Bose takes on Beats Pill XL and Big Jambox with SoundLink Bluetooth speaker III

By Caleb Denison Published February 10, 2014

Check out our full review of the Beats Pill XL speaker.

Bose added to its Bluetooth speaker family today with the SoundLink Bluetooth speaker III. As the new flagship of Bose’s Bluetooth speaker line, the SoundLink III is a bit larger, and designed for higher quality sound with a longer battery life than its predecessors.

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Like the Bose SoundLink Mini we recently reviewed, the SoundLink III features radiused edges and an integrated speaker screen. A healthy dose of well-placed silicone not only keeps the speaker durable, but prevents the infiltration of dust and dirt. Bose will also offer accessory “covers” – or skins – in five different colors: grey, blue, green, orange, and pink. Of course, we think the speaker looks smart just the way it is.

Under the hood, Bose applies its proprietary digital signal processing (DSP) and amplification to four forward-facing, active neodymium drivers and dual opposing passive radiators, which are designed for added bass response. Bose does not discuss the size of the drivers that it puts in its speakers, but if the SounLink Mini’s prodigious bass response is anything to go by, we think we can expect some very well supported sound from this larger model. Battery life is estimated at 14 hours.

Bose has the new speaker listed at $300, which puts it squarely in competition with speakers like the new Beats Pill XL and Jawbone’s Big Jambox. We’ve got all three coming in for review and foresee a shootout in the near future. Check back with us often for the latest in Bluetooth speaker reviews.

Former Editor at Large

Caleb Denison is a sought-after writer, speaker, and television correspondent with unmatched expertise in AV and…

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