Customer Ratings & Reviews

I got these speakers when I moved because I didn't want to pack/wanted to upgrade from my companion 3's. First off, the good. These sound fantastic. If you had your eyes closed you'd probably think there were 4 speakers. Bose is always the best when it comes to great sound in a compact package. These are great for small desks and rooms, because they take up so little space and have a lot of sound. Now, the bad. The companion 3's had a 3.5mm input jack on the back of the sub, and a 2nd on the corded control. The 5's have a USB input on the sub, and a 3.5mm on the control. Now, in many cases I can see the USB being fantastic. It's probably better quality, and on a desktop computer, you have a million USB ports on the back of your tower. I, however, am using a desktop replacement laptop, and one thing no laptop has in spades is USB ports, I have 4. Also, I find the whole setting up of the USB control overly difficult, I like just plugging in the 3.5mm jack. So that's what I did, but now my remote has two cords coming out of it (the control/power cord and the 3.5mm cord to my computer) which is kind of a bother. My biggest problem though, is the power saving mode. My companion 3's had two settings, off and standby. If you wanted to listen to something, you tapped the control, and the light changed from yellow to green, and instantly you had sound. When you're done, you tap it again, and they're on standby. On the 5's, that still applies, BUT, if you go long enough without having sound (ie, I'm just browsing the internet) they go into a power saving mode (light turns red) and you have to tap it again to turn them on. The kicker is that it takes about 5 seconds for the sound to come on. This wouldn't be so bad if the power saving mode didn't kick in WAY too fast (roughly 3 minutes). I tend to browse the internet a lot, and I come across a video, watch it, then go onto other stuff, find another video, watch it, and low and behold, no sound! I hit the control, the light goes green, but by the time the sound actually comes ON, I really have to restart the video. It sounds like I'm nitpicking, but it's annoying. They also get a knock on the value for price part.. you pay a lot, and you get a really good product, but it's not what I'd call a real deal or bargain. It's kind of like buying a BMW or Audi. You get something great, but you pay for it in full. My last problem with these speakers is the corded control. It's basically a thick disk, with an outer rubber ring you turn to change the volume, an a pressure sensitive topside that you tap to turn the speakers off and on. It also has a headphone jack and a audio in jack. My problems are these: 1, the pressure sensitive top is very sensitive, and if you have a messy desk and something happens to touch it, well, you get the idea. 2, the subwoofer volume controls are on the back of the sub. This is something I like to adjust as I live in a dorm, and there's hours of the day it's acceptable to have some bass, and then some where it isn't. Same goes for anyone living in an apartment, etc. I like to have the (rather large) subwoofer out of the way, which means that control is out of the way as well. I wish it was on the controller, after all, that's what the controller is for. Don't get me wrong though. As much as I complain, these are very fantastic speakers. My pros section is much shorter than the cons, but the pro section contains the most important part, the sound quality. I love these speakers and wouldn't go back to my 3's or any other speaker system I've owned. There are things that are much better value, I'm sure you could get an almost as good set of speakers for $200, but the key word there is almost. These are among, if not the best, desktop speakers you can find that are reasonably sized.

Well, first, lets just start off with the sets ONLY con, the fact that it has USB instead of standard speaker cords. Because i have alot of USB stuff, i had to trade off because there was no open USB port, so i had to ditch the gaming controler :(, but it was worth it. Now to the good stuff........ First, Bose will not let you down, these speakers rock. As for 5.1 sound, they create a very convincing sound setting, while watching movies i can hear sounds around me..... and i look to find no speaker there, just two in the front. Its an amazing system. Because of these speakers, i prefer watching movies on my computer, instead of watching them on my dad's much more expensive Dolby system. Sound Quality is very very high with these speakers, you will hear things that you never heard before because other speakers could not handle those sounds, the sound quality is consitent from the softest to the loudest volume. The sound quality is the main reason i bought these speakers, you will be amazed.... but remember, these speakers are limited to the quality of the music or game sound that your playing, but if you have high quality music and game stuff, you will be amazed. Size, they are perfect, they save alot of room compared to full 5.1 systems (while delivering just as much sound). The two speakers fit neatly on my desk, and the acustimas module is very compact and saves floor space. In fact, while being on the small side, the bass with this system pumps out just as much if not more sound than most 5.1 systems. Even without the bass, the speakers can handle alot of bass on they're own, they are just amazing. Quality of construction, very very good, the speakers and the bass are builit well, and built to last. The speakers are on metal stands...... yes, metal, (probibly aluminum) compared to other systems cheap plastic speakers). The speakers themselves are magneticly sheilded, and also built very strong, the bass is very solid too. This is a true entusiasts system. I had a hard time finding any plastic parts on the outside of the system, every thing is made of metal of very hard, high quality plastic. Although i cant tell you if the circutry inside the system is as tough as its shell, i would go dropping them just incase somthing inside becomes loose. Overall, i would recomend it to anyone who admires quality craftsmanship and good sound. Pros: EXCELENT sound quality Tough construction, the sub is build like a tank Very good representation of directional sound Wide soundstage for 2channel music and games Surprisingly good 5.1 sound for movies and some games. Overall, these are possibly the best speakers you can buy for PC, i recommend them completely. Cons: USB means you have one less spot for game controlors, etc, that also take USB. But that doesnt really matter anymore once you hear the speakers.

i read through all the reviews and loved the concept of finally getting my first bose speaker system.. but i was really disappointed with the unit itself. i wanted to switch from using my hk speakers to bose, but in the end i returned the bose, and switched back to the hk....

I've had this set of computer speakers for well over a year now and they have been fantastic. The highs and lows are great and the sub-woofer does a great job as well. Yeah, it's a little expensive, but this is definitely one of those "You get what you pay for" kind of things.

Had a boston acoustics unit for years that was amazing, this Bose unit is the only equivilent or better. I had bought the Bose Companion 3 first, DONT WASTE UR MONEY ON THE COMPANION 3, IT DISTORTS EVEN ON LOW VOLUME AND IS TOO SMALL! Just spend the extra money ($100 or so) for the Companion 5 and you'll be happy i promise. Base is good, speakers are perfect, volume comtrol is just as percise. Makes all of your music sound brand new again. And its LOUD! (only Companion 5). USB makes for absolutely percise delivery.

The sleek design of the the speakers blends in perfectly on my desk and does not take up much space. The subwoofer hides below out of site. You work and listen to music and the quality of the sound just relaxes you. It can be loud but it does not sound like shouting. It doesn't hurt your ears. The power control is so sleek you turn it on with just a a mere gentle tap with your finger and experience the standard and quality of the sound that is recognized as BOSE. I upgraded my computer from XP to vista and my speakers wouldn't work because of driver issues. I called BOSE with the number listed in the manual, didn't get a recording but a very nice gentleman who answered right away, didn't ask about when I bought it or any of those warranty questions but stayed on the line and researched a patch that he found for the problem and walked me through it step by step. I am a Bose customer for life. You only get what you pay for and with customer service like that I don't mind paying a little extra.

when i bought the companion 5 this is by far the best sounding stereo that i have i only wish that i could use it to replace my home theater system. its got an amazing deep rich bass thats not over kill. i got to say that i was surprised how hard the subwoofer can hit an not distort at all. the clarity of the two speaker is more than great is super clear and doesn't make that high pitched sound you get from s's or t's when you turn up the system. the only thing that i wished this had was when i bought it it does not come with a cord to hook up to your ipod or anything with a head phone jack so my desk where the remote sits gets a lil cluttered having to plug my ipod in to that. but thats no bigge. otherwise i don't know how bose could make this system better.

I am an audiophile, with a dedicated room, and Theater with acoustical wall panels and corner bass traps, so I take audio components very seriously. In addition, I have two other bedrooms in the house with high end components and in-walls throughout. Recently I replaced on old Mac with a new iMac. I felt it was time to replace my Harmon Kardon Soundsticks II. After reading much reviews, I went into my local Best Buy to demo and pickup the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 desktop speakers, ($149.00). The Bose Companion Series were right next to the Klipsch with a demo board. Very effective demo panel, as I pushed the button on the C5's and were immediately blown away, not just with the audio, but the cosmetic looks, too. For $250 more, (and that's a step up), I had to convince myself in the long run that I'd would be more happy with the C5's instead of the plastic looking Klipsch's. Very happy I made this purchase. (Wait, what about the wife factor?). The Companion 5's will last a decade, and everyday they'll blow you away with it's audio engineering. Simply stunning. As a Bose consumer basher and hater for the last 30 years, I have a totally new respect for the company, at least for their Desktop Computer Speakers. Streaming Pandora One on your desktop (with lyrics) never sounded so better. Just fantastic. Also, their customer service was exceptional, too. Control Pod is excellent and fun. Neat volume control pad. All in all, sensational desktop speakers. It's a keeper.

Right out of the box you will notice just how great these speakers are built. The quality of the wiring, and the metals, and even the plastics are amazing! Two speakers and a sub, unbelievably big sound. Im HUGE into music. Its one of the big things I use my home computer for. I have a large iTunes library. The Bass amount is adjustable, the volume control pod is great. The investment is worth it. Wonderful. (little tip for apple idevice or mac users. Take a airport express and use this with airplay to turn them into wireless speakers!)

I'll admit, I was a little apprehensive before purchasing. I did the research and read the reviews. I decided to check 'em out, because I've always had this curiosity about Bose products. The price would repel me every time I built up enough nerve to buy. But I bought them and I am impressed. The set up was easy, they look great and sound even better. My home office sounds like a recording studio. I'm hearing details that I've never heard in songs, and I'm an Apple fan, and they look really nice with my iMac. It's like buying a luxury car. Most cars will get you from point A to point B, but a Benz or Cadillac will get you there in style. Love 'em!! Do recommend, and this is from a frugal consumer.

I know you're supposed to think Bose is amazing, but I've tried enough products in the last few weeks to compare so thought I'd share my experience. I've had two sets of Bose speakers for years, and used two sets from other makers for the last week. Contenders vs the Bose 5s: Klipsch Promedia (~$150 at BB) Logitech Z520 ($49 right now at BB) Bose Companion 2 computer speakers (bought for $99 10 yrs ago) The Klipsch wins hands down. An amazing consumer product. The price is reasonable and probably quite economical for Klipsch to manufacture because it's the same high-end design for the last 10 yrs. These go as loud as you want with 200W and wonderful detail and clarity. I can't imagine buying anything else for a powered 2.1 system ever. Every couple months I'm excited about a product I bought that was just the right thing - this is probably my purchase of the year. 2nd place tie - Bose Companion 2 or the Logitech Z520s These are very different speakers but would be fine depending on the application. The companion 2s are actually my favorite for listening to classical music - the highs are so detailed that there are instruments playing which I can't even detect from the Logitechs. The Logitechs on the other hand are much more boomy, and not so directional. The Bose are good if you can point them directly at your head. But off center or across the room, all that detail goes away. There is also very little bass coming from the Bose 2s, even though there's a mini-sub built into each speaker. The Logitech's have the 360 design with the tweeters pointed forward and backward. It gives more uniform sound around the room, especially for placement on a desk in the middle of room. They are also very economical at $49 right now - the difference between these and a $20 pair of typical computer speakers will be huge and would be worth the upgrade. The cons are: a little muddy highs when listening to classical, and their implementation of the 2nd audio input. When I plugged in my second computer, it muted the first. So I can't use my media computer to play music and have my workhorse laptop's system sounds play at the same time. For my needs, the inputs have to be unplugged and replugged at least daily. There is no warning about this in any of the documentation. I just learned it the hard way and so am taking them back. The Boses and Klipsch automatically mix the two inputs together at all times. The Bose Companion 5 are my least favorite, which I'm bummed to say because I've had them for three years and they were not cheap. The high details aren't present like they are from the Companion 2s, and the 5s take up a lot of room and create a lot of cable clutter. The location of the bass adjustment is also inconveniently located on the very bottom of the back of the subwoofer which means I'll never adjust it - even if different media would benefit from adjustment. The Klipsch put this on the control module right next to the volume (perfect). Good luck in your search. Be wary of making the assumption that price equals quality. Listen to multiple speakers and compare for yourself.

After trying the kleapsch pro media 2.1 I was impressed buy the sound quality, I end up returning them because it didn't have power off button. Why would you do speakers that are always on?. Went back to the store. I order Corsair sp2500 from newegg and they were not working properly. They went back to the shipper. I finally game it a try to the Bose after so long and I decide to spend the extra juice on this companion 5. There is nothing about this speakers that doesn't satisfy my needs. The sound is incredible and the quality of the materials are outstanding. You can tell that this speakers will last for years to come. If you can afford them go for it you won't regret them.

- Great Bose Sound, zero distortion. - Easy set up - Would recommend this for anyone who is looking for excellent sound. - Acoustimass module is compact and easily hidden from view. - Thunderous bass..

