In the realm of home audio, the Bose Soundbar 600 and Sonos Beam 2 stand as formidable contenders, offering exceptional sound quality and immersive experiences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, performance, and overall value of each soundbar, helping you make an informed decision for your home theater setup.

Design and Aesthetics

The Bose Soundbar 600 boasts a sleek and minimalist design, measuring 41.4 inches in length. Its low-profile form makes it ideal for placement under most TVs, while its perforated metal grille adds a touch of elegance. The Sonos Beam 2, on the other hand, is slightly more compact at 25.6 inches, making it a suitable choice for smaller spaces. Its rounded edges and fabric grille give it a modern and stylish look.

Sound Quality

Both the Bose Soundbar 600 and Sonos Beam 2 deliver impressive sound quality, but they have distinct strengths and weaknesses. The Bose Soundbar 600 features a five-channel setup, including two full-range drivers, two tweeters, and a center channel for clear dialogue. It offers a wide soundstage with rich bass and crisp highs, making it ideal for movies, TV shows, and music.

The Sonos Beam 2, on the other hand, utilizes a three-channel setup with two full-range drivers and one tweeter. It delivers a balanced and detailed sound, with clear mid-range and natural vocals. However, its bass response is slightly less pronounced compared to the Bose Soundbar 600.

Connectivity and Features

The Bose Soundbar 600 offers a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI ARC, optical input, and Bluetooth. It also supports Wi-Fi, allowing for streaming via Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay 2. The Sonos Beam 2 likewise features HDMI ARC and optical inputs, but it excels in wireless connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as support for AirPlay 2.

In terms of additional features, the Bose Soundbar 600 includes a remote control for convenient operation. The Sonos Beam 2, on the other hand, can be controlled via the Sonos app, providing access to a wide range of streaming services and multi-room audio capabilities.

Dolby Atmos Support

Both the Bose Soundbar 600 and Sonos Beam 2 lack native Dolby Atmos support, which is a key feature for immersive surround sound experiences. However, the Sonos Beam 2 can simulate Dolby Atmos using its virtual surround technology, which provides a more expansive and enveloping soundstage.

Voice Assistant Integration

The Bose Soundbar 600 does not feature built-in voice assistant integration. The Sonos Beam 2, however, supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for hands-free control of music playback, volume, and other functions.

Price and Value

The Bose Soundbar 600 is typically priced around $499, while the Sonos Beam 2 retails for $449. Both soundbars offer excellent value for their respective price points, providing high-quality sound and a range of features.

Which Soundbar Should You Choose?

The choice between the Bose Soundbar 600 and Sonos Beam 2 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize powerful bass response, wide soundstage, and a variety of connectivity options, the Bose Soundbar 600 is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more compact design, built-in voice assistant integration, and easy multi-room audio capabilities, the Sonos Beam 2 is a strong contender.

The Best of Both Worlds: Combining the Soundbar 600 and Beam 2

For those who crave the ultimate home theater experience, it is possible to combine the Bose Soundbar 600 and Sonos Beam 2. By using the HDMI ARC input on the Sonos Beam 2, you can connect the Bose Soundbar 600 and enjoy the benefits of both soundbars simultaneously. This setup provides an unparalleled sound experience, with the Bose Soundbar 600 handling the low end and the Sonos Beam 2 providing clear dialogue and virtual surround sound.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which soundbar has better bass response?
A: The Bose Soundbar 600 has a more pronounced bass response compared to the Sonos Beam 2.

Q: Which soundbar is more compact?
A: The Sonos Beam 2 is more compact, measuring 25.6 inches compared to the Bose Soundbar 600’s 41.4 inches.

Q: Which soundbar supports Dolby Atmos?
A: Neither the Bose Soundbar 600 nor the Sonos Beam 2 has native Dolby Atmos support, but the Beam 2 can simulate it using virtual surround technology.

Q: Which soundbar has built-in voice assistant integration?
A: The Sonos Beam 2 supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, while the Bose Soundbar 600 does not have built-in voice assistant integration.

Q: Which soundbar is better for multi-room audio?
A: The Sonos Beam 2 is better for multi-room audio as it supports Sonos’ proprietary wireless network, allowing it to connect with other Sonos speakers in the same home.