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Head-to-head · Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers

Bose SoundLink Max vs JBL Charge 6

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

JBL Charge 6 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.3). JBL Charge 6 is best for: outdoor adventurers needing rugged waterproofing. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Bose SoundLink Max
Ranked #2 in Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
Bose SoundLink Max
7 sources$399as of Oct 30

The Bose SoundLink Max pairs excellent sound quality with an enjoyable user experience in a premium, outdoor-friendly package. What Hi-Fi? praised the rugged design, the powerful bass, and the lively audio, while noting it lacks transparency and has no built-in microphone. At $399 it sits in premium territory next to competitors like the Dali Katch G2 and Sonos Move 2. Buyers who want a durable, high-performing portable speaker for outdoor use will be satisfied; anyone who needs call functionality won't.

Strengths
  • — Rugged, ergonomic design with silicone wrapping and carry handle
  • — Powerful, tight bass response
  • — Lively, energetic sound quality
Watch-outs
  • — Not the most transparent-sounding
  • — No built-in mic for taking calls
$399 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
JBL Charge 6
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
JBL Charge 6
7 sources$149.95as of Oct 30

The JBL Charge 6 improves on its predecessor with IP68 water resistance, a 7-band customizable EQ, thicker rubber bumpers, and drop-proof certification. PCMag's Mark Knapp liked the rugged design and the enhanced audio features but found that the Playtime Boost feature compromises sound quality. SoundGuys reviewer Shiun Okada called out the detachable handle and improved bass response, while flagging that it isn't backward compatible with older JBL models. Outdoor users who want a durable, weatherproof speaker with sound they can tune are the audience.

Strengths
  • — IP68 waterproof rating allows submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes
  • — 7-band customizable EQ available through JBL Portable app
  • — Detachable handle offers dual functionality as traditional handle or carrying loop
Watch-outs
  • — Playtime Boost feature negatively impacts sound quality
  • — No backwards compatibility with older JBL speakers using Party Boost
$149.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Bose SoundLink Max

The Bose SoundLink Max is rated IP67 against the JBL Charge 6's IP68, and its 20-hour battery compares with the Charge 6's 24 hours. At 4.7 lb it is heavier than the Charge 6 at 2.18 lb and the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) at 1.3 lb. It costs more than the Charge 6, the SoundLink Flex and the Soundcore Boom 3i, and it has no built-in microphone for calls.

JBL Charge 6

The JBL Charge 6 is rated IP68, matching the Soundcore Boom 3i, against IP67 for the Bose SoundLink Max and Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen). Its battery is listed at 24 hours, longer than the SoundLink Max's 20 hours and the SoundLink Flex's 12 hours. It has a 7-band customizable EQ in the JBL Portable app, where the SoundLink Flex's EQ options are lackluster, and it costs less than the SoundLink Max.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBose SoundLink MaxJBL Charge 6
Weight4.7 lb2.18 lb
WaterproofIP67IP68
Battery20 hours24 hours (up to 28 hours with Playtime Boost)
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.4, USB-C, 3.5mm AUXBluetooth 5.4, USB-C (lossless audio and charging), Auracast
Dimensions10.4 x 4.72 x 4.09 in9.02 x 3.9 x 3.7 in
Color OptionsBlack, Blue Dusk, Apricot, Hyper Citron, Carbon Blue, Chilled LilacBlack, White, Pink, Red, Blue, Purple, Squad
MaterialPlastic—
Frequency Response—56 Hz - 20 kHz (-6 dB)
Wattage—45W
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