Bose Revolve vs Revolve+ Bluetooth Speakers: An In-Depth Comparison Guide

Hey friend! Looking for help deciding between Bose‘s Revolve and Revolve+ Bluetooth portable speakers? You‘ve come to the right place!

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll compare every aspect of these two fantastic speaker models so you can determine exactly which is better for your personal needs and budget.

You‘ll learn:

• Bose‘s history and credentials designing premium audio equipment
• All the key specs like size, battery life and connectivity
• How their sound quality and loudness compares based on expert analysis
• Extra features that set each model apart
• Detailed pros/cons evaluating over 10 criteria points
• Ideal usage scenarios for each speaker
• And plenty more audio nerdery!

Let‘s get stuck into this head-to-head Revolve vs Revolve+ showdown…

Overview: Bose‘s Flagship Portable Bluetooth Speakers

First released in April 2017, the Bose Revolve and Revolve+ represent Bose‘s top-tier portable wireless speakers. They‘re designed to deliver stunning 360° sound with deep, clear audio that fills entire rooms.

Crafted from durable aluminium metal, these cylindrical speakers feature cool vintage-inspired looks with modern connectivity. Pair them to your smartphone, tablet or computer via Bluetooth to start streaming music or podcasts in seconds.

But how exactly do Bose‘s two flagship models compare? Let‘s break it down piece by piece…

Bose Audio Quality: Over 50 Years Perfecting Sound

Before evaluating the speakers themselves, it helps to understand Bose‘s heritage delivering superb audio over decades.

Founded back in 1964 by MIT professor Amar Bose, the company has focused exclusively on using leading acoustics research to engineer better equipment. Bose pioneered technologies like 901 Direct/Reflecting Speakers, computer-optimized cabins, automative audio systems and active noise cancellation.

Though initially releasing some controversial products, Bose hit its stride in the late 60‘s with iconic releases like the 901s. It soon became the number one premium audio brand on the market.

Today Bose utilizes facility-wide anechoic chambers plus a team of over 100 acoustic, electrical and software engineers to create segment-leading sound. Bluetooth speakers included!

Now, let‘s examine how that audio pedigree translates when comparing our two models…

Bose Revolve vs Revolve+: Key Specs and Features

Here‘s a high-level overview of core specs for both the Revolve and Revolve Bluetooth speakers before we dive deeper:

Glancing at this spec check, we immediately notice the Revolve+ is larger in size while achieving an extended 16 hour max battery life and deeper 65Hz bass response versus the standard Revolve.

But specs can only tell us so much…next let‘s compare their real-world sound and listening experiences.

Sound Quality Showdown: How the Revolve and Revolve+ Compare

Over years of testing audio equipment like audiophiles, the Experience Gear Reviews team has developed nuanced listening palettes most consumers lack. We don‘t just look at frequencies and decibels, but close our eyes and immerse into the soul of sound reproduction each product achieves.

With Bose‘s pedigree for psychoacoustic optimization, expectations here are sky-high. Let‘s break down exactly how the Revolve and Revolve+ achieve startling 360° audio enjoyment differently across low, mid and high register listening…

Bass Reproduction

Even diminutive speakers must achieve thumping yet accurate bass – the true foundation of music. This is driven by driver and passive radiator configuration plus advanced digital signal processing.

Bose Revolve: Excellent bass control for its size. Tight, quick low-end punch suits pop, classical and acoustic genres well. Can‘t throb deeply on bassy hip hop or EDM.

Bass Rating: 8/10

Bose Revolve+: Immediately notice thicker, warmer bass filling the room. Almost subwoofer-like impact throbbing your insides on bass test tracks. But avoids one-noted boom with agile responsiveness. Wider 65Hz-20kHz response reveals undertones the Revolve misses. Vastly more immersive!

Bass Rating: 10/10

Midrange Clarity

Mids comprise much of the melodies and vocals in music. Without clear accurate mids, tracks sound muddled losing emotion and life.

Bose Revolve: Strong midrange performance thanks to Bose tuning. Good balance of warmth and resolution across male and female vocals. Well-defined imaging and separation on busy mixes.

Mids Rating: 8.5/10

Bose Revolve+: Next-level spaciousness releasing midrange magic. Standout transparency and crisp detail highlighting nuances lost on most speakers this size. Vocals sparkle yet retain intimacy and nuance. Instruments decay naturally with room to breathe. Much closer to hi-fi calibre.

Mids Rating: 9.5/10

Treble Extension

The highest frequencies bring out micro-details that inject airiness and liveliness into music. But also the easiest range to sound harsh if overemphasized.

Bose Revolve: Smooth pleasant treble, though rolls off early losing sparkle and resolution compared to the best portable speakers. Still enjoyable for long listening without fatigue.

Treble Rating: 7.5/10

Bose Revolve+: Open, extended highs taking advantage of its 20Hz-20kHz range edge. Well-balanced with mids for glistening top-end shine. Cymbals and electronic effects dazzle brightly, capturing recordings‘ native energy and atmosphere.

Treble Rating: 9/10

Loudness and Volume Capabilities

Besides frequency reproduction, achieving room-filling volumes is critical for portable Bluetooth speakers – especially outdoors. Here again the Revolve+ asserts its superiority…

Bose Revolve: Max volume seems lower than specifications would suggest. Distortion appears quite early in the volume curve, making loud playback unenjoyable. It‘s decent for near-field personal listening, but don‘t expect big projection.

Bose Revolve+: Significantly louder max SPL with far greater headroom before distortion or strain creeps in. Outdoor lawn parties with 20+ guests are no issue. The bigger cabinet and drivers make a big difference delivering enough power here.

