Bose Soundlink Flex: A Discussion and Review

How Flex-ible is it? This review specifically looks at the Bose Soundlink Flex and discusses some of its headlining features against the Bose Soundlink Micro and Apple HomePod mini. It also covers issues discovered while using two speakers in stereo and party mode, and issues with the Bose Connect app.
#bose #soundlink #review

[@Damon0306]

Just purchased a second BOSE SoundLink FLEX to use in STEREO MODE, I am using the speakers with my IPAD I also am NOT USING the app. I use the buttons on top of the speakers to put them in party mode, then into STEREO I’ve had ZERO issues with Stereo MODE and it sounds amazing. The only drawback is once I cycle the speakers off/on they forget they were in stereo mode, so again I have to fiddle with the buttons on both speakers to place them first into party mode, then into stereo mode. I wish BOSE would release and update that would allow the speaker to stay in its current mode even after powering off.

[@holohulolo]

I notice people seem to have troubles connecting to this device. Dont use the app to pair it. Switch only 1 of the speaker on first, let it pair to your device, press the BT and + button and immediate switch on your 2nd speaker and press the BT and - button and also immediately after that go back to your 2st speaker and press BT and + button again. That last step isnt in the instruction but I find it's the most reliable way to connect it. Works every time for me, also it's really important to do those steps as fast as you can otherwise the 2nd speaker might automatically pair with your device and disconnect the 1st speaker from it and it either keep connecting and disconnecting between the 2 device or you have to keep trying to pair the 2 speakers over and over.

[@holohulolo]

It's also better to have a music playing before you're doing any of the steps, including switching any of the speakers on. Because for some reason if you dont, sometimes the 2 and speaker switches itself off seconds after the pairing is successful. But if you do it when sah a music its playing, once its paired the music will immediately starts playing from both speakers.

[@noelflores8631]

Do you know if you can connect a third speaker and if so, how is it done?

[@holohulolo]

@@noelflores8631 I'm not sure. But I think it's possible, using a different app, the one that's not dedicated for 1 type of bose speakers. But if I were to try connecting without the app I might try pressing the bt and + button then pressing the bluetooth and - button on the other 2 speakers as quickly as I could and see if it does the trick. But probably better looking for the app or the manual if theres a way to connect a group speakers without the app.

[@isometrus]

Another important thing is to rename at least the one speaker of the pair through the app. That way they will not have the exact same name confusing the streaming device connection and it would be staying connected rock solid to the first speaker only. Also after pairing with the streaming device you're can switch ON the second speaker before pressing + and BT buttons for pairing both speakers together. Actually I'm impressed by the very solid bluetooth connection on both single and pair mode of these speakers. And the stereo mode is mind blowing. Most of the KZbin videos that playing the stereo mode sound are far from the real life sound of the speakers when they are properly positioned in the room in form of a big triangle regarding the listener's position. The real sound is very clear, big and airy, with nice 3D holographic effect present, audio effects coming from each direction and behind me when the track is mastered that way, exactly like this happens when listening to my carefully positioned Mission HiFi speakers. They can be very loud also. Often listening on those small bluetooth speakers for fun with friends in my medium living room next to my main HiFi setup, placing the small Bose on top of my stand mounted speakers, playing some funny recorded track, then telling them that actually the big speakers are "off" and silent and the sound comes only from the tiny Bose on top which playing at 60% volume and they can't believe that so loud and big sound and bass is coming through them.

[@lrduffy]

How do you turn on the stereo feature after the pairing is sucsesful?

[@edcipriani8873]

I bought the Bose Flex about 10 days ago. I also own a Bose SoundLink color 2, from a couple years ago. I have been using the Party and Stereo Mode to connect these 2 speakers for the last few days and overall it works pretty good. Sometimes it does disconnect the 2 speakers in either Party or Stereo Mode, especially when you adjust the volume. I am going to keep using both speakers together for a few more weeks to determine how reliable the connectivity works with Party/Stereo Mode. This was one of the main reasons why I bought the Bose Flex is to be able to pair it with another Bose speaker. Even without pairing the Flex to the 2nd speaker, it still sounds pretty good for a speaker this size, and the build quality is great, but I think in this price range there are better options where you can get more for your money, especially since there are many bluetooth speakers out there that have an equalizer in the app. And yes, the voice prompts are obnoxious.

[@Robledasounds]

Like what?

