Bose has made quality headphones for a while, but it also offers some impressive portable Bluetooth speakers. The Bose SoundLink Max is their new flagship portable speaker, a bigger version of the classic Bose New SoundLink Flex. Right now you can get the waterproof speaker for $299 (originally $399) the lowest price it has ever been, according to price-checking tools.
The Bose SoundLink Max shines in its audio quality for its size. At 4.7 by 10.4 by 4.1 inches and 4.9 pounds, it is light and compact enough to carry on a small bag comfortably. It is compatible with AAC, AptX Adaptive, and SBC codecs, so you'll get a higher bitrate. It also supports Google Fast Pair (lets you pair quickly when it comes close for the first time), and offers multipoint connectivity with up to two devices so you don't have to pair it again if someone else connects to it.
Bose says it takes five hours to fully charge, offering 20 hours of power per charge. The Bose app (available for Android and iOS) lets you manage Bluetooth connections and control the EQ settings manually or choose from four presets: Bass Boost, Bass Reducer, Treble Boost, and Treble Reducer.
The IP67 rating means the speaker is water- and dust-proof (it does have limitations on depth and time it can be underwater, though). According to PCMag's review, this speaker is loud with a full-bodied bass and clear highs, but it can struggle with deep bass at its maximum volume. It is expensive, but it's a quality speaker and you'd be getting it at its best price yet.
