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Bose SoundTouch 30 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£530
Avg. price in US: ~$680
Audio 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.

7.7

Very good

7.4

Very good

9.3

Exceptional

5.0
Outdoor durability
Score components:
40.0%
4.0
Water resistance
25.0%
?
IP rating
20.0%
1.0
Weight
15.0%
?
Battery life
7.3
Powerful sound
Score components:
45.0%
?
Audio output power
25.0%
?
Battery life
15.0%
1.0
Weight
15.0%
10
Party mode
8.3
Home listening
Score components:
35.0%
10
Multi-room support
30.0%
10
Wi-Fi connectivity
20.0%
?
Audio output power
15.0%
1.0
Weight

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#5 in Best Bose portable speakers
#13 in Best portable speakers with radio
#79 in Best portable speakers for home
#120 in Best portable speakers

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.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Bose SoundTouch 30

Overall score

7.7

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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.

Audio

8.4

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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

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

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

?

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Connectivity

7.4

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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

?

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

?

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

?

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

?

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

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Battery

7.5

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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

?

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

?

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

?

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

?

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

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Durability

6.3

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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+

?

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

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

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

?

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

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Controls

6.7

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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

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

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

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Design

2.8

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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

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

?

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

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

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

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Smart features

7.5

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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 SoundTouch

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

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

OTA; App; 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

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

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Bose SoundTouch 30 vs the average portable speaker

Why is Bose SoundTouch 30 better than the average portable speaker?

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66 mm larger main driver
Bose SoundTouch 30 has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (116 mm vs 50.00 mm).
Primary driver diameter: 116.00 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 SoundTouch 30 has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (116 mm vs 50.00 mm).116.00 mm vs 50.00 mm
Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
Bose SoundTouch 30 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can connect to wireless local networks.
When it matters: When direct network streaming or smart multi-room features matter.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: yes
Bose SoundTouch 30 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
Includes a subwoofer
Bose SoundTouch 30 includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated low-frequency driver is included.
When it matters: When stronger low-frequency output matters without adding separate equipment.
Importance: LOW
Good value: yes
Bose SoundTouch 30 includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
Supports AirPlay
Bose SoundTouch 30 supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
Supports Apple AirPlay.
What it is: Indicates whether Apple AirPlay streaming is supported.
When it matters: When wireless playback from Apple devices and multi-room setups matters.
Importance: LOW
Good value: yes
Bose SoundTouch 30 supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
Has built-in stereo speakers
Bose SoundTouch 30 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 SoundTouch 30 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
Has an equalizer
Bose SoundTouch 30 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
What it is: Shows whether the sound balance can be adjusted across frequency ranges.
When it matters: When you want to adjust bass, midrange, or treble balance.
Importance: LOW
Good value: yes
Bose SoundTouch 30 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
1 more speaker drivers
Bose SoundTouch 30 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
Acoustic drivers: 3.
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
Bose SoundTouch 30 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).3 vs 2
1 more USB ports
Bose SoundTouch 30 has more USB ports than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
Physical USB ports: 2.
What it is: The number of USB ports available on the speaker.
When it matters: When several wired accessories or storage devices need USB connections.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >= 1
Bose SoundTouch 30 has more USB ports than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).2 vs 1
66 mm larger main driver
Bose SoundTouch 30 has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (116 mm vs 50.00 mm).
Includes a subwoofer
Bose SoundTouch 30 includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
Has built-in stereo speakers
Bose SoundTouch 30 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
1 more speaker drivers
Bose SoundTouch 30 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
Bose SoundTouch 30 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
Supports AirPlay
Bose SoundTouch 30 supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
1 more USB ports
Bose SoundTouch 30 has more USB ports than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
Supports DLNA media sharing
Bose SoundTouch 30 supports DLNA media sharing, while the average portable speaker does not support DLNA media sharing.
Has Ethernet support
Bose SoundTouch 30 has Ethernet support, while the average portable speaker does not have Ethernet support.
Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
Bose SoundTouch 30 supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
Has an equalizer
Bose SoundTouch 30 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
Supports party mode
Bose SoundTouch 30 supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
1 more adjustable EQ bands
Bose SoundTouch 30 has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (1 vs 0).
Includes a remote control
Bose SoundTouch 30 includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
Has an FM radio
Bose SoundTouch 30 has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
Has a programmable button
Bose SoundTouch 30 has a programmable button, while the average portable speaker does not have a programmable button.
Supports multi-room audio
Bose SoundTouch 30 supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
Supports Spotify Connect
Bose SoundTouch 30 supports Spotify Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect.
Supports firmware updates
Bose SoundTouch 30 supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.

Why is Bose SoundTouch 30 worse than the average portable speaker?

