JBL and Bose are two of the most well-known brands in the subwoofer industry; yet, not all subwoofers are made equal.
Both versions have high-quality features, audio, and durability; but, if you pick one over the other, you will miss out on some of the features that are available on the other model.
This article will help you determine which of these companies is the best option for you by comparing them and highlighting their respective strengths and weaknesses. So, without further ado, let’s get the ball rolling here, shall we?
JBL vs Bose Subwoofer: Comparison and Contrast Table
| Parameters of Comparison | JBL subwoofers | Bose subwoofers |
| Popularity | 1927 was the year when JBL had its start. At this time, it has garnered a lot of attention in the acoustic sector. Their sound systems are used by DJs, as well as in recording studios and performance theatres. | Bose first appeared on the market in 1964 and is now more well-known among audiophiles. They have developed an expertise in the production of surround sound systems that are tailored to the preferences of the listener. |
| Design | The JBL subwoofers are larger and heavier than their competitors. The majority of them have a semi-cylindrical shape. | Subwoofers made by Bose are svelte, space-saving, and very portable. They have the form of buckets and have handles that make them simple to carry. |
| Durability | Feature an IPX7 certification, which indicates that it is dust resistant and waterproof. Can continue to function normally when being immersed in water for a half-hour. | They are resistant to bumps, but they are not waterproof. They are instead protected from the elements. |
| Audio Quality | Pop music may be played on JBL speakers because of their strong bass. Both have high-quality audio and employ passive radiators to produce sound. | The audio that Bose produces is quite clear, and the company employs transducers; as a result, it is great for voice-concentrated music. Their primary concentration is on “what it is that listeners desire to hear.” |
| Battery Life | JBL subwoofers are equipped with a battery that has a runtime of up to 24 hours and can be completely recharged in 6.5 hours. | The battery has a run time of up to 12 hours and requires a complete charge of 4 hours. |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth version 4.2, an auxiliary port, and two USB ports are all included. The vast majority of JBL subwoofers do not have WiFi connectivity. | Bluetooth 4.2, compatibility for WiFi, and one USB connection are all included. Include support for Apple Airplay for iOS devices. |
| Controls | There are a number of controls on the control panel of the subwoofer. Most lack app support and voice control features. Voice alert for informing the user of the state of the battery and the Bluetooth connection. | Control panel located on board, voice recognition software such as Google and Siri, and the Bose Music app. Voice prompt exactly like JBL. |
| Summary | Favorable because it has a deep bass and is an excellent choice for a wide audience. A suitable companion for outdoor activities, trips to the beach, and parties at the pool | Highly recommended because of its space-saving design, low weight, and mobility. More appropriate for audiophiles who are not particularly fond of bass. |
About Bose and JBL Subwoofers
JBL
It is believed that James Bullough Lansing conceived the concept for the corporation that carries his initials, JBL, and is credited with its founding.
More than seven decades ago, when the company was just getting off the ground, the business was launched with the founder creating radio drivers.
After a period of time, the company broadened its scope to include the rental of audio equipment suitable for a number of different applications. Harman International Industries, a part of Samsung Electronics, is the company that is responsible for manufacturing products under the JBL brand name.
The headphones as well as the subwoofers are both products of the JBL Consumer division, which is responsible for their manufacture. They also run a subsidiary known as the Professional division, which is responsible for the development of items that may be utilized in recording studios as well as by DJs.
Because of the existence of these two categories, it is challenging to do a comparison between the Bose and JBL brands.
One of the things that contributes to the broad appreciation that is given to JBL as a company is the fact that the firm works with a big number of seasoned professionals from the field.
JHBL engineers are responsible for the creation of audio systems that are utilized by the Motion Picture Academy, and in 2012, they were awarded many accolades for their achievements in this field.
Bose
1964 was the year when Amar Bose began laying the basis for what would eventually become Bose. When Bose was initially formed, the intention was to create audio equipment that could be connected to a variety of distinct subwoofers.
This was the original concept for the company. They wanted to create the appearance that there was a hall in the house, despite the fact that it was relatively small.
When several subwoofers are inserted in the walls on all sides of the listener, they create the impression that they are in a concert hall. This effect is not difficult to generate.
Bose is currently owned by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the majority of the earnings made by the company are contributed to various other research initiatives. Amar Bose gave the corporation to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a gift.
These days, “listeners’ perception” is one of the primary considerations that go into the design process for Bose’s audio systems. The wattage of Bose subwoofers will, unfortunately, remain a mystery to you for the rest of your life due to the fact that the manufacturer does not publish the bulk of the product’s specifications on the box.
Instead of focusing on wattage, voltage, and a huge number of other technical factors, the manufacture of subwoofers that create an effect on the listeners’ hearing is Bose’s top priority.
The company makes use of a process that they call “psychoacoustic principles,” in which they analyze what kinds of sounds individuals anticipate getting from different kinds of audio equipment.
After that, they include it into their subwoofers, which ultimately results in the subwoofers producing an astoundingly powerful sound output.
The subwoofers that were manufactured by the two distinct brands will now be compared side-by-side in the following paragraphs.
JBL S2-1224 Subwoofer Overview
The best way to describe this JBL subwoofer is as a hard-hitting, loud, and cheap 12″ sub. This is the best way to explain what happened. It’s rated at 275 Watts RMS when connected to an ohm load of 4 and 582 Watts RMS when connected to an ohm load of 2, and boy, does this sub deliver.
Do you like to listen to low-toned music? If so, this subwoofer is for you because its frequency range goes down to 20 Hz. A lot of other brands can’t even go to 30 Hz, but this JBL can go to 20 Hz.
