When it comes to buying a speaker, aesthetics can play a significant role in our purchasing decisions. Bose’s $219 SoundLink Home is a prime example of this phenomenon. From the moment it was first announced, this speaker stood out from the pack with its mid-modern style that bears little resemblance to most competitors.
A Unique Vibe
The SoundLink Home’s fabric housing wrapped in brushed aluminum gives off a vintage vibe that’s reminiscent of classic Bose designs. This attention to detail is not always evident in Bose’s products, so it’s refreshing to see them prioritizing design and materials in this speaker.
The Good
- Unique, stylish design: The SoundLink Home’s mid-modern style sets it apart from other speakers on the market.
- Good sound for its size: Despite being a small speaker, it produces clear and detailed audio with crisp vocals and warm acoustic instruments.
- USB-C audio input: This feature allows you to connect your laptop or other devices via USB-C while still using Bluetooth connectivity.
- Speakerphone functionality: You can make hands-free calls and interact with Siri or Google Assistant using the speaker’s multi-function button.
The Bad
- No water or dust resistance: The SoundLink Home is not designed for outdoor use and should be kept in a dry, safe environment.
- No EQ adjustments: Unlike other Bose speakers, there is no companion app to customize the sound settings, which may be a drawback for those who like to tweak their audio experience.
- Battery life is unimpressive: While it’s not terrible, the speaker’s battery life of up to 9 hours may leave you wanting more.
How We Rate and Review Products
At The Verge, we strive to provide comprehensive reviews that help our readers make informed purchasing decisions. When evaluating products like the SoundLink Home, we consider factors such as design, sound quality, features, and value for money.
Sound Quality
The SoundLink Home’s sound quality is impressive, considering its compact size. It produces clear and detailed audio with crisp vocals and warm acoustic instruments. However, it falls short in terms of bass response, which may not be a major concern for those who don’t prioritize deep bass sounds.
When compared to other Bose speakers like the SoundLink Flex and Max, the Home’s sound quality is quite similar. It outputs mixed-down mono audio, which may not be ideal for those who prefer stereo sound. However, this is a common practice in the portable speaker category, and Bose is pushing the boundaries with its price point.
Controls and Features
The controls on the SoundLink Home are straightforward and easy to use. The multi-function button handles playback controls and activates your phone’s voice assistant. You can also pair two units together to create a stereo pair, which enhances the sound quality.
One notable feature of the SoundLink Home is its USB-C audio input. This allows you to connect your laptop or other devices via USB-C while still using Bluetooth connectivity. However, keep in mind that calls and other Bluetooth activity will override the USB-C connection.
Battery Life
The battery life of the SoundLink Home is rated at up to 9 hours of playback. My tests have shown this number to be mostly accurate, but you can expect to lose a couple of hours if you’re listening at or above 70% volume. It takes around three to four hours to fully recharge the speaker over USB-C, which may seem like a long time considering the passable battery life.
Conclusion
The Bose SoundLink Home is a unique and stylish speaker that’s sure to turn heads. While it has its drawbacks, such as no water or dust resistance and limited EQ adjustments, its sound quality and features make up for these shortcomings. If you’re looking for a speaker that’s off the beaten path, I wouldn’t fault you for choosing this one.
Rating: 7/10
