Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
KEF LSX II · Black — Smart/Portable · $1399
KEF

KEF LSX II · Black

Smart/Portable · $1399

92
/ 100
From $1,399
VS
KEF LSX II · Black wins by 6
Bose SoundLink Max — Smart/Portable · $399
Bose

Bose SoundLink Max

Smart/Portable · $399

86
/ 100
From $399
Specdex verdict

KEF LSX II · Black takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, KEF LSX II · Black lands at 92 and Bose SoundLink Max at 86. That puts KEF LSX II · Black ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick KEF LSX II · Black if…

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

Pick Bose SoundLink Max if…

  • ✓Easy multi-room with ecosystem
  • ✓App EQ on modern models
  • ✓USB-C/AUX input on some
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

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

Sound

KEF LSX II · Black

Compared on the sound sub-score

KEF LSX II · Black leads on sound (92 vs 86).

Design

Tie

Compared on the design sub-score

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

Features

KEF LSX II · Black

Compared on the features sub-score

KEF LSX II · Black leads on features (90 vs 84).

Value for money

Bose SoundLink Max

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Bose SoundLink Max more score per dollar ($399 vs $1,399).

KEF LSX II · Black 92
vs
86 Bose SoundLink Max

Score breakdown

KEF LSX II · Black
92
sound 92
features 90
design 88
ecosystem 84
Bose SoundLink Max
86
sound 86
features 84
design 88
ecosystem 84

Specs side-by-side

KEF LSX II · Black versus Bose SoundLink Max — full spec comparison
Spec KEF LSX II · Black Bose SoundLink Max

KEF LSX II · 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

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

FAQ: KEF LSX II · Black vs Bose SoundLink Max

Which is better, KEF LSX II · Black or Bose SoundLink Max? +

KEF LSX II · Black scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is KEF LSX II · Black worth the price? +

At $1,399, KEF LSX II · Black delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.

Is Bose SoundLink Max worth the price? +

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

Does KEF LSX II · Black or Bose SoundLink Max 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 better for sound, KEF LSX II · Black or Bose SoundLink Max? +

KEF LSX II · Black — leads on sound (92 vs 86). Compared on the sound sub-score.

Which is better for features, KEF LSX II · Black or Bose SoundLink Max? +

KEF LSX II · Black — leads on features (90 vs 84). Compared on the features sub-score.