Prices verified May 28 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
The Polk Audio Signa S2 wins for home theater fans. Its 5.1 channels and wireless subwoofer deliver immersive surround sound that the Bose TV Speaker can't match, all for $249.
The Verdict
Winner
Polk Audio Signa S2
Polk Audio Signa S2 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer vs Bose TV Speaker Soundbar, side by side
Pros:
- 5.1 channels with wireless subwoofer for deep bass
- VoiceAdjust technology clarifies dialogue
- HDMI ARC and Bluetooth connectivity
Cons (honest weight):
- Soundbar only 25 watts total output
- No Dolby Atmos support
- Larger footprint at 35 inches wide
Pros:
- Compact size fits under most TVs
- Enhanced dialogue mode for clear voices
- Optical cable included; simple setup
Cons (honest weight):
- No subwoofer for deep bass
- Only 2.0 channels, no surround sound
- HDMI cable not included
Where each one wins
9 dimensions scored head-to-head. Polk Audio takes 3; Bose TV takes 3.
| Dimension | Polk Audio Signa S2 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer | Bose TV Speaker Soundbar | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriceBose saves $50 while maintaining reliable audio performance. | $249 | $199 | Bose TV |
| Sound ChannelsPolk's 5.1 system creates immersive surround sound; Bose delivers stereo only. | 5.1 | 2.0 | Polk Audio |
| Subwoofer IncludedPolk includes a wireless subwoofer for deep bass; Bose requires separate purchase. | Yes (wireless) | No | Polk Audio |
| Dialogue EnhancementBoth have effective dialogue clarity modes; Bose's is slightly more aggressive. | VoiceAdjust | Enhanced dialogue mode | Tie |
| HDMI ARCBoth support single-cable connection with TV remote control. | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| BluetoothBoth stream music wirelessly from your phone or tablet. | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Compact SizeBose fits under smaller TVs; Polk requires more space. | 35.4" wide | 23.4" wide | Bose TV |
| Total Wattage (soundbar)Bose's soundbar is louder on its own; Polk's subwoofer adds 50W. | 25W | 35W | Bose TV |
| Customer RatingPolk edges ahead with a slightly higher rating and more reviews. | 4.4 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 | Polk Audio |
| Overall | 3 wins | 3 wins | Tie |
Price — Bose saves you $50
Bose wins on price at $199 vs $249. That $50 gap can buy you a soundbar accessory or a streaming stick.
Polk justifies its premium with a subwoofer and more channels. If you watch movies or play games, the extra spend pays off in audio immersion.
Sound Channels — Polk's 5.1 dominates
Polk delivers true 5.1 surround sound with a wireless subwoofer. Five full-range drivers plus a dedicated sub create a cinematic soundstage.
Polk's surround effects make you feel inside the action. Explosions rumble, arrows fly past. Bose's sound is clear but flat in comparison.
Subwoofer Included — Polk's big advantage
Polk includes a wireless subwoofer right in the box. Deep bass from a 5.25-inch woofer adds weight to music and movies.
Polk's subwoofer can be placed anywhere within 23.0 feet. Hide it behind a couch or in a corner. Bose users who want bass must buy a separate Bass Module.
Dialogue Enhancement — Both do it well
Polk's VoiceAdjust and Bose's Enhanced Dialogue both clarify speech. Each has a dedicated mode that raises vocal frequencies.
Bose's mode is slightly more aggressive. If you watch a lot of dialogue-heavy content, Bose's setting cuts through better. Polk's is more subtle.
HDMI ARC — Tie, both offer it
Both support HDMI ARC for single-cable TV control. Use your TV remote to adjust volume. Polk includes an HDMI cable in the box; Bose requires a separate purchase.
Optical input is also available on both. Plug in older devices without HDMI. No loss in quality.
Bluetooth — Tie, both stream wirelessly
Both support Bluetooth for music streaming from your phone. Polk's Bluetooth range is 32.8 feet, Bose's is 30 feet (9.1m).
Both let you listen to music without turning on your TV. Pair your device and stream from apps directly.
Compact Size — Bose fits smaller spaces
Bose is 23.4 inches wide vs Polk's 35.4 inches. Bose fits under 43-inch or smaller TVs with room to spare.
Bose's all-in-one design eliminates the subwoofer footprint. No extra box to place on the floor. For apartment dwellers, Bose's simplicity wins.
Wattage — Bose edges ahead in soundbar power
Bose's soundbar outputs 35W vs Polk's 25W. In pure numbers, Bose is louder from the bar itself. But Polk's subwoofer adds 50W.
For loudness alone, Bose fills a small room with 35W. Polk with subwoofer fills a large room with 75W combined.
Customer Rating — Polk leads slightly
Polk has 4.4 stars from 21,881 reviews; Bose has 4.3 stars from 13,948. Both are highly rated.
Bose's lower review count reflects its newer release. Both soundbars earn consistent praise for sound quality.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Home theater buff | Polk Audio Signa S2 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer | 5.1 surround and subwoofer for cinematic depth. |
| Casual TV watcher | Bose TV Speaker Soundbar | Simple setup, clear dialogue, no extra boxes. |
| Small apartment dweller | Bose TV Speaker Soundbar | Compact size fits small TV stands, no subwoofer clutter. |
| Movie night host | Polk Audio Signa S2 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer | Immersive sound impresses guests, subwoofer adds rumble. |
| Budget buyer | Bose TV Speaker Soundbar | Saves $50 and still delivers clear, reliable sound. |
| Music lover | Polk Audio Signa S2 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer | Subwoofer adds bass for music, Bluetooth streaming works for both. |
5.1 surround and subwoofer for cinematic depth.
Simple setup, clear dialogue, no extra boxes.
Compact size fits small TV stands, no subwoofer clutter.
Immersive sound impresses guests, subwoofer adds rumble.
Saves $50 and still delivers clear, reliable sound.
Subwoofer adds bass for music, Bluetooth streaming works for both.
What if neither is right?
Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar
$98
Best budget option for clear sound under $100
Frequently Asked Questions
Polk Signa S2 vs Bose TV Speaker: which is better?
For most home theater setups, the Polk Signa S2 wins with its 5.1 channels and included subwoofer. The Bose is better if you value a compact, all-in-one design and don't need surround sound.
Is the Polk Signa S2 worth the extra $50?
Yes, if you watch movies or play games — the wireless subwoofer and additional channels create a much more immersive experience. For casual TV watching, save $50 with the Bose.
Do I need a soundbar with a subwoofer?
A subwoofer adds deep bass for explosions and music. If you watch action films or listen to bass-heavy music, a separate subwoofer is worth it. If you only watch news and sitcoms, a soundbar-only model suffices.
Can I add a subwoofer to the Bose TV Speaker later?
Yes, the Bose TV Speaker is compatible with the Bose Bass Module 500 or 700 (sold separately). This lets you upgrade to deeper bass without replacing the soundbar.
Which soundbar has better dialogue clarity?
Both have dedicated dialogue enhancement modes — Polk's VoiceAdjust and Bose's Enhanced Dialogue. Users on Reddit praise both, but Bose's mode is more aggressive. For very quiet dialogue, the Bose edges ahead.
How we compared. We analyzed 35,829 verified Amazon reviews across both soundbars. Prices updated weekly from Amazon.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team. Independent US-market consumer research. Picks reflect verified buyer data and expert analysis.