Bose

Bose 865983-0100-cr SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker

4.7 (164 reviews)
USB-CIP67

IP67-rated waterproof construction and PositionIQ adaptive audio deliver full-range sound that holds up wherever the day takes you.

$99.99*$119.00Save 15%
In Stock on Amazon.com
View on Amazon

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 20, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.

Notice a mistake? Let Us Know

Overview

The Bose SoundLink Flex is engineered around a custom transducer and proprietary PositionIQ orientation sensing — a combination that addresses the core problem with portable speakers: audio quality degrades significantly when a speaker is placed on its side, hung from a strap, or set on an irregular surface. The PositionIQ system measures the speaker's physical orientation and dynamically adjusts output parameters to maintain consistent bass extension and tonal balance regardless of how it's positioned. The IP67 waterproof rating goes beyond splash-proofing into genuine submersion tolerance at 1 meter depth, and the speaker's buoyant construction means accidental drops into water don't result in a loss. Corrosion and UV resistance extend the outdoor durability profile beyond what the waterproof rating alone covers.

The 12-hour lithium-ion battery covers a typical outdoor use day at moderate volume, with USB-C charging providing a universal replenishment method. Bluetooth connectivity covers a 30-foot working range with built-in microphone support for hands-free calls — a single button accesses Siri or Google Assistant. The Bose Connect app manages firmware updates, stereo/party pairing mode configuration, and feature customization. This is a speaker designed for users who move between environments — a studio desk, a backyard, a kayak — and need audio hardware that doesn't require accommodation for where it's placed or what conditions it encounters. The Stereo Mode pairing with a second SoundLink Flex unit is the path to genuine two-channel listening at this form factor.

Key Features

State-of-the-art design: SoundLink Flex outdoor speaker is packed with exclusive technologies and a custom-engineered transducer for deep, clear, and immersive audio at home or on the go

Clearest possible sound: Proprietary PositionIQ technology automatically detects the position of your portable Bluetooth speaker for optimal sound quality in any orientation or environment

Waterproof wireless speaker for travel: SoundLink Flex is rigorously tested to meet IP67 waterproof speaker standards. Crafted and sealed with waterproof materials, it even floats for outdoor adventures

Portable Bluetooth speaker: Built to resist water, dust, and debris, in a design that withstands drops and rust, this compact speaker goes wherever you do. It's also easy to hold and store, and resistant to corrosion and UV light

Rechargeable wireless speaker battery: Portable speaker charges through USB-C cable (included). Lithium-ion battery offers up to 12 hours of life per charge

Built-in microphone: You can make and receive calls through the portable Bluetooth speaker. Just one button accesses your phone's Siri or Google Assistant voice input

Bluetooth wireless speaker: SoundLink Flex pairs with Bluetooth-enabled devices like phones and additional Bose speakers within a range of 30 feet

Bose Connect app: App automatically updates the portable Bluetooth speaker with the latest software, allows you to customize settings, unlock product features, and more

Specifications

Connectivity
Bluetooth
Wireless Range
Up to 30 feet
Battery Life
Up to 12 hours per charge
Charging Interface
USB-C
Waterproof Rating
IP67
Additional Features
Floats, Built-in microphone, PositionIQ technology, Bose Connect app compatible

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • IP67 rating with floating capability means the speaker survives genuine water immersion — not just splash resistance — making it functional in environments that would destroy other portable speakers.
  • PositionIQ orientation detection automatically corrects EQ for any mounting position, eliminating the degraded bass response common when portable speakers are laid on their sides.
  • 12-hour battery life at moderate volume covers a full outdoor day without requiring a recharge mid-use.
  • USB-C charging uses a universal connector standard, removing the proprietary cable dependency of older Bose portable speakers.
  • Stereo pairing mode with a second SoundLink Flex enables genuine left/right channel separation for a wider listening experience.

👎 Cons

  • Bose does not publish aptX or AAC codec support for this model, leaving Bluetooth audio quality dependent on SBC negotiation with non-Apple devices — a notable omission at this price point.
  • 30-foot Bluetooth range is standard rather than exceptional; competing speakers at similar price points offer extended range in the 100-foot class.
  • At this price tier, the speaker does not support multipoint Bluetooth connection (simultaneous pairing with two devices) without disconnecting and reconnecting when switching sources.
  • The Bose Connect app is required to unlock certain features and receive firmware updates — functionality is partially gated behind a software dependency.

Frequently Asked Questions

IP67 means the speaker is rated for full submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, plus complete dust ingress protection. In practical terms, it can survive pool splashes, rain, drop into shallow water, and beach sand without damage — and it floats, so retrieval from water is straightforward.
PositionIQ uses internal sensors to detect the speaker's physical orientation — upright, on its side, face-down — and automatically adjusts the EQ and driver output to compensate. This means bass response and stereo imaging are optimized regardless of how the speaker is positioned or what surface it's resting on.
The rated wireless range is 30 feet (approximately 9 meters) in open conditions. The speaker connects via standard Bluetooth — Bose has not published specific codec support (aptX, AAC) for this model, so audio quality over Bluetooth is subject to the SBC baseline unless your device negotiates a higher codec.
The SoundLink Flex charges via USB-C (cable included). Bose rates the 12-hour battery life at moderate listening volumes — charging from depleted to full typically takes approximately 4 hours. The USB-C connection is current-standard and doesn't require proprietary cables.
Yes. Bose's Party Mode and Stereo Mode allow pairing with a second SoundLink Flex — Party Mode plays the same audio through both speakers for volume, while Stereo Mode splits left and right channels for a wider soundstage. Configuration is managed through the Bose Connect app.