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The bose soundbar vs sonos beam gen 2 face-off: which reigns supreme for sound and value?

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 and Sonos Beam Gen 2 are two of their flagship products, each offering a distinct blend of features and performance.
  • The choice between the Bose Soundbar and Sonos Beam Gen 2 depends on your individual needs and preferences.
  • The Bose Soundbar provides an immersive soundstage and deep bass, while the Sonos Beam Gen 2 excels in smart features and Dolby Atmos support.

In the realm of home audio, Bose and Sonos stand as two giants, renowned for their exceptional soundbars. The Bose Soundbar and Sonos Beam Gen 2 are two of their flagship products, each offering a distinct blend of features and performance. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two titans, helping you make an informed decision on which one best suits your needs.

Sound Quality

Bose Soundbar: The Bose Soundbar employs a proprietary waveguide technology that delivers a wide and immersive soundstage. It features five full-range drivers and a dedicated center channel for clear dialogue. The overall sound is balanced, with a deep and impactful bass that adds depth to both music and movies.

Sonos Beam Gen 2: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 boasts Dolby Atmos support, enabling it to create a virtual surround sound experience. It utilizes five drivers, including two up-firing speakers that project sound towards the ceiling. The sound is detailed and precise, with excellent clarity and spatial separation.

Design and Features

Bose Soundbar: The Bose Soundbar has a sleek and understated design that complements any home décor. It comes with a dedicated remote control and supports HDMI ARC for easy connectivity to your TV. Additionally, it features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for wireless music streaming.

Sonos Beam Gen 2: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has a compact and elegant design that fits seamlessly under most TVs. It supports HDMI eARC for high-bandwidth audio transmission and features a built-in microphone for voice assistant control. It also integrates with the Sonos ecosystem, allowing you to connect multiple speakers for a multi-room audio experience.

Connectivity

Bose Soundbar: The Bose Soundbar offers a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI ARC, optical digital input, and Bluetooth. It also supports Wi-Fi for wireless music streaming and software updates.

Sonos Beam Gen 2: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 features HDMI eARC, optical digital input, and Wi-Fi. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect for seamless music streaming.

Smart Features

Bose Soundbar: The Bose Soundbar does not have any built-in smart features. However, it can be controlled via the Bose Music app, which provides access to music streaming services and software updates.

Sonos Beam Gen 2: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 comes with built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It can be controlled via the Sonos app, which offers a wide range of features, including multi-room audio, music streaming, and voice control.

Price

Bose Soundbar: The Bose Soundbar retails for around $549.

Sonos Beam Gen 2: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 retails for around $449.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between the Bose Soundbar and Sonos Beam Gen 2 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize sound quality and a wide soundstage, the Bose Soundbar is an excellent option. However, if you value smart features, multi-room audio, and Dolby Atmos support, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the better choice.

Final Thoughts

Both the Bose Soundbar and Sonos Beam Gen 2 are exceptional soundbars that offer distinct strengths and features. The Bose Soundbar provides an immersive soundstage and deep bass, while the Sonos Beam Gen 2 excels in smart features and Dolby Atmos support. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific requirements and preferences.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which soundbar has better sound quality?

A: Both soundbars offer excellent sound quality, but the Bose Soundbar has a wider soundstage and deeper bass.

Q: Which soundbar has more features?

A: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has more features, including Dolby Atmos support, smart assistant integration, and multi-room audio capabilities.

Q: Which soundbar is better for movies?

A: Both soundbars are suitable for movies, but the Bose Soundbar‘s wider soundstage and deeper bass may provide a more immersive experience.

Q: Which soundbar is better for music?

A: The Sonos Beam Gen 2’s detailed and precise sound may be better suited for music, especially if you prefer streaming services that support Dolby Atmos.

Q: Which soundbar is more affordable?

A: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is slightly more affordable than the Bose Soundbar.

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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.
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