Short answer: the Bose Companion 2 Series III. It ranks #29 of 47 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $199.61; the Yamaha HS3 ranks #40, rated 2.9/5, and costs $229.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Bose Companion 2 Series III is the better-sounding choice. Amazon’s longest-running #1 premium desktop multimedia speaker system. The tradeoff: No Spinorama or independent anechoic data available.
What the Yamaha HS3 does well: Compact desktop studio monitor system translating the iconic Yamaha HS white-cone aesthetic and neutral voicing into an ultra-compact footprint. The catch: Rating estimated based on acoustic specs and larger HS-series (Yamaha HS5, Yamaha HS7, Yamaha HS8) laboratory data.
Buy the Bose Companion 2 Series III. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Yamaha HS3 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
About the ratings: neither speaker has been measured yet, so both ratings are estimated from measured siblings and predecessors (likely ranges: Bose Companion 2 Series III 3.0 to 3.4; Yamaha HS3 2.7 to 3.1). Treat this verdict as provisional.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Companion 2 Series III | Yamaha HS3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.61 per pair | $229.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #29 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated | #40 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| Aux Input | Yes (dual 3.5mm inputs) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 3.1” x 5.9” (190 x 80 x 150 mm) each | 8.8” x 5.2” x 7.4” (223 x 132 x 189 mm) |
| Drivers | 2.5” full-range driver in ported enclosure | 0.75” soft dome tweeter, 3.5” cone woofer |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| Inputs | Dual 3.5mm Aux | - |
| RCA Input | No | - |
| USB Input | No | - |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) per pair | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) (pair total) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 52W (26W + 26W dynamic) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 3.2kHz |
| Frequency Response | - | 70Hz - 22kHz (-10dB) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Bose Companion 2 Series III:
- Kanto YU2 vs Bose Companion 2 Series III
- Onkyo Creator Series GX-10DB vs Bose Companion 2 Series III
- Bose Companion 2 Series III vs Yamaha HS4
- Yamaha HS4 vs Yamaha HS3
- Fiio SP3 vs Yamaha HS3
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Companion 2 Series III: $199.61 per pair Estimated Amazon eBay
Pros: Amazon’s longest-running #1 premium desktop multimedia speaker system. Features Bose’s TrueSpace stereo digital signal processing circuitry that creates a wide, immersive soundstage that extends well past the physical width of the satellites. Dual 3.5mm aux inputs permit simultaneous audio playback from a computer and an auxiliary audio device without unplugging cables. Features a clean front volume knob with integrated headphone jack.
Cons: No Spinorama or independent anechoic data available. Relies on proprietary DSP loudness curves that boost mid-bass and highs while scooping the midrange. Lacks Bluetooth or digital inputs.
Full Bose Companion 2 Series III review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2013 (13 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes (dual 3.5mm inputs) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 3.1” x 5.9” (190 x 80 x 150 mm) each |
| Drivers | 2.5” full-range driver in ported enclosure |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Inputs | Dual 3.5mm Aux |
| RCA Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) per pair |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Yamaha HS3: $229.99 per pair Estimated Amazon eBay
Same family: the Yamaha HS4 (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, estimated 3.1/5), the Yamaha HS5 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.6/5), the Yamaha HS7 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.9/5), the Yamaha HS8 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5) and the Yamaha HS8S (subwoofer, rated 3/5).
Pros: Compact desktop studio monitor system translating the iconic Yamaha HS white-cone aesthetic and neutral voicing into an ultra-compact footprint. Features a 3.5-inch woofer and 0.75-inch dome tweeter driven by a Class-D 26W + 26W amplifier. Equipped with rear Room Control (0/-2/-4dB below 500Hz) and High Trim (0/±2dB above 2kHz) switches to correct boundary proximity buildup on desktop surfaces.
Cons: Rating estimated based on acoustic specs and larger HS-series (Yamaha HS5, Yamaha HS7, Yamaha HS8) laboratory data. Small 3.5-inch woofer and rear Twisted Flare port roll off sharply below 70Hz (-10dB), with limited maximum SPL compared to full nearfield studio monitors.
Full Yamaha HS3 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2023 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 52W (26W + 26W dynamic) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Crossover Frequency | 3.2kHz |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 5.2” x 7.4” (223 x 132 x 189 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75” soft dome tweeter, 3.5” cone woofer |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 22kHz (-10dB) |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) (pair total) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons