Bose vs Sonos Soundbar: Which is Best for TV

Do you like the audio quality of your television set just the way it is? If not, that’s fine. You should expect a little more from your TV. The soundbar was created precisely to meet these kinds of expectations. But which soundbar is the perfect one for your living room? Two of the modern-day giant sound system companies, Bose and Sonos are offering you the most elegant and dynamic soundbars in the market. Yet, the question remains: between Bose vs Sonos Soundbar, which is the perfect one for you?

Bose Soundbars

Bose soundbars, packed with the latest technology, are built to deliver a theatrical experience for the audience. Their products are designed for an aesthetic appeal that perfectly complements the living room. Bose soundbars are undoubtedly the most upgraded and successful soundbars in the market. If you are aiming for the best and do not want to compromise, you must go for this very item.

Sonos Soundbars

On the other hand, Sonos is very new on the scene. But in the least amount of time, they have managed to make a sustainable and reliable place in the market, which is, to be honest, quite remarkable. Now they are competing against the biggest sound systems corporations and sometimes suppressing the expectations with exclusive features and decent sound quality.

Both of the companies, Bose and Sonos have been designing soundbars for a while. And to be precise, they actually do not have many differences in most of the sectors. So, to choose between these big names is tough. However, if we equate three of Bose’s outstanding soundbars with three of Sonos’ spectacular soundbars and analyze all of these products thoroughly, taking the right decision would be much easier.

First let’s talk about two of the most eminent products in the market, Bose Soundtouch 300 and Sonos Beam.

A Complete Comparison Between Bose Soundtouch 300 and Sonos Beam:

When you are trying to draw a distinct line to compare two amazing quality sound bar, then you need to do that on the basis of real-life usability. Let’s dive more deep into the battle to rule your sound world with blaze!

Apart from these two, we’ve also compiled some best soundbar for your PS4. Plus, when it comes to overall performance, then Samsung R60M will always pop its head in the list.

Bose Soundtouch 300 Review

Bose Soundtouch 300

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The well-designed and elegant Bose Soundtouch does not imitate typical soundbars. It can give you the best home experience for both music and movies, with a wider soundstage and impressive audio quality. It really deals with larger spaces and is very flexible.

Reasons to Love Bose Soundtouch 300

• DTS Support;
• 4K pass-through for older TV sets;
• Better calibration for android users;
• Bluetooth connectivity;
• Stunning design;
• Wide and open soundstage.

Why You Should Avoid Buying Bose Soundtouch 300

• No subwoofer included;
• Needs separate Echo device for Alexa;
• Expensive, almost $699 US Dollars;
• Bass is limited;
• The top of the body is too reflective.

Sonos Beam Review

Sonos Beam

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Sonos beam comes with a stunning compact design and sustainable cabinet. Equipped with the latest features and functions, Sonos Beam delivers a crispy sound for small and middle-sized rooms. To get the best out of it you can add a subwoofer and rear speakers. Although if you don’t care about surround sound and detailed bass, you can purchase this item without hesitation.

The Best Things About Sonos Beam

• Affordable price, almost $399 US Dollars
• Built-in Alexa, Google Assistant, and a separate Siri Voice Commands
• Better calibration for iOS devices
• Supports Apple Airplay 2
• Has EQ settings

The Other side

• No subwoofer included;
• No 4K, HDR, HDR-10 pass-through;
• Without any Bluetooth connectivity;
• Bass is limited;
• No full HDMI ports.

Table: Comparison Between Bose Soundtouch 300 and Sonos Beam

Bose Soundtouch 300 and Sonos Beam: The Question Remains

Bose Soundtouch 300 is a full-sized soundbar with bigger drivers. But, the Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar and that’s why, Soundtouch 300 will always have the upper hand, mostly in bigger spaces. The size of the drivers matters a lot. Bose Soundtouch 300 has a DTS surround system that creates open soundstage.

