When it comes to improving your TV's sound, there's a massive difference between budget-friendly solutions and premium audio experiences. Let's dive into two popular options: the $279 Bose TV Speaker and the $499 Klipsch Flexus Core 200, helping you understand exactly what you get at each price point.
Before we compare these specific models, it's worth understanding what soundbars do and why they've become so popular. TV manufacturers have made displays thinner and thinner, leaving little room for decent speakers. This is why even an entry-level soundbar can dramatically improve your TV watching experience.
The basics any soundbar should deliver:
Premium features that can enhance the experience:
The Bose TV Speaker, released in late 2020, represents a straightforward approach to better TV sound. It focuses on doing a few things really well rather than trying to include every feature. In contrast, the Klipsch Flexus Core 200, unveiled at CES 2024, brings modern features and expandability to the table.
The Bose approach works surprisingly well for its simplicity. I've found its dialogue enhancement particularly effective for news and TV shows. The sound is clear and balanced, though it won't shake your room with bass.
The Klipsch delivers a more theater-like experience. Those upfiring speakers bounce sound off your ceiling to create height effects - think helicopter flyovers or rain sounds from above. It's impressive tech that really works, assuming you have the right room setup (8-14 foot flat ceilings work best).
Both soundbars offer HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) connectivity, which means one cable can handle both audio and basic control functions. However, there are important differences:
Bose TV Speaker:
Klipsch Flexus:
The Klipsch's eARC support means it can handle higher-quality audio formats, including Dolby Atmos. This might not matter today, but it could become important as streaming services continue to upgrade their audio quality.
If you're setting up in a smaller space, the Bose TV Speaker makes a lot of sense. It's compact, won't overwhelm the room with bass, and provides clear dialogue - perfect for everyday TV watching. I've used similar-sized Bose speakers in bedrooms, and they strike a nice balance between improved sound and space efficiency.
The Klipsch Flexus Core 200 really shines in larger spaces where its additional channels and Atmos capabilities can create a more immersive experience. The built-in subwoofers provide enough bass for most users, though serious home theater enthusiasts might want to add their wireless subwoofer later.
This is where these products really diverge. The Bose is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get product. The Klipsch, however, can grow with your needs:
When considering value, we need to look beyond just the price tag:
Bose TV Speaker ($279):
Klipsch Flexus Core 200 ($499):
Consider these key factors when making your choice:
The Bose TV Speaker represents a safe, reliable choice for better TV sound. It's perfect for those who want simplicity and better dialogue clarity without complexity. The Klipsch Flexus Core 200 offers a more premium experience with modern features and room to grow, making it ideal for those who want to invest in their home entertainment setup.
Remember, there's no wrong choice here - both will dramatically improve your TV's sound. The decision comes down to your specific needs, room setup, and how you plan to use the system in the future.
| $279 Bose TV Speaker | $499 Klipsch Flexus Core 200 |
|---|---|
| Audio Channels - Determines how immersive and room-filling the sound can be | |
| 2.0 (basic stereo) | 3.1.2 (more immersive with height channels) |
| Dolby Atmos Support - Important for modern streaming content and movies | |
| No | Yes, with dedicated up-firing speakers |
| Built-in Subwoofer - Affects bass performance and setup simplicity | |
| None (optional external) | Dual 4" built-in woofers |
| Room Size Suitability - Critical for matching speaker to your space | |
| Small to medium rooms (up to 200 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (up to 400 sq ft) |
| Expandability - Determines future upgrade potential | |
| Single subwoofer only | Multiple subs and wireless surrounds supported |
| Dialogue Enhancement - Key for clear speech in movies and TV | |
| Basic dialogue mode | Horn-loaded tweeter plus dialogue mode |
| Connectivity - Affects compatibility with modern devices | |
| HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth | HDMI eARC, optical, USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Setup Complexity - Consider your comfort with tech | |
| Simple plug-and-play | More options but requires some setup |
| Remote Control - Important for daily use | |
| Basic remote | Backlit remote plus smartphone app |
| Size - Consider your TV stand space | |
| 23.4" wide (compact) | 44" wide (requires more space) |
The $499 Klipsch Flexus Core 200 is significantly better for movies due to its Dolby Atmos support and 3.1.2 channel configuration. The $279 Bose TV Speaker is more basic, designed primarily for TV viewing.
The Klipsch Flexus Core 200 includes dual built-in subwoofers that provide good bass response. The Bose TV Speaker may benefit from adding an optional subwoofer for better movie performance.
The Bose TV Speaker is ideal for small spaces due to its compact 23.4" width and simpler audio output. The Klipsch Flexus might be too powerful for very small rooms.
Yes, both soundbars are compatible with any modern TV through HDMI ARC or optical connections. The Klipsch offers eARC for higher-quality audio formats.
For home theater enthusiasts, the Dolby Atmos capability of the Klipsch Flexus is worth the investment. It creates a more immersive experience for movies and shows that support it.
The Bose TV Speaker offers simpler plug-and-play setup, while the Klipsch Flexus requires more initial configuration but provides more customization options.
Both soundbars support Bluetooth streaming, making them suitable for music playback. The Klipsch generally offers fuller sound for music due to its additional speakers.
Yes, both can be wall-mounted, though the Klipsch is significantly larger and heavier, requiring more robust mounting.
The Klipsch Flexus Core 200 is better for gaming due to its Dolby Atmos support and more immersive sound stage compared to the Bose TV Speaker.
Neither soundbar has built-in voice assistant capabilities, though they can work with your TV's voice controls through HDMI-CEC.
Both excel at dialogue, but the Bose TV Speaker specifically focuses on this feature. The Klipsch uses a horn-loaded tweeter for clear dialogue while offering more overall features.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: bestbuy.com - projectorscreen.com - forums.audioholics.com - digitaltrends.com - abt.com - crutchfield.com - staples.com - bestbuy.com - pcrichard.com - visions.ca - bose.com - assets.bose.com - soundandvision.com - avnirvana.com - avsforum.com - cnet.com - klipsch.com - klipsch.com - youtube.com - assets.klipsch.com - klipsch.com - worldwidestereo.com - klipsch.com - crutchfield.com - digitaltrends.com
