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Bluetooth Speaker

True Score Methodology v1.0

Bose Soundlink Flex Review

Name: Bose Soundlink Flex
Brand: Bose

June 6, 2023

Feb 7, 2024 3:18 PM

BLOCK

Updated 2/7/2024 3:18 PM

True Score

77

Mixed Reviews

12

Experts

10.6k

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Consumer Favorite

Expert Rankings

(

12

)

Experts were amazed by the quality of the Bose SoundLink Flex, and they recommended it for music, podcasts, and outdoor use. They praised its low directivity index, dual-device Bluetooth 4.2 pairing, and portable design. However, they were disappointed that it lacks a graphic EQ and doesn’t support stereo.

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Product Snapshot

Overview

The Bose SoundLink Flex is a mid-range portable Bluetooth speaker released in 2021, promising a resilient, portable design for use on the go. It boasts an IP67-rated water-proof and dust-proof design. You can find similar products on our list of the best-ranked speakers today. This unit produces neutral, balanced sounds and supports dual-device Bluetooth pairing. Examine the details of the Bose SoundLink Flex below and see how it compares to the best Bluetooth speakers in the industry today.

Rankings (recommended in)

#
20/20
Test Meta Query

Consensus

our Verdict

Reviewers praised the Bose SoundLink Flex, recommending it for outdoor use, podcasts and music. Editors at Tech Hive loved its speakerphone functions and IP67-rated water-proof and dust-proof design. Analysts at PCMag hailed its portable 1.3-lb construction. Experiments revealed a 60.8Hz to 15.6 kHz frequency response range and near-neutral 0.22 slope, producing balanced sounds. This device has a good 87.5 dB maximum SPL and 3.02 dB DRC, showing some sound quality deterioration at the highest volume. Check out our Bose S1 Pro System review for a louder Bluetooth device. It has a 4.59 dB in directivity index, offering an average soundstage performance. The device has a tested 7.2 hr-battery life and excellent smartphone-based voice assistant functions. This product supports dual-device Bluetooth pairing, boasting a decent 109 ms Android Bluetooth latency and 236 ms iOS Bluetooth latency. However, it downmixes stereo to mono and lacks a graphic EQ. Check out the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore review for a graphic EQ.

Reason to Buy

Neutral sound profile
Pairs with two devices via Bluetooth 4.2
Good Android Bluetooth latency is good for movies
Excellent smartphone-based voice assistant performance
Waterproof and dustproof design

Reason to Avoid

So-so soundstage performance
Doesn’t have graphic EQ
No support for stereo

Bose Soundlink Flex Specs

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Product Comparison

	Bose Soundlink Flex Review
True Score	77	NR	NR	NR
Ranking	# 21 / 152	# /	# /	# /
Market Context	The Bose SoundLink Flex is a mid-range portable Bluetooth speaker released in 2021, promising a resilient, portable design for use on the go. It boasts… The Bose SoundLink Flex is a mid-range portable Bluetooth speaker released in 2021, promising a resilient, portable design for use on the go. It boasts an IP67-rated water-proof and dust-proof design. You can find similar products on our list of the best-ranked speakers today. This unit produces neutral, balanced sounds and supports dual-device Bluetooth pairing. Examine the details of the Bose SoundLink Flex below and see how it compares to the best Bluetooth speakers in the industry today.	The Bose SoundLink Flex has an 87.5 dB maximum SPL, getting louder than the Bose SoundLink Micro, which has a top 78.6 dB SPL. Featuring… The Bose SoundLink Flex has an 87.5 dB maximum SPL, getting louder than the Bose SoundLink Micro, which has a top 78.6 dB SPL. Featuring a 0.22 frequency response slope, the SoundLink Flex offers more balanced sounds than the SoundLink Micro, which has a -0.63 slope. However, the 0.7-lb Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker is more portable than the 1.3-lb SoundLink Flex. Browse our Bose SoundLink Micro review to analyze the Micro.	Unlike the Wi-Fi-enabled Sonos Roam, the Bose SoundLink Flex portable speaker connects via Bluetooth. The Sonos has built-in Alexa and Google Assistant, providing better voice… Unlike the Wi-Fi-enabled Sonos Roam, the Bose SoundLink Flex portable speaker connects via Bluetooth. The Sonos has built-in Alexa and Google Assistant, providing better voice assistant performance than the SoundLink Flex, which relies on a smartphone. The Flex has a better 7.2-hour battery life than the 5.1-hour battery life of the Roam.	Featuring a 0.22 frequency response slope, the Bose SoundLink Flex produces slightly better-balanced sounds than the JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth portable speaker with its -0.31… Featuring a 0.22 frequency response slope, the Bose SoundLink Flex produces slightly better-balanced sounds than the JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth portable speaker with its -0.31 slope. It also supports voice assistants via a smartphone, unlike the Flip 5. However, the Flip 5 has a better 3.29 dB directivity index, providing a wider soundstage than the 4.59 dB directivity index of the SoundLink Flex.
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Score Card

E

Expert Score

73

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

88

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

77

Any product with a True Score above 80 is a Absolutely Fresh

Expert Score Breakdown

Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight

F
Higher Category Trust Scores have greater weight on the overall Expert Score & final True Score
Category Trust Score
65
The Bose SoundLink Flex is decent for outdoor use. This small, lightweight speaker offers a… read more
By:
?
Higher Category Trust Scores have greater weight on the overall Expert Score & final True Score
Category Trust Score
95
The Bose SoundLink Flex is one of the best quality portable rugged Bluetooth speakers we’ve… read more
By:
?
Higher Category Trust Scores have greater weight on the overall Expert Score & final True Score
Category Trust Score
80
The outdoor-friendly Bose SoundLink Flex speaker produces powerful wireless audio and can easily withstand the… read more
By:
?
Higher Category Trust Scores have greater weight on the overall Expert Score & final True Score
Category Trust Score
63
For the most part, the Soundlink Flex keeps its promises. The speaker does indeed deliver… read more
By:
?
Higher Category Trust Scores have greater weight on the overall Expert Score & final True Score
Category Trust Score
NR
Some brands are better than others. In terms of audio products, Bose stands on top…. read more
By: