Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II Review: Premium Sound, Mixed Verdict
Digging into user feedback across Amazon, Best Buy, Reddit, and expert reviews, the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) Bluetooth Speaker emerges as a polarizing product: technically impressive, but not without frustrations. With an average score hovering between 4.6 and 4.8 stars, it earns an 8.7/10 for those prioritizing premium sound and build quality — but that score drops sharply for buyers sensitive to connectivity quirks or price.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — worth buying if you value sound quality and portability over modern charging standards or flawless app performance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Deep, immersive 360° sound with strong bass | Uses outdated micro-USB charging port |
| Durable aluminum body with IP55 water/dust resistance | Bose Connect app frequently criticized for instability |
| Long battery life — often exceeding 15 hours | Premium price compared to similar competitors |
| Convenient fabric carry handle | Some users report Bluetooth dropouts |
| Stereo/Party mode pairing for multi-speaker setups | Microphone quality deemed poor for calls |
| Easy multi-device pairing | Inconsistent real-world battery performance reported |
| Stable Bluetooth range up to 30 ft | Limited advanced features for cost |
Claims vs Reality
Bose markets the SoundLink Revolve+ II as delivering “true 360° sound” with “up to 17 hours” of battery life. Digging deeper into user reports, the sound claim holds up well: Best Buy customer rocketman said, “It delivers deep, immersive 360° sound that fills the room evenly — no ‘sweet spot’ required.” Multiple reviews echo that placing it near a wall enhances room coverage, matching Bose’s marketing narrative.
Battery life, however, shows a gap between spec and field use. While some owners report exceeding 15 hours, BestViewsReviews found “27% reported unexpected drainage,” with one buyer stating, “My speaker’s battery life is only 5.5 hours, which is less than the advertised battery life.” A verified Amazon buyer noted that at 50-70% volume, they achieved 5-6 hours, far shorter than the claim.
Bose also touts “easy Bluetooth pairing” via voice prompts and app integration. While Consumer Reports praised the ease of pairing (“always in pairing mode when not connected”), Reddit user feedback paints a different picture: “Party mode takes multiple attempts... doing the exact same thing 7-8 times before successfully pairing.” This divide suggests the pairing experience depends heavily on device ecosystem and usage patterns.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across platforms, sound quality is the standout. Best Buy reviewer nikolas described it as “good, punchy lows while maintaining a crisp and clear high appearance... as though you’re standing in a room with 7.1 surround almost.” For outdoor entertainers, Quora’s Max Mutter noted it “easily filled a large apartment with sound, and could even drown out large groups of people talking.”
Portability is another strong point. The flexible handle is repeatedly highlighted in Amazon and Best Buy reviews. A Best Buy customer george v shared, “We used it for four hours the other day and it was at 90% battery! Highly recommended!” IP55 resistance also reassures beachgoers and poolside users, with multiple accounts of worry-free use in splash-prone environments.
Multi-speaker pairing in stereo or party mode gets consistent praise. Amazon reviewers describe linking two units for “a bigger soundstage” that rivals soundbars. One Trustpilot user said, “It actually gives my Bose Smart Soundbar 900 a run... only possible with two of these Revolve+ in stereo mode.”
Common Complaints
Charging via micro-USB is a recurring sore point. A verified buyer lamented, “Not having a USB-C on a premium product purchased in 2023 is a miss.” The Bose Connect app draws heavy criticism from Reddit: “The trashy app... immediate response is ‘oops, something went wrong’.” Pairing failures in Party Mode and intermittent Bluetooth dropouts frustrated owners who expected flawless premium performance.
Microphone quality for speakerphone use is widely panned. One Reddit user bluntly said, “The microphone in the Revolve Plus is so sh***y it is not even usable.” For those intending to use it for calls, this is a significant limitation.
Battery life inconsistency is another issue. While many achieve near-spec performance, others report 4-6 hours, especially at higher volumes. BestViewsReviews noted 27% of users experienced reduced runtimes.
Divisive Features
The premium price sparks debate. Reddit user commentary ranges from “You get what you pay for” to “Marshall Stockwell 2 makes the Revolve Plus sound like an overpriced piece of s***.” While many feel the craftsmanship and audio justify the cost, others point to better value options from Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen.
Volume is another point of split opinion. Experts like Quora’s Max Mutter give it a perfect 10/10 for loudness, but casual listeners may find it excessive for small spaces, preferring more compact models.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot patterns show strong durability in long-term use. One Amazon buyer used their first-gen Revolve+ daily for 5+ years before upgrading, noting it “still works” despite dents. Best Buy reviews often mention the robust aluminum body holding up to drops and knocks.
However, reliability in software support post-warranty is questioned. A Reddit user recounted manually forcing firmware updates to restore functionality, claiming Bose support offered “little help, and after warranty expires, no help at all.” This suggests the hardware lasts, but software maintenance can be a pain point.
Alternatives
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 is the most cited competitor. While heavier (4.5 lbs) and with shorter battery life (4.5 hours), it’s praised for loudness and sound quality at a lower street price. Marshall’s Stockwell 2 is also mentioned by Reddit users as offering better value, though not matching Bose’s 360° soundstage.
Quora’s Max Mutter frames it clearly: “If you want the best possible sound quality at the loudest possible volume, the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ is clearly the best choice... if price is the main concern, Harman Kardon offers a compelling alternative.”
Price & Value
Current eBay listings for new units hover around $239-$299, with refurbished models dropping to $175-$254. Community buying tips recommend waiting for sales: multiple Best Buy and Amazon reviewers reported saving $100 during Black Friday or Amazon Day.
Resale value remains relatively high, with pre-owned units often fetching over $150. This reflects both brand prestige and durable build quality.
FAQ
Q: Does the SoundLink Revolve+ II really last 17 hours on battery?
A: In ideal conditions at moderate volume, yes — many report 15-17 hours. However, high-volume use or bass-heavy content can cut runtime to 4-6 hours for some users.
Q: Can I use it for calls?
A: Yes, it has a built-in microphone, but many users find call quality poor. For frequent speakerphone use, consider alternatives.
Q: Is the Bose Connect app necessary?
A: Not for basic playback — but it’s required for Party Mode and stereo pairing. Some users bypass it due to instability.
Q: Can it survive rain?
A: With IP55 resistance, it handles splashes and light rain, but should not be submerged.
Q: Does it support USB-C charging?
A: No, it uses micro-USB, which many buyers consider outdated for a premium product.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re an audiophile seeking immersive 360° sound with premium build quality, and you value portability with weather resistance. Avoid if you require flawless app integration, crystal-clear call quality, or modern USB-C charging. As one seasoned Amazon reviewer advised: “Wait for a sale — you’ll get every penny’s worth over 5+ years of use.”