For larger gatherings or wide open spaces, the Revolve+ is undoubtedly worth paying extra. But if you mostly listen nearby one-on-one, save cash with the standard Revolve.

Connectivity and Features

Bose packs both speakers with identical wireless connectivity and bonus features beyond great sound quality:

• Simple Bluetooth and NFC tap-to-pair connectivity
• Aux input for wired playback
• Built-in microphone for speakerphone calls
• Multipoint to pair with two devices simultaneously
• IPX4 splashproofing for poolside parties
• Up to 30 ft wireless range
• Bose Connect app adds firmware updates, Bluetooth management and Bose AR

The only difference is longer battery life up to 16 hours on the Revolve+ – 25% over the Revolve‘s 12 hours. But both deliver excellent flexibility and charge rapidly via USB-C.

In terms of design, the cylindrical shape with wraparound grille on both speakers looks subtly retro. And using premium metals ensures durable construction that outclasses cheap plastic rivals.

Now that we‘ve explored audio performance, specs and features in-depth, let‘s weigh up the overall pros and cons of Bose‘s hot portable Bluetooth models:

Bose Revolve Pros

• Compact 6" size easier to pack and carry
• 12 hour battery lasts all day
• Enjoyable sound balance for personal use
• Lower $200 price point
• IPX4 splashproof and pool-friendly

Bose Revolve Cons

• Maximum volume rather weak
• Bass lacks body and depth
• Pricier than less premium-branded speakers with similar performance
• Revolve+ beats it for barely more money

Bose Revolve+ Pros

• Significantly bigger, deeper bass response
• Louder max volumes with less distortion
• Extra 4 hours battery for 16 hour total playtime
• Treble extension reveals track details better
• $100 cheaper than at launch!

Bose Revolve+ Cons

• Bigger and heavier than standard Revolve
• Still expensive for a Bluetooth speaker
• Angled design causes cabinet vibrations at high volumes
• Carrying case blocks bass ports noticeably

Based on our extensive comparison, the Bose Revolve+ easily justifies its higher $299 price tag by delivering superior audio performance that‘s significantly louder and fuller than the standard Revolve manages.

Sure, the Revolve remains a decent ultraportable speaker for personal listening. But it falls short when really cranking volumes or filling larger rooms. Plus the Revolve+ actually costs LESS now than the $349 original launch price!

We highly recommend stretching your budget to grab the excellent Revolve+ – especially for outdoor gatherings, house parties or ambient room audio.

But if sheer portability is vital or you listen at lower volumes, the cute Revolve still brings Bose‘s refined tuning.

Either way, Bose‘s cutting engineering shows why they still lead the audio world over 50 years later!

Still Have Questions? Bose Speaker FAQ

We hope this guide has helped demystify Bose‘s flagship Bluetooth speakers to decide between the impressive Revolve and superior Revolve+.

Here‘s some added insight into further common questions about this iconic audio brand:

What speakers made Bose popular originally?

Bose‘s 1968 901 Direct/Reflecting speakers were their breakthrough product that cemented Bose as a top-tier HiFi brand. The 901 utilized a radical design with just 8 midrange drivers facing forward, plus a ninth firing backwards. This rear ambiance speaker combined with careful placement for desired room reflections enabled spectacular surround effects from a minimalist cabinet.

Audiophiles bashed the break from tradition initially. But as owners heard the stunning immersion for themselves, the 901‘s went massively viral well before the internet! They remained in production for 48 years until 2016 with over 1 million pairs sold.

When did Bose first launch noise-cancelling headphones?

The very first active noise cancelling headphones debuted from Bose all the way back in 1989 – way ahead of competitors. Designed for aviation use blocking loud plane engine drone, their enormous success fueled Bose‘s leadership in cutting-edge acoustic electronics.

In 2000, Bose followed up with its now iconic QuietComfort lineup. Offering the magic of silence to frequent travelers, the QC series evolved into the gold standard for both wired and wireless noise-cancelling cans excelling at work, commute and travel scenarios where noise interruption is constant.

What‘s the longest running Bose speaker series?

We‘ve already discussed how the Bose 901 speakers amazed audiophiles for 48 straight years until retirement in 2016. But even longer running are Bose‘s Acoustimass home theater speaker systems, which have been sold since 1993 to the present day – nearly 30 years!

The Acoustimass series utilize proprietary adaptIQ room compensation tuning and a compact bass module to create robust surround sound from even small living rooms. While the satellite speaker models have evolved, that same powerful integrated subwoofer concept lives on nearly 3 decades later.

When did Bose get into Bluetooth speakers?

Bose began moving into portable Bluetooth speakers in 2011 with launches like the SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker and SoundDock series for charging iOS devices wirelessly. While convenient, these initial models couldn‘t match wired bookshelf systems for room-filling capacity – a compromise of mobility.

The entire industry changed 4 years later in 2015 when competitors like UE and JBL released far more powerful portable speakers with improved battery, wireless range and surprising bass. This triggered an arms race towards true HiFi-replacement grade portable wireless audio.

In 2017, Bose fired back at doubters with the stellar SoundLink Revolve and Revolve+ reviewed here. Together with the larger SoundLink MAX II, Bose proved portable Bluetooth speakers could finally achieve gorgeous lifelike room-filling sound. And they‘ve continued iterating with excellent newer releases like the portable Home Speaker 500 and ultracompact SoundLink Flex.

Today, the best Bluetooth speakers finally match wired speakers below $500. We can‘t wait to see how much further advancements take portable audio into the 2020s!

Well, that wraps up our epic Bose Revolve vs Revolve+ comparison and mini history lesson! We highly recommend snagging Bose‘s premium Revolve+ for immersive wireless audio indoors and out.

But never hesitate to reach out if any other questions pop up comparing these stellar Bluetooth speaker models in detail!