Short answer: the Bose SoundLink Max for better sound quality, the Mee audio PartySPKR for the lower price. The Bose SoundLink Max ranks #17 of 77 large speakers at $309.99. The Mee audio PartySPKR ranks #29 at $169.99, $140 cheaper.
The case for the Bose SoundLink Max: IP67 rated, up to 20 hours of rated battery (real-world testing found 43+ hours), deep and neutrally-tuned bass with an app EQ, a USB-C port that doubles as a device charger, and a sturdy carry handle. The catch: a big peak in the upper bass, a dipped midrange with peaks and dips above it, distortion above 80% volume, and it self-drains about 20% of its battery a week.
What the Mee audio PartySPKR gets right: 60W RMS stereo from dual tweeters, dual woofers and dual passive radiators, real bass delivery, three selectable audio modes, 8 LED light modes, Bluetooth 5.3 with Party Mode for 1000+ speakers, IPX6 resistance, and three input options. Set against that: bass that isn’t very deep, treble that may run slightly bright, and only 12 hours of battery - about the worst in its category.
Buy the Bose SoundLink Max if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Mee audio PartySPKR if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Bose SoundLink Max is rated for 20 hours versus 12 hours for the Mee audio PartySPKR.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose SoundLink Max | Mee audio PartySPKR | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $309.99 | $169.99 |
| Ranked | #17 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #29 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz | ~50Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX6 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 116ms | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 tweeter) | Yes |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs / 2.2 kg | 6.3 lbs / 2850 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | No | Yes (Bass Boost, Vocal Boost, Dynamic) |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Multi-Link) |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 10.4" x 4.7" x 4.1" (264.7 x 120.1 x 104.9 mm) | 7.5" x 6" x 14.5" (191 x 152 x 368 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2.5" (63.5mm) midrange drivers + 1x 0.79" (20mm) tweeter | 2x woofers, 2x tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer | 60W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Wifi | - | No |
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 |
| 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 Bose SoundLink Plus
- Bose SoundLink Max vs onn Portable FM Boombox
- Bose SoundLink Max vs Dockin D Fine+ 2
- Bose SoundLink Max vs JBL Xtreme 5
- Bose SoundLink Max vs Sony ULT Field 5
- Bose SoundLink Max vs Ultimate Ears Epicboom
- Bose SoundLink Max vs Tribit Xsound Mega
- Bose SoundLink Max vs Teufel Rockster
Mee audio PartySPKR: $169.99 Amazon
Pros: 60W RMS stereo sound with dual tweeters, dual woofers, dual passive radiators. Excellent sound quality with real bass delivery. Three audio modes (Dynamic, Bass Boost, Vocal Boost) for preference customization. 8 LED light modes including multicolor, Bluetooth 5.3, Party Mode connects 1000+ speakers. IPX6 weather-resistant, USB-A charging port, three audio inputs (Bluetooth/USB/aux).
Cons: Not very deep bass. Possibly slightly bright treble. Will need more sound samples to make a better determination. Only 12 hours of battery life which is about the worst in the category.
Full Mee audio PartySPKR review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~50Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5" x 6" x 14.5" (191 x 152 x 368 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x woofers, 2x tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (Bass Boost, Vocal Boost, Dynamic) |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Multi-Link) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 6.3 lbs / 2850 g |
| Wifi | No |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons