Bose Soundbar 550 Or Sonos Beam Gen 2: Which Delivers The Ultimate Home Theater Experience?

In the world of home audio, soundbars have become a popular choice for enhancing the sound quality of televisions. Two of the most renowned brands in the industry are Bose and Sonos, and their flagship soundbars, the Bose Soundbar 550 and the Sonos Beam Gen 2, offer exceptional sound experiences. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key features, performance, and value proposition of these two premium soundbars to help you make an informed decision.

Sound Quality

Overall Performance

Both the Bose Soundbar 550 and the Sonos Beam Gen 2 deliver impressive sound quality, but they have distinct sonic profiles. The Bose Soundbar 550 boasts a wider soundstage and more powerful bass response, making it ideal for immersive movie experiences and music playback. On the other hand, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers a more balanced and refined sound signature, with excellent clarity and detail retrieval, making it a great choice for both TV shows and music.

Dolby Atmos Support

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has a significant advantage over the Bose Soundbar 550 when it comes to Dolby Atmos support. Dolby Atmos is an object-based surround sound format that creates a more immersive and realistic sound experience. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 supports Dolby Atmos, while the Bose Soundbar 550 does not.

Features

Smart Features

Both soundbars offer smart features, including voice assistant compatibility and multi-room audio. The Bose Soundbar 550 supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, while the Sonos Beam Gen 2 supports both Alexa and Google Assistant as well as Apple AirPlay 2. Additionally, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 can be integrated into a Sonos multi-room system, allowing you to control and stream music to multiple Sonos speakers throughout your home.

Connectivity

The Bose Soundbar 550 provides a wider range of connectivity options compared to the Sonos Beam Gen 2. It features HDMI ARC, optical audio, and Bluetooth, while the Sonos Beam Gen 2 has only HDMI ARC and optical audio.

Design

Aesthetics

The Bose Soundbar 550 and the Sonos Beam Gen 2 have distinct designs. The Bose Soundbar 550 is a low-profile soundbar with a sleek and modern aesthetic, while the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a more compact and understated soundbar with a fabric grille.

Dimensions

The Bose Soundbar 550 is slightly larger than the Sonos Beam Gen 2, measuring 27.5 inches in width, 3.5 inches in height, and 3.9 inches in depth. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 measures 25.6 inches in width, 2.7 inches in height, and 3.9 inches in depth.

Price

The Bose Soundbar 550 is priced at $499, while the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is priced at $449.

Which Soundbar is Right for You?

The choice between the Bose Soundbar 550 and the Sonos Beam Gen 2 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize immersive sound with powerful bass and a wider soundstage, the Bose Soundbar 550 is a great option. However, if you value Dolby Atmos support, a more balanced and refined sound signature, and a compact design, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is an excellent choice.

Verdict

Both the Bose Soundbar 550 and the Sonos Beam Gen 2 are exceptional soundbars that offer a premium audio experience. The Bose Soundbar 550 excels in terms of soundstage and bass response, while the Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers Dolby Atmos support, a balanced sound signature, and smart home integration. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific requirements and preferences.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Which soundbar has better bass?
A: The Bose Soundbar 550 has a more powerful bass response compared to the Sonos Beam Gen 2.

Q: Does the Sonos Beam Gen 2 support Dolby Atmos?
A: Yes, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 supports Dolby Atmos.

Q: Can I control both soundbars with my voice assistant?
A: Yes, both the Bose Soundbar 550 and the Sonos Beam Gen 2 support voice assistant control.