly two-thirds volume, so it is not the right choice for the crowd size that justifies a Soundboks.
Buy the Bose S1 Pro+ for a compact, current portable PA with better built-in control for a presenter or musician.
Buy the Soundboks 3 for a used, weather-resistant high-output speaker when outdoor scale and long battery life outweigh size and discontinued-model risk.
Buy the Bose S1 Pro+. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Soundboks 3 is no longer sold new.
There is a real battery-life gap here: the Soundboks 3 is rated for 40 hours, the Bose S1 Pro+ only 11 hours.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the Soundboks 3 at IP65 (water jets) against the Bose S1 Pro+, which has no water resistance.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
Extremely compact and light with flexible placement options, and very loud for its size.
Amazon $699.00 eBay
Prices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose S1 Pro+ | Soundboks 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.00 | $699 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #6 of 16 in Battery-Powered PA Speakers | #12 of 16 in Battery-Powered PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | No |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz | 52Hz |
| Battery Life | 11 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Charging Time | 5 hours | - |
| Dimensions | 13.1” x 9.4” x 11” (332.7 x 238.8 x 279.4 mm) | 25.6” x 17” x 13” (650.2 x 431.8 x 330.2 mm) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | None | IP65 |
| Inputs | 2x XLR/6.3mm combo (mic/line/instrument), 6.3mm line, 3.5mm stereo, Bluetooth | 2x XLR/6.3mm combo (mic/instrument), 3.5mm stereo, Bluetooth |
| Microphone Input | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (TeamUp, up to 5 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Weight | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) | 34 lbs (15.4 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes (2x combo) |
| Drivers | 1x 6” (152mm) woofer + 3x 2.25” (57mm) tweeters | 2x 10” (254mm) woofers + 1x 1” (25mm) compression tweeter with horn |
| Maximum SPL | 109dB | 126dB |
| Amplifier Power | 150W | 216W (3x 72W) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Configuration | Battery-powered 2-way active PA | Battery-powered 3-way active PA |
| Cabinet Material | Polypropylene | Poplar plywood |
| Rigging | 35mm pole mount; multi-position cabinet | 35mm pole mount socket |
| DSP | 3-channel mixer with EQ, reverb and Auto EQ | App EQ |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 62Hz | - |
| Coverage | 120° H x 50° V | - |
| Removable Battery | - | Yes |
| SKAA | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Bose S1 Pro+ compares with other leading options: