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Harman Kardon vs. Bose: Which Is Better?

Harman Kardon vs Bose compared.

Harman Kardon vs. Bose: Which Is Better?

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 KardonBose
DesignSleek and modernElegant and minimalist
Sound QualityBalanced and immersiveCrisp highs and deep bass
Bass PerformanceDetailed and richStrong and loud
PortabilityLess optionsMore options
Smart FeaturesLess availabilityMore availability
Price RangeLowerHigher
Brand ReputationPreferred by audiophilesBetter for casual listeners
Customer ReviewsHighly praised sound quality and speaker designPraised for brand recognition and loud sound
Variety of SpeakersFewer optionsGreater options
Best Design
Harman Kardon SoundSticks III 2.1 Speaker System
$249.00
  • Really great bass
  • Amplifier output power 10 Watt RMS per channel
  • Very durable built
  • Touch controls
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/10/2024 09:06 am GMT

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.

Harman Kardon vs Bose
Harman Kardon speakers are known for having a balanced, rich 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.

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.

Bose logo on a black speaker.
Bose speakers go heavy on the bass.
Harman KardonBose
Citation SeriesSoundTouch Series
Onyx Studio SeriesSoundLink Series
Aura Studio SeriesSmart Speaker Series
SoundSticks SeriesHome Speaker Series

Are Harman Kardon Speakers Good?

Iconic Sound
Harman Kardon Luna Speaker
$139.99
  • Stylish, quality design
  • IP67 waterproof and dustproof
  • Seamless wireless pairing
  • 2-way speaker system
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03/10/2024 09:11 am GMT

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

Outstanding Sound
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar With Dolby Atmos Plus Alexa
$799.00
  • Dolby Atmos soundbar
  • A.I. dialogue mode
  • Voice control with Dolby Atmos
  • Plug and Play
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03/10/2024 09:12 am GMT

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 KardonCons of Harman Kardon
Generally more affordable than Bose on averageMore limited product lineup
More vast partnerships with top car brandsLess recognizable as a brand than Bose
Superior sound quality to BoseMany speakers are not waterproof
Owned by Samsung, which opens the door to better resources and brandingSome Bluetooth products fall short of industry Bluetooth standards
Pros of BoseCons of Bose
One of the most recognizable names in speaker techNo particular specs about sound quality released in more than 50 years
Wide range of products and equipmentMore expensive than Harman Kardon on average
Many products are waterproof or water resistantMore bass-heavy sound quality
Not owned by a conglomerateLess 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Harman Kardon a good brand?

Harman Kardon is a very good audio equipment brand. Since the 1950s, Harman Kardon has been providing excellent consumer-grade speakers, amps, receivers, and more. They’re also well-known for their automobile sound systems. All in all, Harman Kardon is a very trusted name in audio.

Is Bose the best speaker brand?

While it’s hard to say if they’re the best speaker brand, Bose is certainly one of the most recognizable. Since their founding in 1964, Bose has stood the test of time as an iconic and trusted brand in the audio equipment sphere.

What is the best speaker brand?

The speaker industry is one of the most vast and expansive fields in consumer electronics. Sound is very subjective, which makes it hard to name a best speaker brand of all time. However, some front-runners are certainly Anker, Apple, Bose, Harman Kardon, Sony, JBL, and Sonos.

Who owns Bose?

Since founder Amar Bose’s retirement, Bose has been owned and operated by Amar’s former employer: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (i.e. MIT).

What is the best selling smart speaker brand?

Amazon remains the best selling smart speaker brand in the industry, but their market share has been shrinking in recent years as Google and other rival brands continue to grow their speaker catalog.

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