Short answer: the Bose SoundLink Max is a more refined rugged portable, but the Soundcore Boom 2 is the value play if you will use EQ. Bose is placed 17 of 120, against 10 of 120 for the Soundcore. The difference is as much about tuning and features as raw bass.
The SoundLink Max has IP67 protection, a sturdy handle, device charging from USB-C, long tested battery life, and app EQ. Its upper-bass peak, midrange dip, and distortion near maximum volume keep it from sounding truly even. The Boom 2 produces deep bass for its size and has lively radiator lighting, but its single midrange driver limits stereo effect and its bright stock treble benefits from a good EQ preset.
Buy the Bose SoundLink Max if you want the more durable, feature-complete portable speaker and prefer its app-based tuning options.
Buy the Soundcore Boom 2 if strong bass and value matter most and you are willing to apply an EQ preset.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose SoundLink Max | Soundcore Boom 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 | $99.99 |
| Ranked | #17 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #10 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Latency | 33ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz | 47Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 116ms | 125ms |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 tweeter) | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs (2.2 kg) | 3.7 lbs (1.68 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (PartyCast 2.0 up to 100 speakers) |
| 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) | 11.7” x 7.3” x 4” (297 x 185 x 102 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2.5” (63.5mm) midrange drivers + 1x 0.79” (20mm) tweeter | 120mm x 90mm woofer, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 105dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 80W |
| Lights | - | Yes |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Bose SoundLink Max & SoundCore Boom 2 - outdoor soundtest
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Bose SoundLink Max & SoundCore Boom 2 - indoor soundtest
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