Bose soundbar 900 vs. sonos arc: the ultimate soundbar showdown
What To Know
- It offers similar sound quality and features to the Bose Soundbar 900, but it lacks a built-in voice assistant and Dolby Atmos support.
- The Bose Soundbar 900 excels in spatial audio and has a built-in Alexa voice assistant, while the Sonos Arc supports Dolby Atmos and is known for its user-friendly ecosystem.
- If you prioritize spatial audio and a built-in voice assistant, the Bose Soundbar 900 is a great option.
Are you in the market for a premium soundbar to elevate your home entertainment experience? If so, the Bose Soundbar 900 and Sonos Arc are two contenders that deserve your attention. In this comprehensive test, we’ll delve into the specifications, features, and performance of these soundbars to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Bose Soundbar 900: The Bose Soundbar 900 exudes a sleek and modern aesthetic. Its low-profile design (2.25 inches tall) allows it to blend seamlessly with your TV setup, while its premium materials lend it a touch of elegance.
Sonos Arc: The Sonos Arc also boasts a sleek and minimalist design. Its curved shape and white or black finish give it a sophisticated look that complements any décor. The soundbar is slightly larger than the Bose Soundbar 900, measuring 4.5 inches tall.
Connectivity and Features
Bose Soundbar 900: The Bose Soundbar 900 offers a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, optical, and Bluetooth. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect for wireless music streaming. The soundbar features a built-in Alexa voice assistant for hands-free control.
Sonos Arc: The Sonos Arc offers similar connectivity options to the Bose Soundbar 900, including HDMI eARC, optical, and Bluetooth. However, it stands out with its support for Dolby Atmos, which provides a more immersive surround sound experience. The Sonos Arc also supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, but it does not have a built-in voice assistant.
Sound Quality
Bose Soundbar 900: The Bose Soundbar 900 delivers exceptional sound quality with its nine-speaker array. It produces a wide soundstage with clear and detailed highs, balanced mids, and deep, impactful bass. The soundbar’s spatial audio capabilities create a realistic and immersive surround sound experience.
Sonos Arc: The Sonos Arc also offers excellent sound quality with its 11-speaker array. It excels at delivering a wide and enveloping soundstage, with precise stereo imaging and clear dialogue. The Dolby Atmos support provides an even more immersive experience, enhancing the verticality of sound and creating a sense of height.
Ease of Use
Bose Soundbar 900: The Bose Soundbar 900 is user-friendly and easy to set up. The included remote control is intuitive to use, and the Bose Music app provides additional control options and sound customization.
Sonos Arc: The Sonos Arc is also easy to set up and operate. The Sonos app is a well-designed and user-friendly platform that allows you to control the soundbar, adjust settings, and access music streaming services.
Value for Money
Bose Soundbar 900: The Bose Soundbar 900 is priced at around $899. For the premium sound quality, features, and design it offers, it represents good value for money.
Sonos Arc: The Sonos Arc is priced at around $799. It offers similar sound quality and features to the Bose Soundbar 900, but it lacks a built-in voice assistant and Dolby Atmos support. Whether it represents better value for money depends on your individual priorities.
The Verdict
Both the Bose Soundbar 900 and Sonos Arc are exceptional soundbars that offer premium sound quality and features. The Bose Soundbar 900 excels in spatial audio and has a built-in Alexa voice assistant, while the Sonos Arc supports Dolby Atmos and is known for its user-friendly ecosystem.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific preferences and budget. If you prioritize spatial audio and a built-in voice assistant, the Bose Soundbar 900 is a great option. If you value Dolby Atmos support and a user-friendly ecosystem, the Sonos Arc is a solid choice.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which soundbar has better bass response?
A: Both soundbars offer deep and impactful bass, but the Bose Soundbar 900 has a slight edge thanks to its dedicated bass driver.
Q: Can I use either soundbar with a non-eARC TV?
A: Yes, both soundbars can be used with non-eARC TVs via optical or HDMI ARC connections. However, eARC is recommended for the best possible audio quality and Dolby Atmos support.
Q: Which soundbar is more compatible with streaming services?
A: Both soundbars support a wide range of streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. The Sonos Arc has a slight advantage with its built-in support for Dolby Atmos on streaming services.