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1 fewer microphones
Bose SoundTouch 30 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
Built-in microphones: 0.
Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
Bose SoundTouch 30 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
Bose SoundTouch 30 does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
Is not water resistant
Bose SoundTouch 30 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
Is not rated as dust resistant
Bose SoundTouch 30 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
20 °C higher minimum operating temperature
Bose SoundTouch 30 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (-20 °C vs 0 °C).
Does not support stereo pairing
Bose SoundTouch 30 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 SoundTouch 30 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
Does not provide voice prompts
Bose SoundTouch 30 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
Bose SoundTouch 30 is heavier than the average portable speaker (8,400 g vs 800 g).
25.4 cm wider
Bose SoundTouch 30 is wider than the average portable speaker (43.5 cm vs 18.1 cm).
9.7 cm deeper
Bose SoundTouch 30 is deeper than the average portable speaker (18 cm vs 8.3 cm).
6 older
Bose SoundTouch 30 was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2013 vs 2019).
Release year: 2013.
Is not water resistant
Bose SoundTouch 30 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 SoundTouch 30 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
Is not rated as dust resistant
Bose SoundTouch 30 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 SoundTouch 30 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
1 fewer microphones
Bose SoundTouch 30 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
Built-in microphones: 0.
What it is: The number of microphones built into the speaker.
When it matters: When voice pickup, calls, or beamforming performance matter.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >= 1
Bose SoundTouch 30 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
Bose SoundTouch 30 does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a 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
Bose SoundTouch 30 does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
7,600 g heavier
Bose SoundTouch 30 is heavier than the average portable speaker (8,400 g vs 800 g).
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
Bose SoundTouch 30 is heavier than the average portable speaker (8,400 g vs 800 g).8400 g vs 800 g
Does not support stereo pairing
Bose SoundTouch 30 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 SoundTouch 30 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
Does not support True Wireless Stereo
Bose SoundTouch 30 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 SoundTouch 30 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
20 °C higher minimum operating temperature
Bose SoundTouch 30 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (-20 °C vs 0 °C).
What it is: The lowest ambient temperature recommended for normal operation.
When it matters: When the speaker must work reliably in colder conditions.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <= -10 °C
Bose SoundTouch 30 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (-20 °C vs 0 °C).-20 °C vs 0 °C

Graphic comparison of Bose SoundTouch 30 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

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 dislike 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

Expert reviews

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

The CNET review of the Bose SoundTouch 30 Series III highlights the large tabletop Wi-Fi speaker for its impressive, exciting sound characterized by deep bass and an articulate midrange, complemented by convenient physical preset buttons, integrated Bluetooth, and a user-friendly app. However, the device is criticized for overemphasized, distorting bass at high volumes, a lack of a mute button, and a sonic profile that can cause listening fatigue, with the reviewer noting that it is outpaced by the competing Sonos ecosystem.

trustedreviews.com

29/02/2016

Summary of the review

Bose SoundTouch 30 Review - Trusted Reviews

The Trusted Reviews assessment of the Bose SoundTouch 30 highlights it as a powerful, one-piece wireless speaker designed to fill large rooms with a "meaty" bass, robust audio performance, and a warm, punchy sound. While praised for its agility in handling vocals and mids, the speaker's primary drawbacks include a congested soundstage and reduced clarity at high volumes.

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?

The What Hi-Fi? review describes the Bose SoundTouch 30 Series III as a robust, large-footprint wireless speaker featuring improved multi-room capabilities, built-in Bluetooth, and convenient physical presets. While praised for its ease of use and stable connectivity, the speaker is criticized for its massive size and a sound profile that lacks the high-resolution support and detailed clarity of its competitors.

technofile.com

11/05/2017

Summary of the review

TechnoFile reviews the Bose SoundTouch 30

The TechnoFile review of the Bose SoundTouch 30 highlights a powerful, single-box wireless system with impressive room-filling sound, supported by comprehensive mainstream audio format support (MP3, FLAC, etc.), a functional OLED display, and a robust remote with six presets. The primary limitation noted is the system's inability to play ultra-high resolution audio files, such as SACD or DVD-A, which may disappoint demanding audiophiles.

whathifi.com

19/02/2018

Summary of the review

Bose SoundTouch multi-room review - What Hi-Fi?

The Bose SoundTouch ecosystem is praised by What Hi-Fi? for its user-friendly, highly intuitive app control, and convenient features like physical preset buttons and versatile connectivity (dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet). While the SoundTouch 30 delivers a large, room-filling sound, the system's overall audio performance is hindered by heavy, overemphasized bass that reduces agility, coupled with a more limited selection of integrated streaming services compared to competitors.

consumerreports.org

No Specific Date Listed

Summary of the review

Bose SoundTouch 30 Series III Wireless & Bluetooth Speaker Review CNET

The Bose SoundTouch 30 Series III offers high-volume output with deep, room-filling bass and user-friendly hardware, including an informative display and easy connectivity, according to Consumer Reports. However, the speaker is hindered by a boomy sound profile that lacks midrange clarity, harsh acoustics at high volumes, and a glitchy iOS app with problematic volume control.

