I bought the Bose SoundLink Revolve Bluetooth Speaker because I thought I ‘needed’ an acoustical and esthetic improvement over the forty-dollar black brick I used for streaming audio from my Android phone at different places in my home or when visiting friends. My primary stereo system is stationary. – I considered a few options and picked the Bose Resolve based on name recognition and looks – in silver grey, or “lux gray” in Bose terminology..
I listen primarily to classical music, chamber and orchestra. However, with the Bose Revolve I have sampled other genres such as blue grass, rock, Latin, Jazz (vocal & small group and big band), acoustic guitar. I am impressed with the sound quality, the clarity – at pretty much the entire audible frequency spectrum (of an older guy). The other impressive feature to me is the relatively deep bass tones. And all this from a small down-firing single full-range driver/speaker assisted by “two passive bass radiators”. I am quoting from a review I found on the Internet.
I use the single Revolve on my desk or another piece of furniture nearby at a distance between 4 to 9 feet. I feel setting it on a sturdy wooden plate such as a desk or counter top enhances the volume of the sound. The perceived sound quality is still very good, and loud enough, when placed about 36 to 50 feet away, provided there is no ambient noise. Placing it about two to three feet from a corner gives me the best sound.
The speaker volume setting and other functions can be controlled from a Bose app via Bluetooth from a smartphone.
Some write-ups and ads imply it produces a stereo or ‘surround’ sound. This is not correct. One speaker = mono. I am tempted to get another Revolve for true two-channel stereo performance. BUT I already have a good stereo system with wired speakers…
I stream audio from different sources, mostly from a Samsung Galaxy (Android) phone (I keep older phones for streaming audio and video.) either directly to the Bose or paired with the Amazon second generation Echo Dot system.
Battery performance has been excellent.
Difference between Revolve and Revolve plus speakers:
I was interested in the larger Revolve plus, thinking it had better speaker performance. I wanted to cut off the carrying cord for esthetic reasons.
Bose Technical Support stated the performance of the Revolve (that comes without the carrying cord) equals that of the Revolve plus. Quote from a Bose email: “I would not suggest for you to remove that carrying handle as it will be considered as damaged cosmetic which will automatically void the warranty for the speaker. You can consider getting the Soundlink Revolve instead since there is actually no difference in the sound power and quality. One big difference between the two is the longevity of the playing time once fully charged aside from its size. . . .”
I hope this little review is helpful.
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From the manufacturer
SoundLink Revolve Bluetooth speaker
Stay home — and entertained.
Solo living room dance party? Puzzle party with your roommate? Craft night with the kids? Whatever (and wherever) you have planned, the Bose SoundLink Revolve delivers the sound you want and the portability you need.
SoundLink Revolve
Compare with Bose system
360˚ | Sound performance | 360˚ |
Water resistant IPX4 | Water resistance | Water resistant IPX4 |
Up to 12 hrs/charge | Battery life | Up to 16 hrs/charge |
| | Siri/Google Assistan | |
| | Voice prompts | |
| | Bose Connect app | |
| | Stereo & Party Mode | |
360˚ | Sound performance | Bold |
Water resistant IPX4 | Water resistance | Water resistant IPX4 |
Up to 12 hrs/charge | Battery life | Up to 8 hrs/charge |
| | Siri/Google Assistan | |
| | Voice prompts | |
| | Bose Connect app | |
| | Stereo & Party Mode | |
360˚ | Sound performance | Crisp, balanced |
Water resistant IPX4 | Water resistance | Waterproof IPX7 |
Up to 12 hrs/charge | Battery life | Up to 6 hours/charge |
| | Siri/Google Assistan | |
| | Voice prompts | |
| | Bose Connect app | |
| | Stereo & Party Mode | |
Bose SimpleSync Technology.
Add more sound around the house.
Use Bose SimpleSync technology to pair your SoundLink speaker with a member of the Bose Smart Home Family to play the same song at the same time. So you can get the party started and keep the good times — and the tunes — rolling.
