Bose SoundLink Max
Score: 87/100
Marshall Kilburn III
Score: 83/100Rankings
The Bose SoundLink Max is a premium portable Bluetooth speaker delivering up to 20 hours of playback and powerful stereo sound with app-based EQ. Its large size and lack of a built-in microphone make it less convenient for ultra-portable or hands-free use. Ideal for parties and outdoor gatherings where volume and customization matter.
The Marshall Kilburn III is a premium portable Bluetooth speaker delivering 50 W of tri-amp power and up to 50 hours of playback, highlighted by its robust IP54 construction and analog controls. Its considerable weight of 2.8 kg and ambiguous power-bank functionality are notable trade-offs. Ideal for users seeking loud, long-lasting sound in a durable, amp-styled design.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
20 hours | 50 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 2,130 gbest | 2,800 g |
89 mm | 101.6 mmbest | |
— | 50 Wbest | |
9 m | 10 mbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 300 minutes | 180 minutesbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 20 hours | 50 hours |
Charging Time (minutes) | 300 minutes | 180 minutes |
Audio(1) | ||
Driver Size (mm) | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Range (m) | 9 m | 10 m |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 2130 g | 2800 g |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 120×265×105 mm mm | 273 × 150 × 169 mm mm |
IP Rating | IP67 | IP54 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
TechRadar praises the SoundLink Max for its punchy audio, premium materials and IP67 ruggedness, while noting its sizable footprint. RTINGS.com highlights the sturdy design, loud low-compression output and 15+ hour battery, but criticizes its average directivity, lack of voice assistant and missing room-correction.
Everyday users consistently applaud the speaker's room-filling, bass-heavy sound, durable construction and long battery life, especially appreciating the detachable handle and USB-C passthrough. Recurring complaints focus on its bulk, absence of a mic or voice assistant, and occasional Bluetooth dropouts at longer range.
Professional reviewers commend the Kilburn III for its tri-amp 50 W output, 360° stereophonic sound, long-lasting 50+ hour battery and rugged IP54 build, while noting its relatively heavy 2.8 kg chassis and the ambiguous claim of a built-in power bank as drawbacks.
Everyday users love the extended battery life, Marshall-styled sound and durable IP54 design, frequently mentioning the convenient analog controls and easy multipoint pairing, but they commonly criticize the speaker's heft and the lack of a reliable phone-charging USB output.
