As technology continues to advance, the world of portable smart speakers has become increasingly competitive. Sonos and Bose, two of the most reputable audio brands, have both introduced their portable smart speakers into the market. In this comprehensive comparison, we will pit the Sonos Move against the Bose Portable Smart Speaker, examining their design, sound quality, features, portability, and compatibility to help you make an informed decision when choosing your ideal smart speaker.
Design and Build Quality
Sonos Move: The Sonos Move boasts a sleek and modern design, featuring a cylindrical shape with a comfortable handle, making it easy to carry. Its build quality is robust, with an IP56 rating for water and dust resistance. This makes it suitable for outdoor use, making it resilient to the elements.
Bose Portable Smart Speaker: The Bose Portable Smart Speaker follows Bose’s tradition of elegant and minimalist design. It is a compact, cylinder-shaped speaker with a convenient carry handle. Similar to the Sonos Move, it is also IPX4-rated for water resistance, which offers protection against splashes and light rain.
Sound Quality
Sonos Move: Sonos has a reputation for exceptional sound quality, and the Move lives up to that expectation. It offers impressive clarity, deep bass, and wide sound dispersion. With automatic Trueplay tuning, the Move adapts its sound profile to its surroundings for optimal audio quality. It also supports stereo pairing for a more immersive listening experience.
Bose Portable Smart Speaker: Bose is known for its balanced and clear sound signature, and the Portable Smart Speaker doesn’t disappoint. It delivers impressive 360-degree sound with a punchy bass response. Bose’s SoundLink app allows users to adjust the EQ settings to personalize the sound to their liking.
Features and Connectivity
Sonos Move: The Sonos Move is loaded with features, including built-in voice assistants (Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant), AirPlay 2 support, and compatibility with the Sonos ecosystem. It offers seamless integration with other Sonos speakers for multi-room audio. The Move also features Auto Trueplay, which automatically adapts the sound based on your surroundings.
Bose Portable Smart Speaker: The Bose Portable Smart Speaker also supports voice assistants (Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant) and has a user-friendly Bose Music app. It features Bose’s proprietary voice pickup technology for clear voice recognition. The speaker has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and you can link it with other Bose speakers for a multi-room setup.
Portability
Sonos Move: The Sonos Move is relatively portable, thanks to its built-in handle. However, it’s not as lightweight as some other portable speakers, weighing around 6.61 pounds (3 kilograms). It’s better suited for moving around your home than for long hikes or extended outdoor adventures.
Bose Portable Smart Speaker: The Bose Portable Smart Speaker is lighter than the Sonos Move, weighing approximately 2.3 pounds (1.06 kilograms). Its compact size and lightweight design make it highly portable, making it a great choice for outdoor activities and travel.
Battery Life
Sonos Move: The Sonos Move offers up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, making it suitable for all-day use. It comes with a charging base that allows you to keep it powered when you’re not on the move.
Bose Portable Smart Speaker: The Bose Portable Smart Speaker provides up to 12 hours of battery life, which is slightly longer than the Sonos Move. This extended battery life is advantageous for extended outdoor adventures or events.
Compatibility
Sonos Move: The Sonos Move is designed to seamlessly integrate with other Sonos products, allowing you to create a multi-room audio setup. It is also compatible with various music streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
Bose Portable Smart Speaker: The Bose Portable Smart Speaker is compatible with the Bose Music app, which offers convenient control over the speaker’s settings and playback options. It also supports a wide range of music streaming services.
Price
Sonos Move: The Sonos Move is positioned as a premium portable smart speaker and is priced accordingly. It typically falls in the higher price range compared to some of its competitors.
Bose Portable Smart Speaker: The Bose Portable Smart Speaker is competitively priced, making it an attractive option for those looking for a balance between performance and affordability.
Conclusion
Both the Sonos Move and the Bose Portable Smart Speaker offer exceptional sound quality, portability, and a range of features that make them stand out in the competitive market of portable smart speakers. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities.
If you prioritize sound quality and integration with an existing Sonos ecosystem, the Sonos Move is an excellent choice. It’s also a solid option if you value robust build quality and are willing to invest in a premium speaker.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more portable and lightweight option with impressive battery life, the Bose Portable Smart Speaker is a strong contender. It provides great sound quality, voice assistant support, and a competitive price point.
Ultimately, both speakers have their strengths, and your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences in terms of design, sound quality, features, and price. Whichever speaker you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite music and voice assistant capabilities in a portable and convenient package.