Bose SoundLink Plus

Light on features, big on sound

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OK, it looks like a brick with a silicone wrap at the top and a metallic grille at the front, all with slightly more rounded off corners. But it’s a nice brick nonetheless.

Just like its bigger brother, the Soundlink Max, the Plus’s top section houses all of the essential playback, pairing and volume control options embedded into a robust silicone surface. All buttons respond satisfyingly to the touch. There's also a shortcut button which you can customise via the Bose app, though you're limited to two options: accessing Speaker Link for pairing two Bose Bluetooth speakers together, or assigning a Spotify shortcut button.

Clearly a level of quality and care has gone into its construction, evidenced by the premium tactility of the speaker's front grille or the smooth silicone which makes up much of the unit's main body. It is understated, yes, but the Bose has the ruggedness to go with that easygoing style. Poking, prodding and sometimes scratching any given surface demonstrates a reassuring robustness, while an IP67 water and dustproof rating will safeguard it from the elements.