Short answer: the Bose SoundLink Max for better sound quality, the LG Xboom Bounce for the lower price. The Bose SoundLink Max ranks #17 of 77 large speakers at $309.99. The LG Xboom Bounce ranks #30 at $119.99, $190 cheaper.
What the Bose SoundLink Max offers: 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.
On the LG Xboom Bounce side: Unique spherical design. Set against that: Bass extension not as deep as the top speakers.
Buy the Bose SoundLink Max if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the LG Xboom Bounce if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the LG Xboom Bounce is rated for 30 hours versus 20 hours for the Bose SoundLink Max.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose SoundLink Max | LG Xboom Bounce | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $309.99 | $119.99 |
| Ranked | #17 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #30 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 116ms | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 tweeter) | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs / 2.2 kg | 2.9 lbs / 1.32 kg |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Auracast) |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Dimensions | 10.4" x 4.7" x 4.1" (264.7 x 120.1 x 104.9 mm) | 10.3" x 3.7" x 3.9" (261.6 x 94 x 99.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2.5" (63.5mm) midrange drivers + 1x 0.79" (20mm) tweeter | 63mm woofer + dual dome tweeters (Peerless) |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer | 40W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Wifi | - | No |
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- Marshall Middleton vs Sony ULT Field 5
- Bose SoundLink Max vs Soundcore Rave Neo 2
- Harman Kardon Citation 200 vs Bose SoundLink Max
The Two Speakers In Full
Bose SoundLink Max: $309.99 Amazon
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.
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 |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 tweeter) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs / 2.2 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Bose SoundLink Max & SoundCore Boom 2 - indoor soundtest
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Bose SoundLink Max & SoundCore Boom 2 - outdoor soundtest
- Alan Ross Reviews: Bose Max, the worlds most overpriced speaker? its a shocker!
- 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 😧
- 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.
- Reddit Search for Bose SoundLink Max Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Bose SoundLink Max vs B&O Beoplay A2 active
- Bose SoundLink Max vs JBL Xtreme 3
- Bose SoundLink Max vs Soundcore Motion X600
- Bose SoundLink Max vs Soundcore Select Pro
- Bose SoundLink Max vs Soundcore Rave Neo 2
- Bose SoundLink Max vs Soundcore Motion Boom
- Bose SoundLink Max vs Harman Kardon Citation 200
- Bose SoundLink Max vs Bose SoundLink Plus
- See all 23 comparisons
LG Xboom Bounce: $119.99 Amazon
Pros: Unique spherical design. Up to 30 hours battery at 50% volume. IP67 + MIL-STD-810H military certification for impact/vibration/temperature. Multipoint pairing stays connected to two devices. LED lights add flair.
Cons: Bass extension not as deep as the top speakers. Overpriced. This may move around in the rankings as we get better sound samples
Full LG Xboom Bounce review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.3" x 3.7" x 3.9" (261.6 x 94 x 99.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 63mm woofer + dual dome tweeters (Peerless) |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs / 1.32 kg |
| Wifi | No |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- tech reviews daily: LG XBOOM Bounce Review – BASS, LIGHTS & VIBES! 🔊🎉
- Mike O’Brien: What Did LG Just Launch? (NEW will.i.am x LG xboom Speakers)
- 정민수 (언리얼엔진): LG XBOOM BOUNCE 40W vs BOGASING S9 PRO 50W TWS Sound Samples
- GYMCADDY: LG’s New xboom Speaker And Earbud Lineup Explained - Meet The Stage 301, Bounce, Grab And Buds!
- Reddit Search for LG Xboom Bounce Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- LG Xboom Bounce vs Marshall Middleton
- LG Xboom Bounce vs Ultimate Ears Everboom
- LG Xboom Bounce vs Marshall Middleton II
- LG Xboom Bounce vs Sonos Move
- LG Xboom Bounce vs Sonos Move 2
- LG Xboom Bounce vs Soundcore Motion X500
- LG Xboom Bounce vs Marshall Kilburn II
- LG Xboom Bounce vs JBL Xtreme 4
- See all 17 comparisons