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JBL Control 426C/T Ceiling Speaker vs Bose FreeSpace FS4CE Ceiling Speaker

Both are two-way coaxial ceiling speakers for installed sound, but they target different rooms. The JBL Control 426C/T is the louder, wider-coverage choice for high ceilings and distributed audio in large spaces. The Bose FreeSpace FS4CE is smaller and easier to fit into tight ceilings and low-ceiling rooms. The JBL is $315.00 at JBL as of November 7, 2026; no current price was given for the Bose, so check its live price before deciding.

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JBL
JBL Professional Control 426C/T 2-Way Ceiling Mountable Speaker

JBL Control 426C/T Ceiling Speaker

JBL Professional Control 426C/T 2-Way Ceiling Mountable Speaker

$315.00at JBLObserved Nov 7, 2026, 11:51 AM
See all prices and details
Visit JBL

Choose the JBL Control 426C/T if you need a 6.5-inch woofer, 110° consistent coverage and 70V/100V transformer taps for a large or high-ceiling space.

Pros
  • 6.5-inch woofer gives more low-end output than a 4-inch driver
  • 110° CRBI coverage keeps sound even across a wide area
  • Integrated enclosure controls rear sound and simplifies installation
  • Transformer supports both 70V/100V and low-impedance systems
  • Paintable magnetic grille with safety tether
Cons
  • Needs more ceiling depth for the back can
  • Larger cutout than a 4-inch speaker
  • $315.00 each is a real cost when you need many
  • Overkill for quiet background music in small rooms
Bose
Bose FreeSpace FS4CE Ceiling Loudspeaker

Bose FreeSpace FS4CE Ceiling Speaker

Bose FreeSpace FS4CE Ceiling Loudspeaker

See all prices and details

Choose the Bose FreeSpace FS4CE if you want a compact 4-inch-ceiling speaker for background music in smaller rooms and lower ceilings.

Pros
  • Compact 4-inch size fits tight ceiling spaces
  • Lighter and easier to handle during install
  • Bose FreeSpace line is built for simple distributed audio
  • Available in black or white
Cons
  • Less bass and lower max output than the JBL
  • Open-back design leaks more sound into the ceiling void
  • Narrower coverage per speaker, so you may need more units
  • No price given, so value is hard to judge

What separates them

JBL Control 426C/T Ceiling SpeakerBose FreeSpace FS4CE Ceiling Speaker
Woofer size6.5-inch woofer4-inch-class driver (FS4CE)
Coverage110° consistent coverage via CRBINarrower coverage typical of a smaller driver
Max power60 WLower power handling for a 4-inch driver
Transformer70V/100V and low-impedance taps included70V/100V version available
EnclosureIntegrated back can includedOpen-back design
MountingCaptive dogears, C-ring, tile-rail screwsDogear clamps
GrillePaintable magnetic grille with safety tetherMagnetic grille
Price$315.00 at JBL as of November 7, 2026No price given

Price history

$383.86$315.00
Oct 31Nov 7
  • JBL Control 426C/T Ceiling Speaker: lowest $315.00 on Oct 31 at JBL; $315.00 on Nov 7.
  • Bose FreeSpace FS4CE Ceiling Speaker: lowest $383.86 on Nov 4 at Connection.

Prices at every store

JBL Control 426C/T Ceiling Speaker

  • JBLNew

    In stock

    $315.00Observed Nov 7, 2026, 11:51 AM
    Visit JBL
  • SweetwaterNew

    In stock

    $630.00Observed Nov 7, 2026, 11:51 AM
    Visit Sweetwater
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by sweetwatersound

    $630.00Observed Nov 7, 2026, 11:51 AM
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • CDWCheck price at CDW
  • Creative Stage LightingCheck price at Creative Stage Lighting
  • Dale Pro AudioCheck price at Dale Pro Audio

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 3 stores and price history →

Bose FreeSpace FS4CE Ceiling Speaker

  • B&H Photo-Video-AudioCheck price at B&H Photo-Video-Audio
  • ConnectionCheck price at Connection
  • Epic Man Cave ShopCheck price at Epic Man Cave Shop
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecJBL Control 426C/T Ceiling SpeakerBose FreeSpace FS4CE Ceiling Speaker
Configuration2 Channel2 Channel
StyleBuilt-inBuilt-in
SetYesYes
ColorWhiteBlk, Wht
Max Wattage60 W—
Outdoor—Yes

Questions and answers

Which is better for a large room with a high ceiling?
The JBL Control 426C/T. Its 6.5-inch woofer, 110° coverage and 60 W rating let it cover more area per speaker at higher levels than the smaller Bose FS4CE.
Which one is easier to install in a tight ceiling?
The Bose FS4CE. Its 4-inch driver needs a smaller cutout and less depth than the JBL, which ships with an integrated back can.
Do both work on a 70V line?
Yes. The JBL includes a transformer with 70V/100V and low-impedance taps. Bose sells the FS4CE in a 70V/100V version, so confirm you are buying that model.
Is the JBL worth the extra money?
If you need output and wide coverage, yes. At $315.00 at JBL as of November 7, 2026, it costs more per unit, but you may need fewer speakers to fill a large space.
Which has better bass?
The JBL. A 6.5-inch woofer moves more air than the Bose 4-inch driver, so it reaches lower and plays louder before distorting.
Can I use these outdoors?
The Bose FS4CE listing marks it outdoor-capable. The JBL Control 426C/T is an indoor ceiling speaker, so do not use it in exposed weather.

More comparisons

  • JBL Professional Control 426C/T 2-Way Ceiling Mountable Speaker vs Bose Professional FreeSpace FS2C In-Ceiling Loudspeaker