Short answer: the Bose SoundLink Max for better sound quality, the Teufel Rockster Cross for the lower price. The Bose SoundLink Max ranks #17 of 77 large speakers at $309.99. The Teufel Rockster Cross ranks #21 at $199.99, $110 cheaper.
The case for the Bose SoundLink Max: IP67 rated - dustproof and waterproof to 1m. Up to 20 hour battery; real-world testing found 43+ hours. Watch for: Big peak in the upper bass, dipped midrange and lots of peaks and dips above the midrange.
What the Teufel Rockster Cross gets right: Pretty neutral frequency response. More vocal/midrange-focused than the JBL Xtreme 4, thanks to a larger mid/bass driver - better suited to rock and jazz. The catch: Outdoor mode can sound somewhat harsh due to the 4khz peak. Not as deep or full-sounding in the bass as the JBL Xtreme 4.
Buy the Bose SoundLink Max if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Teufel Rockster Cross if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose SoundLink Max | Teufel Rockster Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $309.99 | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #17 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #21 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz | 51Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 116ms | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | DC barrel jack |
| Stereo | Partially (1 tweeter) | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs / 2.2 kg | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, aptX |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| 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) | 15" x 6.3" x 5.1" (380 x 160 x 130 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2.5" (63.5mm) midrange drivers + 1x 0.79" (20mm) tweeter | 5" woofer, 2x textile dome tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer | 30W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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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 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 26 comparisons
Teufel Rockster Cross: $199.99 Amazon
Pros: Pretty neutral frequency response. More vocal/midrange-focused than the JBL Xtreme 4, thanks to a larger mid/bass driver - better suited to rock and jazz. Nicer upper-bass detail than the JBL Xtreme 4. Punchy, well-controlled bass that suits rock music, unlike the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus’s overboosted, uncontrolled bass even at stock tuning. Clear, detailed audio with good vocal presence and solid Bluetooth codec support even a couple years after release.
Cons: Outdoor mode can sound somewhat harsh due to the 4khz peak. Not as deep or full-sounding in the bass as the JBL Xtreme 4.
Full Teufel Rockster Cross review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 15" x 6.3" x 5.1" (380 x 160 x 130 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" woofer, 2x textile dome tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 30W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | DC barrel jack |
| Stereo | Partially |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Teufel Rockster Cross vs Soundcore Rave Neo 2
- Teufel Rockster Cross vs Bose SoundLink Plus
- Teufel Rockster Cross vs Soundcore Motion X600
- Teufel Rockster Cross vs JBL Xtreme 3
- Teufel Rockster Cross vs Soundcore Motion X500
- Teufel Rockster Cross vs Sonos Move 2
- Teufel Rockster Cross vs B&O Beoplay A2 active
- Teufel Rockster Cross vs Soundcore Select Pro
- See all 22 comparisons