Sandwiched between the packable Soundlink Flex and the beefy Soundlink Max (9/10, WIRED Recommends), Bose’s new midsize Soundlink Plus (no, these aren’t streaming services) carves out its own niche thanks largely to winning sound with equal parts nuance and bravado. Medium build notwithstanding, this is still a hefty package, but if you’re after a good compromise between boombox might and breezy portability, the Soundlink Plus abides. That’s further notable given that, like the Max, the Plus takes a sluggish five hours to charge its 20-hour battery from zero. I’d still prefer either of those speakers for a hard fall—not because the Bose wouldn’t survive, it’s just more likely to get nicks or dents. Solid ExtrasPhotograph: Ryan WaniataSoundlink Plus features seem a little austere at first glance, but there’s enough here to keep away feature envy.