These sit in different size classes, so this is not a straight ranking comparison. The Bose SoundLink Max ranks #17 of 82 large speakers by sound quality at $399; the Harman Kardon Luna ranks #24 of 144 medium speakers by sound quality at $290.99.
The case for the Bose SoundLink Max: IP67 rated - dustproof and waterproof to 1m. Watch for: Big peak in the upper bass, dipped midrange and lots of peaks and dips above the midrange.
Why pick the Harman Kardon Luna: Harman Kardon Luna uses 48mm x 90mm woofer, 20mm tweeter. The catch: Bass is limited by its 57Hz specification.
Buy the Bose SoundLink Max ($399) for a large speaker; the Harman Kardon Luna ($290.99) suits a medium speaker instead.
If battery life is a priority, the Bose SoundLink Max is rated for 20 hours versus 12 hours for the Harman Kardon Luna.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose SoundLink Max | Harman Kardon Luna | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 | $290.99 |
| Ranked | #17 of 82 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #24 of 144 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Latency | 33ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz | 57Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 116ms | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 tweeter) | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs (2.2 kg) | 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 10.4” x 4.7” x 4.1” (264.7 x 120.1 x 104.9 mm) | 8.3” x 3.1” x 3.1” (210 x 78 x 80 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2.5” (63.5mm) midrange drivers + 1x 0.79” (20mm) tweeter | 48mm x 90mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
| USB Playback | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 40W |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose SoundLink Max: $399.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: IP67 rated - dustproof and waterproof to 1m. Up to 20 hour battery; real-world testing found 43+ hours. Deep, rich bass with neutral tuning, app EQ. USB-C doubles as device charger. Sturdy carry handle. The aux input has lower latency (about 33ms) than most Bluetooth connections. Measured bass extension of 48Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Big peak in the upper bass, dipped midrange and lots of peaks and dips above the midrange. Bass not as deep as a Boom 2. Gets distorted above 80%. Self drains the battery about 20% a week.
Full Bose SoundLink Max review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 116ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.4” x 4.7” x 4.1” (264.7 x 120.1 x 104.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2.5” (63.5mm) midrange drivers + 1x 0.79” (20mm) tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 tweeter) |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs (2.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Bose SoundLink Max & SoundCore Boom 2 - indoor soundtest More from Oluv’Sone →
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Bose SoundLink Max & SoundCore Boom 2 - outdoor soundtest
- Alan Ross Reviews: Bose Max, the worlds most overpriced speaker? its a shocker! More from alanrossreviews →
- Oluv Patreon: Marshall Middleton II - first impressions
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Bose SoundLink Max vs. Ultimate Ears EpicBoom 🤑Big Bucks No Whammies? 💣 Let’s Find Out 😧 More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Bose SoundLink Max vs Tribit XSound Mega 😲 Can the Budget Priced Speaker Hang With the Big $ One?
- Scott’s Reviews: Bose SoundLink Max First Impressions, Unboxing, and Sound Test. More from ScottsReviews →
- Mateusz Cholewa: BOGASING S8 Pro Max 100W vs BOSE Soundlink MAX More from Mateusz Cholewa →
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Harman Kardon Luna: $290.99 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Harman Kardon Luna 2, rated 4.1/5.
Pros: Harman Kardon Luna uses 48mm x 90mm woofer, 20mm tweeter. Its 1.13 kg, claimed 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IP67 protection and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. The sound is fairly balanced apart from the boosted bass. Measured bass extension of 57Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 57Hz specification. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Boosted bass, and less detailed than higher-ranked speakers.
Full Harman Kardon Luna review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 40W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 57Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 3.1” x 3.1” (210 x 78 x 80 mm) |
| Drivers | 48mm x 90mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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