Bose Portable Smart Speaker vs Revolve Plus 2: Which Reigns?
Looking for a premium portable speaker to soundtrack your life? You’ve likely stumbled upon the Bose Portable Smart Speaker and the Revolve Plus II. Both promise exceptional audio quality and portability, but which one truly delivers the best listening experience for your needs?
This comparison dives deep into the features, performance, and overall value of the Bose Portable Smart Speaker against the Revolve Plus II. We’ll explore their strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide which Bose speaker is the perfect companion for your adventures.
From smart features to battery life and, of course, sound quality, we’ll break down everything you need to know. Get ready to discover which Bose speaker emerges as the ultimate winner in this head-to-head battle!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | bose portable smart speaker | revolve plus 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1.43 lbs | 2 lbs |
| Dimensions | 7.5″ H x 4.7″ W x 4.7″ D | 7.4″ H x 3.3″ W x 3.3″ D |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | No |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant | Siri (via Bluetooth) |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IP55 |
| 360-Degree Sound | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Room Capability | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours | Up to 17 hours |
| Charging | USB-C | Micro-USB |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Auxiliary Input | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Sound Quality
- Bose Portable Smart Speaker: Offers 360-degree sound with deep bass and clear vocals, thanks to its acoustic design. It excels in delivering a balanced sound profile suitable for various music genres. Some users might find the bass slightly overpowering at higher volumes.
- Revolve Plus 2: Provides immersive 360-degree audio with a focus on balanced sound and strong bass. Delivers clear highs and mids, creating a pleasant listening experience. Some might find its sound stage less wide compared to some competitors.
- Winner: Tie
Portability & Design
- Bose Portable Smart Speaker: Designed for portability with a built-in handle. Its cylindrical shape makes it easy to grab and move around. It’s relatively compact but might be slightly heavier than some smaller options.
- Revolve Plus 2: Features a sleek, cylindrical design with a convenient carrying handle. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it ideal for outdoor use. Its design is stylish and durable.
- Winner: Revolve Plus 2
Battery Life
- Bose Portable Smart Speaker: Offers up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge. This allows for extended listening sessions without needing to recharge frequently. Battery life can vary depending on volume and usage.
- Revolve Plus 2: Provides up to 17 hours of battery life, offering significantly longer listening time compared to the Portable Smart Speaker. This makes it suitable for all-day outdoor use.
- Winner: Revolve Plus 2
Smart Features
- Bose Portable Smart Speaker: Integrates with both Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling voice control and smart home integration. It supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for streaming. Offers a good range of smart features.
- Revolve Plus 2: Features built-in voice control with Alexa. It supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless streaming. Lacks Google Assistant support.
- Winner: Bose Portable Smart Speaker
Durability & Water Resistance
- Bose Portable Smart Speaker: IPX4 water-resistant, protecting it from splashes. This makes it suitable for use near pools or in light rain. Not fully waterproof.
- Revolve Plus 2: IP55-rated for dust and water resistance, providing better protection against the elements than the Portable Smart Speaker. Offers good protection against splashes and dust.
- Winner: Revolve Plus 2
Connectivity
- Bose Portable Smart Speaker: Supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for flexible streaming options. Offers easy pairing with multiple devices.
- Revolve Plus 2: Offers Bluetooth connectivity and Wi-Fi for streaming, including Apple AirPlay 2. Simple pairing process.
- Winner: Tie
Ease of Use
- Bose Portable Smart Speaker: User-friendly interface with intuitive controls. The Bose Music app simplifies setup and device management. The app is generally well-regarded.
- Revolve Plus 2: Simple and intuitive controls with a user-friendly app. Easy to set up and control. The app offers a good user experience.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Bose Portable Smart Speaker: Typically priced at a similar level to the Revolve Plus 2, making it a competitive option.
- Revolve Plus 2: Generally priced in a similar range to the Bose Portable Smart Speaker.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Value | Tie |
| Sound Quality | Tie |
| Portability | Tie |
| Smart Features | bose portable smart speaker |
| Battery Life | revolve plus 2 |
| Durability | revolve plus 2 |
What They Have in Common
- 360-Degree Sound: Both speakers are designed to project sound in all directions, providing a listening experience that fills the room.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both models offer Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to easily stream music from your smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
- Portability: Both are designed to be portable, with built-in batteries and relatively compact sizes, making them suitable for use both indoors and outdoors.
- Built-in Microphone: Both speakers include a built-in microphone for taking calls or using voice assistants.
- Auxiliary Input: Both have an auxiliary input, providing a wired connection for devices.
Bose Portable Smart Speaker Vs Revolve Plus 2 Buying Guide
Sound Quality
The sound quality is a critical factor when choosing between the Bose Portable Smart Speaker and the Revolve Plus 2. The Portable Smart Speaker offers a wider soundstage and better overall clarity, particularly at higher volumes. It excels in delivering a balanced audio experience, suitable for various music genres. The Revolve Plus 2, while still impressive, may sound slightly less crisp in direct comparison. Its strengths lie in its 360-degree sound projection, perfect for filling a room evenly.