Last week I purchased the Companion 3 series (smaller version) hooked up via pin jack to my PC and tried them for a week. They sounded tinny, lacked midrange and high end presence. Drum high hats......sounded like garbage cans and vocal midrange were not really crisp. I then played them on my old PC with a great sound card and found quite a difference- just not good enough. FYI- I was a sound recording engineer in my former life. Back to BB to return the 3's and purchased the Companion 5 series which hook up via USB (using windows 7) bypassing the integrated sound module completely. WOW......yes now they sound great right out of the box. Clear, concise and pleasing to me. The Bose display was not working at the store so home they went. If you have integrated sound or a cheap sound card stay away from the 3's and go for the companion 5's. Yes, they are expensive but the music really sounds that much better. I can make any sound corrections in itunes and now realize that the old compressed mp3s just don't cut it anymore. They are way overpriced but i'm keeping them. My son can have the old companion 3's that i bought and he loves them with this imac anyway.

Good things cost money and the Companion 5s are no exception to this. After purchasing the 5s, I read many reviews that stated the Logitecs were as good if not better, and for less than half the cost, especially if one's main interest was music instead of movies, which represents my primary use. So, I went out and bought a set of the Logitech Z-2300 2.1 speakers, hooked them up to my iMac and did an old-school audiophile A:B comparo -- having both systems connected simultaneously, and switching instantly between the two systems as the music was playing. I went down my iTunes list and chose a variety of music, for tests of rock, jazz, old, new, vocals, instrumentals, until I was satisfied with my scope of test material. The verdict is this -- there was really no comparison in sound quality, the Bose had much better high-end clarity, better soundstage and separation. I could audibly locate the Logitec satellites, but the Bose created a wide soundstage that often had me looking over to where there were no speakers, to find out how the sound could possibly be coming from that spot. Instrumental separation on the Bose was such that I could audibly locate things better than the Logitecs, and this didn't change as I moved my head from left to right. The Logitecs weren't bad, but are very position and angle dependent. Volume on both systems were good, bass was good on both, but the Bose subwoofer module is about 50%-60% of the size of the Logitech. Both systems are well designed, and the Logitech has a bass-level knob on the desktop remote control, while the Bose knob is on the back of the subwoofer. The Bose uses USB, while the Logitec plugs into the audio out of your computer. I would consider myself unbiased here, as I was actually hoping the Logitecs were equal so I could return the Bose and pocket $150+. But after hearing it for myself, I'll be returning the Logitecs. If you're not of the mind to spend $399 on computer speakers, you probably won't be unhappy with the Logitecs. If you're an audiophile like me, then you'll part with the money. Just a note, I didn't test the Logitec surround sound models with rear speakers, as I have nowhere to place them in my office setup.

I'm sure you can find speakers that sounds better and spend more money or possibly less, but I have had a problem finding a premium sounding system with speakers that fit under the monitors I have (Mac 27' and IMac). You can actually take the stands off with minor effort. I was told that the backs of the speakers would be bare without the stands. This is entirely not true! I took a chance and it panned out. Oh! Make sure you follow directions on the computer setup for the speakers, or you will think the Bose speakers sounds cheap!

These Companion 5 speakers are very good. Nice to be able to adjust bass level. Very easy to set up, just plug in USB. Only strange thing is 3 Best Buy people tried to talk me out of buying them. They think they are over priced for what you get. They don't carry them on the shelf at our store. They have the demo set up and a couple of level 3 sets. They said they probably won't get any in because they don't sell. If they had some in stock maybe they would sell? I ordered them and they arrived in 4 days. I have never experienced a Best Buy person trying to talk me out of purchasing before. Strange.

First off, I am always the devils advocate so when I read reviews that sounded like Bose "haters" I knew I had to check them out because there were many that also seemed to be Bose "Lovers." I am using an iMac in a fairly small room. I first bought the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 system. I hooked it up and adjusted it and I loved it. Then I got out of my chair and the entire wall of sound changed. The Klipsch were right as long as I didn't move from my seat. I unhooked them and then used my Rokit KRK 5's for another few weeks until I decided to take the plunge and get the Bose Companion 5's. My Rokit's were great when I wanted what the studio intended but sometimes I wanted some serious sub woofer. The Bose make the music sound great no matter where I am in the room. I don't know how they do it but they do. I am listening to "The Count of Tuscany" by Dream Theater right now and am just floored by the responsiveness and the…uh…the… Well, there are no words for it. It is the most satisfying Audio purchase I have made in living memory. I close my eyes and Dream Theater are a few hundred feet in front of me playing it live. Please give these speakers (um…and Dream Theater :-) a listen.

at first i didnt know about the usb hookup. i have a sound card and the bose speakers dont use it. but i found out you have to go into your control panel then into sounds and inable the bose sound file in there. and put all others at disable. then you will have your tru 5.1 sounds.

Wonderful sound and fairly compact design. Super light touch on and off.