areadvd.de

12/12/2013

Summary of the review

TEST: Bose SoundTouch Portable/20/30 Wi-Fi Music Systems

The Area DVD review of the first-generation Bose SoundTouch systems (Portable, 20, 30) praises their excellent multi-room synchronization, high-quality OLED displays, and rich, spatial sound that defies their compact size. Key advantages include robust build quality, six convenient physical presets, and intuitive app control, though the systems lack integrated Bluetooth and have limited high-resolution audio support. Overall, the systems are recognized for strong acoustic performance and ease of use, justifying their premium positioning.

computerbild.de

05/12/2013

Summary of the review

Bose SoundTouch: Review of the versatile Wi-Fi speakers

The Computer Bild review of the Bose SoundTouch system highlights its versatile multi-room capabilities and user-friendly ecosystem, featuring6 dedicated physical preset buttons for instant playback. While praised for rich, room-filling sound from a compact design, the system's drawbacks include a high price point and heavy reliance on specific software ecosystems.

hifitest.de

20/05/2014

Summary of the review

Bose SoundTouch 30 - Stereo System and All-in-One System

The Bose SoundTouch 30 is a powerful, standalone compact music system featuring room-filling sound, easy multiroom setup via Wi-Fi or LAN, and six preset buttons for quick access to music services. While offering impressive audio quality and Apple AirPlay integration, the system is noted for its high price point and the necessity of a digital configuration process.

computerbild.de

25/05/2016

Summary of the review

Naim Mu-so Qb Review

The Naim Mu-so Qb is praised by Computer Bild as a high-end, visually striking compact speaker delivering powerful 300-watt sound with a warm, punchy bass and wide connectivity, including UPnP, Bluetooth, and Tidal. While offering premium design and impressive volume for its 21cm size, the speaker is criticized for its high price point, limited stereo imaging, and a clunky control app compared to competitors.

computerbild.de

27/05/2017

Summary of the review

Bose SoundTouch 30 III: Review of the Wi-Fi Speaker

The Bose SoundTouch 30 III is a large Wi-Fi speaker delivering powerful, room-filling sound with heavy bass even at high volumes, according to ⁠Computer Bild. While praised for its physical remote, six preset buttons, and solid feature set, the speaker is criticized for lacking treble detail, colored mids, a tedious, account-mandated setup, and restricted Wi-Fi audio functionality.

lesnumeriques.com

14/01/2014

Summary of the review

Bose SoundTouch 30 Review: The Top of the Line

The Les Numériques review characterizes the Bose SoundTouch 30 as a powerful, intuitive, and high-end multiroom speaker featuring excellent vocal clarity and wide, low-directionality sound. However, the system is hindered by a distinct nasal tone in certain frequencies, a lack of Bluetooth connectivity, and an inability to browse tracks directly on the unit.

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

The ON-mag review highlights the Bose SoundTouch 30 II and 20 II as, "excellently designed wireless listening stations, delivering an astonishingly wide, deep soundstage and breathtaking acoustic power," according to ON-mag. Pros include clear, distortion-free audio with powerful, physical bass, particularly on the 30 II model. Cons focus on a design reminiscent of dated CRT televisions and a limited, less feature-rich control application ON-mag.

leclaireur.fnac.com

12/12/2022

Summary of the review

Lab Test of the Bose SoundTouch 30 III: a great performance, despite ergonomic flaws

The Fnac Labo review of the Bose SoundTouch 30 III highlights a powerful wireless speaker that delivers a generous maximum sound power of 103 dB at 100 Hz, with excellent Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Alexa connectivity via a user-friendly app. While the speaker offers impressive connectivity and volume, lab tests reveal that the audio bandwidth lacks breadth and regularity, resulting in sub-optimal high-frequency reproduction.

tweakers.net

17/11/2015

Summary of the review

Bose SoundTouch 30 Series III Wireless Speaker - Black Review

The Tweakers review of the Bose SoundTouch 30 Series III highlights significant upgrades, including Bluetooth and dual-band Wi-Fi. The speaker is praised for its rich, room-filling sound, ease of installation, and user-friendly features like physical presets, AUX input, and seamless multi-room synchronization via the updated app. However, the reviewer notes as a significant drawback that the unit is extremely heavy and bulky, limiting it to a permanent, non-portable placement.

elektrozine.be

17/01/2015

Summary of the review

Review: Bose SoundTouch Portable and SoundTouch 30

The Elektrozine review of the Bose SoundTouch 30 and Portable highlights their sleek design, functional OLED screens, and convenient physical presets for instant music streaming. While praising the audio performance, the review identifies significant drawbacks, specifically a cumbersome initial setup requiring a PC/USB connection and the lack of native Bluetooth, forcing reliance on Wi-Fi or auxiliary input.

tweakers.net

12/10/2025

Summary of the review

Bose SoundTouch 30 Series III Black review by Roecee

This Tweakers review of the Bose SoundTouch 30 Series III warns against purchase due to poor brand trust and discontinued app support, which severely diminishes the system's functionality. While acknowledging historical pros like deep bass, built-in Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, the reviewer highlights the major con of losing essential multi-room functionality, rendering the expensive hardware effectively obsolete.

Video reviews

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