JBL vs Bose – Is JBL Better Than Bose?

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JBL and Bose speakers are one of the few names that are often completed. No matter if you want a home threat, gaming system, or any other streak setup, the sound quality of these speakers is something that gets compared for some reasons.

In audio accessories and stereo setup, people often get confused about whether JBL is the best or Bose or whether they should go for JBL or not. Well, to bring you an unbiased comparison, this blog will make the decision easier for you.

So in this article, I shall take an in-depth analysis and find out what those features set these sound systems apart. Actually, the main difference between JBL vs. Bose is its features range, size and price bracket. The JBL speakers and audio accessories are pretty budget-friendly whereas the Bose speakers target the industry-leading design hence they are expensive.

It would certainly help you a great deal if you are about to make a purchase. Which is the loudest speaker? Which offers more quality and which speaker has more reliable features? To bring you the answer, let’s compare the speakers one by one.

Know JBL Brand

Before we compare and get the transparent fact right here, let’s see both brands and what they are known for.

So the JBL brand (James Bullough Lansing) is not a new name in speaker and audio devices. It’s an American audio equipment producer who mainly holds a noticeable position for providing deeper bass. In addition, JBL speakers are more affordable and come with compact designs to enhance the portability factor. That is the reason why JBL speakers and headphones are more popular and get more attention from Smartphone users.

Moreover, JBL has robust technology that is especially dedicated to professional DJs and bands for the loudest sound and deeper bass which makes JBL a good brand. Now let’s see what Bose speaker brand is offering you in particular.

Top Rated JBL Speaker
4.8/5 Customers Score
  • Model Name: Flip 4
  • Speaker Type: Outdoor
  • Special Feature: Waterproof, Built In Microphone

Know Bose Brand

Bose is also an American brand and it is known for making innovative and revolutionary products that match the modish design as well as awe performance. Unlike JBL, the Bose speaker features an innovative build with “Listener’s perception”. Therefore, the back speakers let out refined audio that never feels odd to listen to.

Top Rated Bose Speaker
4.7/5 Customers Score
  • Model Name: SoundLink Color II
  • Speaker Type: Outdoor
  • Special Feature: Waterproof, Built In Microphone, Water Resistant

JBL vs Bose – Which Is Better Bose or JBL?

When it comes to buying speakers or audio accessories, you have multiple factors to consider. However, apart from personal preference, here I’m going to talk about the features that are setting JBL differently from Bose. Off you go!

Design and Build

The JBL speakers are readily dust-proof and come sealed whereas the Bose speakers do not offer this build. Moreover, JBL speakers are also dustproof and that makes them tough to work in different environments. Moreover, JBL speakers are also water-resistant whereas Bose speakers lack this design.

The JBL speaker is smart with IPX7 or at least IPX5 as you know keep them in water for 30 minutes (which you should not) whereas the Bose speakers only come with IPX4 waterproof ratings.

Another worth noticing factor with JBL speakers is its user-friendly detachable cord. You can easily unplug the cord when needed or if you want to change the cable for some reason. Whereas Bose speakers come with fixed cable

If you prefer gear with a compact design, the Bose speaker would deliver you the best approach. They capture less space in view of JBL speakers; hence you can place them on our PC desk or table.

For example, the Soundlink Bose speakers are five times smaller as compared to the JBL Boombox. So Bose speakers are ideal for being compact and portable. If you travel a lot, you don’t have to leave your Bose speaker behind.

Audio Quality and Sound Output

Next up we have the audio performance of these brands. Both JBL and Bose speakers are ideal for sound as they come with passive radiators. However; there is a slight difference as well. As you know both of the brands, JBL and Bose, are competitive in the market so the audio performance factor becomes somehow difficult to judge.

So if we talk about the JBL speakers, they offer you the subwoofer and hence you get vigorous and rich bass that especially justifies the hip hop and pop genre.

On the contrary, the Bose speakers and audio gears offer you transducers for sound reception. Bose speakers have a crystal-clear sound that is good if you want to listen to the instrumental and the voice in music. Therefore, it works best for professionals as well as for attending virtual meetings.

The loudness and sound quality of both speakers are above par hence they won’t let you down for any matter. Therefore, which speaker you prefer becomes solely your preference, especially from an audio quality point of view.

However, as mentioned above, JBL speakers are bigger as compared to Bose so its passive radiator produces better vibrations for deeper bass!

