Bose Portable Smart Speaker
- Sound: 360-degree sound
- Voice assistant: Amazon Alexa built in
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect
- Battery: up to 12 hours (Bose’s figure)
- Water resistance: IPX4 (splashes, not swimming)
- Weight: 2.3 lb (1.06 kg)
- Price: check current price
Quick verdict from our Bose Portable Smart Speaker review: the Bose Portable Smart Speaker is a Wi-Fi smart speaker you can carry. It has 360-degree sound, Alexa and a handle, so you can move it from the kitchen to the patio. It’s well made and sounds good, but it’s an older model from 2019, so compare it with newer portable smart speakers before paying close to full price.
How we put this review together: written by Md. Enamul Arafath for Top Smart Gear, using the maker’s specifications, Bose’s official Portable Smart Speaker support pages, independent expert reviews and verified owner feedback. This is a research-based review, not a hands-on test. Read how we review.
Bose Portable Smart Speaker review: pros and cons
What’s good
- ✅ Full 360-degree sound that works anywhere in a room
- ✅ Works on Wi-Fi at home and on Bluetooth away from it
- ✅ Alexa, AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect built in
- ✅ Sturdy build with a carry handle
What could be better
- ❌ Expensive for a portable speaker
- ❌ Only IPX4, so keep it away from pools and rain
- ❌ No wired audio input; the charging cradle is sold separately
- ❌ Older model; the voice assistant only works on Wi-Fi
Who Should Buy This
This speaker suits people who want one smart speaker that moves around the house and garden: music in the kitchen in the morning, on the patio in the evening. It’s also a good fit if you already own other Bose smart speakers and want to group them in the Bose app.
Skip it if you mainly want a rugged speaker for the beach or hiking. A smaller waterproof speaker like the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) is tougher and much cheaper. If you only need a smart speaker that stays in one room, a plug-in speaker gives you more sound for the money.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Bose
- Model: Bose Portable Smart Speaker
- Size: 7.56 x 4.69 x 4.09 inches
- Weight: 2.3 lb (1.06 kg)
- Colors: Triple Black, Luxe Silver
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect
- Battery: up to 12 hours; charges over USB-C
- Water resistance: IPX4
What to Expect Day to Day
Setup
You set it up in the Bose app and connect it to Wi-Fi. At home it streams over Wi-Fi with Alexa available; away from Wi-Fi, you pair it with your phone over Bluetooth like a regular portable speaker.
Sound
Expert reviewers and owners praise its full, balanced sound and strong bass for its size. Because it plays in 360 degrees, it sounds similar wherever you sit, which suits a patio table or the middle of a room.
Battery and durability
Bose rates the battery at up to 12 hours; real use at high volume will be less. The IPX4 rating means it handles splashes, but it shouldn’t be left in the rain or near a pool.
How It Compares
| Feature | Bose Portable Smart Speaker | Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) | Sonos Move 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi smart speaker | Yes | No (Bluetooth only) | Yes |
| Voice assistant | Alexa | Uses your phone’s assistant | Alexa, Sonos Voice Control |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP67 | IP56 |
| Best for | Moving between house and patio | Outdoors and travel | Big sound indoors and out |
What Owners Say
Most praised
- Rich, clear sound with strong bass for the size.
- Handy Alexa control at home.
- Premium, easy-to-carry design.
Common complaints
- Occasional connection problems when switching between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Battery life shorter than hoped at high volume.
- High price for an older model.
Is It Worth the Price?
Prices for this speaker vary a lot between sellers, and it’s an older model, so check the current price and seller before you buy. It’s good value on sale, especially around Black Friday. At full price, compare it with newer portable smart speakers first.
Final Verdict
The Bose Portable Smart Speaker is a good pick if you want one Alexa speaker that moves around your home and garden, and you find it at a good price. For a newer portable smart speaker, compare the Sonos Move 2, or see our best smart speakers under $100.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Bose Portable Smart Speaker work without Wi-Fi?
Yes, as a Bluetooth speaker. Alexa and Wi-Fi streaming need a Wi-Fi connection.
Is the Bose Portable Smart Speaker waterproof?
No. It is rated IPX4, so it handles splashes but should be kept out of rain and away from pools.
How long does the battery last?
Bose rates it at up to 12 hours. On battery and away from use, it drops into a low-power standby mode after 20 minutes.
How do I reset the Bose Portable Smart Speaker?
Hold Play/Pause for 10 seconds to restart it, or hold Bluetooth and Volume up for 10 seconds to factory reset it. See our full reset guide.