Customer reviews
I originally purchased the Bose SoundLink Revolve speaker because I listen to hours and hours of music every day. I ordered it without testing it in a store because I was impressed with my Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones and felt like I'd feel no different toward this.The speaker met my expectations for the most part. The first time I listened to music with the speaker, I thought the bass would be heavier. However, I'm quite pleased with the rich quality of sound the speaker puts out. I typically have the volume on my phone up all the way and the speaker about 25% or less of its maximum. I have turned the speaker up to its maximum volume only once and that was to test how loud it can get. I can confidently say I will never have to use the maximum volume in my 760 square foot apartment - if that says anything about how loud it can get (or how small my apartment is).The battery lasts a bit longer than the specs indicate. I easily use it over 16 hours over the weekend without charging it. Additionally, the speaker charges quite quickly.Despite having a 360 degree speaker, I still move the speaker around with me if I'm leaving one room to go to another because I usually take my phone with me wherever I go and the Bluetooth limit is approximately 30 feet. I have had some trouble with the connection when less than 30 feet away but with walls between the music source and the speaker. Additionally, a few times I've had my phone next to the speaker and it will still cut out for a second.I have tried to answer a few calls using the speaker but the person on the other end complains that I cut in and out or they just can't hear me period despite being next to the speaker. But that's obviously not why I purchased the speaker so I won't take a star off for that.I typically use Spotify Premium with the highest quality download options which I believe makes a difference in the quality of sound you get from the speaker.Overall, I'm pleased with the speaker as a casual listener of many different genres. I hope this very non-technical review helped!
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2017
Color: Triple BlackStyle: Speaker onlyVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2017
Looks like I was able to get the speaker working again. Called Bose support and they had me hold down the power button for 15 seconds and then pair my iPad again. This refresh corrected my issue. Happy we are back in business! Back up to 4 stars.
Original review:
I want to love this speaker. The shape takes the right amount of space. Sound is decent. I love that I can use it as a speakerphone to take my calls. My only problem is it just likes to randomly drop connection. I have to turn off/on the blue tooth trying to reconnect to get it working again. Very annoying. Since I have it connected to several devices, a call will come on, and then while on the call the device will blurt out it's connected to my ipad out of the blue. It will do it several times while I'm on the call. I'm gonna keep testing this, but the chance of returning to Amazon is very high. I also feel the score is unfairly inflated as 14 of the 17 5 star reviews are Vine reviews. Can Bose update the firmware on these devices?
UPDATE 4/21
I installed some updated drivers on my PC for my USB blutooth dongle and the connection seems better. Also disabling the auto disable feature is saving the iPad from getting dropped. Now I have encountered a new problem. The unit will be fully charged and within say an hour of use it will all of a sudden turn off. I turn it back on and then the power symbol is flashing red indicating neds to charge. I'll place it on the deck and then remove it from the dock and the green "medium to full charge symbol" appears. I must have a defective unit. I asked Amazon for another one.
I really want this to workout as I like this speaker and it's ability to take calls. I also like moving it right next to me as I use a split keyboard and can get a little closer to the music and it sounds good with the speaker design. If the next one works and I continue to not have issues with taking calls, this will very easily be a 4 star review. For now it will remain 2.
UPDATE 5/4
I received the new speaker and problems were as bad previous speaker. I then saw there was a new firmware update and hoped ofr the best. Firmware update takes about 2 hours to do, but you can listen to music while it's doing the update. After the update the power issues appear to have been resolved. Connectivity to my PC for taking phone calls has also improved. It appears everything I discovered an issue with has been resolved. Keep in mind I have been rocking the new firmware for only 3 days, but it was working so well I felt I should bump up the score.
Since I had the second speaker that I was going to return back to Amazon thinking the unit was defective, I decided to try out the 2 speaker feature. Works very well on my desk, and the sound it creates around you really pulls you into the music. The only thing I REALLY HATE is that you can't take any calls on the speaker when it's in this mode. If it did, I would probably have keep the second one. But if you want some stereo sound, this is a nice option at an expensive price point.
Overall, I recommend this speaker after the firmware update as it now is doing everythig I want it do so far. I use it every day so if any other issues come up, I will be sure to update the review and score as needed.
UPDATE 5/24
Installed new firmware 1.1.8 and now I get pauses, snaps and crackles while connected to my iPad or S7 Edge. I have restarted devices, unpaired and then paired, but issue remains. The speaker is now garbage until this is fixed. Very irritated with Bose. Please release updated firmware to correct this issue ASAP!
Color: Triple BlackStyle: Speaker onlyVerified Purchase
Speaker is running great again...
By Dar on April 19, 2017
Update 5/25:By Dar on April 19, 2017
Looks like I was able to get the speaker working again. Called Bose support and they had me hold down the power button for 15 seconds and then pair my iPad again. This refresh corrected my issue. Happy we are back in business! Back up to 4 stars.
