In the market for some new audio equipment? Then you’ve probably seen the brand names Harman Kardon and Bose. From surround sound setups to automobile audio systems to smart speakers and various other branches in between, the Harman Kardon vs. Bose debate has been going strong for over 50 years now. Which of these popular audio equipment brands is superior? And what makes each brand name distinct by comparison? For answers, let’s dig into the great Harman Kardon vs. Bose showdown.
Harman Kardon vs. Bose: Side-by-Side Comparison
Harman Kardon | Bose | |
---|---|---|
Design | Sleek and modern | Elegant and minimalist |
Sound Quality | Balanced and immersive | Crisp highs and deep bass |
Bass Performance | Detailed and rich | Strong and loud |
Portability | Less options | More options |
Smart Features | Less availability | More availability |
Price Range | Lower | Higher |
Brand Reputation | Preferred by audiophiles | Better for casual listeners |
Customer Reviews | Highly praised sound quality and speaker design | Praised for brand recognition and loud sound |
Variety of Speakers | Fewer options | Greater options |
- Really great bass
- Amplifier output power 10 Watt RMS per channel
- Very durable built
- Touch controls
Harman Kardon vs. Bose: What’s the Difference?
With these basic specifications outlined above, it’s worth taking this Harman Kardon vs. Bose debate a little further. What are some of the key differences between the two popular audio equipment brands? How do they compare with sound quality, product lineup, or average cost? Let’s break down these key differences below, starting with sound quality.
Sound Quality
Firstly, the quality of the sound from Harman Kardon vs. Bose speakers. Is there any consideration more important than this one when comparing two audio equipment brands? Likely not. Harman Kardon speakers are known for having a sound quality that’s very heavy on the subwoofer. Bose, on the other hand, is known for keeping their specific audio specs locked down and out of the public eye. This has led to concerning questions about their true sound quality.
Product Lineup
Secondly, there’s the overall product lineup for each brand. Let’s consider what kind of offerings you can find from Harman Kardon vs. Bose. The former is primarily known for its speakers, its headphones, and its automotive line of sound systems. Harman Kardon also has a line of speaker systems specifically for boats. Bose, on the other hand, has a lot wider range of products. From home and car speakers to headphones to earbuds to Bluetooth speakers to audio sunglasses, Bose has Harman Kardon beat here.
- Great sound
- Rechargeable battery
- Built-in microphone
- Use the Bose Connect App for easy setups
Design
Harman Kardon and Bose speakers have very different design aesthetics. Harman Kardon products usually sport sleek and modern looks, while Bose speakers are much better described as simple and minimalist. This comparison is very much a matter of personal preference. Would you rather have something eye-catching from Harman Kardon, or something inconspicuous from Bose? We can’t name a winner here, but the difference has to be pointed out regardless.
Average Cost
There’s also a difference in average cost between a Harman Kardon vs. a Bose speaker. By and large, Harman Kardon speakers and products tend to be more affordable than Bose products. Bose products are expensive, and they don’t even offer specific audio stats to back up the price. That’s not to say Harman Kardon doesn’t have expensive products, of course. It’s just that, on average, Harman Kardon products tend to cost less than comparable Bose products.
Bass Levels
Both Harman Kardon and Bose are able to deliver some impressive bass levels. That said, they go about it in pretty distinctive ways. Bose speakers are known for their powerful and impactful bass, creating an in-your-face (or in-your-ear?) listening experience. Meanwhile, Harman Kardon speakers focus on a richer, more defined sound. This includes bass levels that complement the overall sound profile without overpowering other frequencies.
Harman Kardon vs. Bose: Popular Product Lines
Harman Kardon | Bose |
---|---|
Citation Series | SoundTouch Series |
Onyx Studio Series | SoundLink Series |
Aura Studio Series | Smart Speaker Series |
SoundSticks Series | Home Speaker Series |
Are Harman Kardon Speakers Good?
- Stylish, quality design
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof
- Seamless wireless pairing
- 2-way speaker system
Generally speaking, Harman Kardon speakers are considered to be very good. Harman Kardon is often commended for its exceptional sound quality and stylish design. Their products really seem to resonate with consumers who want a visually appealing yet immersive audio experience. Combining this with their reputation for crisp, clear, robust sound, it’s clear to see how people truly feel.
While opinions on sound preferences will undoubtedly vary, Harman Kardon’s solid reputation has given it a very positive image in the public eye. If you’re in the market for good, affordable speakers that combine high-quality sound with cool, modern aesthetics, Harman Kardon is definitely a solid choice. All of this to say: Yes, Harman Kardon speakers are good.
How Bose Speakers Compare
Not to complicate matters, but Bose speakers are also pretty well received. More often than not, casual listeners find no problems whatsoever with their Bose speakers. That’s because the Harman Kardon vs. Bose debate is typically only a battle waged between audiophiles. The average ear could be happy with either brand.
Bose speakers are known for delivering a powerful, bass-heavy sound across its line of speakers and headphones. Bose’s focus on simplicity and elegance in its design is another draw, as well. Simply put, people really appreciate a high-quality speaker that can play music loud and look good while doing it. (Being such a recognizable brand name certainly helps them compete, as well.)
Harman Kardon vs. Bose: Pros and Cons
Pros of Harman Kardon | Cons of Harman Kardon |
---|---|
Generally more affordable than Bose on average | More limited product lineup |
More vast partnerships with top car brands | Less recognizable as a brand than Bose |
Superior sound quality to Bose | Many speakers are not waterproof |
Owned by Samsung, which opens the door to better resources and branding | Some Bluetooth products fall short of industry Bluetooth standards |
Pros of Bose | Cons of Bose |
---|---|
One of the most recognizable names in speaker tech | No particular specs about sound quality released in more than 50 years |
Wide range of products and equipment | More expensive than Harman Kardon on average |
Many products are waterproof or water resistant | More bass-heavy sound quality |
Not owned by a conglomerate | Less impressive than other, more high-end audio products |
Harman Kardon vs. Bose: Which One Is Better?
In the Harman Kardon vs. Bose debate, neither company is exactly perfect. As we’ve seen above, each has its own set of unique pros and cons. In the end, it comes down to a few key considerations: Harman Kardon has the lower average price and the better sound over Bose. Bose, on the other hand, has more recognizable brands and a wider range of products in its catalog. Ultimately, Harman Kardon deserves to win this debate. There are few things more important to a speaker brand than affordability and sound quality, and Harman Kardon beats Bose at both.