Bose and Harman Kardon are two of the most well-known audio brands. Both their noise-canceling headphones and their car audio systems are well-known. You can’t go wrong with either of these two brands, but are they identical?
Harman Kardon vs. Bose: Which Is Better?
Harman Kardon outperforms Bose in terms of mobility, cost, color selection, bass output, and space requirements. Bose, on the other hand, outperforms Harman Kardon in terms of connection, durability, extra features, and apps.
There are several similarities and differences between these two speakers. For example, the audio quality provided by both speakers is nearly identical.
I’ve produced a head-to-head comparison of these two speakers below to help you decide which one is the best.
In terms of design, how does Harman Kardon differ from Bose?
Harman Kardon produces speakers that are heavier and larger than Bose speakers, but they are also more portable. They include an aluminum handle that makes them convenient to carry anywhere. The Bose speakers, on the other hand, are in the shape of small cylinders that are easy to hold.
Both speakers look fantastic on your table or wherever else. The Harman Kardon speakers, on the other hand, come in a variety of colors and have a more stylish look than the Bose. If sound quality is important to you, the Harman Kardon may be the best option.
Setup and Controls
When it comes to controls and setting, Bose is more sophisticated. Both speakers include controls, but Bose offers additional multifunction buttons that allow you greater control over your speaker. The multifunction button may be used to contact Google Assistant or Siri, as well as to answer phone calls.
When you need to make a call, you may use the mic immediately next to the multipurpose battery. Some Bose speakers, such as the Soundlink Revolve, aren’t smart speakers, but they do offer some cool features that help you enjoy your music.
The top half of Harman Kardon contains a set of controls. When the gadget is turned on, a light appears, and that is all you get. The buttons, on the other hand, are attractively elevated, making them easy to use. The speaker’s design is really simple, and it may easily pass for a nice decoration.
The Bose Music App is also included with the Bose headphones. You may switch between Bluetooth speakers and choose between Party and Stereo Modes using the app. The software allows you to connect many speakers to your smartphone.
Is Harman Kardon’s audio quality superior to Bose’s?
The Harman Kardon is a superior choice if you require a bass-heavy speaker. At low volumes, the Harman Kardon speaker generates a massive bass, however when the volume is increased, the bass diminishes significantly. The bass may be too much for some music genres, but if you like current music like pop and hip hop, you’ll adore the booming sound that Harman Kardon provides.
The Harman Kardon’s bass may be too much for individuals who prefer music with additional instrumentation. The tweeter and woofer combo is responsible for the deep bass. Bose only has a full-range transducer, which isn’t as strong as Harman Kardon’s, but it does provide more depth and clarity.
Even at high settings, you can clearly hear the voices and instruments with a Bose Bluetooth speaker. The Bose speaker is particularly clear at low levels, which is impressive given its compact size.
Depending on your needs, you can select any of the speakers. If you want bass, go with Harman Kardon, and if you want clarity and crispness, go with a Bose speaker.
Battery Life
The Harman Kardon speakers are rather huge, and you’ll be disappointed to learn that the batteries only last for roughly eight hours at 50% level. The battery lasts only four hours when the volume is turned up to 100 percent. The Bose speakers, on the other hand, may last up to 12 hours with the level halfway up and a few hours less with the volume turned all the way up.
Even better, Bose speakers charge in around four hours vs five hours for Harman Kardon speakers. If you’re going to use the speakers indoors, the battery charging time and runtime won’t be an issue because they both provide a lot of hours. If you take your speaker on a journey, though, you will take into account even tiny variances.
Key Features
Bose
Harman Kardon offers fewer functions than Bose, which makes it more convenient for most people. The headphones have superior noise cancellation technology, and the speakers deliver clear and crisp sounds. When you listen to it, the speakers sound better since they apply psychoacoustic principles.
Bose sound systems strike a balance between bass and sound and treble. The manufacturer focuses on “listener perception” while designing the speakers, which means they will generate the optimum audio quality that the users desire to hear. They build a speaker that people desire to listen to by combining transducer and frequency response, among other things.
Because of the ‘guide and restrict’ of waves used by Bose speakers, you will have a greater connection. This is a type of waveguide speaker that allows you to have greater connections. The speaker may be used in several rooms and can be paired with different Bluetooth versions.
Harman Kardon
Harman Kardon, which is made by Harman International Industries, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, seeks to provide the greatest audio quality and design without adding any extra features. A few Harman Kardon speakers may be more expensive than Bose speakers, but in general, Bose speakers are more expensive.
Harman Kardon focuses on audio quality and design rather than a number of features and applications, allowing them to make speakers that fit a variety of budgets. Bluetooth headphones and speakers are among the audio products that bear their name.
The patterns are varied and come in a variety of colors to complement any home’s decor. Harman Kardon speakers, like Bose speakers, provide a balanced bass and treble, although the bass is stronger if you want to listen to recent hip hop music.
Dolby Digital receivers, which have 5.1 channels, are made by Harman Kardon. They also contain noise-canceling technology, so you can listen to music in excellent quality at all times. Harman Kardon’s popularity originates from the fact that major automobile manufacturers trust its audio systems.
They produce equipment for automakers such as BMW, Audi, and Land Rover. Harman Kardon also collaborated with Microsoft and Apple to develop the Cortana and the iSub 2000, respectively.
Streaming and connectivity
Bluetooth devices may be connected to both Bose and Harman Kardon speakers. Some of their models can link to other devices through WiFi, while others just have Bluetooth capabilities. Bose connects its speakers to other devices through WiFi using Bose Connect+.
Harman Kardon, on the other hand, offers both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, with certain models enabling just Bluetooth.
Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM, play, Deezer, RadioPlayer, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and Amazon Music are among the streaming services that Bose supports. Spotify, Deezer, ShoutCast, Google Play Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora, and TuneIn are among the streaming services that Harman Kardon supports.
When wireless communication is not available, audio jackets and USB cables can be used to connect the two speakers. This is beneficial to you.
Longevity and Durability
The metal grille of Bose speakers is wrapped in a fabric material. The metal grill protects the speaker from damage in the event that it falls, making it extremely sturdy. Bose’s materials aren’t changed very often, therefore the majority of their speaker models have the same material quality.
Harman Kardon speakers are made of a variety of materials, including high-quality plastic and even metal. Most of the speakers include an aluminum handle to make them simpler to carry and to increase their longevity.
Bose’s constancy means you can rely on its speakers more than Harman Kardon’s.
Closing Thoughts
Between Harman Kardon and Bose, which speaker should you choose? Several Bluetooth speaker and headphone brands are available from these two companies. You have the option to select based on your requirements and preferences.
Harman Kardon certainly wins in terms of bass, while Bose clearly wins in terms of sound clarity. You may compare each of their models to find which one best suits your demands and budget.
If you’re on a budget, Harman Kardon speakers are more economical – however not all Harman speakers are. Most Bose speakers can easily fit your requirement for a tiny speaker that can be carried in a small case. The Harman Kardon is the go-to speaker for anybody searching for a speaker to fit any home décor.
You should also look at the various accessories for each of the speakers, which include casings, new batteries, and more.