Polk Audio vs Bose in the mid-priced Dolby Atmos soundbar class.
Updated 2026
Verdict
Buy the Polk Signa S4 if you want a Dolby Atmos soundbar that already includes a wireless subwoofer and a dedicated center channel for dialogue. Buy the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 if you want built-in Wi-Fi streaming and a compact bar, and you are happy to add a subwoofer later.
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Planning the sound? Get the whole matched system.
Pick 5.1, 5.1.2, 7.1 or 7.1.4 and a budget, and get timbre-matched speakers, a sub sized to your room and a receiver with enough channels.
under $500 with subwoofer
Check Polk Audio Signa S4 Priceunder $600 bar only
Check Bose Smart Soundbar 600 Price| Polk Audio Signa S4 | Bose Smart Soundbar 600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | Yes, with up-firing height speakers | Yes, with two up-firing transducers |
| Subwoofer | 5.9-inch wireless sub included | Not included, optional Bose bass module |
| Dialogue | Dedicated center channel plus VoiceAdjust | Voice4Video and dialogue modes in the app |
| Streaming | Bluetooth plus HDMI eARC | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Chromecast, Alexa |
| Size | Slim, about 2.4 inches tall | 27.5 inches wide, compact |
| Best for | Movies with real bass out of the box | Music streaming and small rooms |
The table compares the Polk Signa S4 and the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 on Dolby Atmos, subwoofer, dialogue, streaming and size; the main difference is that Polk bundles the subwoofer while Bose bundles the streaming features.
You mainly watch movies, you want bass without buying a separate subwoofer, and clear dialogue matters more to you than multi-room streaming.
Check Polk Audio Signa S4 on Amazon
You stream a lot of music, you use AirPlay or Alexa, your room is small or the bar needs to be compact, and you plan to add a subwoofer or rear speakers later.
Check Bose Smart Soundbar 600 on Amazon
Skip both if you have room for a real surround system (separate speakers and a receiver outperform any soundbar for film) or if you want a soundbar with true rear speakers included.
Polk usually gives more bass and dialogue clarity for the money because a subwoofer is included. Bose leads on streaming features and a compact, polished design.
It works on its own, but bass is limited by its size. Bose sells wireless bass modules that pair with it if you want deeper low end.
Yes. Both use up-firing speakers to create height effects, which works best in rooms with a flat, reasonably low ceiling.
Both connect over HDMI eARC or ARC, which most recent TVs have. Check which HDMI port on your TV supports eARC before you buy.
Comparison researched from published manufacturer specifications, retailer listings and owner reviews. We have not tested these units side by side. Specifications marked approximate should be confirmed on the manufacturer page before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.