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 HS4 ranks #32, rated 3.1/5, and costs $249.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
Why pick the Bose Companion 2 Series III: Amazon’s longest-running #1 premium desktop multimedia speaker system. Watch for: No Spinorama or independent anechoic data available.
The case for the Yamaha HS4: Active compact desktop monitor featuring a 4.5-inch white cone woofer and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter driven by a clean 26W + 26W Class-D amplifier. The tradeoff: Rating estimated from HS-series measured lineage.
Buy the Bose Companion 2 Series III. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Yamaha HS4 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
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 HS4 2.9 to 3.3). Treat this verdict as provisional.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Companion 2 Series III | Yamaha HS4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.61 per pair | $249.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #29 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated | #32 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 | 9.4” x 5.9” x 8.4” (240 x 150 x 213 mm) |
| Drivers | 2.5” full-range driver in ported enclosure | 1” soft dome tweeter, 4.5” cone woofer |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| Inputs | Dual 3.5mm Aux | - |
| RCA Input | No | - |
| USB Input | No | - |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) per pair | 8.2 lbs (3.7 kg) (pair total) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 52W (26W + 26W dynamic) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.3kHz |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 22kHz (-10dB) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Bose Companion 2 Series III compares with other leading options:
- 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 HS3
- Yamaha HS4 vs Yamaha HS3
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Yamaha HS4
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 HS4: $249.99 per pair Estimated Amazon eBay
Same family: the Yamaha HS3 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 2.9/5), 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: Active compact desktop monitor featuring a 4.5-inch white cone woofer and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter driven by a clean 26W + 26W Class-D amplifier. Delivers a more balanced low-end response (reaching down to 60Hz at -10dB) and smoother high-frequency dispersion than the Yamaha HS3, while including flexible XLR/TRS, RCA, and 3.5mm stereo inputs along with Room Control and High Trim boundary acoustic switches.
Cons: Rating estimated from HS-series measured lineage. Lower output capability and less bass extension than the dedicated bi-amplified Yamaha HS5; master/slave passive wire configuration for the second speaker.
Full Yamaha HS4 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2023 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 52W (26W + 26W dynamic) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.3kHz |
| Dimensions | 9.4” x 5.9” x 8.4” (240 x 150 x 213 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” soft dome tweeter, 4.5” cone woofer |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 22kHz (-10dB) |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs (3.7 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