The Bose SoundLink Home is positioned as a stylish Bluetooth speaker designed for indoor use. The reviewer notes that while the speaker is well-built and aesthetically pleasing, it has some potential unfulfilled. Constructed from a combination of materials including aluminium, nylon, plastic, silicone, and steel, the unit is described as weighty and rock solid. The design includes an integrated stand that can also function as a handle for portability. Controls, covering power, Bluetooth pairing, playback, and volume, are located on top and are simple to operate.
In terms of functionality, the speaker is praised for its good sound quality and ease of use. It supports stereo pairing when two units are purchased. When a phone is connected, a built-in microphone allows the user to speak through the speaker, and it can access the mobile device’s voice assistant. Operation is straightforward, requiring only a press.
However, the review highlights several limitations. Connectivity is restrictive, with no inputs available apart from USB-C. A major omission for a home speaker is the lack of Wi-Fi connectivity, which could have allowed for lossless audio. The speaker only streams in SBC and AAC Bluetooth formats. While it is possible to play audio from a source like a laptop via the USB-C input, the USB-C audio cable is not included and must be purchased separately. Furthermore, the speaker is not water resistant, and it does not support Party mode or Auracast.
Other points of concern include the lack of an accompanying app for sound customization, and the suggestion that the battery life could be longer. The high price point is mentioned as a factor that makes recommending the SoundLink Home difficult, particularly when competing models, such as the JBL Charge 6 or Charge 5 Wi-Fi, offer comparable sound quality at lower costs. Overall, the device is described as a solid effort with attractive features, but its current specifications suggest a missed opportunity for Bose in the home audio market.
Source: Trusted Reviews