The premium portable speaker market continues evolving rapidly, with two notable 2024 releases - the $299 Morel BIGGIE and $299 Bose SoundLink Max - bringing distinct approaches to high-end portable audio. Let's dive into what makes each unique and who they're best suited for.
Premium portable speakers now rival small bookshelf speakers in sound quality while adding convenience features like water resistance and extended battery life. Unlike budget Bluetooth speakers, these higher-end models employ sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP) and multi-driver designs to deliver richer, more accurate sound. The key is finding the right balance of audio performance, durability, and portability for your needs.
The Morel BIGGIE takes an audiophile approach with its two-way design, combining a 1-inch soft dome tweeter (the small speaker handling high frequencies) with a 4-inch woofer (handling mid and low frequencies). This separation of frequencies typically results in clearer, more detailed sound. The tweeter's soft dome construction helps avoid the harsh, fatiguing sound sometimes found in metal dome designs.
The Bose SoundLink Max uses Bose's proprietary Articulated Array design with three active drivers and two passive radiators (unpowered speakers that move in response to air pressure, enhancing bass). This configuration creates a wider soundstage - meaning music appears to come from beyond the speaker's physical dimensions.
Both speakers pack serious power for their size, but implement it differently. The Morel BIGGIE's 60-watt bi-amplified design (45W for woofer, 15W for tweeter) provides clean power to each driver independently. The SoundLink Max, while not specifying exact wattage, demonstrates higher maximum volume capability in outdoor settings where that extra headroom matters most.
Modern premium speakers rely heavily on digital signal processing to optimize sound quality. The Morel BIGGIE uses custom DSP focusing on natural reproduction, while Bose implements their proprietary processing to enhance bass and create a more "exciting" sound signature. Neither approach is inherently better - it depends on your listening preferences.
Here's where these speakers diverge significantly. The Morel BIGGIE features premium materials with an MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) cabinet designed to minimize vibration, but lacks water resistance. It's clearly designed primarily for indoor use.
The Bose SoundLink Max's IP67 rating means it's fully dustproof and can handle submersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. Its powder-coated steel enclosure with silicone wrapping provides serious durability for outdoor adventures.
Both speakers feature current Bluetooth standards (5.3 for Morel, 5.4 for Bose), but Bose adds support for higher-quality codecs like aptX Adaptive. This means better sound quality when paired with compatible devices, particularly Android phones. The Morel BIGGIE counters with exceptional Bluetooth range - up to 165 feet compared to Bose's 30 feet.
The Bose SoundLink Max integrates with the Bose Music app for EQ adjustments and firmware updates. It also supports SimpleSync for connecting multiple Bose speakers together. The Morel BIGGIE offers True Wireless Stereo (TWS) for connecting two units in stereo, plus future Auracast support through firmware updates.
Both speakers advertise 20-hour battery life, but real-world performance varies based on volume levels. The Morel BIGGIE shines with its fast charging capability - 20 minutes provides 4 hours of playback, and a full charge takes just 2 hours. The Bose requires 5 hours for a full charge but maintains consistent performance throughout the battery life.
At identical $299 price points, these speakers target different users. The Morel BIGGIE delivers audiophile-grade sound in a compact package ideal for indoor use. The Bose SoundLink Max offers greater versatility with its outdoor-ready design and more consumer-friendly sound signature.
While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, they can serve as temporary surround speakers. The Morel BIGGIE's more neutral sound signature might integrate better with existing systems, while the Bose's wider soundstage could create more immersive effects.
Both speakers represent significant advances in portable audio technology. The Morel BIGGIE's implementation of audiophile-grade drivers in a portable format shows how far mobile audio has come. Meanwhile, Bose's integration of advanced codecs and environmental protection demonstrates the growing sophistication of portable speakers.
Future firmware updates promise additional features for both speakers. The Morel BIGGIE's planned Auracast support could enable interesting multi-speaker scenarios, while Bose typically provides long-term feature additions through their app ecosystem.
