OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

Bose SoundTouch 30 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£530Audio output power:?Battery life:?IP rating:?Bluetooth version:?Weight:8400 g

Bose SoundTouch 30 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.

Bose SoundTouch 30
7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 84% of models
Score components

80%

6.9

Technical score

20%

9.1

User score

▲Better than 84% of portable speakers
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

7.7

Price

▼Worse than 71%
6.9

Technical score

Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 69% of models
Score components

32%

7.7

Audio

20%

6.8

Battery

18%

5.9

Durability

16%

7.1

Connectivity

8%

6.7

Controls

3%

2.7

Design

3%

7.5

Smart features

▲Better than 69%
9.1

User score

User score
9.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User ratings

30%

9.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 90%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker Bose SoundTouch 30

Technical score
Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 69% of models
Score components:

32%

7.7

Audio

20%

6.8

Battery

18%

5.9

Durability

16%

7.1

Connectivity

8%

6.7

Controls

3%

2.7

Design

3%

7.5

Smart features

6.9
User score
User score
9.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User ratings

30%

9.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.1
Popularity
Popularity
9.6/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 89% of models
Popularity:
Bose SoundTouch 30 has a popularity score of 9.6 points, which is higher than 89.4% of products in this category.
9.6
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

7.7

Price

7.4
Audio output power
?
Driver unit size
116 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 116 mm which is larger than that of 92.2% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
3
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 3 drivers, which is more than 70.1% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 11.5% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
?
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
?
Bluetooth version
?
Maximum Bluetooth range
?
Bluetooth profiles supported
?
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Battery life
?
Battery capacity
?
Charging time
?
Maximum charging input power
?
Built-in rechargeable battery
no
This portable speaker does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. 81.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
?
Water resistance
no
This portable speaker is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
no
This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
?
Drop resistance
no
This portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
On-device controls placement
top
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
yes
This portable speaker supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
yes
This portable speaker includes a remote control. 85.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
no
This portable speaker does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
8,400 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 8,400 g which is heavier than that of 95.2% of portable speakers.
Height
?
Width
43.5 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 43.5 cm which is wider than that of 95% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Depth
18 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 18 cm which is deeper than that of 86.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.9% of portable speakers.
Carry options
none
Show more
Companion app name
Bose SoundTouch
Firmware updates
yes
This portable speaker supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
OTA; App; USB
Voice assistant support
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Spotify Connect
yes
This portable speaker supports Spotify Connect. 89.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Bose SoundTouch 30 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 66 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (116 mm vs 50 mm).
    116 mm vs 50 mm
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This portable speaker supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
    3 vs 2
  • 1 more USB ports
    This portable speaker has more USB ports than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 14.3% higher user score
    User score
    9.1/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Bose SoundTouch 30
    the average portable speaker
    Bose SoundTouch 30 has a higher user score than the average portable speaker (9.15 vs 8).
    9.15 vs 8
  • 2.27x more popular
    Bose SoundTouch 30 is more popular than the average portable speaker (9.56 vs 4.21).
    9.56 vs 4.21
  • 66 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (116 mm vs 50 mm).
    116 mm vs 50 mm
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
    3 vs 2
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This portable speaker supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • 1 more USB ports
    This portable speaker has more USB ports than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Supports DLNA media sharing
    This portable speaker supports DLNA media sharing, while the average portable speaker does not support DLNA media sharing.
  • Has Ethernet support
    This portable speaker has Ethernet support, while the average portable speaker does not have Ethernet support.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • Supports party mode
    This portable speaker supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
  • 1 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (1 vs 0).
    1 vs 0
  • Includes a remote control
    This portable speaker includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • Has an FM radio
    This portable speaker has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
  • Has a programmable button
    This portable speaker has a programmable button, while the average portable speaker does not have a programmable button.
    Has a user-programmable physical button.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    This portable speaker supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
    Supports synchronized multi-room playback.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This portable speaker supports Spotify Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect.
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    This portable speaker does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • 7,600 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (8,400 g vs 800 g).
    8,400 g vs 800 g
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 20 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (-20 °C vs 0 °C).
    -20 °C vs 0 °C
  • 5.89x more expensive
    Bose SoundTouch 30 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£530 vs £90).
    £530 vs £90
  • 1.3% worse value for money
    Bose SoundTouch 30 offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (7.45 vs 7.5).
    7.45 vs 7.55
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    This portable speaker does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    This portable speaker does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 20 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (-20 °C vs 0 °C).
    -20 °C vs 0 °C
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    This portable speaker does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 7,600 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (8,400 g vs 800 g).
    8,400 g vs 800 g
  • 25.4 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (43.5 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    43.5 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 9.7 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (18 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    18 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 6 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2013 vs 2019).
    2013 vs 2019

