Bose Surround Sound Rear Speakers vs Bose 161 Speaker System

These are different tools. The Surround Sound Rear Speakers are a wireless add-on for a Bose soundbar and give you true 5.1 rear channels with no speaker wire run to the soundbar. The 161 Speaker System is a passive pair you drive from an amplifier or receiver, and it works as rear or front speakers. The 161 is the more flexible and better-built buy for most people; the Surround Speakers only make sense if you already own a compatible Bose soundbar and want the simplest wireless rear setup. Owners of the Surround Speakers rate them around 3.7 out of 5, with complaints about setup pairing and modest output; the 161 has a long record as a reliable small speaker with a 5-year warranty.

• Choose the Bose Surround Sound Rear Speakers if you own a Bose Soundbar 500, 700 or SoundTouch 300 and want wireless rear channels without running cable across the room.
• Choose the Bose 161 Speaker System if you have an amplifier or AV receiver and want a compact pair you can use as surrounds, desk speakers or wall-mounted fronts.