Bose SoundLink Flex Review: The Best Size-to-Sound Travel Speaker
Part of The Remote Work Travel Guide: Set Up an Office Anywhere
What we liked
- Great sound for its size and weight
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof
- A recognizable brand that looks good in any room
What we didn't
- No lights or extras
- Premium price at full retail
- Bluetooth only, no Wi-Fi
Quick take
I really like the Bose SoundLink Flex. For its size and weight, it’s the best balance I’ve found: anything smaller doesn’t sound as good, and anything bigger isn’t worth carrying.
Where to buy: Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker on the official site (typically about $90 to $150 depending on sales).
My take
For size, weight and use, I really like this one, and it looks nice. It’s hard to find some of the other colors, so I went with blue. Anything smaller doesn’t sound as good, and anything bigger isn’t worth the weight. You’d be surprised: some speakers are smaller but actually heavier. There may be lesser-known brands some people say are better, but Bose is always one of the top one or two choices in any category, and I like having recognizable brands around me. When you travel this much, having things you like looking at is one of those small touches that make a place feel like yours. And it isn’t much more expensive than its competitors.
What it is
A compact Bluetooth speaker rated IP67 for water and dust, with up to 12 hours of battery per charge and PositionIQ, which adjusts the sound to how the speaker is placed. Bose lists a Bluetooth range of about 30 feet.
Where it fits on the road
Rentals and hotel rooms feel temporary until something in them feels like yours. A good-looking speaker that sounds full turns a room into a place to cook, work and wind down, and it’s light enough that you never think twice about packing it.
“Anything smaller doesn’t sound as good. Anything bigger isn’t worth the weight.”
Reggie R.
How it compares
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i. Fun RGB lights and works as a battery bank, but about as heavy with less refined sound; see my Soundcore review.
- JBL Flip. Bigger and louder, heavier to carry.
- Bose SoundLink Micro. Smaller and lighter, thinner sound.
Making a rental feel like home
You can’t always decorate a place, but you can bring a few things that change the mood: a speaker, an RGB light, and a GaN charger so everything stays powered from one outlet.
Price and value
Expect to pay about $90 to $150 depending on sales, though prices on the official site move often, so check the current listing before buying. Excellent value for what it does: the travel speaker I actually carry. Get it on sale and it’s hard to beat.
How I scored it
The 4.5-out-of-5 score is led by my own recorded thoughts, checked against what buyers report across retailers, weighed on value, build quality and how well it fits a travel and remote-work life. Read the full method on the editorial policy page.
3 tips to get the most out of it
- Buy it on sale. It’s often well below full price.
- Pair two for stereo. Bose’s stereo and party modes work with other SoundLink speakers.
- Lay it flat or stand it up. PositionIQ adjusts the sound either way.
FAQ
Is it waterproof?
It’s rated IP67.
How long does the battery last?
Up to 12 hours per charge, per Bose.
Does it have Wi-Fi?
No, Bluetooth only.
Who it’s for (and who should skip it)
Good for travelers who want the best sound per ounce. Skip it if you want lights or a speaker that doubles as a battery bank. This is one piece of the Remote Work Travel Guide, which covers the full portable office setup.
Bottom line
The travel speaker I actually carry. Get it on sale and it’s hard to beat.
Our experience, in combination with what others say.
