When it comes to improving your TV's audio, soundbars have become the go-to solution for many households. Today, we're comparing two popular but distinctly different options: the Polk Audio Signa S4 ($349) and the Bose TV Speaker ($185).
The soundbar market has evolved significantly since the Bose TV Speaker's 2019 release. When the Polk Signa S4 arrived in early 2022, it represented a new generation of affordable Dolby Atmos-capable soundbars. This technological progression matters because it fundamentally changes what consumers can expect at different price points.
Today's soundbars pack impressive technology into slim profiles. The key advances include:
The Polk Signa S4 employs a 3.1.2 channel setup, which means:
In contrast, the Bose TV Speaker uses a 2.0 configuration:
The Polk Signa S4 shines with movie content. The dedicated center channel makes dialogue clear and distinct, while the upward-firing speakers create a more immersive experience. When watching action scenes, the wireless subwoofer adds impact to explosions and sound effects without requiring complex setup.
The Bose TV Speaker takes a different approach, focusing on clarity and simplicity. While it lacks the cinematic impact of the Polk, it excels at making dialogue clear and intelligible - particularly beneficial for news programs and TV shows.
Both units handle music differently:
For gamers, the Polk S4's Dolby Atmos support can be particularly valuable in games that support 3D audio, creating a more immersive experience. The Bose, while competent, doesn't offer specialized gaming features.
The price difference between these units ($164) represents more than just feature disparity - it reflects different design philosophies:
Since these products' releases, we've seen several market changes:
The Polk Signa S4 is better positioned for these advances, while the Bose TV Speaker focuses on fundamental audio improvement.
Consider these key factors:
Both the Polk Signa S4 and Bose TV Speaker excel in their intended use cases. The key is matching their capabilities to your specific needs and expectations. For most users seeking a comprehensive home theater experience, the additional investment in the Polk S4 will provide more long-term satisfaction. However, if simple TV audio enhancement is the goal, the Bose TV Speaker remains a solid, cost-effective choice.
| Polk Audio Signa S4 ($349) | Bose TV Speaker ($185) |
|---|---|
| Audio Channels - Determines soundstage and immersion | |
| 3.1.2 channels with height speakers | 2.0 channels basic stereo |
| Subwoofer - Critical for bass performance and movie impact | |
| Included wireless subwoofer | Optional wired connection (sold separately) |
| Dolby Support - Affects compatibility with modern content | |
| Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital | Basic Dolby Digital only |
| Connectivity - Important for setup flexibility | |
| HDMI eARC, Optical, 3.5mm, Bluetooth 4.2 | HDMI ARC, Optical, 3.5mm, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Sound Modes - Helps optimize audio for different content | |
| Movie, Music, Night modes + Voice/Bass adjust | Dialogue mode + Basic bass adjustment |
| Size - Consider your available space | |
| 41.2" x 3.7" x 2.4" (soundbar) + subwoofer | 23.4" x 2.2" x 4" (compact single unit) |
| Special Features - Adds value for specific use cases | |
| Upfiring speakers, VoiceAdjust tech, wireless sub | Simple dialogue enhancement |
| Power Output - Affects maximum volume and room size suitability | |
| Suitable for medium/large rooms (up to 350 sq ft) | Best for small/medium rooms (up to 200 sq ft) |
| Setup Complexity - Consider your technical comfort | |
| Moderate setup, multiple components | Simple plug-and-play setup |
| Best Use Case - Helps match to your needs | |
| Movies, gaming, immersive content | TV shows, news, dialogue-focused content |
The Polk Audio Signa S4 ($349) is significantly better for movies due to its Dolby Atmos support, wireless subwoofer, and dedicated center channel. The Bose TV Speaker ($185) lacks these cinema-focused features and is more suited for basic TV watching.
If you watch movies or play games regularly, the Polk Signa S4 is worth the additional cost. You get Dolby Atmos, a wireless subwoofer, and better overall sound quality. However, if you mainly watch news or TV shows, the Bose TV Speaker provides good value at a lower price point.
Both perform well, but differently. The Polk Signa S4 uses a dedicated center channel and VoiceAdjust technology for precise dialogue control. The Bose TV Speaker offers good dialogue clarity through its dialogue enhancement mode, though with less customization.
The Polk Signa S4 is the better gaming choice with its Dolby Atmos support and subwoofer for immersive effects. The Bose TV Speaker works for casual gaming but lacks spatial audio features that enhance gaming experiences.
The Polk Signa S4 includes a wireless subwoofer, providing complete bass performance out of the box. The Bose TV Speaker doesn't include a subwoofer but allows for adding one later through a wired connection.
The Bose TV Speaker offers simpler setup with fewer components and straightforward connections. The Polk Signa S4 requires more setup due to its subwoofer and additional features, though still relatively straightforward.
The compact Bose TV Speaker is ideal for bedroom use. The Polk Signa S4, while more powerful, might be oversized for smaller bedrooms, especially with its separate subwoofer.
The Polk Signa S4 is better for streaming services, supporting Dolby Atmos content from Netflix, Disney+, and others. The Bose TV Speaker provides basic stereo playback without advanced format support.
Both soundbars feature Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming. The Polk Signa S4 offers fuller sound with its subwoofer, while the Bose TV Speaker provides clean but less bass-heavy music playback.
Neither requires HDMI 2.1. The Polk Signa S4 works best with HDMI eARC but functions with regular HDMI ARC. The Bose TV Speaker works with basic HDMI ARC or optical connections.
The Bose TV Speaker is ideal for apartments due to its compact size and controlled bass output. The Polk Signa S4, while more powerful, might be excessive for very small spaces and could disturb neighbors with its subwoofer.
Both can be wall-mounted. The Bose TV Speaker is lighter and easier to mount, while the Polk Signa S4 requires more consideration for mounting both the soundbar and placing the wireless subwoofer.
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: soundandvision.com - audioholics.com - crutchfield.com - cnet.com - richersounds.com - crutchfield.com - rtings.com - polkaudio.com - walmart.com - polkaudio.com - crutchfield.com - youtube.com - profx.com - 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
