Short answer: the Bose SoundLink Max for better sound quality, the Ultimate Ears Everboom for the lower price. The Bose SoundLink Max ranks #17 of 77 large speakers at $309.99. The Ultimate Ears Everboom ranks #32 at $149.99, $160 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. Set against that: Big peak in the upper bass, dipped midrange and lots of peaks and dips above the midrange.
On the Ultimate Ears Everboom side: This speaker may move around as we get better sound samples. Watch for: Has an upper bass boost and is tuned warm with rolled off treble. Not very deep bass.
Buy the Bose SoundLink Max if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Ultimate Ears Everboom if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose SoundLink Max | Ultimate Ears Everboom | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $309.99 | $149.99 |
| Ranked | #17 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #32 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 116ms | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 tweeter) | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs / 2.2 kg | 2.1 lbs / 949 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (PartyUp up to 50 speakers) |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 10.4" x 4.7" x 4.1" (264.7 x 120.1 x 104.9 mm) | 8.1" x 3.3" x 4.3" (205 x 85 x 110 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2.5" (63.5mm) midrange drivers + 1x 0.79" (20mm) tweeter | 2x 56.6mm x 56.2mm fullrange transducers + 2x passive radiators |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer | 14W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
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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 Teufel Rockster Cross
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Ultimate Ears Everboom: $149.99 Amazon
Pros: This speaker may move around as we get better sound samples
Cons: Has an upper bass boost and is tuned warm with rolled off treble. Not very deep bass.
Full Ultimate Ears Everboom review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.1" x 3.3" x 4.3" (205 x 85 x 110 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 56.6mm x 56.2mm fullrange transducers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Output Power | 14W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyUp up to 50 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs / 949 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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