Bose SoundLink Revolve II : Key Features You Should Know

December 21, 2024

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Bose SoundLink Revolve II Bluetooth Speaker

The Bose SoundLink Revolve II is an exceptional portable Bluetooth speaker designed for those who demand high-quality sound, durability, and portability. Released in April 2021, this compact powerhouse delivers immersive sound in a sleek, modern design. Whether you’re at home, on a hike, or by the pool, the Revolve II promises a great listening experience with top-tier features. In this detailed review, we’ll explore everything from design to performance, so you can determine if the Bose SoundLink Revolve II is the right choice for you.

Quick Highlights

Price: $198.00
Battery Life: 9.5 hours
Water Resistance: IPx5 (waterproof)
Bluetooth Range: 221.5 ft (67.5 m)
Weight: 1.5 lbs (0.7 kg)
Release Date: April 8, 2021
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.1, Micro-USB charging

Release Date

The Smart Speaker was officially launched on April 8, 2021. This model is an upgrade to its predecessor, the SoundLink Revolve, and introduces improved sound quality, water resistance, and longer battery life.

Bose SoundLink Revolve II Unboxing

When you unbox you’ll find:

Bose SoundLink Revolve II Speaker
Micro-USB Charging Cable
Quick Start Guide

The speaker does not come with a wall charger, which is typical for many Bluetooth speakers today. The charging cable allows you to easily power up the speaker, while the quick start guide helps you get the most out of your new speaker in no time.

Quick Specs: Bose SoundLink Revolve II

Feature	Specification
Dimensions	3.3″D x 3.3″W x 6″H
Battery Life	9.5 hours
Charging Time	2.7 hours
Weight	0.55 kg
Waterproof Rating	IPx5 (waterproof)
Charging Port	Micro-USB

See Full Specifications

Design and Display: Bose SoundLink Revolve II

The Bose SoundLink Revolve II features a compact and sleek cylindrical design. With a height of 6 inches and a diameter of 3.3 inches, it fits comfortably in your hand or bag. Despite its small size, the speaker produces surprisingly powerful sound. The IPx5 rating ensures it is waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor use, though it is not designed to float in water.

The build quality is excellent, offering durability against dust, water splashes, and minor impacts. The metal grille provides a premium look, and the rubberized bottom ensures the speaker stays stable during use.

Bose SoundLink Revolve II Control

This Portable Speaker comes equipped with intuitive, easy-to-use physical controls, including:

Volume Up/Down
Track Next/Previous
Play/Pause Music
Answer/End Calls
Microphone On/Off

These controls are simple and effective, allowing you to manage your music without having to pull out your phone. Additionally, you can use it for hands-free calls thanks to its built-in speakerphone.

Differences between Sizes and Variants

This Smart Speaker is a part of the Bose SoundLink series, which also includes the larger SoundLink Revolve+ II. While both speakers offer impressive sound, the Revolve+ II provides more volume and bass due to its larger size and more powerful output. However, the SoundLink Revolve II is much more portable, weighing just 1.5 lbs, making it a great option for on-the-go use.

Available Colors

It is available in two elegant color options:

Triple Black
Lux Grey

These color choices cater to different tastes, ensuring you can pick a speaker that matches your style.

Features

Water Resistance (IPx5)

With IPx5 water resistance, This Bluetooth Speaker can handle water splashes and rain, making it perfect for poolside parties, beach trips, or outdoor adventures. Although it is not fully submersible, it’s ideal for everyday outdoor use.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Equipped with Bluetooth 4.1, the Revolve II offers a 221.5 ft Bluetooth range, allowing you to connect your devices from a long distance without worrying about signal dropouts. It also supports multi-device pairing, enabling you to switch between devices seamlessly.

Battery Life

With up to 9.5 hours of battery life, the Smart Speaker will keep the music going through a full day of activities. The 2.7-hour charging time ensures that you can quickly recharge and get back to enjoying your music.

Voice Assistant Integration

While the speaker does not have a built-in voice assistant like Alexa, it does support Google Assistant and Siri when paired with your smartphone, allowing you to control your music or answer calls hands-free.

Price and Availability

This Bluetooth Speaker is priced at $198.00, which positions it as a premium portable speaker. Available through major online retailers like Amazon and the Bose website, this speaker is a great option for those seeking high-quality audio and portability.

Comparison: Bose SoundLink Revolve II vs. JBL Charge 5

The Bose SoundLink Revolve II and JBL Charge 5 are premium portable Bluetooth speakers with different strengths. Priced at $198, the Bose SoundLink Revolve II offers immersive 360-degree sound and a compact, 1.5 lb cylindrical design. It has IPx5 water resistance and 9.5 hours of battery life. In comparison, the JBL Charge 5 offers up to 20 hours of playtime, making it ideal for longer outings.

