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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) · Black — Smart/Portable · $299
Apple

HomePod (2nd gen) · Black

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) · Black 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) · Black 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) · Black

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

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

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

Score breakdown

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

Specs side-by-side

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

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) · Black

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) · Black

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

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) · Black worth the price? +

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

Does Bose SoundLink Max or HomePod (2nd gen) · Black 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) · Black? +

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