Soundbar showdown: bose tv soundbar vs sonos beam – the definitive comparison

In the realm of home entertainment, soundbars have emerged as a popular choice for enhancing the audio experience of televisions. Two renowned brands in this space, Bose and Sonos, offer exceptional soundbars that promise to elevate your movie nights and music listening sessions. In this comprehensive blog post, we delve into the key differences between the Bose TV soundbar and the Sonos Beam, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.

Design and Build Quality

The Bose TV soundbar boasts a sleek and compact design, seamlessly blending into any home decor. Its low-profile form factor allows it to be placed discreetly under the television without obstructing the screen. In contrast, the Sonos Beam features a more elongated design with a fabric grille covering its front and sides. This soundbar exudes a premium aesthetic, adding a touch of sophistication to any living space.

Sound Performance

At the core of any soundbar experience lies its sound performance. Both the Bose TV soundbar and the Sonos Beam deliver impressive audio quality, albeit with distinct characteristics. The Bose TV soundbar utilizes proprietary TrueSpace technology to create a wider soundstage, providing a more immersive cinematic experience. Its deep bass response adds weight and impact to explosions and other low-frequency effects, enhancing the overall realism of movies and TV shows.

On the other hand, the Sonos Beam focuses on clarity and precision, delivering a balanced and detailed sound that excels in music playback. Its five dedicated drivers ensure a wide frequency range, reproducing subtle nuances and delicate harmonies with accuracy. The Sonos Beam also supports Dolby Atmos, offering a more immersive and enveloping sound experience for compatible content.

Connectivity and Features

When it comes to connectivity, both the Bose TV soundbar and the Sonos Beam offer a range of options. The Bose TV soundbar supports HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth, allowing for easy connection to your television and other devices. It also features a built-in microphone for voice control using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

The Sonos Beam takes connectivity a step further by incorporating HDMI eARC, which supports higher-bandwidth audio formats like Dolby Atmos and lossless audio. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem, allowing for multi-room audio and wireless control through the Sonos app.

Smart Features and Voice Control

Both the Bose TV soundbar and the Sonos Beam offer smart features that enhance the user experience. The Bose TV soundbar is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling hands-free control of volume, playback, and other functions. It also supports Spotify Connect, allowing you to stream music directly from the Spotify app.

The Sonos Beam goes a step further by integrating with Apple AirPlay 2, in addition to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This provides even more flexibility for streaming music and controlling the soundbar using your voice or mobile device.

App Control and Customization

The Bose TV soundbar can be controlled using the Bose Music app, which offers basic functionality such as volume adjustment, input selection, and sound mode customization. The Sonos Beam, on the other hand, is exclusively controlled through the Sonos app. This app provides a more comprehensive suite of features, including advanced sound tuning, grouping with other Sonos speakers, and access to a wide range of streaming services.

Price and Value

The Bose TV soundbar is typically priced around $399, while the Sonos Beam is slightly more expensive at $449. Both soundbars offer excellent value for money, considering their superior sound quality and feature set. However, the Sonos Beam may be a better choice for users seeking a more immersive and customizable audio experience, while the Bose TV soundbar is a great option for those prioritizing a compact design and ease of use.

Verdict: Bose TV Soundbar vs Sonos Beam

Choosing between the Bose TV soundbar and the Sonos Beam ultimately depends on your individual preferences and requirements. If you prioritize a compact design, deep bass response, and ease of use, the Bose TV soundbar is an excellent choice. However, if you value superior clarity, Dolby Atmos support, and a more comprehensive suite of features and customization options, the Sonos Beam is the ideal soundbar for you.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Which soundbar is better for movies and TV shows?
Both the Bose TV soundbar and the Sonos Beam offer excellent sound quality for movies and TV shows. However, the Bose TV soundbar’s wider soundstage and deep bass response may provide a more immersive cinematic experience.

2. Which soundbar is better for music playback?
The Sonos Beam excels in music playback due to its balanced and detailed sound, wide frequency range, and support for lossless audio.

3. Which soundbar is easier to set up and use?
The Bose TV soundbar is generally easier to set up and use, with its simplified design and straightforward controls.

4. Which soundbar has better voice control options?
Both the Bose TV soundbar and the Sonos Beam offer voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. However, the Sonos Beam’s integration with Apple AirPlay 2 provides additional flexibility.

5. Which soundbar is more compatible with other devices?
The Sonos Beam offers wider compatibility with other devices through its support for HDMI eARC, Apple AirPlay 2, and the Sonos ecosystem.