Original review:
I want to love this speaker. The shape takes the right amount of space. Sound is decent. I love that I can use it as a speakerphone to take my calls. My only problem is it just likes to randomly drop connection. I have to turn off/on the blue tooth trying to reconnect to get it working again. Very annoying. Since I have it connected to several devices, a call will come on, and then while on the call the device will blurt out it's connected to my ipad out of the blue. It will do it several times while I'm on the call. I'm gonna keep testing this, but the chance of returning to Amazon is very high. I also feel the score is unfairly inflated as 14 of the 17 5 star reviews are Vine reviews. Can Bose update the firmware on these devices?
UPDATE 4/21
I installed some updated drivers on my PC for my USB blutooth dongle and the connection seems better. Also disabling the auto disable feature is saving the iPad from getting dropped. Now I have encountered a new problem. The unit will be fully charged and within say an hour of use it will all of a sudden turn off. I turn it back on and then the power symbol is flashing red indicating neds to charge. I'll place it on the deck and then remove it from the dock and the green "medium to full charge symbol" appears. I must have a defective unit. I asked Amazon for another one.
I really want this to workout as I like this speaker and it's ability to take calls. I also like moving it right next to me as I use a split keyboard and can get a little closer to the music and it sounds good with the speaker design. If the next one works and I continue to not have issues with taking calls, this will very easily be a 4 star review. For now it will remain 2.
UPDATE 5/4
I received the new speaker and problems were as bad previous speaker. I then saw there was a new firmware update and hoped ofr the best. Firmware update takes about 2 hours to do, but you can listen to music while it's doing the update. After the update the power issues appear to have been resolved. Connectivity to my PC for taking phone calls has also improved. It appears everything I discovered an issue with has been resolved. Keep in mind I have been rocking the new firmware for only 3 days, but it was working so well I felt I should bump up the score.
Since I had the second speaker that I was going to return back to Amazon thinking the unit was defective, I decided to try out the 2 speaker feature. Works very well on my desk, and the sound it creates around you really pulls you into the music. The only thing I REALLY HATE is that you can't take any calls on the speaker when it's in this mode. If it did, I would probably have keep the second one. But if you want some stereo sound, this is a nice option at an expensive price point.
Overall, I recommend this speaker after the firmware update as it now is doing everythig I want it do so far. I use it every day so if any other issues come up, I will be sure to update the review and score as needed.
UPDATE 5/24
Installed new firmware 1.1.8 and now I get pauses, snaps and crackles while connected to my iPad or S7 Edge. I have restarted devices, unpaired and then paired, but issue remains. The speaker is now garbage until this is fixed. Very irritated with Bose. Please release updated firmware to correct this issue ASAP!
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2022
Color: Lux GrayStyle: Speaker onlyVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Manuel Torres
No es una mala opción
Reviewed in Mexico on April 10, 2018Color: Lux GrayStyle: Speaker onlyVerified Purchase
Christian Morrison
Continually loses connection or makes a poor connection
Reviewed in Canada on January 31, 2019Color: Triple BlackStyle: Speaker onlyVerified Purchase
ANTONIO VELAZQUEZ
Primer compra Bose y ultima
Reviewed in Mexico on June 17, 2020Color: Triple BlackStyle: Speaker onlyVerified Purchase
Amazon Customer
MEGABLAST vs. Bose Revolve.
Reviewed in Canada on June 23, 2018Color: Triple BlackStyle: Speaker onlyVerified Purchase
MEGABLAST vs. Bose Revolve.
Reviewed in Canada on June 23, 2018
I haven’t had a Bluetooth enabled portable speaker in years! When scouting YouTube, BestBuy and Amazon for reviews most were pretty neck and neck and really didn’t push one over the other. Incidentally, comparing the sound quality by filming them competing against each other is really, REALLY dumb. “Oh you hear that, yeah, wow!” ... No, I’m listening to your review on a crappy smart phone speaker, that’s why I’m shopping for a BT speaker. I don’t have one, I NEED one. You can’t appreciate these speakers until you actually try them in person.Reviewed in Canada on June 23, 2018
The reason I chose both of these speakers to compare was that at the time of ordering they were the same price point. They also seemed to be the most popular as well.
So with that said, here’s a USEFUL comparison between the two speakers that has information you can use to make your choice.
UE MEGABLAST
Pros:
-the bass just rumbles out of this little cylinder! The quality and force of the sound is INSANE!
