Warming tips for cozy home heating
Guide

The smart soundbar showdown: bose soundbar 500 vs sonos beam gen 2 – unlocking connectivity and control

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • The Bose Soundbar 500 has a slight edge in terms of sound quality, offering a wider soundstage and more immersive Dolby Atmos experience.
  • The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers a more comprehensive feature set with HDMI eARC support and a built-in microphone.
  • However, if you prioritize a compact design, multi-room audio capabilities, and a more affordable price point, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the better option.

In the realm of home audio, soundbars have emerged as a popular choice for elevating your entertainment experience. Two leading contenders in this competitive market are the Bose Soundbar 500 and the Sonos Beam Gen 2. Both offer exceptional sound quality, but which one is the better choice for your needs? This comprehensive comparison will help you make an informed decision between the Bose Soundbar 500 and the Sonos Beam Gen 2.

Sound Quality

Bose Soundbar 500:

  • Delivers a wider soundstage with dedicated left and right speakers.
  • Features Bose’s PhaseGuide technology, which reflects sound off walls to create a more immersive experience.
  • Supports Dolby Atmos content for a truly cinematic sound experience.

Sonos Beam Gen 2:

  • Features a more compact design with a smaller footprint.
  • Utilizes spatial audio technology to create a more immersive sound experience.
  • Supports Dolby Atmos content, but the effect is less pronounced than with the Bose Soundbar 500.

Verdict: The Bose Soundbar 500 has a slight edge in terms of sound quality, offering a wider soundstage and more immersive Dolby Atmos experience.

Features

Bose Soundbar 500:

  • Includes built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
  • Features a dedicated center channel for clear dialogue.
  • Supports AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth for wireless music streaming.

Sonos Beam Gen 2:

  • Supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth for wireless music streaming.
  • Features a built-in microphone for voice control with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
  • Includes HDMI eARC for lossless audio transmission.

Verdict: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers a more comprehensive feature set with HDMI eARC support and a built-in microphone.

Design

Bose Soundbar 500:

  • Features a sleek and modern design with a low profile.
  • Available in black or white to match your home décor.
  • Measures 40 inches in length, making it suitable for larger rooms.

Sonos Beam Gen 2:

  • Has a compact and minimalist design that fits seamlessly into smaller spaces.
  • Available in black or white with a fabric grille.
  • Measures 25.6 inches in length, making it ideal for smaller rooms or bedrooms.

Verdict: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 wins in terms of design with its compact size and stylish aesthetics.

Connectivity

Bose Soundbar 500:

  • Supports HDMI ARC, optical, and 3.5mm auxiliary inputs.
  • Features a built-in Ethernet port for wired network connection.

Sonos Beam Gen 2:

  • Supports HDMI ARC, optical, and AirPlay 2 inputs.
  • Features a built-in Ethernet port and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Verdict: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers more connectivity options with AirPlay 2 support and both wired and wireless network capabilities.

Multi-Room Audio

Bose Soundbar 500:

  • Not compatible with Bose’s multi-room audio system.

Sonos Beam Gen 2:

  • Supports Sonos’ multi-room audio system, allowing you to connect it with other Sonos speakers for a whole-home audio experience.

Verdict: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has a clear advantage in terms of multi-room audio capabilities.

Price

Bose Soundbar 500:

  • Typically retails for around $550.

Sonos Beam Gen 2:

  • Typically retails for around $450.

Verdict: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers a more affordable option without sacrificing too much in terms of performance.

Which One Should You Choose?

The best soundbar for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value the widest soundstage, most immersive Dolby Atmos experience, and built-in voice control, the Bose Soundbar 500 is the clear choice. However, if you prioritize a compact design, multi-room audio capabilities, and a more affordable price point, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the better option.

Q: Which soundbar is better for large rooms?
A: The Bose Soundbar 500 has a wider soundstage and is more suitable for larger rooms.

Q: Which soundbar has better voice control capabilities?
A: Both soundbars have built-in voice control, but the Sonos Beam Gen 2 has a dedicated microphone for more convenient voice control.

Q: Can I connect either soundbar to my TV wirelessly?
A: No, both soundbars require a wired connection to your TV via HDMI ARC or optical.

Q: Which soundbar is more compatible with other devices?
A: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers more connectivity options, including AirPlay 2 and multi-room audio support.

Q: Which soundbar has a longer warranty?
A: Both soundbars come with a one-year limited warranty.

Was this page helpful?

Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
Back to top button