(checked 2026-10-10)13,404 ratings; the listing pools color variants.
A rugged, stylish speaker that sounds good once you tweak the EQ, and it has the lowest share of 1-2 star Amazon ratings in this group. But it isn't very loud, SoundGuys measured only about 7 hours of battery, and it's a minimal upgrade over gen 1.
Top complaints
- Not very loud
SoundGuys says it suits small gatherings, and its DSP cuts bass past 80% volume. Wirecutter measured about 2 dB less than the Rockster Go 2. Amazon owners are mixed on volume, some saying it doesn't get very loud.
- Battery short of the claim
SoundGuys measured 7 hours 3 minutes against Bose's 12-hour claim. Amazon's summary calls battery life mixed. A newer 1-star Walmart review says it stopped charging after a month.
- Flat default sound and a lean app
Tom's Guide and SoundGuys both had to raise bass and treble in the EQ to make it sound good. SoundGuys calls the EQ options lackluster and found the buttons mushy, and Wirecutter says it sounds more trebly and less full than the Rockster Go 2.
What owners love
- Rugged build
Tom's Guide says the metal frame and silicone coating survived repeated tumbles off tables and sofas. It is IP67 and floats (SoundGuys).
Source: Tom's Guide, SoundGuys review - Owners love the sound and reliability
Amazon shoppers praise sound, easy pairing and portability, and say it lasts a long time. With 13,404 ratings, it has the lowest 1-2 star share here.
- Deep bass after EQ
Tom's Guide lists deep, quality bass and says it sounds really good once dialed in.
Source: Tom's Guide
- You need volume for a crowd
- You want long battery life at loud volume
- You already own the 1st Gen
- Outdoor use with a premium look
- Bose fans who will tune the EQ
- Floating by the pool (IP67)
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best for rugged style (#10). The cons are that it isn't cheap, it has a slightly restricted soundstage, and you need to EQ it.
- SoundGuys: 7.4/10 and a notable mention in its roundup. Rugged, but the EQ is lackluster, it's barely upgraded from gen 1, and it measured 7 h 3 min.
- Wirecutter (NYT): A solid alternative to the Rockster Go 2, but more trebly, less full and about 2 dB quieter.