The premium portable speaker market continues evolving, with these two models representing different philosophies in modern audio design. The Morel BIGGIE champions audio purity in a portable format, while the Bose SoundLink Max embraces versatility without compromising sound quality. Your choice ultimately depends on how you plan to use the speaker and your personal audio preferences.
| Morel BIGGIE | Bose SoundLink Max |
|---|---|
| Price - Investment required | |
| $299 | $299 |
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and placement options | |
| 7"W x 7"H x 4.5"D, 5.7 lbs | 10.42"W x 4.73"H x 4.13"D, 4.9 lbs |
| Driver Configuration - Determines sound clarity and accuracy | |
| 1" soft dome tweeter + 4" woofer, two-way design | Three transducers + two passive radiators |
| Amplification - Affects volume capability and sound quality | |
| 60W total (45W woofer + 15W tweeter) | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use | |
| Up to 20 hours, 2-hour full charge | Up to 20 hours, 5-hour full charge |
| Fast Charging - Convenience for quick top-ups | |
| 20 min charge = 4 hours playback | Not specified |
| Bluetooth Specs - Connection quality and range | |
| Version 5.3, 165ft range | Version 5.4, 30ft range, aptX Adaptive |
| Water Resistance - Outdoor usability | |
| None | IP67 (waterproof up to 1m) |
| Additional Features - Extra functionality | |
| TWS pairing, future Auracast support | SimpleSync, Bose Music app, multi-point connection |
| Frequency Response - Range of sound reproduction | |
| 40-20,000 Hz | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Maximum Volume - Room-filling capability | |
| 95dB @ 1m | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Connectivity Options - Flexibility in audio sources | |
| Bluetooth, 3.5mm aux, USB-C | Bluetooth, 3.5mm aux, USB-C |
| Construction - Build quality and durability | |
| MDF cabinet with cloth grille | Powder-coated steel, silicone-wrapped |
The $299 Morel BIGGIE excels in sound accuracy and indoor use, while the $299 Bose SoundLink Max offers better durability and outdoor performance. Neither is definitively "better" - it depends on your specific needs.
The biggest difference is durability versus sound quality. The Morel BIGGIE focuses on premium audio with its two-way driver design, while the Bose SoundLink Max offers IP67 waterproofing and more robust construction.
Both speakers advertise 20 hours of battery life at moderate volumes. However, the Morel BIGGIE offers faster charging (2 hours vs 5 hours for full charge).
The Bose SoundLink Max is specifically designed for outdoor use with its IP67 rating. The Morel BIGGIE, while portable, is better suited for indoor use as it lacks water resistance.
The Bose SoundLink Max typically produces higher maximum volume, making it better for outdoor gatherings. The Morel BIGGIE reaches 95dB at 1 meter, which is plenty loud for indoor use.
At $299 each, both speakers justify their price through different strengths. The Morel BIGGIE offers audiophile sound quality, while the Bose SoundLink Max provides premium build quality and versatility.
The Morel BIGGIE offers more accurate sound reproduction with its dedicated tweeter and woofer. The Bose provides fuller bass and a wider soundstage that many listeners prefer.
Yes, both models support pairing. The Morel BIGGIE uses True Wireless Stereo (TWS), while the Bose uses SimpleSync technology within their ecosystem.
The Morel BIGGIE is more compact (7"x7"x4.5") but slightly heavier at 5.7 lbs. The Bose SoundLink Max is longer but lighter at 4.9 lbs.
Yes, both speakers work with any Bluetooth-enabled device. The Bose SoundLink Max has an advantage with better codec support, while the Morel BIGGIE offers longer range.
The Bose SoundLink Max features Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive support, while the Morel BIGGIE uses Bluetooth 5.3 with exceptional 165-foot range.
While not their primary purpose, both can serve as temporary surround speakers. The Morel BIGGIE's more neutral sound signature might integrate better with existing systems.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: theabsolutesound.com - ecoustics.com - crutchfield.com - techradar.com - crutchfield.com - tpdhifi.com - audioxpress.com - nlp.stanford.edu - eisa.eu - muzix.eu - staples.com - 365wholesale.com - bose.com - bose.com - bestbuy.com - soundguys.com - staples.com - techforless.com - bestbuy.com - assets.bose.com