Battery Performance

For any Bluetooth holder device, the battery performance instantly becomes worth noticing. Since both JBL and Bose speakers have been designed with Built-in Bluetooth so you can’t overlook the battery parameter.

The JBL speakers offer you nonstop 24 hours of run time, whereas the Bose speakers are merely offering you 12 hours of battery performance. 

However, you can know the battery status as both of the speakers feature a battery level indicator so that you can charge them right when they need to. Also, JBL speakers need 6.5 hours to recharge whereas Bose speakers only need four hours. Note that both speakers come with non-removable batteries.

Wireless Connectivity

For Bluetooth connectivity, both JBL and Bose speakers work on Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity hence swiftness remains around. Moreover, you won’t lose the quality of files when they are transferred.

JBL wireless connectivity speakers are much more popular these days.

Now, the JBL speakers come with an auxiliary input option that is useful in case the device does not support Bluetooth and you want an additional connection with the JBL speaker. Also, JBL speakers have two USB ports whereas Bose only offers a single port. That makes the JBL speaker rich in connectivity.

Unlike JBL, the Bose speakers come with Wi-Fi connectivity. Although few of the JBLs also support Wi-Fi, the powerful range and robust wireless performance are related to Bose. That said, Bose speakers offer you online streaming from Apple or iOS devices with Airplay compatibility which JBL speakers don’t.

Price Range

No matter which brand is our favorite, at the end of the day, you have to set aside some money to opt for your desired speaker. Both JBL and Bose speakers offer you something unique from their build or performance point of view, therefore the difference in price becomes an obvious factor to come across with.

Generally, the JBL speakers are hefty as compared to the Bose ones, so they are exquisite with more quality. The catch is they are not as expensive as a Bose speaker. JBL speakers are affordable and offer you a flexible price tag for each type of speaker, Soundbars, headphones, or headset.

For instance, the JBL speakers start from $25 and the range goes to $2,773.10, whereas the Bose speaker starts from $50 and the ranges go to $1,648. The main difference in price is the starting range of both of these brands. With JBL you have the privilege to pick the budget bracket of your choice since their starting price is lower.

On the other hand, the Bose speakers can be a little bit expensive if you compare them with JBL. However, price is something only you can decide whether t’s dear to you or affordable to you!

Performance, Features, and More

Features of any gear make it more impressive and more enticing for users. For JBL speakers you get the stylish design plus the simplified feature for volume control or adjustability. For features, Bose speakers come with Wi-Fi support but JBL only has this future in its fellow models.

Moreover, Bose speakers have been designed with multiple multi-function buttons that make Siri or Google Assistant accessibility more convenient and quick. Moreover, the remote app control usage makes Bose a smart choice. JBL speakers on the other hand are less feature-oriented.  Now let’s take the straightforward representation of JBL and Bose speakers

Comparison of Bose vs JBL Brand

FeaturesJBL Bluetooth SpeakerBose Bluetooth Speaker
Battery lifeExtensive battery timings, 24 hrsAverage battery timings 12 hrs
Design and portabilityErgonomic, mostly with rectangular designGood, with mostly oval design
Voice assistanceIt offers voice assistance in some of the JBL modelsIt offers voice assistance
Waterproof/dustproofModerate, IPX4; many speakers also do not have  this featureIPX7 and excellent
FeaturesFewer smart featuresRich multiple smart features
CostBudget-friendlyExpensive

In context of our discussion, also this video is helpful to learn more about the difference between JBL and Bose speaker and know which one is better:

Which speaker should I use, JBL or Bose?

Choosing the speaker can be totally up to you or to your demands. For instance, if you want a speaker for outdoor listening, you should look for one that is log-acting for its battery run time. 

As you have seen the features above, the JBL speaker offers you a longer battery with 24 hours of nonstop working plus robust sound for its larger build design as compared to Bose speakers. However, Bose can be ideal for being portable and handy. Not to mention both speakers are best for sound so it becomes your personal choice to pick either of them.

Are JBL headphones better or Bose?

Bose headphones are better for performing as headphone gear. Its simplified, stylish and low-profile build this the best on your ear without making you uncomfortable. 

You can wear them for a longer time. However you should not use headphones continuously for a longer time in comparison with JBL headphones.


Matt K. Brooks

Matt K. Brooks

Welcome to this blog of matt. This is a place where I share my knowledge about speakers and all their features. Here you will find information about various types and styles of speakers as well as tips for choosing the right set for you. I also share reviews and information about some of the best speakers currently available on the market. I would be glad if my blog could help others make informed decisions when buying new speakers.


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