It’s more versatile compared to Sonos Beam with Bluetooth connectivity and 4k pass-through for older TV sets. However, from the perspective of voice assistant, Sonos Beam can’t be matched at all. And presumably, it’s quite cheaper than Soundtouch 300.

Take a peek at Soundbars for Projector.

Rather than spending money after a fancy large soundbar, the customers sometimes only just want to enhance the audio quality of their TV set. Sonos Beam also has better software systems and performs like Bose Soundtouch 300 in small or middle-sized rooms.

Yet, they both need an expensive separate subwoofer to have a better bass sound. In the end, based on the sound quality, my personal preference will go for none other than Bose Soundtouch 300.

Now let’s find out about the most popular soundbars in the scene: Bose Soundbar 500 and Sonos Playbar.

If you want more energy and like to install the additional speaker with Soundbar in the future or now, it is always possible. But you should know how to add additional speakers with soundbar.

Sonos Playbar vs Bose Soundbar 500 : A Quick Overview

In this section we will be providing a quick comparison between Sonos Player and Bose Soundbar on the basis of a real life experience. Also, some specifications and performances never get away from our consideration.

Bose Soundbar 500 Review

Bose Soundbar 500

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Bose has brought this soundbar, not so long ago, to compete against the biggest names in the world with a distinguished thin design and extremely powerful mid-range audio. Clearly, Bose did their homework before creating it and enhanced the overall performance without damaging the signature acoustic excellence.

The Perks of Buying Bose Soundbar 500

• Thin design with powerful midrange audio;
• Built-in Alexa voice assistant;
• Bluetooth Connectivity;
• Supports HDMI ARC, eARC;
• Supports Apple Airplay 2.

The Problems with Bose Soundbar 500

• May not be as loud as other soundbars;
• Expensive, approximately $549 US Dollars;
• Doesn’t have full HDMI ports;
• Limited software functions;
• Limited Bass.

Sonos Playbar Review 

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Sonos Playbar

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Sonos Playbar is the most top-notch product that is leading the market for a while and getting immense support from the customers. Reviews and selling rates all suggest that the Playbar is unique in its sound quality and has a more comprehensive bass and broader sound stage than others.

Why Sonos Playbar is the Best

• Better for wall-mountable TV;
• Compact Design;
• Noticeably wider soundstage;
• Better sound enhancement features;
• Better stereo dynamics;
• Natural Bass.

Some Limitations You Might be Facing

• Don’t support HDMI ARC, eARC;
• No Apple Airplay support;
• Expensive than most of the Sonos products, approximately $599 US Dollars;
• No EQ settings;
• Needs separate Alexa and Google Assistant.
• Without any Bluetooth connectivity;

Table: A Point to Point Comparison Between Bose Soundbar 500 and Sonos Playbar

Bose 500 vs Sonos Playbar: The Ultimate Decision

Let’s consider all the facts I’ve provided till now. What’s your choice? Still, confused? Yes, there is still a thin line between these two soundbars. Both soundbars are quite expensive, although Bose Soundbar is a little cheaper. That’s why if you’re willing to buy one of them, you should keep an eye on the budget.

Judging audio quality is subjective, but Sonos Playbar has a wider soundstage and better capability to produce deep bass in a small or middle-sized room. It also produces smooth crispy dialogue and a rich soundtrack which is absolutely perfect for movies and TV shows.

ALso find out these Soundbars Without a Subwoofer.

As Bose Soundbar 500 is thin, and do not actually have any tweeter, generally its bass and soundstage are not decent enough. Nonetheless, it provides Bluetooth connectivity which feature is absent in Playbar. Playbar has no built-in Alexa and Google Assistant, so it requires a separate Alexa or Google Assistant device. Yet, the mobile app of both products is outstanding and easy to control.

Going purely by the quality of sound, Sonos Playbar is the better between these. But then again, Bose Soundbar 500 is a little cheaper and smarter. Now, if I really need to choose between these two, I will go for Sonos Playbar for its better audio performance.

We have come to our last comparison and it is between the best and latest soundbars both of the companies ever produced. Bose Soundbar 700 vs Sonos Arc.

Also check out Which one is better for your Bedroom TV: Soundbar Vs Bluetooth Speakers.

Sonos arc vs Bose Soundbar 700

When it comes to quality and supporting most of the format, Sony arc may holding a little stronger position than Bose. However, considering the overall performance, Bose Sound bar also cherished by a lot of happy coustomer all over the country.

Bose Soundbar 700 Review

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Bose Soundbar 700

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With stylish finish and sophisticated audio quality, Bose Soundbar 700 is obviously Bose’s best soundbar. There are very few worthy opponents in the market that can compete against this soundbar equipped with modern features and exhilarating sound quality.

No Other Soundbar Offers You More

• Universal Remote included
• Aesthetically appealing
• Phase Guide gives surround sound vibes
• Compact Design
• Upgradable
• Built-in Alexa voice assistant
• Supports HDMI ARC, eARC

Why People Don’t Like it Sometimes

• No Dolby Atmos or DTSX Service;
• Buggy Alexa Voice Control;
• No HDMI pass-through;
• Poor Bass;
• Expensive, precisely $799 US Dollars;
• Only 3 channels.

Sonos Arc Review

Sonos Arc

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Sonos Arc is the ultra-modern soundbars with exceptional interior design, the newest features, and the best surround sound system. Audiophiles prefer these soundbars over anything just for its superior sound quality and unique rounded cylinder style

Why Sonos Arc is Superior

• Dolby Atmos surround sound system;
• Adjusts automatically to any additional speakers;
• 5.0.2 channel;
• Deep bass without a subwoofer;
• Night audio and enhanced Dialogue settings;
• Supports HDMI ARC, eARC.

Problems You Cannot Ignore

• No Bluetooth connectivity
• Sound favors treble at high volume
• No HDMI pass-through
• Expensive, precisely $799 US Dollars

Table: A Side By Side Comparison Between Bose Soundbar 700 vs Sonos Arc

Sonos Arc vs Bose 700: Which One You Should Buy, Then?

All of these specifications must give you somewhat of a concept that will assist you to make a choice. Nevertheless, if you’re still scratching your head, you must know two things. First, Sonos Soundbar arguably beats out the Bose Soundbar 700 in its standalone sound performance.

Second thing is, although both of the devices are tied up in parts like voice controls and features, the biggest negative aspects of Sonos Arc are the absence of Bluetooth connectivity and an Android TruePlay compatibility device. So you have to consider both facts before buying Sonos Arc or Bose Soundbar 700.

These soundbars are priced exactly the same. Both of these soundbars sell separate subwoofers, though Sonos Arc can produce groovy and detailed bass. Dolby Atmos surround system is still a big differentiator for audiophiles.

Sonos Arc is theoretically better for movies and TV series and also some might find Bose Soundbar 700 better for stereo contents. But except for these examples, the Sonos Arc will be my first choice and suggestion for purchasing the soundbar.

Parting Words

There are lots of companies out there who might have better soundbars than the ones we have talked about till now. Maybe some of them perform better and some might have better features. But you can never rule out Bose and Sonos. They have been impacting the scene in a good way, making it tough for other competitors to create better soundbars.

However, between Bose vs Sonos soundbar, there is no obvious winner. Sometimes Bose had better features and flexibility while Sonos tried to provide better sound quality. And other times Bose had better sound quality while lacking some certain improvements which were present in Sonos.

Therefore, I can’t really say which one is the best. They always try to keep up with modern technology. And you can sometimes take advantage of both Soundbars and speakers and turn them into a hybrid sound system.

Tahmid Shuvro

Freelance tech journalist & author of soundboxlab.com …Read More