Comparison of the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) and Its Competitors

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4/4/20253 min read

black blue and yellow textile
black blue and yellow textile

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) is often recognized for its 360-degree sound output, premium build quality, and deep bass performance. However, the market is filled with competitors offering similar or even better features at different price points. In this comparison, we’ll take an in-depth look at five alternatives to the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II), analyzing their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

1. JBL Xtreme 3

Price: ~$349.95

Battery Life: Up to 15 hours

Waterproof Rating: IP67 (Waterproof & Dustproof)

Weight: 4.3 lbs

Ports: USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm AUX

Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1

Pros:

✔ Loud and Powerful Sound – The JBL Xtreme 3 delivers rich and punchy bass, making it perfect for outdoor parties and gatherings.

✔ IP67 Waterproof & Dustproof – Unlike the Bose SoundLink Revolve+, this speaker is fully waterproof and dustproof, meaning it can withstand complete submersion in water.

✔ Long Battery Life – With up to 15 hours of playback, it lasts longer than the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (17 hours vs. 15 hours).

✔ Built-in Power Bank – The USB-A port allows you to charge your phone or other devices.

✔ Durable and Rugged – The speaker is built for outdoor adventures, featuring a tough rubberized design.

Cons:

✖ Bulky and Heavy – Weighing 4.3 lbs, it is significantly heavier than the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (2 lbs).

✖ No 360-Degree Sound – Unlike the Bose Revolve+, the JBL Xtreme 3 does not have a 360-degree audio experience, which may reduce sound dispersion in open spaces.

2. Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3

Price: ~$199.99

Battery Life: Up to 20 hours

Waterproof Rating: IP67 (Waterproof & Dustproof)

Weight: 2.9 lbs

Ports: Micro-USB charging

Connectivity: Bluetooth

Pros:

✔ Loud and Balanced Sound – Powerful bass and clear mids and highs, making it an excellent speaker for outdoor events.

✔ IP67 Water & Dust Resistance – Fully submersible in water, making it more durable than the Bose SoundLink Revolve+.

✔ Longer Battery Life – Offers 20 hours of battery life, 3 hours more than the Bose.

✔ Floating Capability – The MEGABOOM 3 floats on water, making it a great poolside or beach companion.

✔ One-Touch Playlist Feature – Customize playlists directly from Apple Music and Spotify with one-touch control.

Cons:

✖ No 360-Degree Sound – Unlike Bose SoundLink Revolve+, it doesn’t deliver evenly dispersed audio in all directions.

✖ Lacks Voice Assistant Support – The Bose speaker supports Alexa, while the MEGABOOM 3 doesn’t have built-in voice assistant features.

✖ Uses Outdated Micro-USB Port – Unlike competitors with USB-C charging, the MEGABOOM 3 still uses Micro-USB, which is slower.

3. Sonos Roam

Price: ~$179.99

Battery Life: Up to 10 hours

Waterproof Rating: IP67 (Waterproof & Dustproof)

Weight: 0.95 lbs

Ports: USB-C, Qi Wireless Charging

Connectivity: Bluetooth & Wi-Fi

Pros:

✔ Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Connectivity – Unlike Bose SoundLink Revolve+, the Sonos Roam supports Wi-Fi streaming, which allows for higher-quality audio and multi-room audio integration.

✔ Superior Smart Features – Includes built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, giving it true voice control capabilities.

✔ Extremely Portable – Weighing less than 1 lb, the Sonos Roam is much more compact than the Bose SoundLink Revolve+.

✔ Wireless Charging – Unlike Bose, Sonos Roam supports Qi wireless charging in addition to USB-C.

✔ Great for Indoor Use – The Auto TruePlay feature adjusts sound based on its surroundings, making it excellent for home use.

Cons:

✖ Lower Battery Life – Only 10 hours, compared to the Bose Revolve+’s 17 hours.

✖ Not as Loud – Due to its small size, it doesn’t have the deep bass and volume output of Bose.

✖ Expensive for Its Size – While it offers great smart features, the sound output isn’t as powerful as larger competitors in the same price range.

4. Marshall Emberton II

Price: ~$169.99

Battery Life: Up to 30 hours

Waterproof Rating: IP67 (Waterproof & Dustproof)

Weight: 1.54 lbs

Ports: USB-C

Connectivity: Bluetooth

Pros:

✔ Stylish Vintage Design – Marshall’s iconic amp-style design makes it stand out visually.

✔ Exceptional Battery Life – 30 hours, significantly longer than the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (17 hours).

✔ Balanced Audio Quality – Offers great clarity across lows, mids, and highs, though bass is not as powerful as JBL.

✔ IP67 Waterproof Rating – Fully waterproof and dustproof, making it more rugged than Bose.

✔ Compact & Lightweight – Weighing only 1.54 lbs, it’s more portable than Bose SoundLink Revolve+.

Cons:

✖ Lacks 360-Degree Audio – The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ offers better sound dispersion.

✖ No Smart Features – Lacks Alexa, Google Assistant, or any smart integrations.

5. Sony SRS-XB43

Price: ~$249.99

Battery Life: Up to 24 hours

Waterproof Rating: IP67 (Waterproof & Dustproof)

Weight: 6.5 lbs

Ports: USB-C, AUX, USB-A

Connectivity: Bluetooth, NFC

Pros:

✔ Extra Bass Technology – Sony’s Live Sound Mode provides a deep, punchy bass experience.

✔ Long Battery Life – 24 hours, compared to Bose’s 17 hours.

✔ IP67 Waterproof & Dustproof – Completely waterproof and dustproof for outdoor adventures.

✔ Party Mode with LED Lights – Features built-in LED lighting effects for an enhanced party atmosphere.

Cons:

✖ Heavy & Bulky – Weighing 6.5 lbs, it is significantly heavier than Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (2 lbs).

✖ No 360-Degree Audio – Unlike the Bose, it does not distribute sound evenly in all directions.

Final Verdict

If you want 360-degree audio and premium build quality, Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) remains a great choice.

If you need a louder and more rugged option, JBL Xtreme 3 is ideal.

Sonos Roam is perfect for smart home users with Wi-Fi and voice assistant integration.

Marshall Emberton II is best for style-conscious users with a long battery life.

Sony SRS-XB43 is a great choice for bass lovers.

Choose based on your priorities: sound, portability, smart features, or battery life!