Short answer: the Kanto YU2. It ranks #20 of 47 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.4/5, at $189.99; the Bose Companion 2 Series III ranks #29, rated 3.2/5, and costs $199.61, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The case for the Kanto YU2: A compact 2-way powered desktop speaker featuring 3-inch composite drivers and 3/4-inch silk dome tweeters driven by 50W RMS (100W peak) Class D amplification. The catch: Awaiting Spinorama anechoic data.
Why pick the Bose Companion 2 Series III: Amazon’s longest-running #1 premium desktop multimedia speaker system. The catch: No Spinorama or independent anechoic data available.
Buy the Kanto YU2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Bose Companion 2 Series III and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
About the ratings: neither speaker has been measured yet, so both ratings are estimated from measured siblings and predecessors (likely ranges: Kanto YU2 3.2 to 3.6; Bose Companion 2 Series III 3.0 to 3.4). Treat this verdict as provisional.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU2 | Bose Companion 2 Series III | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.99 per pair | $199.61 per pair |
| Ranked | #20 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated | #29 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS (100W peak) Class D | - |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes (dual 3.5mm inputs) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.5kHz | - |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 3.9” x 5.3” (150 x 100 x 135 mm) each | 7.5” x 3.1” x 5.9” (190 x 80 x 150 mm) each |
| Drivers | 3/4” silk dome tweeter, 3” composite woofer | 2.5” full-range driver in ported enclosure |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | USB digital audio, 3.5mm Aux | Dual 3.5mm Aux |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| USB Input | Yes (DAC up to 16-bit/48kHz) | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) per pair | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) per pair |
| Headphone Output | - | Yes |
| RCA Input | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Kanto YU2 compares with other leading options:
- Audioengine A2+ vs Kanto YU2
- Kanto YU2 vs Mackie CR4.5
- Kanto YU2 vs Onkyo Creator Series GX-10DB
- Onkyo Creator Series GX-10DB vs Bose Companion 2 Series III
- Bose Companion 2 Series III 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Kanto YU2: $189.99 per pair Estimated Amazon eBay
Same family: the Kanto YU4 (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.3/5) and the Kanto YU6 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.9/5). See every Kanto YU and Tuk generation.
Pros: A compact 2-way powered desktop speaker featuring 3-inch composite drivers and 3/4-inch silk dome tweeters driven by 50W RMS (100W peak) Class D amplification. Features a built-in USB DAC that bypasses noisy computer sound cards for pristine digital playback, plus a 3.5mm aux input and dedicated subwoofer output.
Cons: Awaiting Spinorama anechoic data. Small 3-inch cabinets have natural bass limitations below 80Hz without a connected subwoofer. Lacks Bluetooth on this base model.
Full Kanto YU2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2015 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS (100W peak) Class D |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.5kHz |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 3.9” x 5.3” (150 x 100 x 135 mm) each |
| Drivers | 3/4” silk dome tweeter, 3” composite woofer |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | USB digital audio, 3.5mm Aux |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes (DAC up to 16-bit/48kHz) |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) per pair |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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