Bluesound Pulse Flex 2025 review: The most impressive flex of audio muscles

Bluesound has been out of the blocks with hi-res audio streaming, and, if the Pulse Flex 2025 is anything to go by, the company still has exactly what it takes to stay in the leading pack. This wireless speaker is a true hi-res device capable of handling 24-bit/192kHz PCM and DSD256 digital audio files, and is easily integrated into a full-fledged home cinema or multiroom setup.

The BluOS ecosystem is a big part of what makes the Pulse Flex 2025 so successful. Used as a standalone speaker, the control app makes finding what you’re looking for as easy as possible. As part of a larger setup, the fact that dozens of other brands run BluOS means you have a wide variety of partner devices to choose from.

And, no matter what you’re listening to, the Pulse Flex 2025 sounds surprisingly open considering the physical constraints of its cabinet and drivers. It’s a clean, unvarnished listen, capable of effectively revealing details and creating context, and hitting hard when necessary. Its balanced, hands-off sonic approach can be interpreted as a little lacking in engagement at times, but overall, the Pulse Flex 2025 sounds mature and accomplished.

What do you get for the money?

Bluesound seems to be strong in the idea that less is more, at least in visual and physical terms. The Pulse Flex 2025 will set you back £279 and is a wireless speaker that measures 131 x 111 x 196mm (WDH), available in three finishes: Black (equivalent to black plastic on the top and bottom, with charcoal in the middle), White or pinky-brown fabric). Each one looks clean, and the finish level is basically flawless.

The Pulse Flex 2025 features dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3 (compatible with aptX HD codec) for wireless connectivity. Physical connectivity extends to an Ethernet socket, a 3.5mm analogue/optical hybrid input (Bluesound offers a Toslink/3.5mm adapter), and USB-A and USB-C slots. All incoming digital information is handled by a DAC chipset with DSD256 and 24-bit/192kHz PCM capability, and there’s compatibility with every important file type and a few less important ones.

Class D amplification, with Bluesound’s secret sauce (or, more accurately, ‘Smart DSP’) to add. There is a 50W of it, where 10W drives a 21mm tweeter; the other 40W is for the 102mm mid/bass driver. Bluesound does not quote a frequency response. In fact, it’s not even ready to reveal the driver’s makeup. It will allow both to look forward, however.

Control of the Pulse Flex 2025 can be achieved in several different ways. If you must have voice help, the speaker can be integrated into Amazon Alexa Skills, and there are several physical controls (play / pause, skip forward / back, volume up / down) well integrated in the upper plastic plate. There are also three buttons, each a shortcut to a podcast, playlist or user-specified radio station.

Shortcut function selection can be done in the BluOS app, and this is where you can have full control over what your speaker is up to. Want to check for updates? Adjust EQ settings? Specify two Pulse Flex 2025 as a stereo pair, or as part of a comprehensive multiroom system? Want to access your favorite music streaming services in all their glory? The app will let you do it, quickly and with great stability – and there are plenty of granular control options here too.

What did we like about it?

You’ll make up your own mind as to where it’s designed, but in my eyes, the Pulse Flex 2025 is the most successful speaker in terms of looks, and there’s no arguing with the way it’s built and finished.

There’s a lot to appreciate about its flexibility and functionality, too. Being able to work as part of a stereo pair, or as part of a home cinema surround sound system, or as part of a full multiroom setup, is very welcome, especially since setting up the system of your choice is made very easy by the BluOS operating system.

The success of the BluOS operating system is a big part of what makes Bluesound, in general, and the Pulse Flex 2025 in particular, so compelling. It’s been around for over a decade, and if there’s a more stable, logical or comprehensive app, I haven’t seen it yet. A large selection of music streaming services is available, and compatibility with Connect versions of Qobuz, Spotify and TIDAL makes for a superior experience sonically and ergonomically. The fact that many third-party manufacturers have chosen to enter the BluOS experience (meaning that your choice of partner equipment is not limited to Bluesound products) only adds to the appeal.

And even if what was once Bluesound’s USP – the ability to broadcast hi-res audio content wirelessly – is now always available in any number of competing products, the sound of the Pulse Flex 2025 sees the company continue to be one of the real frontrunners. With some chunky FLAC files coming in via TIDAL Connect or via the USB-C socket connected to the FiiO M15S digital audio player, this speaker sounds like value for money in almost every way.

Whether it’s a 16-bit/44.1 kHz Bluetooth stream of Patty Waters’ muted vocals and piano I don’t forget you, 24-bit/48kHz file of James Holden’s attack The Common World via TIDAL Connect, or a DSD64 copy of Michael Jackson Don’t Stop ‘Til You Have Enough with USB-C input, the Pulse Flex 2025 is unbeatable. In all cases, it’s a clean and detailed listen, remarkably open considering the size of its cabinet and the drivers inside it, and more than willing to get out of the way of recording rather than into it.

Despite the relative breadth of its presentation, it is straightforward and unchanging. If there’s a particular character or flavor to the recording, there’s an excellent bite to uncovering it. It is moderately flexible when there are large changes in volume or intensity to be handled, and maintains an even tonal balance from the top of the frequency range to the bottom. There’s a fair amount of weight to the lowest frequencies here, but what’s most noticeable is the powerful speaker control over them. The attack of the bass sounds is firmly held, and the Bluesound is able to express the rhythm with equal confidence as a result.

More than anything else, though, it’s the balance that the Pulse Flex strikes – its even-handed frequency response, its tonal consistency, its combination of unity and range – that’s most impressive. This is a device that feels bigger than it looks, and has far better capabilities than its size or price might lead you to expect.

What can be improved?

I’m not a huge fan of the Tan finish my review sample featured in; it’s not quite brown, it’s not quite pink, and it doesn’t match any of the design choices I’ve made in my home. Mind you, that’s not a reason to be too blank on the Pulse Flex 2025. Other finishes are available, and no one is interested in my opinions on the interior trim anyway.

You can probably tell from that previous paragraph, though, that I’m a bit over the top when it comes to suggesting ways Bluesound could improve this product. It is worth mentioning that although the quality of the finish is very good, the plastics and the fabric used in its construction are not the last word in handling. And while it has a lot going for it in sonic terms, it’s not beyond sounding a little distant or restrained, especially when playing recordings that prioritize mood and attack. There’s a slightly more mature character in the Pulse Flex 2025 that doesn’t automatically match everything you might choose to listen to.

Should you buy the Bluesound Pulse Flex 2025?

If you’re after a smart speaker, using voice control with Amazon Alexa Skills is a no-brainer. If you’re expecting a display on your speaker, album artwork or just a watch, the Pulse Flex 2025 isn’t for you.

However, if you’re after one of the best sounding wireless speakers that can be bought this way, and you’re looking for great sound from a small and unassuming cabinet that won’t take up space, you’re in for a treat. If you want your loudest wireless speaker to be part of a best-in-class ecosystem, and you’re ready to build part of a comprehensive system using partnering electronics from a variety of brands, you’re still warm.

The Bluesound Pulse Flex 2025 is far from your only choice if you’ve got £300 to spend on a wireless speaker. But its particular skill set is so focused and surprisingly realized that it definitely deserves a spot on your short list, even if that list is very short.