Portability and Design
Both speakers prioritize portability, but their designs differ significantly. The Portable Smart Speaker is slightly heavier and more robust, built for durability and with a built-in handle for easy carrying. The Revolve Plus 2, known for its cylindrical shape, is more compact and visually appealing. Its fabric-wrapped design gives it a premium look and feel. Both speakers are water-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor use. Consider your aesthetic preferences and how you intend to use the speaker.
Smart Features and Connectivity
The Bose Portable Smart Speaker integrates seamlessly with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, offering robust smart home capabilities. You can control music playback, manage smart devices, and access information with voice commands. The Revolve Plus 2 also offers voice assistant support, though its integration might be less comprehensive than the Portable Smart Speaker’s. Both speakers support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, providing flexibility in how you stream your music. Consider which smart features are most important to you.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial consideration for portable speakers. The Bose Portable Smart Speaker offers a competitive battery life, allowing for extended listening sessions without needing to recharge. The Revolve Plus 2 provides a similar battery life, making both speakers suitable for outdoor gatherings and travel. Both speakers recharge via a USB-C port, a convenient and modern standard. Consider your typical usage and how long you need the speaker to last on a single charge.
Price and Value
The price point of both speakers is relatively similar, falling within the premium speaker category. Consider the features, sound quality, and overall experience offered by each speaker to determine which provides the best value. The Bose Portable Smart Speaker, with its wider soundstage and smart features, might justify its price for some users. The Revolve Plus 2, with its stylish design and 360-degree sound, may appeal to others. Compare the features, and read reviews to assess the value offered.
Ease of Use and Setup
Both speakers offer a relatively straightforward setup process. The Bose Portable Smart Speaker’s setup is managed through the Bose Music app, which also allows for customization and firmware updates. The Revolve Plus 2’s setup is equally user-friendly, with intuitive controls and easy Bluetooth pairing. Both speakers include clear instructions and helpful guides. Consider the overall ease of use and the availability of support resources when making your decision.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy bose portable smart speaker If…
- You want integrated Wi-Fi for direct streaming and smart home control.
- You prefer access to both Alexa and Google Assistant.
- You want a speaker that integrates seamlessly with other Bose smart speakers.
- You prioritize a modern USB-C charging port.
Buy revolve plus 2 If…
- You prioritize longer battery life.
- You value a slightly more rugged design with a higher IP rating.
- You do not need Wi-Fi connectivity.
- You are satisfied with Siri via Bluetooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference in sound quality?
The Bose Portable Smart Speaker generally offers a more refined and expansive soundstage, providing a slightly clearer and more detailed audio experience, especially at higher volumes. The Revolve Plus 2, while delivering excellent sound, focuses on 360-degree projection, which excels in filling a room evenly. The difference is subtle but noticeable.
Which speaker offers better voice assistant integration?
The Bose Portable Smart Speaker boasts slightly more comprehensive voice assistant support, particularly with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for advanced smart home control and a wider array of voice commands. The Revolve Plus 2 also supports voice assistants, although its integration might be a bit less feature-rich. Both are functional.
How do the battery lives compare?
Both the Bose Portable Smart Speaker and the Revolve Plus 2 offer similar battery lives, providing hours of playtime on a single charge. This makes both speakers suitable for outdoor use and extended listening sessions. Exact battery life depends on volume levels and usage, but both offer ample playing time.
Which speaker is more durable?
The Bose Portable Smart Speaker is generally considered slightly more robust, with a more rugged build and a built-in handle, making it potentially better suited for rougher handling and outdoor adventures. The Revolve Plus 2’s design is more premium, but might be slightly less resilient to bumps. Both are water-resistant.
What connectivity options are available?
Both speakers support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling you to stream music from various sources. The Wi-Fi allows for features like multi-room audio and voice assistant integration. Bluetooth provides easy pairing with your devices. The Bose Portable Smart Speaker might have slightly more advanced Wi-Fi features.
Which speaker is better for outdoor use?
Both speakers are suitable for outdoor use due to their water-resistant design. The Bose Portable Smart Speaker’s more robust build and handle might give it a slight edge for rugged outdoor environments. Both can withstand splashes and rain. Consider how rough the environment is.
What is the warranty like for each speaker?
Both Bose and Bose Revolve Plus 2 typically offer a standard limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. The duration and terms of the warranty are usually very similar. Check the specific warranty information provided by each manufacturer for details, including warranty coverage and exclusions.
Final Verdict
Both the Bose Portable Smart Speaker and the Revolve Plus 2 are excellent portable speakers, each with its strengths. The Bose Portable Smart Speaker edges out slightly due to its enhanced sound quality, wider soundstage, and comprehensive smart features. The Revolve Plus 2 remains a strong contender with its stylish design and 360-degree audio.
Winner: Bose Portable Smart Speaker