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 Portable Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~ÂŁ350Audio output power:?Battery life:2 hoursIP rating:IPX4Bluetooth version:?Weight:?

Bose SoundTouch Portable 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 Portable
6.8/10

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 10
âś•
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
â–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 55% of models
Score components

80%

6.7

Technical score

20%

7.0

User score

â–˛Better than 55% of portable speakers
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 10
âś•
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
â–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

â–ĽWorse than 71%
6.7

Technical score

Technical score
6.7/ 10
âś•
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
â–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 61% of models
Score components

32%

7.4

Audio

20%

5.7

Battery

18%

6.0

Durability

16%

6.8

Connectivity

8%

7.7

Controls

3%

8.0

Design

3%

7.5

Smart features

â–˛Better than 61%
7.0

User score

User score
7.0/ 10
âś•
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
â–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 90% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

User ratings

30%

5.9

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–ĽWorse 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 Portable

Technical score
Technical score
6.7/ 10
âś•
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
â–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 61% of models
Score components:

32%

7.4

Audio

20%

5.7

Battery

18%

6.0

Durability

16%

6.8

Connectivity

8%

7.7

Controls

3%

8.0

Design

3%

7.5

Smart features

6.7
User score
User score
7.0/ 10
âś•
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
â–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 90% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

User ratings

30%

5.9

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.0
Popularity
Popularity
5.9/ 10
âś•
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
â–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 62% of models
Popularity:
Bose SoundTouch Portable has a popularity score of 5.9 points, which is higher than 62.3% of products in this category.
5.9
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 10
âś•
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
â–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 71% of models
Score components:

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

7.4
Audio output power
?
Driver unit size
60 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 60 mm which is larger than that of 67.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
4
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 4 drivers, which is more than 81.7% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 11.9% 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
2 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 2 hours which is shorter than that of 99.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.4% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
2,600 mAh
Market range: <900 mAh – >6.6k mAh
This portable speaker has a battery capacity of 2,600 mAh which is larger than that of 49% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.4% of portable speakers.
Charging time
3 hours
Market range: <2 hours – >5 hours
This portable speaker 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
20 W
Market range: <5 W – >30 W
This portable speaker has a maximum charging input power of 20 W which is higher than that of 85.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.4% of portable speakers.
Built-in rechargeable battery
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
IPX4
This portable speaker 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
no
This portable speaker is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
?
Waterproof depth rating
?
Drop resistance
?
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
yes
This portable speaker supports fast pairing. 77.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
?
Height
?
Width
24.9 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 24.9 cm which is wider than that of 69.2% of portable speakers.
Depth
6.4 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 6.4 cm which is shallower than that of 70.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.8% of portable speakers.
Carry options
handle
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 Portable vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 2 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).
    4 vs 2
  • 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.
  • 10 W higher charging input power
    This portable speaker has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (20 W vs 10 W).
    20 W vs 10 W
  • Supports fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 2 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).
    4 vs 2
  • 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.
  • 10 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (60 mm vs 50 mm).
    60 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.
  • Supports DLNA media sharing
    This portable speaker supports DLNA media sharing, while the average portable speaker does not support DLNA media sharing.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • 10 W higher charging input power
    This portable speaker has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (20 W vs 10 W).
    20 W vs 10 W
  • Has a removable battery
    This portable speaker has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 5 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (45 °C vs 40 °C).
    45 °C vs 40 °C
  • 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 fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • 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.
  • Includes a travel bag
    This portable speaker includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
  • 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.
  • 10 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (2 hours vs 12 hours).
    2 hours vs 12 hours
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • Fewer Wi-Fi band options
    This portable speaker lists 2.4 GHz for Wi-Fi bands, while the average portable speaker lists 2.4 GHz/5 GHz.
    2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz/5 GHz
  • Worse ingress protection
    This portable speaker has worse ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX4 vs IPX5).
    IPX4 vs IPX5
  • 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.
  • 3.89x more expensive
    Bose SoundTouch Portable is more expensive than the average portable speaker (ÂŁ350 vs ÂŁ90).
    ÂŁ350 vs ÂŁ90
  • 15% lower user score
    User score
    7.0/ 10
    âś•
    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
    â–Ľâ–Ľ
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Bose SoundTouch Portable
    the average portable speaker
    Bose SoundTouch Portable has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (6.96 vs 8).
    6.96 vs 8
  • 3.89x more expensive
    Bose SoundTouch Portable is more expensive than the average portable speaker (ÂŁ350 vs ÂŁ90).
    ÂŁ350 vs ÂŁ90
  • 15% lower user score
    User score
    7.0/ 10
    âś•
    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
    â–Ľâ–Ľ
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Bose SoundTouch Portable
    the average portable speaker
    Bose SoundTouch Portable has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (6.96 vs 8).
    6.96 vs 8
  • 2.6% worse value for money
    Bose SoundTouch Portable offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (7.35 vs 7.5).
    7.35 vs 7.55
  • Fewer Wi-Fi band options
    This portable speaker lists 2.4 GHz for Wi-Fi bands, while the average portable speaker lists 2.4 GHz/5 GHz.
    2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz/5 GHz
  • Alternative Wi-Fi standard
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi 1 (802.11b), while the average portable speaker supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 1 (802.11b) vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • 10 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (2 hours vs 12 hours).
    2 hours vs 12 hours
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Worse ingress protection
    This portable speaker has worse ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX4 vs IPX5).
    IPX4 vs IPX5
  • 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.
  • 6.8 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (24.9 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    24.9 cm vs 18.1 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

