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Bose SoundLink Max — Smart/Portable · $399
Bose

Bose SoundLink Max

Smart/Portable · $399

86
/ 100
From $399
VS
Bose SoundLink Max wins by 1
HomePod (2nd gen) — Smart/Portable · $299
Apple

HomePod (2nd gen)

Smart/Portable · $299

85
/ 100
From $299
Specdex verdict

Bose SoundLink Max takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Bose SoundLink Max lands at 86 and HomePod (2nd gen) at 85. That puts Bose SoundLink Max ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Bose SoundLink Max if…

  • ✓Easy multi-room with ecosystem
  • ✓App EQ on modern models
  • ✓USB-C/AUX input on some

Pick HomePod (2nd gen) if…

  • ✓Easy multi-room with ecosystem
  • ✓App EQ on modern models
  • ✓USB-C/AUX input on some
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Design

Tie

Compared on the design sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Sound

Tie

Compared on the sound sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Ecosystem

Tie

Compared on the ecosystem sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

HomePod (2nd gen)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

HomePod (2nd gen) more score per dollar ($299 vs $399).

Bose SoundLink Max 86
vs
85 HomePod (2nd gen)

Score breakdown

Bose SoundLink Max
86
sound 86
features 84
design 88
ecosystem 84
HomePod (2nd gen)
85
sound 85
features 83
design 88
ecosystem 84

Specs side-by-side

Bose SoundLink Max versus HomePod (2nd gen) — full spec comparison
Spec Bose SoundLink Max HomePod (2nd gen)

Bose SoundLink Max

Pros
  • +Easy multi-room with ecosystem
  • +App EQ on modern models
  • +USB-C/AUX input on some
Cons
  • −Brand ecosystem lock-in
  • −Subscription features on some
  • −Bass limits at lower sizes

HomePod (2nd gen)

Pros
  • +Easy multi-room with ecosystem
  • +App EQ on modern models
  • +USB-C/AUX input on some
Cons
  • −Brand ecosystem lock-in
  • −Subscription features on some
  • −Bass limits at lower sizes

FAQ: Bose SoundLink Max vs HomePod (2nd gen)

Which is better, Bose SoundLink Max or HomePod (2nd gen)? +

Bose SoundLink Max scores 86 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Bose SoundLink Max worth the price? +

At $399, Bose SoundLink Max delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in design.

Is HomePod (2nd gen) worth the price? +

At $299, HomePod (2nd gen) delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in design.

Does Bose SoundLink Max or HomePod (2nd gen) last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is the better value, Bose SoundLink Max or HomePod (2nd gen)? +

HomePod (2nd gen) — more score per dollar ($299 vs $399). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.