[@edcipriani8873]

@@Robledasounds -If you're asking which options for Bluetooth speakers are out there where you can get more for your money, then I'd look at a few Soundcore speakers, including the Motion Plus, Motion Boom, and especially the Motion Boom Plus which you can pick up on Amazon for $150. I'd also look at a few Tribit bluetooth speakers. An affordable option is the Tribit MaxSound Plus. Also the Tribit StormBox series have a couple good options, including the Tribit Stormbox Blast, which is a lot more speaker for the money for the $200 price. I am thinking about getting the Stormbox Blast down the road, I could not care less about the lighting display, just bigger and better sound for the money.

[@kevinwake9439]

Wish I would've seen this video before I bought 2 of them to pair as Stereo. They are a Massive pain in the Axx to pair. Can't count on these to hook up into Stereo half the time

[@evoke225]

same. I have good luck by turning everything and Bluetooth. turn on Bluetooth after you open the app. let whichever one connect first. it still doesn't work all the way but it helps

[@holohulolo]

Dont use the app to pair it. Have one turned on first, press the bt and + on that one and immediately switch on the 2nd speaker and press the bt and - button and also immediately after that go back to the 1st speaker and press the bt and + buttons again. That last step wasnt in the instruction but I found is necessary to connect it reliably, and do it fast, because the 2nd speaker might pair up to your device and disconnect your 1st speaker from the device and it would be really frustrating having it connect and disconnecting from the device constantly. Works everytime for me.

[@GeorgeLista]

@@holohulolo wonder if you’ve used them in stereo connected to a TV?

[@fleetdreams33]

I have the same problem, I don't know why they are impossible to connect in stereo mode.

[@kevinwake9439]

@@fleetdreams33 they're easy to do now. Have both powered on and on one of them hold the Bluetooth button at the same time as the volume up button then the voice will say hold the volume and the minus buttom one the other one to pair. That app sucks just use that to toggle stereo mode

[@CodeDeb]

Is there a remote control you can use with this speaker?

[@crk140]

No

[@InSurrealtime]

Your phone is the remote control once you get them started.

[@playopene5991]

You pointed out some problems I have not ran into yet. Nice to have a heads up. Yeah man. Well thought out, you didn’t stumble for just the right word. Good Show ol boy!

[@brixelus]

What about using it as a speakerphone? Can you initiate calls with it?

[@crk140]

I have two of these and in stereo I think the sound is great and I’ve never had any pairing issues

[@caravanstuff2827]

Please tell how you do it... better still make a vid and post it on you tube!!.

[@Madman6505]

I wonder if there has been a firmware update since this video was posted that fixed the issues?

[@edrandles2695]

I liked the Bose Soundlink enough to get a second one. It can be a pain to pair 2 of these speakers, but once you successfully get them paired, awesome performance!!

[@GeorgeLista]

Has anyone used them in stereo connected to a TV? I have one connected and it’s way better than my tv speaker… now I’m thinking of getting a second one for stereo - wonder if it would do Dolby Atmos…

[@TwinkleTutsies]

I am so disappointed no one has replied to this comment because I was wanting to get a 2nd one to do this

[@TwinkleTutsies]

I bought 2 and there is no chance of using them in stereo the delay is so bad

[@elvst3331]

So you would need the connect app for this instead of the music app. Why though bose. I thought all newer products would take advantage of the music app instead.

[@Cylance-ji9tn]

I have two soundlink micro & the app probs (party/stereo mode) literally drive me insane‼️💥🧠💥

[@iconikreviews5377]

First thing is I’m relieved I’m not the only one with major reliable pairing issues with Bose soundlink speakers. It’s an ongoing war. I have a soundlink micro and 2 soundlink revolve ii +’s. There is an issue each and every single time I want to use 2 speakers in party mode or stereo mode. So believe me buying another soundlink speaker won’t make a difference. Bose clearly doesn’t care and I’ve not seen a firmware update to fix this issue since purchasing over a year ago. They don’t care. You can use the physical buttons on the speaker to pair 2 speakers in party mode or stereo and bypass the need to use the app, but the issue is still is prevalent. F***ing mind bogglingly terrible performance. Each time I want to listen to music with 2 of my Bose speakers in biting my nails in frustration wanting to throw a speaker against the wall

[@MrManishvatsyan]

I feel that every review is overly biased towards bose. I purchased it after a lot of research and I feel that the bass is good enough but not deep like JBL and Sony. On the other side JBL has good bass but it also has too much of treble which sounds too sharp for my ears. Sony’ signature sound produces good low end bass but it kinda suppresses the vocals. I am overall satisfied with my Bose Flex if we don’t talk about battery life and low end Bass. Ps: I am not a basshead but I like well balanced sound. The best sounding speakers to my ears so far in the same budget range is Marshall Emberton.

[@ciriaconlinechannel8943]

What I like about Bose Flex is the aux input. Does the Marshall Emberton has aux input for wired connection?

