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Bose SoundLink Color Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£120
  • Avg. price in US: ~$130
  • Audio output power: ?
  • Battery life: 8 hours
  • IP rating: IPX4
  • Bluetooth version: 4.2
  • Weight: 570 g

Bose SoundLink Color review. Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

6.7

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.

Score components:

80.0%

6.1

Technical Score

20.0%

9.2

User score

Good
6.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

6.7

Audio

20.0%

6.3

Battery

18.0%

4.9

Durability

16.0%

5.9

Connectivity

8.0%

5.1

Controls

3.0%

9.0

Design

3.0%

4.9

Smart features

Good
9.2

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

8.9

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(3946)
amazon
4.6
(1068)
amazon
4.5
(331)
amazon
4.4
(146)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(7543)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

Exceptional
  • 5.2
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    4.9

    IP rating

    20.0%

    9.6

    Weight

    15.0%

    2.8

    Battery life

  • 7.2
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    ?

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    2.8

    Battery life

    15.0%

    9.6

    Weight

    15.0%

    10

    Party mode

  • 5.6
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.0

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    ?

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    9.6

    Weight

  • bose-soundlink-color
  • bose-soundlink-color
  • bose-soundlink-color
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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Bose SoundLink Color is a compact, 1.25-pound portable Bluetooth speaker featuring dual dynamic acoustic drivers and a passive bass radiator packaged in a durable plastic shell measuring 5.3 x 5.0 x 2.1 inches. Major characteristics and pros include a reliable 30-foot wireless range, simultaneous dual-device pairing, standard micro-USB charging, a 3.5mm auxiliary port, and an integrated lithium-ion battery delivering up to 8 hours of playback alongside surprisingly rich, room-filling vocal clarity. However, notable cons include its bulky, boxy retro aesthetic, the total absence of a built-in speakerphone microphone or NFC connectivity, audio distortion during complex instrumental passages at high volumes, and a lack of water resistance or an included travel case.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Bose SoundLink Color

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

6.7

Audio

20.0%

6.3

Battery

18.0%

4.9

Durability

16.0%

5.9

Connectivity

8.0%

5.1

Controls

3.0%

9.0

Design

3.0%

4.9

Smart features

6.1
Bose SoundLink Color has a technical score of 6.06 points, which is lower than 87.4% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

8.9

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(3946)
amazon
4.6
(1068)
amazon
4.5
(331)
amazon
4.4
(146)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(7543)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

9.2
Bose SoundLink Color has a user score of 9.2 points, which is higher than 83.1% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
10
Bose SoundLink Color has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 66.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

7.7
Bose SoundLink Color has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.7 points, which is higher than 40.7% of products in this category.
Audio output power
What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 W

?
Driver unit size
What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 50 mm

40.00 mm
Bose SoundLink Color has a driver unit size of 40.00 mm which is smaller than that of 76.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 13.2% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 40.00 mm.
Number of drivers
What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 2

2
Bose SoundLink Color has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 2.
Frequency response tolerance
What it is: The allowed deviation around the stated frequency response curve.
When it matters: When a flatter and more accurate frequency response matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 3 dB

?
Lowest frequency
What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <= 60 Hz

88.00 Hz
Bose SoundLink Color has a lowest frequency of 88.00 Hz which is higher than that of 79% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 88.00 Hz.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Bose SoundLink Color supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 5.0

4.2
Bose SoundLink Color supports Bluetooth version 4.2 which is older than that of 53.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 17.8% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth version: 4.2.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: The farthest distance at which the Bluetooth link can remain usable.
When it matters: When the source device may be far from the speaker.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 10 m

10.00 m
Bose SoundLink Color has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10.00 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range: 10.00 m.
Bluetooth profiles supported
What it is: The Bluetooth operating profiles available for playback, control, or calls.
When it matters: When Bluetooth playback, control, and call compatibility depend on specific profiles.

Importance: LOW

A2DP; AVRCP; HFP
Bluetooth LE Audio
What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports the low-energy Bluetooth audio standard.
When it matters: When newer low-power Bluetooth audio features matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Bose SoundLink Color does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 h

8 hours
Bose SoundLink Color has a battery life of 8 hours which is shorter than that of 68.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.6% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 5000 mAh

8,000 mAh
Bose SoundLink Color has a battery capacity of 8,000 mAh which is larger than that of 92.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.9% of portable speakers.
Charging time
What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 4 h

3 hours
Bose SoundLink Color has a charging time of 3 hours which is shorter than that of 35.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 35.1% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 20 W

5 W
Bose SoundLink Color has a maximum charging input power of 5 W which is lower than that of 58.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 38.5% of portable speakers.
Built-in rechargeable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Bose SoundLink Color has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: IP67+

IPX4
Bose SoundLink Color has an IP rating of IPX4 which provides worse ingress protection than 77.7% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 21% of portable speakers.
Water resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
Bose SoundLink Color is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
Bose SoundLink Color is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 1 m

0 m
Bose SoundLink Color is not rated for underwater use. 47.6% of cameras have a native waterproof depth rating.
Drop resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.
When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Bose SoundLink Color resists accidental impacts. 67.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
On-device controls placement
What it is: The physical area of the speaker where its controls are located.
When it matters: When you want controls that are easy to reach in the speaker intended placement.

