Bose Vs Onkyo (The Truth!)

Everyone wants to be sure the option they are choosing is the best for them. Onkyo and Bose are two competing audio manufacturers with a long history of quality and innovative products.

Onkyo products are known for their quality products which are sold at reasonable prices. But their products have also been reported to have reduced quality over the years. Bose, on the other hand, has been consistent with its product quality. However, they are mostly believed to be too expensive.

Features

Bose

• It has an easy-to-follow guide displayed on the screen for ease of installation.
• Vivid surround sound delivery makes the audio sound better and clearer.
• The home theater muti-speaker system with a design that allows sound to fill the room.
• Comes with an acoustic sound delivery that brings the sound to life.
• Seamless control system with the Bose remote control.

Onkyo

• It supports up to 8K Pro Gaming High Dynamic Range for an immersive viewing experience.
• Comes with easy wireless connectivity that supports smartphone MP3 and AAC connection
• Has built-in streaming services such as Pandora, Spotify, Tidal, TuneIn, and Deezer for enhanced play
• Comes with extended device durability.
• Supports Dolby Atmos Height Visualizer

Design/Portability

Bose

It is a fact that most Bose home theater systems strive for portability in their design. They come in a sleek modern design that fits easily into your space. They can be used at the center, on the bookshelf, and transported easily.

Onkyo

Although Onkyo designs also have a modern look, their design is not very much on portability. They are not easy to move around due to the heavy weight of most home theaters.

Pricing and Budget

Bose

Although Bose products seem to come with interesting features, they are mostly considered overpriced by users.

Onkyo

Onkyo products are the best consideration for reasonably priced products. They offer a quality almost as much as the Bose products but at a much cheaper price than the Bose products.

Sound quality

Bose

Bose speakers, home theater, and other audio equipment are known for delivering high-end audio output for the regular customer who just wants loud and clear sound.

However, for audiophiles, Bose is lacking. This is the reason for the phrase, ‘no highs, no lows must be Bose’. However, some more modern Bose speakers do deliver premium acoustic sound quality with vivid surround sound that brings the sound to life.

One important factor with Bose speaker systems is also which receiver you use. Check out our guide on the best receivers for Bose speakers to learn more.

Onkyo

Most Onkyo speakers and audio equipment come with Dolby Atmos DTS:X support. This audio format helps it deliver an immersive audio experience with enhanced audio output. 

Space Considerations

Bose

Bose audio equipment is highly portable and a good choice for those who are concerned about space. They come in a sleek design that can easily fit into bookshelves, in front of the TV, or mounted on the wall.

Onkyo

Using Onkyo speakers and home theater systems requires considerably more space than Bose. However, Onkyo also has a couple of smaller pieces of audio equipment that can easily fit into bookshelves and under the TV.

Pros/Cons

Pros of Bose

• They are portable and easy to transport.
• Sleek and modern design.
• High Definition of acoustic sound delivery.
• Multi speaker connection.

Cons of Bose

• The high price of their products.
• Many discontinued products.
• Lack of smart home integration built-in.
• It doesn’t support apple music.

Pros of Onkyo

• Quality product at a budget-friendly price.
• HD Video Output.
• Up to 5 years of product warranty  
• Easy-to-use products.

Cons of Onkyo

• Faulty remote control.
• Overheating after prolonged use.
• Low battery power.
• Connectivity problems such as faulty HDMI ports and Bluetooth short-range.

Bose vs Onkyo: How Do They Differ?

One of the most common differences consumers see between the Bose and Onkyo products is their price difference. Bose products are generally considered to be too expensive and most people would rather prefer the Onkyo brand.

The other factor of consideration is their sound delivery, which the Bose home theater system performs better. It delivers an acoustic sound output that brings sound alive.

Which Is Better (Bose vs Onkyo)

In terms of quality, Bose has been able to maintain a good level of consistency over the years. But, with better quality comes a higher price.

However, if you are concerned about the price and would prefer something of slightly lower build quality, Onkyo might be your best option. It is cheaper than Bose and almost of equal quality.

Bose Vs Onkyo Home Theater System

Bose home theater is more portable and comes with better features than the Onkyo home theater Receivers. This feature includes a modern and eye-catching design that makes Bose home theater form a beautiful part of the room design.

Onkyo HT-S9800THX vs Bose Lifestyle 650

 

The Bose Lifestyle 650 is a premium audio solution with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HDMI connectivity options. It has a modern design that can be connected to an Alexa device for voice control.

Onkyo HT-S9800THX is a much bigger home theater system with multi-room use function. It has a Dynamic Audio Amplification feature that allows it to drive the 4-ohms speaker loads.

The Bose Lifestyle 650 has a much better design that is portable, better designed, and with a better acoustic sound delivery.

Onkyo LS3100vs Bose Cinemate

Bose Cinemate Series are portable speakers designed for TV use. They feature a simple design that comes with ease of setup. It also has a four-buttoned remote control that is simple and sleek.

The Onkyo LS3100 is a space-saving and budget-friendly speaker solution. It comes with two small speakers that can be mounted almost anywhere in the room due to their portable sizes.

Both the Onkyo LS3100 and the Bose Cinemate have a modern design that is designed for easy use with the TV. However, the Bose speakers are more expensive but, it makes up for this with the more attractive design and extra accessories that come with them.

Conclusion

Many users who have tried both the Bose and Onkyo speakers will argue that Bose is the better choice here. But, while that may be true, the price is always a factor that makes most newcomers have a second thought.

When next you need to choose a nice home audio system on a budget, Onkyo may be your best option. They also offer quality sound and design, just not as good as the Bose speakers.

Before you leave, you can also check out the following similar reviews in this series:

Integra vs. Onkyo

Marantz Vs Onkyo

Bose vs Definitive Technology

Bose vs Boston Acoustics