Home audio systems have seen a resurgence in soundbars due to their space-saving design and superior sound quality. Bose and Sonos are two major brands in this space. Both companies are known for producing high-quality products, but which is superior?
Bose has earned a reputation for producing high-quality audio products with deep bass and clear dialogue. Sonos stands out with its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other Sonos products. Their soundbars are easy to use and can be controlled using mobile apps or voice commands.
Eventually, the decision between Bose and Sonos soundbars comes down to personal preferences and needs. Let’s take a closer look at each brand to help you make an informed decision.
Bose vs. Sonos Soundbars: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bose Soundbars | Sonos Soundbars | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Models | 5 | 2 |
| Audio Quality | Clear and powerful | Clear and balanced |
| Compatibility | Bluetooth and Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
| Smart Speaker | Alexa built-in | Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa |
| Design | Sleek and modern | Minimalistic |
| Voice Control? | Yes, with built-in microphones | Yes, with a smart speaker |
| App Compatibility | Bose Music App | Sonos App |
| Multi-Room Capability? | Yes, with Bose Music App | Yes, with Sonos App |
- 5 full-range drivers
- Built-in Alexa
- Exclusive Bose Voice for Video technology expands Alexa's capabilities
- You can pair your device to the soundbar to stream your music and more via a Bluetooth connection, Wi-Fi network, Apple AirPlay 2, or Spotify Connect
- Clear, powerful sound
- wide soundstage for enhanced drama
- Sonos' App helps with simple setup
- App, Spotify connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Wi-Fi enabled
Bose vs. Sonos Soundbars: What’s the Difference?
When selecting a soundbar for your home theater system, Bose and Sonos are two of the top brands on the market. Bose is renowned for their superior sound quality, while Sonos stands out due to its user-friendly app and multi-room capabilities.
Here is a breakdown of the key differences between Bose and Sonos soundbars so you can make an informed decision.
Sound Quality
Bose soundbars are renowned for their rich, powerful audio quality. Utilizing advanced technologies like Bose’s PhaseGuide and QuietPort technologies, these soundbars deliver crystal-clear detail that fills the room. In addition, Bose soundbars boast deep bass, making them a great choice for movie and music buffs.
Sonos soundbars are renowned for their superior audio quality, but the signature differs slightly from Bose. Sonos speakers provide a more balanced tone which works great across all types of content, such as movies or music. Plus, users have the option to adjust the sound signature through its app, allowing them to customize it according to their personal preferences.
Both Bose and Sonos soundbars offer superior audio, with Bose being known for its powerful yet impactful sound. Sonos provides a more balanced tone with the option to customize your signature sound.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Bose and Sonos soundbars differ in terms of their connectivity and compatibility capabilities.
Bose soundbars feature a range of connectivity options, including HDMI ARC, optical, and coaxial inputs. Additionally, they have Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music from a smartphone or tablet. Plus, these soundbars are compatible with the Bose Music app, which lets users control their soundbar’s volume as well as access their favorite streaming services.
Sonos soundbars offer similar connectivity options as Bose, including HDMI ARC, optical, and coaxial inputs. However, Sonos takes things a step further by offering Wi-Fi support that lets users stream music directly onto the soundbar without needing an extra device. Furthermore, Sonos soundbars are compatible with the Sonos app, which gives users access to various features like controlling their soundbar, altering their signature, and accessing music streaming services.
Both Bose and Sonos soundbars both offer various connectivity options. Sonos goes one step further by including Wi-Fi support, enabling direct streaming to the soundbar without needing a separate device.
- Features the proprietary TrueSpace technology and two upward-firing transducers to deliver shockingly immersive sound
- Bose TrueSpace technology intelligently analyzes signals other than Dolby Atmos, like stereo or 5.1, and upmixes them to create an immersive multi-channel sound experience
- 5 speakers (including 2 upward-firing) squeezed into a small, 27.5” wide soundbar to spread sound equally around your room
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast built-in compatibility
- Amazon Alexa voice control built-in
- Access works with Google Assistant capabilities with a compatible Google device
- Included remote control and the Bose Music app for quick access to your music
Design and Aesthetics
Bose soundbars are renowned for their sleek, modern design with a slim profile that blends in seamlessly with any home theater setup. These soundbars are available in black or white finishes and prioritize high-quality sound production over other features.
Sonos soundbars offer a contemporary and stylish aesthetic for any home theater setup, featuring either black or white finishes with more angular shapes than Bose soundbars. Sonos soundbars can be wall-mounted for added space efficiency, which is ideal for those who want to maximize their entertainment space!
Bose and Sonos soundbars both look great in any home theater setup, though Bose favors a more minimalist aesthetic while Sonos provides the option for wall mounting.
Voice Control
Bose soundbars are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing users to control their soundbars with voice commands. This is an excellent feature for those who prefer hands-free control over their home theater setup. You just need to ask Alexa or Google Assistant to play music or adjust the volume and the soundbar will adjust accordingly.
Sonos soundbars not only support voice assistants, but they go even further by offering built-in control with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This means users can use voice commands to manage their home’s soundbar and other smart devices. Also, Sonos soundbars allow you to utilize Apple’s Siri voice assistant through an iPhone or iPad.
These two soundbars offer voice control options, but Sonos takes things a step further by featuring built-in voice commands as well as Siri integration.
Surround Sound
Bose offers a selection of surround sound options, such as the Bose Soundbar 700 with a wireless subwoofer and surround sound speakers. This setup delivers an immersive audio experience perfect for movie buffs. Alternatively, the Bose Soundbar 500 allows users to add additional wireless surround speakers for even greater immersion in audio.