[@user-so2rh9om6y]

I agree with you the jbl is clear but for me maybe a little too clear where it also would hurt my ears after a while of listening I’m thinking of getting another flex to see how good stereo mode is

[@ShikharSatish]

Hey .. I'm thinking about getting one of these speakers but confused between enberton and bose soundlink... Which one would you suggest?

[@jarvishill1007]

Thank you for the engineering view review 😍👍 Xmass sale at Costco, got one & love the sound (also use an audio to bluetooth xt/rec bluetooth adapter, allowing following DIFFERENT media in DIFFERENT locations, like NPR in the shower or football game) & I learned something you may be interested in: BLUETOOTH LINKING: 1. Installed AP, per instructions. Then I tried just my smart phone link & worked well (only technical "supervision" is sound, LOVE IT ❤. (Gives power level, also) 2. I have 3 bluetooth links, tablet, & adapter for other sources. I had an issue linking to the adapter, when the voice announced it connected to my tablet and phone. 3. I had stumbled on to the function of pushing the bluetooth link button to switch bluetooth links. Cool. In the rush for the game, shut bluetooth OFF on those two devices and quickly linked for my shower. 4. Later as I moved around, the BOSE FLEX SE, gave great sound for enjoying both Lions & KC games 👍 For the 2 ball games today, listened to the start of the game via bluetooth/audio adapter from my TV, in the shower. ❤ Naval Avionics veteran

[@TheCuriousEngineerChannel]

The sound is very good, no doubt. That is an interesting function! I don't think I ever tried that! I have the Soundlink Micro's that I still use and will see if that works with them! Thanks for watching, and thank you for your service.

[@bhcbhc]

Thanks for this video I decided to not buy a second speaker.

[@benny4614]

Could you please explain how you connect two Bose speakers,thanks.

[@user-cp4js5ih9u]

Question: can the recharging battery be replaced and how ?

[@Optora.]

No its waterproof and like 50% made out of glue

[@miracoli16]

How long does the battery last if the speaker is always switched on? Is there any protection against deep discharge of the battery?

[@Davey_01]

I don’t know why reviewers of the speaker say they can’t tell a difference, whether it’s standing up or lying flat. You can clearly hear there is a difference on its back. It gets a trouble boost and sounds a bit more open Wales standing up it sounds more mono and directional With a bit more boosted base.

[@AAron-hj5yl]

How do you pair three of these speakers? I’m having a terrible time trying to get that to work.

[@TheCuriousEngineerChannel]

Pretty sure the Soundlink Flex only supports the pairing of two speakers.

[@schelinx]

can you also use this speaker together with sound bar?

[@prasitchamprasert2862]

Flex seem to be the same on manually pairing as my 2 Micros in Party/Stereo mode: 1 Connect only Micro-1 to the device 2 Power on Micro-2 3 Long press BT/+ on Micro-1 till hear the voice prompt 4 Long press BT/ - on Micro-2 till hear the voice prompt 5 Long press BT/+ on either Micro to switch between Party/Stereo mode.

[@InSurrealtime]

So you're saying, don't pair the 2nd speaker to your phone?

[@noname5905]

Can you charge the speaker while listening?

[@TheCuriousEngineerChannel]

Yes you can. Thanks for watching!

[@kemalosman]

Hi, I am considering to buy 2 for stereo but I saw a comment about latency especially when watch videos. I usually watch youtube videos, how is the stereo mode with youtube app? Is there any problem about latency? Thank you!

[@TheCuriousEngineerChannel]

Unfortunately, there will be latency with any source when running in stereo mode, unless it is compensated for with an app or utility. Thanks for watching!

[@andbry]

The bose Connect app stinks and pairing these for party/stereo mode is a pain...very...very finicky

[@mega00760]

sounds like a pass for me, glad i watched this

[@1234ajinomoto]

Would you get two and leave them always on in Stereo mode like a desk speaker? Thinking of doing this.

[@TheCuriousEngineerChannel]

Yes! This is what I was expected the speakers to be able to accomplish. There are other speakers out there that can do this, one of which I will be testing soon!

[@bhcbhc]

I did it. There will be a 1 second sound delay against visuals when paired.

[@jbro1166]

Can you connect the sound flex to the soundlink colour 2 in stereo please?

[@deeps0267]

I am getting low sound voice assistant after ON the speaker or Bluetooth. Are you also experiencing the same issue ?

[@szarik78]

Bose are really great products I have I am using two speakers for stereo they are perfectly fine never have any issues.

[@Optora.]

How about delay over bluetooth?

[@crk140]

There is some delay, but the sound is fantastic

[@DildeepakSidhu]

Do you have to reconnect them together again when you turn them on ?

