Short answer: the Bose SoundLink Plus. It ranks #25 of 97 large speakers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5) at $179 and is still sold new; the Soundcore Trance ranks #92 (rated 2.1/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Bose SoundLink Plus is the better-sounding, lighter option. IP67 rated, IP67 water/dustproof. At 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) it weighs much less than the Soundcore Trance at 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg). Watch for: Boosted thuddy bass, but not as deep as the SoundLink Flex and you should probably just buy one of those instead if you want a Bose.
What the Soundcore Trance does well: 80W power with up to 105dB output and BassUp technology. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Bose SoundLink Plus lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Bose SoundLink Plus lacks. The tradeoff: Hugely recessed midrange and treble.
Buy the Bose SoundLink Plus. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Soundcore Trance is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose SoundLink Plus | Soundcore Trance | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.00 | 49 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #25 of 97 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #92 of 97 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power cord |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 9.1” x 3.9” x 3.4” (231 x 99 x 86 mm) | 7” x 7” x 13.3” (179 x 177 x 339 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2.5” (63.5mm) woofer + 1x ~0.78” (20mm) tweeter + 4x passive radiators | 1x 133mm woofer, 1x 51mm tweeter |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 63Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 97dB (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 Plus: $179.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: IP67 rated, IP67 water/dustproof. Close to 20 hour battery life. Vibrant sound with booming bass, clean mids. Bluetooth 5.4 with good range. Premium tactile grille, smooth silicone. Quality build at $179.
Cons: Boosted thuddy bass, but not as deep as the SoundLink Flex and you should probably just buy one of those instead if you want a Bose.
Full Bose SoundLink Plus review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.1” x 3.9” x 3.4” (231 x 99 x 86 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2.5” (63.5mm) woofer + 1x ~0.78” (20mm) tweeter + 4x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) |
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Soundcore Trance: 49 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Soundcore Rave Party 2, rated 3.1/5 (also discontinued).
Pros: 80W power with up to 105dB output and BassUp technology. 18 hours claimed battery life. IPX7 waterproof rating with custom beat-driven LED lighting. Built-in USB power bank to charge mobile devices. Soundcore app provides customizable EQ and Party Mode linking. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Hugely recessed midrange and treble. Discontinued retail variant; superseded by Soundcore Rave Neo 2 and Rave Party 2.
Full Soundcore Trance review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 80W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7” x 7” x 13.3” (179 x 177 x 339 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 133mm woofer, 1x 51mm tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | 97dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons