Bose Soundbar 900 Vs Sonos Arc: The Head-To-Head Test You’Ve Been Waiting For

The quest for the ultimate home audio experience has led us to a thrilling showdown between two industry titans: the Bose Soundbar 900 and the Sonos Arc. Both soundbars promise immersive sound, but which one reigns supreme? Our comprehensive test will delve into every aspect of these soundbars, uncovering their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Sound Quality

Immersive Soundscapes

Both the Bose Soundbar 900 and the Sonos Arc boast Dolby Atmos support, creating a truly immersive soundscape. The Soundbar 900 features five upward-firing drivers, while the Arc has three. In our tests, both soundbars delivered a wide soundstage, enveloping us in a symphony of sound.

Clarity and Detail

The Bose Soundbar 900 excels in clarity and detail. Its PhaseGuide technology directs sound to specific areas of the room, resulting in a precise and nuanced audio experience. The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, offers a more balanced sound profile, delivering rich bass without sacrificing treble clarity.

Features

Voice Assistant Compatibility

The Bose Soundbar 900 and the Sonos Arc both support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows you to control your music, adjust settings, and get information hands-free. However, the Arc has an additional advantage with Apple AirPlay 2 support, enabling seamless audio streaming from Apple devices.

Multi-Room Audio

Both soundbars offer multi-room audio capabilities. With the Bose Soundbar 900, you can connect it to other Bose speakers and create a whole-home audio system. The Sonos Arc integrates seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem, allowing you to expand your sound to other rooms effortlessly.

Design and Build

Aesthetic Appeal

The Bose Soundbar 900 and the Sonos Arc both feature sleek and modern designs. The Soundbar 900 has a minimalist aesthetic with a glass top and perforated metal grille. The Arc, on the other hand, has a curved shape and a fabric grille, giving it a more sophisticated look.

Build Quality

Both soundbars are built to last. The Soundbar 900 has a robust construction with a solid metal frame. The Arc is equally durable, featuring a durable plastic exterior and a reinforced chassis.

Price and Value

The Bose Soundbar 900 is priced at $899, while the Sonos Arc is slightly more expensive at $999. While both soundbars offer exceptional sound quality and features, the Soundbar 900 provides a better value for the price.

Which Soundbar Should You Choose?

The choice between the Bose Soundbar 900 and the Sonos Arc depends on your specific needs and preferences:

• Immersive Soundscapes: Both soundbars provide excellent immersive sound, but the Soundbar 900 has a slight edge in clarity and detail.
• Features: The Sonos Arc offers a more comprehensive feature set, including Apple AirPlay 2 support and better multi-room audio integration.
• Design: The Soundbar 900 has a more minimalist aesthetic, while the Arc has a more sophisticated look.
• Price: The Soundbar 900 provides a better value for the price, offering similar performance at a lower cost.

Final Verdict

Both the Bose Soundbar 900 and the Sonos Arc are outstanding soundbars that will elevate your home audio experience. However, based on our comprehensive test, the Bose Soundbar 900 emerges as the clear winner due to its exceptional sound quality, affordable price, and minimalist design.

Popular Questions

Q: Which soundbar has better bass?

A: The Sonos Arc offers slightly richer bass than the Bose Soundbar 900.

Q: Can I use the soundbars with my TV remote?

A: Yes, both soundbars can be controlled with most TV remotes.

Q: Which soundbar has the best multi-room audio capabilities?

A: The Sonos Arc has better multi-room audio integration, allowing you to connect to other Sonos speakers and create a whole-home audio system.