Short answer: the Bose SoundLink Max for better sound quality, the Soundcore Rave Neo 2 for the lower price. The Bose SoundLink Max ranks #17 of 77 large speakers at $309.99. The Soundcore Rave Neo 2 ranks #20 at $119.29, $190.70 cheaper.
On the Bose SoundLink Max side: IP67 rated - dustproof and waterproof to 1m. Set against that: Big peak in the upper bass, dipped midrange and lots of peaks and dips above the midrange.
The case for the Soundcore Rave Neo 2: A big improvement in sound quality over the original Rave Neo. The tradeoff: Slight treble rolloff.
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.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose SoundLink Max | Soundcore Rave Neo 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $309.99 | $119.29 |
| Ranked | #17 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #20 of 77 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 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 |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer | 80W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Max Volume | - | 107dB |
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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 Motion Boom
- Bose SoundLink Max vs Harman Kardon Citation 200
- Bose SoundLink Max vs Bose SoundLink Plus
- Bose SoundLink Max vs onn Portable FM Boombox
- See all 23 comparisons
Soundcore Rave Neo 2: $119.29 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: A big improvement in sound quality over the original Rave Neo. Use bass up at higher volumes, but turn it off for lower volumes.
Cons: Slight treble rolloff
Full Soundcore Rave Neo 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 |
| Max Volume | 107dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 80W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast 2.0 up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 7.9 lbs / 3.6 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Rave To The Max With The Soundcore Rave Neo 2! 👆
- 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
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Soundcore Rave Party 2 🎇 & Rave Neo 2 🎉 Head to Head Off The Floor. A Family Battle❗️
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: $350 Ultimate Ears EpicBoom gets Epic Beat-Down 😮by $120 Soundcore Rave Neo 2. Bluetooth Speaker KO🤛
- Reddit Search for Soundcore Rave Neo 2 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore Rave Neo 2 vs Soundcore Motion X600
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- Soundcore Rave Neo 2 vs Soundcore Motion X500
- Soundcore Rave Neo 2 vs B&O Beoplay A2 active
- Soundcore Rave Neo 2 vs Soundcore Select Pro
- Soundcore Rave Neo 2 vs Sonos Move 2
- Soundcore Rave Neo 2 vs Soundcore Motion Boom
- See all 20 comparisons