-sharp, clear, accurate sound, no harsh cracks or hisses
-there’s an equalizer in the app!!!! Highly adaptable sound profile
-it can be fully immersed in water so it’s awesome in the shower!
-flawless Bluetooth even from across the house (two closed doors, 40 feet away and still pumping)
Cons:
-Alexa can’t hear you over the sound of the music after passing 1/3 volume capacity
-had some issues with wifi connectivity
-no buttons to skip tracks, only off/on, BT discover, and volume.
-app isn’t great
-zero connectivity to other speakers
-charge port is located in an awkward position (bottom of unit)
BOSE REVOLVE
Pros:
-buttons are really handy for skipping tracks, volume control, etc.
-app is well designed
-aux port
-beautiful and accurate sound, very smooth voice
-very stable design, doesn’t want to tip easily
-flawless Bluetooth connectivity
-you can connect more than one speaker, any in the Bose BT speaker lineup
Cons:
-VERY aware of the onboard sound adjustments when listening at high volume
-not waterproof
-bass just wasn’t as present, felt a little hollow
Honestly, the sound is phenomenal for both! HOWEVER, a key difference that NONE of the other reviewers bothered to mention which pushed the MEGABLAST well past the Revolve in terms of performance was that there is an EQUALIZER on the MEGABLAST app. Hands down the best feature to have for a small speaker that is expected to play all genres of music.
The Bluetooth range is also superior with the MEGABLAST. I could get approximately 25% further from the MEGABLAST (40-50 feet away) than the Revolve (30-40 feet away) before the sound started to gap out. When listening to music on a speaker this size both distances are unreasonably far away. So this is a factor that should have very little baring on your decision.
As I said, the sound quality is amazing for both. However, I’m somewhat of an audiophile, so here’s the skinny with the sound. The tones on the Bose were very balanced, but they got slightly faint when dealing with a large amount of bass. You are also quite aware the Revolve is making its on-board adjustments to the sound while listening.
With the MEGABLAST the sound is very CONSISTENT. You can tweak the sound parameters depending on what genre you are listening to. Because of this very underreported feature you attain SIGNIFICANTLY better performance than you can get from the Revolve.
Again, it’s a portable speaker so it’s not going to sound as full bodied as an actual indoor full sized sound system. But with the equalizer feature you can pull a much richer sound from the MEGABLAST than the Revolve.
As for unboxing ... really people? Is this really a thing now? Does anyone actually CARE about the appearance of a box you almost immediately recycle or throw into storage? “I like the speaker because of the box it came in.” Said no one EVER!
Yes, the charger cord is in an awkward location, but again, WHO CARES?! It’s not like you have a Bluetooth-battery-on-board speaker plugged into the wall while you’re using it. If you want a speaker that you can use while plugged into the wall, buy a REAL stereo.
So I have to address this, a paid reviewer said when they were charging it they were worried it would “roll off the table as it was round.” Ok, tiny geometry lesson here circa grade 2. First off, it’s a cylinder. It is not round. Secondly, just rest it on the other flat surface (the top) while it’s charging. This is how cylinders work, they have two flat surfaces. Simple. Ok, moving on!
Yes, Alexa is pretty useless too, but that’s what buttons and apps are for. I mean really, the MAIN focus here should be SOUND PERFORMANCE, not whether you can talk to it or not. It’s a speaker, not a digital assistant.
Yes, it’s true, you cannot link another speaker to this fella. But seriously, this speaker is like $250-$300 bucks! If you want to buy and link another speaker to it, well ... you’re looking at like $600 man. That’s the cost of a pretty nice stereo system, or at least well on your way to purchasing one. This is a simple, portable BT speaker with phenomenal sound! It’s not designed to be some crazy complicated, linking, blinking, bells-a-whistlin’ supercomputer. It’s a speaker that’ll work in the shower as well as it will at the top of a mountain. And if it gets caught in a dust storm, falls in the pool and sinks to the bottom, you can pull it out, dry it off and, guess what, IT’S STILL GONNA WORK GREAT! I think you gotta ask yourself, what more do you really need here?
All in all, the MEGABLAST is a fantastic purchase, and far superior to the Bose Revolve. It’s a great sounding little speaker, worth every single 5 cent coin. I would highly recommend it.
Images in this review
Jay
From 5 star to 2 star after a software update... I would return it if I could!
Reviewed in Canada on November 1, 2017Color: Lux GrayStyle: Speaker onlyVerified Purchase