I compared this sub to Pioneer and Kicker, and it came out on top in both cases. The bass is a great part of the song because it is so strong that you can feel it in your chest.
It’s also better than a Kicker and a Pioneer, and I don’t mean that it’s more expensive. I mean that it’s louder and rougher than those other names.
But I’ve had cases where there was a burnt smell during the breaking-in phase, but everything was fine after that. There was no smell after that.
Some of the homes in the neighborhood have already had this sub installed. All of the owners are so happy with the new sound system that they can’t say enough good things about it.
Bose Bass Module 700 Overview
The Module 700 is a stronger subwoofer because it has better features, a better style (with a glass top), and better bass. Module 700 also looks better than module 600.
The Bose Bass Module 700 is a subwoofer that can be used with the Bose speaker 300, 500, 700, or 900. It has a lot of power. Compared to the Bose Bass Module 500, it is a lot bigger and weighs close to 30 pounds, so it is also pretty big.
The 700 has a beautiful form and a top made of the best possible toughened glass.
It also has a built-in power source, and the voltage is set to a standard 120 volts. Because the driver is almost twice as big as the one in the Bass Module 500, the bass is deeper and more powerful.
The module works with both Dolby Digital and DTS material and can connect wirelessly to other devices.
JBL S2-1224 Vs Bose Bass Module 700
When comparing the most premium versions of these two companies, we’ll look at the following features and specifications:
1- The Design
The size of a Bose speaker is more doable, so it won’t take up as much space in your home. The Bose Bass Module 700 has the same boxy look as its predecessor because it measures 11.6 inches by 11.6 inches by 12.9 inches. Even though it’s a bit bigger than the JBL, it doesn’t need a lot of storage room.
Because the base of Module 700 is a little bit smaller, the subwoofer looks like it is floating in the air. The toughened glass top of the Bose Bass Module 700 gives it a good, thick, and very high-quality finish. It is also stylish and up-to-date.
This subwoofer has a 3.5mm jack and a service port on the back. It weighs 30 pounds all together.
The JBL, on the other hand, can stand up to dust and water, making it an even better choice for a trip outside. JBL subwoofers have a look that is less specific and more general. You can buy JBLs with different skins that match a wide range of decors. Some of the skins are very brightly colored.
In contrast to the Bose, which may come with a fixed cord, the JBL has a cable that can be removed, so you can swap it out if you need to.
2- Sound Quality
Bose and JBL are both known for making high-quality sound equipment. If you love music, you’ll love what each subwoofer has to offer. However, the quality of the sound they make depends on the type of music being played. Both of them have subwoofers that work in sound.
JBL makes a subwoofer that can give you the strong bass you need to hear hip hop and pop music. You could get one of them if you like bass.
On the other hand, Bose uses sensors and thinks about the listener’s point of view to make sure the sound is as good as it can be. Bose gives you clear, detailed sound so you can hear both the instruments and the singers in a piece of music.
No matter how loud they are played, both of the subwoofers have great sound quality. You can choose the one that fits your needs for listening the best.
Both companies use a passive radiator instead of a magnet and a voice coil because that is the only thing they can do. The huge size of the JBL subwoofers makes it easier for the passive radiator to make better waves, which leads to stronger bass tones.
3- Bass
JBL subwoofers have great bass because many of them have more than one engine. For example, the JBL S2-1224 has a bass motor that does nothing but make bass sounds.
Bose, on the other hand, uses sensors and thinks about how the user hears things to make the best sound possible. The study and technology behind this came from MIT.
The goal is to make sound that is clear and uncolored and that the vast majority of people will like.
In reality, none of the subwoofers are lacking when it comes to bass. On the other hand, JBL is the better choice if you want your audio to have a big effect in lower frequency bands. The reason for this is that the bass radiators in JBL speakers are larger and have more power.
4- Features
Both subwoofers have a high level of complexity. Not only do the subwoofers have a wide range of helpful ease features, but they also make music of an incredibly high quality.
On the Bose Bass Module 700, there are two buttons. One for the configuration that, when hit, offers an easy way to connect the device in question to the soundbar. And a button to turn off the microphone, which turns off the voice helper.
The Bose Bass Module 700 comes in both black and arctic white. It is meant to be used with the Bose Soundbar 700, which is white.
Both brands come with voice prompts. You will get voice messages from the voice prompts that will tell you when the battery on the device is getting low and if there are any open Bluetooth connections.
FAQs
How Is JBL Better Than Bose?
When compared to Bose, JBL is superior in terms of the power output of its subwoofers, the longevity of its batteries, and the degree to which a number of its subwoofers are resistant to the effects of dust and moisture. There are a number of JBL subwoofers that come with a cord that can be detached, which makes the subwoofers more portable.
How Is Bose Better Than JBL?
When compared to JBL, Bose provides more advanced features, like as voice assistants, the Bose app, a silent option, and connectivity with WiFi networks. Additionally, they often have a lower poundage than their counterparts.
Final Words
Overall, both subwoofers shine, but in different ways.
JBL subwoofers are ubiquitous; you may find them at concerts in other countries and on mountain hikes. They have a deep bass that makes them suitable for a wider range of listeners.
They are great for picnics and other outdoor gatherings in addition to home theaters. Bose, on the other hand, is more portable due to its smaller size and clever design.
Unfortunately, they don’t pump up the volume too much and the bass is fake. When features relating to connectivity, control, and current technology are compared, however, Bose comes out on top when choosing between Bose and JBL.
At this point, you should have a strong grasp of the features offered by each subwoofer. The decision between Bose and JBL is entirely subjective.