The Charge 5 is bulkier but delivers stronger bass, louder volume, and IP67 water and dust resistance. This allows it to be fully submerged, unlike the Bose model. Both speakers support Bluetooth, but the Bose model excels in portability and immersive sound. For better battery life, durability, and bass, the JBL Charge 5 is a stronger choice.

Key Features Comparison:Bose SoundLink Revolve II vs. JBL Charge 5

Bose SoundLink Revolve II: 9.5 hours battery, 360-degree sound, IPx5 wateroof, Bluetooth 4.1, and compact size (1.5 lbs).
JBL Charge 5: 20 hours battery, bass-heavy sound, IP67 waterproof and dustproof (can be submerged), Bluetooth 5.1, larger design (2.1 lbs).

See Comprehensive Comparison

Bose SoundLink Revolve II vs. JBL Charge 5

Design and Portability

The SoundLink Revolve II is a compact, cylindrical speaker that stands out for its 360-degree sound and sleek design. Weighing just 1.5 lbs, it’s highly portable and perfect for those on the go. On the other hand, the JBL Charge 5 is larger and heavier, tipping the scales at 2.1 lbs, but it offers a more robust, rugged build. While the Charge 5 may be slightly bulkier, its IP67 rating means it’s fully waterproof and dustproof, able to withstand full submersion in water, unlike the Bose SoundLink Revolve II, which has a IPx5 rating (water-resistant but not fully submersible).

Battery Life and Charging

One of the significant differences between these two models is their battery performance. The Bose SoundLink Revolve II provides 9.5 hours of continuous play, which is sufficient for most outdoor activities. However, the JBL Charge 5 offers a much longer 20-hour battery life, making it a more reliable choice for extended use without frequent recharging. The Charge 5 also includes a USB-C charging port, which enables faster charging, while the Bose Revolve II uses a Micro-USB port, which can be slower to charge.

Sound Quality

In terms of audio performance, the Bose SoundLink Revolve II delivers exceptional 360-degree sound that ensures an immersive listening experience from any angle. Its sound is crisp and clear, especially in mid and high ranges. While the JBL Charge 5 also produces powerful sound with a bass-heavy profile, it doesn’t match the 360-degree soundstage of the Bose. The Charge 5’s audio is louder and more suitable for larger spaces or outdoor settings where volume is a priority.

Durability and Use Cases

Both speakers are built for durability, but the JBL Charge 5 excels in extreme conditions. The Charge 5 has an IP67 rating, making it resistant to both water and dust. This makes it perfect for outdoor adventures or beach trips. The Bose SoundLink Revolve II has an IPx5 rating, protecting it from water splashes. However, it can’t be fully submerged, limiting its use in pools or lakes.

Connectivity and Extra Features

Both speakers offer solid Bluetooth connectivity, but the Bose SoundLink Revolve II features Bluetooth 4.1, while the JBL Charge 5 uses Bluetooth 5.1, providing slightly better range and stability in wireless connections. Additionally, while neither speaker has built-in voice assistants, both support integration with Google Assistant and Siri when paired with your phone. The JBL Charge 5 also doubles as a power bank, allowing you to charge your devices on the go, a feature that the Bose model lacks.

Which One is Better?

If you prioritize portability, 360-degree sound, and superior audio quality, the Bose SoundLink Revolve II is the better choice. It’s perfect for those who need a compact, high-quality speaker for everyday use or smaller gatherings. However, if you need a rugged, long-lasting speaker with better battery life and extra durability for outdoor adventures, the JBL Charge 5 would be the better option. Both are excellent speakers, but your choice depends on whether you value portability and sound quality or battery life and ruggedness.

See Full Comparison

Pros and Cons: Bose SoundLink Revolve II

Pros

360-degree sound for a fully immersive experience
IPx5 water resistance for outdoor use
Long battery life of up to 9.5 hours
Compact, portable design weighing just 1.5 lbs
Excellent sound quality for its size
Easy-to-use physical controls for music and calls

Cons

Battery life is shorter than some competitors (e.g., JBL Charge 5 offers 20 hours)
Does not float in water, unlike some other waterproof speakers
No built-in voice assistant (requires smartphone integration)

Should You Buy the Bose SoundLink Revolve II?

If you’re in the market for a portable Bluetooth speaker with superb sound quality, water resistance, and compact design, the Smart Speaker is a fantastic option. It’s ideal for outdoor activities, casual gatherings, and anyone who values both portability and performance.

However, if extended battery life is crucial for your use, you may want to consider other models like the JBL Charge 5.

Conclusion

The Bose SoundLink Revolve II Bluetooth Speaker offers an incredible audio experience in a small, durable package. With 360-degree sound, IPx5 water resistance, and long-lasting battery life, it’s a top contender in the portable speaker market.While it’s not the longest-lasting in terms of battery, it compensates with exceptional sound quality, making it a perfect companion for outdoor adventures and everyday listening.