| Name | Bluesound Pulse Cinema | Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| MSRP | $1499 | $1299 |
| Released | 2025 | 2022 |
| Availability | Available | Available |
| Check price: | Amazon | BowersWilkins, Amazon |
| Speaker configuration | ||
| Audio channels | 3.2.2 | 3.0 |
| Expandable up to: | 5.3.2, (add rears, sub) | 5.1 (add rears, sub) |
| Woofers (mid or full-range) - total | 5: 5× 1.5×3″ (2 upfiring) | 6: 6× 2.6″ midrange |
| Tweeters - total | 5: 5×0.75″ (2 upfiring) | 3: 3×1″ |
| Subwoofers | 2× 4″ woofer (built-in) | 0 |
| Audio specifications | ||
| Watts RMS | 500 W | 240 W |
| Frequency range | Not specified | 40 Hz - 28 kHz |
| DTS:X support | No | No |
| Dolby Atmos support? | Yes | No |
| Surround sound? | No | No |
| Other 3D audio formats? | None | None |
| Other (notable) sound features? | None | None |
| Sound calibration? | No | No |
| Connectivity & ports | ||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi |
| Ethernet port (RJ45) | ✔ | ✔ |
| HDMI (e)ARC out port? | 1× eARC | ❌ |
| HDMI in ports? (passthrough) | ❌ | ❌ |
| Optical port? (TOSLINK) | ✔ | ✔ |
| 3.5 mm AUX port? | ❌ | ❌ |
| USB port? | USB-A (playback) | USB-A (service only) |
| Other audio ports | Subwoofer out (RCA), RCA in | None |
| Wireless setup & control | ||
| Official app? | BluOS | Music | Bowers & Wilkins |
| Voice assistant? | Yes | Yes |
| Chromecast built-in? | ❌ | ❌ |
| AirPlay? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Alexa cast? | ❌ | ❌ |
| Multiroom? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wireless subwoofer(s)? | Optional: max 1 subwoofer: Pulse Sub+ (8″) or wired sub | Optional: max 1 subwoofer: Formation Bass |
| Wireless surrounds? | Optional: max 2 surrounds: Pulse Flex 2i or Pulse M | Optional: max 2 surrounds: Formation Flex |
| Physical specifications | ||
| Speakers in set: | Soundbar | Soundbar |
| Size (cm W×H×D): | 120.0×7.4×14.0 | 124.0×10.9×10.7 |
| Size (inch W×H×D): | 47.12×2.91×5.51 | 48.8×4.3×4.2 |
| Weight (kg): | 6.69 | 5.5 |
| Weight (lbs): | 14.75 | 12.1 |
| Wall mountable? | Yes, with included wall mount bracket | Yes, with included wall bracket |
| Color options: | Black | Black |
| Accessories in the box | Ethernet cable, HDMI cable, wall mounting kit | Optical cable, wall bracket |
| More info | ||
| Model number | P530 | - |
| User guide / manual | Owner's Manual | Manual |
| Official site link | Bluesound.com | BowersWilkins.com |
| Check price & reviews | ||
| See price and reviews: | Amazon | BowersWilkins, Amazon |
Bluesound Pulse Cinema vs B&W Formation Bar
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