[@Youtubeitisin]

can u take phone calls on it and if yes, how is the call quality?

[@MrManishvatsyan]

Yes you can. Audio quality is good but you need to be close to the speaker while speaking. The only downside of this speaker is the battery life. Even with 40-50% sound, it lasts approx 9 hours

[@Youtubeitisin]

@@MrManishvatsyan I am thinking of putting it on the dash of the car and use it as speakerphone for calls? Is it practical or no and this will pick a lot of background noise from car and road noise etc?

[@kirkydaturkey]

@@KZbinitisin lol I’m picking one up today and am planning to do the same.

[@adversary22]

On my phone I had issues with the initial setup until I disabled Bluetooth LE Audio in my phone's developer settings. I don't have the patience to retest this right now though. I wonder if this was an issue with the speaker or something related to my Pixel 7 Pro. Also I have to say that releasing this thing with Bluetooth 4.2 is a cheap and disappointing move by Bose considering the price tag they slap on their devices.

[@robinmartinsson3032]

I ordered the carmine red Flex and Im planning to order another one in the near future.

[@robinmartinsson3032]

I am very happy with my 1 Flex and if I can afford it in the future I will have 2

[@FirstLast-rq3hl]

How does it sound in stereo mode

[@crk140]

Fantastic

[@InSurrealtime]

One year later and it's still the same. I just manually set them to stereo every time I turn them on.

[@martinmarines9113]

I think the smart link allows you to power on the speaker via the app

[@CodeDeb]

I can’t get mine to work with the app. Paired manually

[@Snipely]

When I activate stereo mode, how can I tell which one is the left channel? Is left always the first one paired?

[@Optora.]

It says it. One speaker says right then the 2nd one says left. For me the 2nd one is R

[@Snipely]

@@Optora. thanks

[@DarkLouie76]

I got to say I love Bose products but I'm definitely disappointed with this. I got the bundle and was trying to hook up both speakers via the app. No joy. I had to call up Bose, and they were trying to tell me how to do it just like one of the comments said, turn on one hold down the Bluetooth and plus button, then turn on the other all the Bluetooth and minus button. It just seems too much work to get the results. I mean what is the whole point of the app and pressing party mode. I still have a Jawbone big jam box, the thing is still an amazing speaker even though it came out in 2011. Comparing the two, the Jawbone jambox bass is not as good, but is very clear and has great sound and is probably just as loud. I don't know, I'll try them out I may be sending them back.... For the money I might just wait till something better comes along or save it for one of my other hobbies.

[@sinakhansari1]

Couldn't agree more with this review. Bose is whind the game in terms of connection reliability and imease of use. It should not be this complicated to pair them with such high failure rate. More disappointing that 2 years since release there has been no firmware update to improve anything. Cheaper Chinese brands have better app and software support

[@Falcon6711]

Die APP ist unausgereifter Mist! Und das die Lautsprecher immer wieder neu im Stereo Mode verbunden werden müssen und der Stereo Mode nicht gespeichert wird, ist eben so ein Scheiß. Aber der klang ist schon echt gut.

[@TheCuriousEngineerChannel]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@johnshepherd2666]

Nice comments about the pairing ..I am getting my Flex tomorrow (black .....black speakers matter..). you can do some facial shots....its boring just looking at the speaker & two hands....😢😢😢😢😢

[@Nicepackage]

Don't use the Bose app at all to pair the speakers then they're more stable and don't touch the volume control on your touchscreen

[@daithibuachalla25]

If you don't use the Bose app, can you still get them to connect in stereo mode?

[@TheCuriousEngineerChannel]

You can, but it is tedious.

[@madichiejoshua8421]

You didn’t even play it😢

[@TheCuriousEngineerChannel]

Yeah. I didn't. My apologies.

[@larryborum5642]

Try the tribit stormbox micro 2, half the price of the bose micro and much better sound. My pair of stormbox micros pair easily and are very portable. 😂

[@miracoli16]

03:33 It didn't sound different? Clean your ears!😂

[@TheSfkt]

You are ................🦠

[@johnbender4476]

this was totally useless... you just told me things I already knew...

[@crk140]

Maybe is was useful to others, don’t be a jerk

[@rodbain5793]

intelligent enough but your hands help not at all. Actually flipping your fingers around in my 'face' pissed me off. Hard to watch

[@kirkydaturkey]

Fair criticism. A headshot would be more pleasant imo too

[@varundhir8557]

Can we connect stereo or party mode to a tv

[@bhcbhc]

I tried it. Not ideal. There will be 1 second sound delay.

[@dragonsandangels1021]

Why cant they give some charger... Not just this USB cord.. Jeezz..