Sonos soundbars do not come with built-in surround sound speakers. You can add Sonos speakers to create a surround sound setup through the Trueplay feature that calibrates the audio for an immersive experience. Sonos also offers various speakers, such as the Sonos One and Five, which can also be used as surround sound speakers.
Bose and Sonos both offer surround sound options, though Bose has the advantage of built-in speakers, while Sonos allows users to customize their setup using other Sonos speakers.
- Offers crystal-clear dialogue, vibrant bass, and a full panoramic soundstage.
- Dolby Atmos for 3D sound
- Stream audiobooks, podcasts, radio, and music over WiFi
- Compact smart soundbar for TV and more
- Control the soundbar using Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, your TV remote, and your voice.
Multi-Room Audio
Bose soundbars can be connected with other speakers to create a multi-room audio setup, allowing users to enjoy their favorite music in multiple rooms of their homes. Unfortunately, this requires using an extra app which may need to be more convenient for some users.
Sonos soundbars are designed to work seamlessly with other Sonos speakers, creating a user-friendly multi-room audio setup. Users can control their entire system through the Sonos app, which offers features like playing different music in different rooms.
Both Bose and Sonos soundbars both offer multi-room audio options, but Sonos provides a more seamless and user-friendly experience.
©Teerawut Bunsom/Shutterstock.com
Gaming Mode
Gaming mode is an exclusive feature available on some soundbars, such as those from Bose and Sonos.
Bose soundbars offer a gaming mode designed to optimize audio quality while playing. This mode delivers more immersive audio with enhanced bass and crisper dialogue and boasts low latency. This means there is no audio and video delay for an enhanced gaming experience.
Sonos soundbars do not feature a dedicated gaming mode, but they do provide the capability to adjust audio settings for an improved gaming experience. This can be done through the Sonos app, allowing users to customize the sound signature according to their preferences.
These two soundbars offer features that can enhance gaming, but Bose takes the edge with its dedicated gaming mode.
- Two custom-engineered upfiring dipole speakers work with Bose technologies to make it feel like sound is coming from every direction
- Proprietary Bose TrueSpace spatial processing analyzes and upmixes sounds for an enveloping listening experience in Dolby, stereo, and more
- Designed to be paired with the Bose sound bar 700 to bring music, movies, and TV to life with deep, dramatic bass.
- Wireless range of 30 feet
- A powerful driver and generously sized port deliver a dynamic range of rich, low notes so you can feel the full impact of pulse pounding scenes and playlists
Expandability
Bose soundbars can be used as standalone units, or they offer the option to add wireless speakers for a more immersive audio experience. Bose speakers can be combined to create surround sound setups or multi-room audio setups according to individual needs and preferences.
Sonos soundbars are part of a larger system, which includes speakers and other devices. This makes expanding your Sonos system even easier thanks to the Sonos app, which lets users manage every aspect of their Sonos setup from one convenient location.
The two soundbars offer expandability, but Sonos has the advantage of a more integrated system that can grow with time.
Bose vs. Sonos Soundbars: 9 Must-Know Facts
- Bose and Sonos are two renowned brands that provide soundbars to improve audio quality while watching TV or listening to music.
- Both brands utilize cutting-edge audio technology to craft immersive soundscapes, but their approaches differ.
- Bose soundbars strive to produce powerful and clear audio with deep bass, while Sonos prioritize creating balanced and natural audio.
- Bose soundbars typically feature more built-in speakers and advanced audio processing technology to produce rich, dynamic audio.
- Sonos soundbars are renowned for their user-friendliness and seamless integration with other Sonos devices, providing you with a complete home audio system.
- Bose soundbars typically come with remote control, while Sonos soundbars can be operated through your smartphone app.
- Both brands provide soundbars with voice control capabilities powered by Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
- Bose and Sonos both offer soundbars in various sizes and price points, from budget-conscious models to high-end options.
- Bose soundbars typically feature a sleek and modern design, while Sonos soundbars possess an understated elegance.
- 5 full-range drivers
- Built-in Alexa
- Exclusive Bose Voice for Video technology expands Alexa's capabilities
- You can pair your device to the soundbar to stream your music and more via a Bluetooth connection, Wi-Fi network, Apple AirPlay 2, or Spotify Connect
- Clear, powerful sound
- wide soundstage for enhanced drama
- Sonos' App helps with simple setup
- App, Spotify connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Wi-Fi enabled
Bose vs. Sonos Soundbars: Which Are Better?
Bose soundbars are renowned for their crystal-clear audio, particularly in the mid and high-range frequencies. Additionally, they boast advanced noise cancellation technology, which helps reduce background noise and create a more immersive audio experience. Also, these soundbars come with voice assistants, which enable users to control their audio with simple spoken commands.
Conversely, Sonos soundbars are renowned for their versatility and user-friendliness. They can easily be integrated with other Sonos products to form a comprehensive multi-room audio system. Plus, Sonos soundbars come with various connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Ethernet that enable users to connect quickly with various devices.
In the end, the decision between Bose and Sonos soundbars comes down to personal preferences and specific requirements. Bose soundbars may be preferable for those who prioritize clear, powerful sound. On the other hand, those who value versatility and ease of use may find that Sonos soundbars better suit their requirements.
Specific models like the Bose Soundbar 700 and Sonos Beam are excellent choices with advanced features and superior audio quality. The Bose Soundbar 700 boasts a sleek and modern design, while the Sonos Beam supports Amazon Alexa and Apple AirPlay 2.
Bose and Sonos soundbars offer superior audio quality and advanced features, making them great choices for enhancing your home entertainment system. By taking into account individual needs and priorities, you can determine which brand and model best meets your preferences.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©BobrinSKY/Shutterstock.com.
