Bose SoundLink Plus Beats 2 Rivals in Beach Test as JBL Charge 6 Leads on Durability
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jun 30
Bose SoundLink Plus Beats 2 Rivals in Beach Test as JBL Charge 6 Leads on Durability
3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jun 30
Summary
Pensacola Beach testing across three days led ZDNET’s reviewer to pick Bose’s SoundLink Plus as the best outdoor speaker over JBL’s Charge 6 and Sonos Play.
Nearly 70% battery remained after about 6 hours of loud playback on the Bose, while its bass stayed strong enough to cut through waves and aircraft noise—though at lower volume the bass could overpower vocals.
JBL’s 3-pound Charge 6 stood out for portability, Auracast support and the toughest rating at IP68, but used about 45% battery in 6 hours and lost bass when its battery-saving mode was enabled.
Sonos Play delivered balanced sound with Automatic Trueplay and basic voice controls over Bluetooth, but its vertical design was unstable on sand and it used about half its battery in 5 hours.
All 3 speakers carried full dust protection and 30-minute water resistance, but the reviewer said Sonos loses too many home-network features outdoors, making Bose the preferred pick for summer trips.