Dolby Atmos Duel: Which Soundbar Reigns Supreme – Bose Smart Ultra Or Sonos Arc?
What To Know
- The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar retails for around $999, while the Sonos Arc comes in at a slightly higher price point of $999.
- If you prioritize a compact design, immersive sound, and a dedicated center channel, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is an excellent choice.
- However, if you seek a more expansive soundstage, multi-room capabilities, and a seamless integration with other Sonos products, the Sonos Arc is the better fit.
The world of home audio has welcomed two exceptional soundbars that have set the bar high: the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar and the Sonos Arc. Both devices boast impressive features, promising to deliver an immersive and captivating audio experience. However, deciding which one suits your needs best can be a challenging task. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar and the Sonos Arc, helping you make an informed choice.
Design and Aesthetics
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar exudes a sleek and minimalistic design. Its compact form factor seamlessly blends into any home decor, while the perforated metal grille adds a touch of sophistication. The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, adopts a slightly larger and more angular design. Its curved shape and fabric covering give it a modern and elegant appearance. Both soundbars feature touch controls for easy operation.
Audio Performance
At the heart of any soundbar lies its audio performance. The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar boasts a 7-speaker array that delivers a spacious and immersive soundscape. Its Dolby Atmos support creates a captivating 3D audio experience, enveloping you in sound from all directions. The Sonos Arc, equipped with 11 speakers, provides an even more expansive soundstage. Its Trueplay technology automatically adjusts the sound output based on the acoustics of your room, ensuring optimal performance in any environment.
Connectivity
Both soundbars offer a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI, optical, and Bluetooth. The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar additionally supports Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from your smart devices. The Sonos Arc, known for its robust multi-room capabilities, seamlessly integrates with other Sonos speakers, creating a comprehensive home audio system.
Voice Control
For hands-free convenience, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar and Sonos Arc both feature built-in voice assistants. The Bose soundbar supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, while the Sonos Arc integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant via the Sonos app. This allows you to control playback, adjust volume, and access other features with simple voice commands.
Additional Features
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar comes equipped with a dedicated center channel speaker, ensuring clear and intelligible dialogue. It also boasts a “Quiet Mode” that enhances speech clarity for late-night viewing. The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, offers a Night Mode that reduces the intensity of loud sounds, making it suitable for nighttime listening.
Price and Value
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar retails for around $999, while the Sonos Arc comes in at a slightly higher price point of $999. Both soundbars offer exceptional value for their respective price ranges, delivering premium audio performance and a host of features. However, the Sonos Arc’s superior soundstage and multi-room capabilities may justify its slightly higher cost for those seeking an immersive and versatile audio experience.
Which Soundbar is Right for You?
The choice between the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar and the Sonos Arc ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a compact design, immersive sound, and a dedicated center channel, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is an excellent choice. However, if you seek a more expansive soundstage, multi-room capabilities, and a seamless integration with other Sonos products, the Sonos Arc is the better fit.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which soundbar has a wider soundstage?
A: The Sonos Arc features a wider soundstage with its 11-speaker array and Trueplay technology.
Q: Does the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar support Dolby Atmos?
A: Yes, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar supports Dolby Atmos for a 3D audio experience.
Q: Can I control both soundbars with voice commands?
A: Yes, both the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar and Sonos Arc support voice control with built-in voice assistants.
Q: Which soundbar is better for late-night viewing?
A: The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar features a dedicated “Quiet Mode” that enhances speech clarity for late-night viewing.
Q: Can I connect both soundbars to my TV wirelessly?
A: The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar supports Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2 for wireless connectivity, while the Sonos Arc requires an Ethernet connection for wireless setup.