T
techguide.com.au
22/04/2014
Summary of the review
Bose SoundTouch 30 and SoundTouch Portable review
I
indianexpress.com
21/01/2014
Summary of the review
Review Bose SoundTouch Portable: Playing Internet radio has never been this easy
A
areadvd.de
12/12/2013
Summary of the review
Bose SoundTouch Portable/20/30 Wi-Fi Music Systems
(Translated)Show original
H
hifitest.de
22/08/2014
Summary of the review
Bose SoundTouch Portable Review - hifitest.de
(Translated)Show original
A
avguide.ch
14/10/2013
Summary of the review
Bose SoundTouch hands-on review
(Translated)Show original
D
digitalzimmer.de
03/09/2014
Summary of the review
SoundTouch: Bose Multiroom Review | DIGITALZIMMER
(Translated)Show original
C
connect.de
16/10/2013
Summary of the review
Bose Soundtouch: First Review Impressions
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
23/12/2014
Summary of the review
Bose SoundTouch Portable Series II Review: Sound Above All
(Translated)Show original
E
elektrozine.be
17/01/2015
Summary of the review
Review: Bose SoundTouch Portable and SoundTouch 30
(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 Portable

  • Excellent sound quality with impressive clarity and room-filling volume
  • Surprising bass performance for a speaker of its compact size
  • Highly convenient six-button physical preset system on the unit and remote
  • Robust and premium build quality that holds up well over years of use
  • Easy to set up and integrate into a multi-room home Wi-Fi environment
  • Built-in rechargeable battery allows for room-to-room portability

What customers don't like about Bose SoundTouch Portable

  • Relatively short battery life per charge compared to modern portable speakers
  • SoundTouch mobile application feels outdated and lacks universal search features
  • The unit is somewhat heavy and lacks an integrated carrying handle or strap
  • Cannot be paired with a second unit to play music in true stereo mode
  • Initial Wi-Fi connection boot times can be slow and laggy
  • Lacks native high-resolution audio format support like FLAC at launch

Verdict

The Bose SoundTouch Portable is a compact wireless speaker measuring 9.8 x 6 x 2.6 inches and weighing 3.2 lbs, engineered with four low-profile drivers and dual opposing passive radiators to deliver rich, full-range audio with powerful bass. It features built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, Apple AirPlay support, a 1.6-inch OLED display, a 3.5mm auxiliary input, and six physical preset buttons for instant access to internet radio and music streaming services via the companion app. Main advantages include its clear, room-filling stereo sound, effortless multi-room ecosystem integration, and convenient physical remote control. However, its primary drawbacks are a relatively short rechargeable battery life of only up to 2.5 hours at maximum volume, a complete lack of native Bluetooth capability, and an initial setup process that requires a physical connection to a computer.

Compare Bose SoundTouch Portable with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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