Bose Vs Sonos: Which Soundbar Reigns Supreme For Immersive Sound?
What To Know
- The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 comes equipped with the Bose Music app, which provides access to a wide range of music streaming services and allows for customizable sound settings.
- While it sacrifices some features and audio capabilities compared to the Bose Smart Soundbar 900, it still delivers a compelling sound experience at a more accessible price point.
- However, if budget is a concern and you value the seamless Sonos ecosystem, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) offers a solid balance of sound quality and value.
The realm of home audio has witnessed a fierce rivalry between two titans: Bose and Sonos. Their soundbar offerings, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 and the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), stand as formidable contenders in the market. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the depths of their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision in the Bose soundbar vs Sonos Beam debate.
Design and Aesthetics
Bose Smart Soundbar 900: The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 exudes a sleek and minimalistic design, measuring 41.4 inches in length and 2.3 inches in height. Its matte black finish and rounded corners blend seamlessly into any home decor.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2): In contrast, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) boasts a compact and soundbar form factor, measuring 25.6 inches in length and 2.7 inches in height. Its matte black or white finish and perforated grille add a touch of sophistication to any living space.
Audio Performance
Bose Smart Soundbar 900: The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 delivers an immersive and room-filling audio experience. Its nine strategically placed drivers, including two upward-firing transducers, create a wide soundstage with exceptional clarity and depth. The Dolby Atmos support enhances the cinematic experience, offering a more enveloping and realistic audio immersion.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2): The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) also impresses with its audio capabilities. While it lacks upward-firing drivers, its five-driver array produces a balanced and dynamic sound. The Dolby Atmos support is virtualized, providing a more immersive experience than traditional stereo soundbars.
Connectivity and Features
Bose Smart Soundbar 900: The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 boasts a versatile range of connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, optical, and Bluetooth. It supports Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Amazon Alexa voice control for seamless streaming and control. Additionally, it features a built-in microphone for voice commands.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2): The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) offers similar connectivity options, with HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth. It integrates with the Sonos ecosystem, allowing for multi-room audio and easy control through the Sonos app. It also supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control.
Smart Features
Bose Smart Soundbar 900: The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 comes equipped with the Bose Music app, which provides access to a wide range of music streaming services and allows for customizable sound settings. It also supports Spotify Tap & Play for instant music playback.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2): The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) seamlessly integrates with the Sonos app, offering a comprehensive music streaming experience. It supports a vast array of music services and allows for easy multi-room audio setup.
Value and Pricing
Bose Smart Soundbar 900: The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 retails for $899.95, placing it in the premium price range. Its exceptional audio performance, immersive features, and versatile connectivity justify its higher cost.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2): The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) has a more affordable price tag of $449.99. While it sacrifices some features and audio capabilities compared to the Bose Smart Soundbar 900, it still delivers a compelling sound experience at a more accessible price point.
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 and the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) are both excellent soundbar options, each catering to different needs and preferences. For those seeking an immersive and room-filling audio experience with premium features, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is the ideal choice. However, if budget is a concern and you value the seamless Sonos ecosystem, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) offers a solid balance of sound quality and value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which soundbar has better audio quality, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 or the Sonos Beam (Gen 2)?
A: The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 delivers more immersive and room-filling audio with its wider soundstage and upward-firing drivers.
Q: Is the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) compatible with Dolby Atmos?
A: Yes, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) supports Dolby Atmos, albeit in a virtualized form.
Q: Which soundbar has more connectivity options, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 or the Sonos Beam (Gen 2)?
A: The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 offers more connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, optical, and Bluetooth, while the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) has HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth.
