When it comes to enhancing your home audio experience, soundbars have become an increasingly popular choice. Two major players in the audio industry, Sonos and Bose, offer their take on soundbars with the Sonos Beam 2 and the Bose Soundbar 600. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the features, audio performance, design, and connectivity of these two soundbars, helping you make an informed decision on which one is the better fit for your home entertainment setup.
Sonos Beam 2:
Design and Build: The Sonos Beam 2, the successor to the popular Sonos Beam, retains its predecessor’s compact and minimalist design. It features a matte finish and a metal grille, giving it a modern and unobtrusive look. Its dimensions (3.94″ H x 25.625″ W x 4.02″ D) make it suitable for smaller to medium-sized rooms. The soundbar is designed to be wall-mounted or placed on a stand and blends well with most home decors.
Audio Performance: The Sonos Beam 2 offers an impressive sound quality that significantly enhances your TV and movie-watching experience. It features a five-driver setup, including a center tweeter, and four full-range woofers, which deliver clear dialogue and well-balanced audio. Additionally, it supports Dolby Atmos, a technology that adds a sense of height to the soundstage, making your entertainment more immersive.
Connectivity: The Sonos Beam 2 is known for its versatility when it comes to connectivity. It supports HDMI ARC/eARC, optical audio input, and Ethernet for wired connections. For wireless audio streaming, it features both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. The Beam 2 also integrates with other Sonos speakers, allowing you to create a multi-room audio setup and stream audio from various sources seamlessly.
Voice Assistants: One of the standout features of the Sonos Beam 2 is its compatibility with voice assistants. It supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making it a versatile smart speaker in addition to its soundbar capabilities. You can control your smart home, play music, and perform various tasks with voice commands.
Bose Soundbar 600:
Design and Build: The Bose Soundbar 600 is known for its sleek and compact design, which seamlessly complements your TV setup. It features a matte finish and a metal grille, providing a contemporary and minimalistic look. With dimensions of 2.25″ H x 25.625″ W x 4.02″ D, it fits well in smaller to medium-sized rooms and can be wall-mounted or placed on a stand. The package includes a universal remote control for easy setup and operation.
Audio Performance: The Soundbar 600 offers a balanced sound profile with an emphasis on clarity and dialogue. It features advanced technology, including an eight-microphone array for clear voice pickup during voice commands and calls via Bluetooth. Notably, the Bose Soundbar 600 lacks an integrated subwoofer, which may affect its bass response.
Connectivity: The Soundbar 600 offers a range of connectivity options, including HDMI ARC, optical audio input, and a 3.5mm auxiliary input. It also supports Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming. However, it does not include Wi-Fi connectivity or integrated voice assistants, limiting its smart home integration capabilities compared to the Sonos Beam 2.
Comparison: Sonos Beam 2 vs. Bose Soundbar 600
1. Sound Quality:
- Sonos Beam 2: Offers a well-balanced audio profile with a focus on clarity, supports Dolby Atmos for an immersive experience.
- Bose Soundbar 600: Provides balanced sound with clear dialogue but lacks an integrated subwoofer, impacting its bass response.
2. Design:
- Sonos Beam 2: A compact and modern design that complements most decors.
- Bose Soundbar 600: A sleek and minimalist design that blends well with home entertainment setups.
3. Connectivity:
- Sonos Beam 2: Offers comprehensive connectivity options, including HDMI ARC/eARC, optical audio, and both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Bose Soundbar 600: Provides HDMI ARC, optical audio, and Bluetooth connectivity, but lacks Wi-Fi support.
4. Voice Assistants:
- Sonos Beam 2: Supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, offering versatile smart home control.
- Bose Soundbar 600: Lacks integrated voice assistants but allows voice commands through an eight-microphone array.
5. Price:
- The price may vary based on location and availability, so it’s important to compare the current prices before making a decision.
Conclusion
The choice between the Sonos Beam 2 and the Bose Soundbar 600 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. The Sonos Beam 2 is a strong contender for those who prioritize a versatile soundbar with a balanced audio profile, immersive Dolby Atmos support, and integrated voice assistants. Its extensive connectivity options make it ideal for those seeking a seamless smart home and multi-room audio experience.
On the other hand, the Bose Soundbar 600 is a solid choice for those looking for a minimalist soundbar that offers clarity and balanced audio. While it lacks integrated voice assistants and Wi-Fi connectivity, it still provides excellent sound quality for TV and movie viewing, and the Bluetooth capabilities allow for wireless audio streaming.
Both soundbars offer excellent audio performance and a modern design, but the Sonos Beam 2 stands out for its more extensive feature set, including voice assistant integration and support for Dolby Atmos. Consider your room size, desired sound quality, and smart home requirements when making your decision. Ultimately, both soundbars exemplify the quality and innovation that their respective brands are known for, ensuring a superior audio experience in your home entertainment setup.
