Bose surprises us with an inexpensive Bluetooth speaker that also has rocking sound

Let's face it: Many Bose products have done well in our Ratings, but seldom have they been among the lower-priced options in their category. But in our latest Ratings of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speakers (available to subscribers), the Bose SoundLink Color surprised us—not only was it one of the better-sounding portable speakers we tested, it was also among the least expensive, at $130.

As its name suggests (and the picture, above, shows), the SoundLink Color is a small, compact Bluetooth speaker offered in five different colors. It's able to deliver good overall sound quality, with a surprising amount of power given its size. We found it can play loud enough to fill even a medium-sized room with sound. Since its speakers are relatively close together, it doesn't do a great job of creating a wide stereo image, but that's true of almost all the smaller speakers we've tested.

We found the SoundLink Color very easy to use, with verbal cues for various functions, such as Bluetooth pairing. The speaker has a few rubberized controls (pause/play, volume) on the top of the unit, and there is a standard analog 3.5mm minijack input for connecting non-Bluetooth devices.

To find the right wireless speakers, check out our Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Speaker Ratings.

Using Bluetooth, the Bose can connect to two devices at the same time, though sound will only play from one at a time. It will also remember the last eight paired devices. Somewhat surprising, though, it can't be used as a speaker phone, a feature found in many smaller Bluetooth speakers.

Among the Bluetooth speakers we tested, its closest competitor in terms of sound and price is probably the TDK Life on Record (A33), which we've seen selling for about the same price, and sometimes even a bit less. It, too, delivers good overall sound quality, but physically it's much different, almost twice as large and heavy—though by no means bulky—and outfitted with a rugged, weatherized enclosure the company claims can resist dust and water. The TDK does have a built-in microphone that can be used for hands-free phone conversations when connected via Bluetooth.

Thanks to the explosion in portable devices, there are now dozens of Bluetooth speakers from which to choose. In our tests, we've seen little correlation between price and performance—and this new Bose model is a perfect example. It delivers satisfying sound from a small portable package, and it's among the least expensive models we recommend. It heartily deserves the Consumer Reports Best Buy designation bestowed on it.

—James K. Willcox