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

C
cnet.com
24/02/2016
Summary of the review
Bose SoundTouch 30Go to product viewer dialog for this item. review: A strong Wi-Fi speaker ... - CNET
T
trustedreviews.com
29/02/2016
Summary of the review
Bose SoundTouch 30 Review - Trusted Reviews
W
whathifi.com
19/02/2018
Summary of the review
Bose SoundTouch 30 Series IIIGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. review - What Hi-Fi?
T
technofile.com
11/05/2017
Summary of the review
TechnoFile reviews the Bose SoundTouch 30
W
whathifi.com
19/02/2018
Summary of the review
Bose SoundTouch multi-room review - What Hi-Fi?
C
consumerreports.org
No Specific Date Listed
Summary of the review
Bose SoundTouch 30 Series III Wireless & Bluetooth Speaker Review CNET
A
areadvd.de
12/12/2013
Summary of the review
TEST: Bose SoundTouch Portable/20/30 Wi-Fi Music Systems
(Translated)Show original
C
computerbild.de
05/12/2013
Summary of the review
Bose SoundTouch: Review of the versatile Wi-Fi speakers
(Translated)Show original
H
hifitest.de
20/05/2014
Summary of the review
Bose SoundTouch 30 - Stereo System and All-in-One System
(Translated)Show original
C
computerbild.de
25/05/2016
Summary of the review
Naim Mu-so Qb Review
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C
computerbild.de
27/05/2017
Summary of the review
Bose SoundTouch 30 III: Review of the Wi-Fi Speaker
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
14/01/2014
Summary of the review
Bose SoundTouch 30 Review: The Top of the Line
(Translated)Show original
O
on-mag.fr
20/06/2015
Summary of the review
Review of the Bose SoundTouch 30 II and SoundTouch 20 II Wi-Fi speakers: excellent AirPlay docking stations
(Translated)Show original
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
12/12/2022
Summary of the review
Lab Test of the Bose SoundTouch 30 III: a great performance, despite ergonomic flaws
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
17/11/2015
Summary of the review
Bose SoundTouch 30 Series III Wireless Speaker - Black Review
(Translated)Show original
E
elektrozine.be
17/01/2015
Summary of the review
Review: Bose SoundTouch Portable and SoundTouch 30
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
12/10/2025
Summary of the review
Bose SoundTouch 30 Series III Black review by Roecee
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Bose SoundTouch 30

  • Powerful, deep bass and strong low-end authority
  • Fills large, multi-story rooms with rich, spacious audio
  • Convenient physical preset buttons for quick music access
  • Solid, high-quality, and visually attractive build design
  • Versatile connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Aux
  • Multi-room functionality allows seamless linking with other Bose speakers

What customers don't like about Bose SoundTouch 30

  • Lacks portability due to its heavy, bulky weight
  • No built-in battery pack; requires a constant wall outlet connection
  • The companion SoundTouch app can be buggy, unstable, and frustrating to use
  • Bass response is overemphasized by default and can distort at higher volumes
  • Treble can sound slightly coarse and lack detail compared to modern competitors
  • Expensive pricing relative to alternative wireless streaming options

Verdict

The Bose SoundTouch 30 is a premium home wireless speaker featuring proprietary Waveguide audio technology, two custom mid/high-range drivers, and a built-in subwoofer that deliver a powerful, room-filling 30W RMS output. Weighing 18.5 lbs with dimensions of 17.1 x 9.7 x 7.1 inches, it offers dual-band 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm AUX input, supporting audio formats like MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, and ALAC. Its main advantages include an articulate midrange, deeply localized bass response, an informative 1.6-inch OLED display, and highly convenient multi-room expansion via six customizable physical presets and a dedicated companion app. However, despite being mistakenly classified by some as a portable speaker, it is not actually portable as it requires continuous AC power and completely lacks an internal rechargeable battery, while also suffering from default audio profiles that overemphasize the bass and can experience distortion at high volumes.

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