Importance: LOW

top
Touchscreen
What it is: Indicates whether a touch-sensitive screen is integrated.
When it matters: When direct visual control is more convenient than buttons or an app.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Bose SoundLink Color does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker does not have an integrated touchscreen.
Smartphone app control
What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

?
Remote control
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.
When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Bose SoundLink Color does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No dedicated remote control is documented.
Fast pairing
What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.
When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Bose SoundLink Color does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No qualifying fast-pair capability; initial pairing is manual or standard.
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Weight
What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 1000 g

570 g
Bose SoundLink Color weighs 570 g which is lighter than that of 61.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Height
What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 20 cm

13.4 cm
Bose SoundLink Color has a height of 13.4 cm which is taller than that of 53.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Width
What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 25 cm

12.8 cm
Bose SoundLink Color has a width of 12.8 cm which is narrower than that of 66.7% of portable speakers.
Depth
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the speaker housing.
When it matters: When the speaker should take up less front-to-back space.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 10 cm

5.3 cm
Bose SoundLink Color has a depth of 5.3 cm which is shallower than that of 79.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.9% of portable speakers.
Carry options
What it is: The available ways to carry, hang, or attach the speaker.
When it matters: When a handle, strap, or attachment point changes how you carry the speaker.

Importance: LOW

none
Show more
Companion app name
What it is: The official app used to control settings and functions of the speaker.
When it matters: When app compatibility and the available control features depend on the official app.

Importance: LOW

Bose Connect
Firmware updates
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive firmware revisions after purchase.
When it matters: When post-purchase fixes and feature improvements matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Bose SoundLink Color supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
What it is: The path used to install firmware updates on the speaker.
When it matters: When the convenience and reliability of installing updates matters.

Importance: LOW

USB
Voice assistant support
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can work with supported voice assistants.
When it matters: When hands-free control through a compatible assistant matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Bose SoundLink Color does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No direct supported voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
What it is: Shows whether Spotify can stream directly to the speaker over the network.
When it matters: When Spotify should stream directly without keeping phone audio active.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Bose SoundLink Color does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
Show more

Bose SoundLink Color vs the average portable speaker

  • 5,400 mAh more battery capacity
    Bose SoundLink Color has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (8,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
    When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 5000 mAh

    Bose SoundLink Color has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (8,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).8000 mAh vs 2600 mAh
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    Bose SoundLink Color has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    Simultaneous Bluetooth devices: 2.
    What it is: The number of source devices that can stay connected at the same time.
    When it matters: When switching between several connected source devices matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 2

    Bose SoundLink Color has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).2 vs 1
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Bose SoundLink Color has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
    What it is: Shows whether the device uses separate left and right audio channels.
    When it matters: When true left-and-right channel playback matters without pairing a second speaker.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Bose SoundLink Color has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • Resists accidental impacts
    Bose SoundLink Color resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
    What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Bose SoundLink Color resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
  • Supports party mode
    Bose SoundLink Color supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
    What it is: Indicates whether multiple speakers can play the same audio together.
    When it matters: When several compatible speakers should play together.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Bose SoundLink Color supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • Supports NFC Bluetooth pairing
    Bose SoundLink Color supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
    What it is: Shows whether NFC can be used to start Bluetooth pairing quickly.
    When it matters: When you want faster tap-to-pair setup with compatible devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Bose SoundLink Color supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
  • Has a removable battery
    Bose SoundLink Color has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
    What it is: Shows whether the battery can be removed from the speaker by the user.
    When it matters: When replacing a worn battery or carrying a spare matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Bose SoundLink Color has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • Includes a power adapter
    Bose SoundLink Color includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated power adapter is included in the box.
    When it matters: When you want the required charging hardware supplied in the box.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Bose SoundLink Color includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Bose SoundLink Color has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    Bose SoundLink Color has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
  • Supports NFC Bluetooth pairing
    Bose SoundLink Color supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
  • 5,400 mAh more battery capacity
    Bose SoundLink Color has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (8,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
  • Has a removable battery
    Bose SoundLink Color has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • Includes a power adapter
    Bose SoundLink Color includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Resists accidental impacts
    Bose SoundLink Color resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
  • 5 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    Bose SoundLink Color has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (45 °C vs 40 °C).
  • Is UV resistant
    Bose SoundLink Color is UV resistant, while the average portable speaker is not rated as UV resistant.
  • Supports party mode
    Bose SoundLink Color supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • Has a sleep timer
    Bose SoundLink Color has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
  • 3 cm shallower
    Bose SoundLink Color is shallower than the average portable speaker (5.3 cm vs 8.3 cm).
  • Supports firmware updates
    Bose SoundLink Color supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.

Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Design
Smart features
  • 28 Hz less deep bass extension
    Bose SoundLink Color has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (88 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 88.00 Hz.
  • 10 mm smaller main driver
    Bose SoundLink Color has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 40.00 mm.
  • 2 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    Bose SoundLink Color has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (90 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 90.00 dB.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    Bose SoundLink Color has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.2.
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    Bose SoundLink Color has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).
  • 5 W lower charging input power
    Bose SoundLink Color has lower charging input power than the average portable speaker (5 W vs 10 W).
  • Is not water resistant
    Bose SoundLink Color is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Bose SoundLink Color is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • Worse ingress protection
    Bose SoundLink Color has worse ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX4 vs IPX5).
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Bose SoundLink Color does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Bose SoundLink Color does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
  • 5 older
    Bose SoundLink Color was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2014 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2014.
  • Is not water resistant
    Bose SoundLink Color is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
    What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Bose SoundLink Color is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Bose SoundLink Color is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
    What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Bose SoundLink Color is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    Bose SoundLink Color has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).
    What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
    When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 20 h

    Bose SoundLink Color has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).8 hours vs 12 hours
  • 28 Hz less deep bass extension
    Bose SoundLink Color has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (88 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 88.00 Hz.
    What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <= 60 Hz

    Bose SoundLink Color has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (88 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).88.00 Hz vs 60.00 Hz
  • 10 mm smaller main driver
    Bose SoundLink Color has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 40.00 mm.
    What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
    When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 50 mm

    Bose SoundLink Color has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50.00 mm).40.00 mm vs 50.00 mm
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Bose SoundLink Color does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
    What it is: Indicates whether two compatible speakers can form a stereo pair.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should form separate left and right channels.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Bose SoundLink Color does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Bose SoundLink Color does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports true wireless speaker-to-speaker pairing.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should pair wirelessly for stereo playback.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Bose SoundLink Color does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 5 W lower charging input power
    Bose SoundLink Color has lower charging input power than the average portable speaker (5 W vs 10 W).
    What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
    When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 20 W

    Bose SoundLink Color has lower charging input power than the average portable speaker (5 W vs 10 W).5 W vs 10 W
Total
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Smart features

Graphic comparison of Bose SoundLink Color and other products in the Portable Speakers category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
3946 Reviews
amazon
4.6
1068 Reviews
amazon
4.5
331 Reviews
amazon
4.4
146 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
7543 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about Bose SoundLink Color?

  • Compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable.
  • Delivers surprisingly rich, clear vocals and strong audio performance for its size.
  • Durable, rugged build quality that easily survives accidental drops.
  • Offers stable and quick Bluetooth connectivity with helpful voice prompts.
  • Water-resistant exterior suitable for poolside use or in the bathroom.
  • Great overall value for money compared to pricier Bose models.

What customers dislike about Bose SoundLink Color?

  • Lacks a deep, powerful low-end bass presence.
  • The plastic/rubber block-style design feels uninspired or unattractive to some.
  • The battery life is only average, taking several hours to fully charge.
  • Maximum volume capability does not get loud enough to easily fill large outdoor spaces.
  • Lacks advanced audio customization features like a native equalizer (EQ).

Expert reviews

C
cnet.com
08/10/2014
Summary of the review
Bose SoundLink ColorGo to product viewer dialog for this item. review: A playful Bluetooth speaker that delivers serious sound for its size
P
pcmag.com
22/10/2014
Summary of the review
Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker Review
G
gadgetviper.com
28/09/2014
Summary of the review
Bose Soundlink Color Review
T
techradar.com
13/04/2015
Summary of the review
Bose SoundLink Color review
W
whathifi.com
20/01/2017
Summary of the review
Bose SoundLink Colour review
T
thefearlessrabbit.wordpress.com
15/03/2016
Summary of the review
BOSE SoundLink Color bluetooth speaker review Would you like help comparing the performance of this original model to later generation replacements or...
S
stereoguide.de
14/02/2022
Summary of the review
Bose SoundLink Color 2 Review - STEREO GUIDE
(Translated)Show original
A
avguide.ch
No Specific Date
Summary of the review
Bose SoundLink Color Review - Mobile Sound with Color
(Translated)Show original
S
sonntagmorgen.com
20/03/2026
Summary of the review
Bose SoundLink Color II Review 2026 - Sunday Morning
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
18/11/2014
Summary of the review
Bose SoundLink Color Review: The New Portable Speaker
(Translated)Show original
0
01net.com
09/10/2014
Summary of the review
Bose SoundLink Color Review: A portable speaker that pleases both eyes and ears
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O
on-mag.fr
27/09/2015
Summary of the review
Bose SoundLink Color Review: A Practical and Compact Portable Bluetooth Speaker
(Translated)Show original
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
16/11/2016
Summary of the review
Bose SoundLink Color Review: A Compact, Low-Power Speaker with Beautiful Musicality
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
26/12/2017
Summary of the review
Bose SoundLink Color II Review: A solid portable speaker
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S
spider-mac.com
10/05/2016
Summary of the review
Bose Soundlink Color Review: A Bluetooth Stereo Speaker That Sounds Truly Great
(Translated)Show original
C
consumentenbond.nl
Unknown
Summary of the review
Bose SoundLink Color II - Review, Ratings & Prices
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
18/03/2019
Summary of the review
Bluetooth speakers under 200 euros - Round-up
(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

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