Short answer: the JBL Pulse 5. It ranks #42 of 135 medium speakers by sound quality at $199.99; the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II ranks #45 and costs $249, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II gets right: Its true 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand around it, unlike most portable speakers. Set against that: the bass is overly boosted and warm sounding, the mids are boosted, the treble is rolled off, and it’s only rated IP55.
The case for the JBL Pulse 5: It has a cool light show, though it’s no longer synced to the music like the Pulse 2’s was. The catch: the bass isn’t quite as deep as others and the plastic scratches easily.
Buy the JBL Pulse 5. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II | JBL Pulse 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.00 | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #45 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #42 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Battery Life | 17 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP55 | IP67 |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Weight | 2 lbs / 0.91 kg | 3.3 lbs / 1500 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 3.2" x 6" x 3.2" (82 x 152 x 82 mm) | 4.2" x 8.4" x 5.2" (107 x 214 x 131 mm) |
| App | Bose Connect | Yes |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Drivers | 1x omnidirectional full-range transducer + 2x passive radiators (driver size undisclosed by Bose) | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~58Hz |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Frequency Response | - | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | - | 40W |
The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II: $249.00 Amazon
Pros: True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand around it, unlike most portable speakers.
Cons: Overly boosted bass, warm sounding. Boosted mids. Rolled off treble. Only IP55.
Full Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II review and specifications →
| App | Bose Connect |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 17 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.2" x 6" x 3.2" (82 x 152 x 82 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x omnidirectional full-range transducer + 2x passive radiators (driver size undisclosed by Bose) |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP55 |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 2 lbs / 0.91 kg |
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JBL Pulse 5: $199.99 Amazon
Pros: Cool light show, although not synced to the music like the Pulse 2.
Cons: Not quite as deep bass as others. Plastic scratches easily.
Full JBL Pulse 5 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.2" x 8.4" x 5.2" (107 x 214 x 131 mm) |
| Drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs / 1500 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons