Short answer: the Soundcore Rave Neo 2 for a cleaner response, the Bose SoundLink Max for IP67 ruggedness. The Rave Neo 2 is a big improvement in sound quality over the original Rave Neo, with only a slight treble rolloff as its main flaw. The Bose is IP67 rated to 1m, but a big upper-bass peak, a dipped midrange and peaks and dips above the midrange color its response.
Buy the Bose SoundLink Max if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Soundcore Rave Neo 2 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose SoundLink Max | Soundcore Rave Neo 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.00 | $119.29 |
| Ranked | #17 of 93 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #21 of 93 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz | 44Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 116ms | - |
| 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) | 7.9 lbs (3.6 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 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 10.4” x 4.7” x 4.1” (264.7 x 120.1 x 104.9 mm) | 7.8” x 6.1” x 11.8” (198 x 154 x 299 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2.5” (63.5mm) midrange drivers + 1x 0.79” (20mm) tweeter | 4” woofer, 2x 2” tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 107dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 80W |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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: $279.00 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 | Yes |
| 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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Soundcore Rave Neo 2: $119.29 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Older model: the Soundcore Rave Neo (ranked lower, rated 2.7/5).
Pros: Soundcore Rave Neo 2 uses 4” woofer, 2x 2” tweeters. Its 3.6 kg, claimed 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX7 protection, aux input, up to 107dB and limited-stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. BassUp helps at higher volumes but is best left off at lower volumes. Measured bass extension of 44Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 44Hz specification. Slight treble rolloff.
Full Soundcore Rave Neo 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 80W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.8” x 6.1” x 11.8” (198 x 154 x 299 mm) |
| Drivers | 4” woofer, 2x 2” tweeters |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | 107dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast 2.0 up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Rave To The Max With The Soundcore Rave Neo 2! 👆 More from alanrossreviews →
- Technoid: Soundcore Rave Neo 2 Review - Get the Grill & Pool Ready!!
- Flossy Carter: Soundcore Rave Neo 2 / Rave Party 2 - Affordable Party Speakers with RGB Lights More from FlossyCarter →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Soundcore Rave Party 2 🎇 & Rave Neo 2 🎉 Head to Head Off The Floor. A Family Battle❗️ More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: $350 Ultimate Ears EpicBoom gets Epic Beat-Down 😮by $120 Soundcore Rave Neo 2. Bluetooth Speaker KO🤛
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