In case you have been thinking of buying some good quality audio products, Bose and Sonos are two leading brands which you might have encountered. They have created a name for themselves in the market for quality audio products and are quite popular. In this article, we will compare these 2 brands- Sonos & Bose on multiple parameters like the range of products, quality, affordability, and know more in-depth about each brand.
Table of Contents
About Sonos
Sonos Inc. is an American based audio product manufacturer. Founded in the year 2002, the brand is best known for its multi-room audio products.
Sonos has tie-ups with several companies that offer music streaming & other services like Pandora, Amazon Prime, Spotify, etc. Sonos products work with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri.
Sonos’s product assortment mainly consists of powered speakers, amplifiers and peripherals. Some of the popular products are:
- Speakers: One, One SL and Five
- Portable speakers: Move Roam
- Soundbars: Arc, Beam, Ray
- Subwoofer: Sub
- Components: Amp, Port
Through their partnership with IKEA, some of their products include:
- Bookshelf: SYMFONISK Bookshelf
- Lamps: SYMFONISK Table lamp
- Picture frames: SYMFONISK Picture frame
About Bose
Bose Corporation is also an American based audio equipment manufacturing company. The company was established in the year 1964 by Amar Bose. Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the largest owner of Bose Corporation.
It is best known for its home audio systems and speakers, noise cancelling headphones, professional audio products and automobile sound systems.
Bose’s product range includes:
- Automotive Audio Solutions
- Headphones
- Home Audio & Video
- Commercial Audio Solutions
Sonos vs Bose
We will compare both the brands- Sonos and Bose based on multiple parameters as follows:
- Sound Quality
- Design and Connectivity
- Tech Stack
- Product Range
- Affordability
1. Sound Quality
The sound quality offered by products of both brands is top notch. The two companies have been known for crystal clear and clean audio quality. The bass and audio performance offered by their audio systems is amazing- compared to other similar brands in the segment.
2. Mobile App/Customer Facing Interface
Sonos has an edge over Bose when it comes to the mobile app- in fact, software and integrations have been one of their core strengths. A straightforward user interface and amazing user experience have been strengths of Sonos.
In case you are looking forward to using the apps quite often, and your usage of the audio equipment is primarily based on the app, which would make a huge difference.
3. Range of Products
Both Bose and Sonos seem to have an impressive product range. Both Bose and Sonos come with a wide range of multi-room wireless speakers, soundbars and smart speakers. While Sonos has been more of consumer focused brand- Bose also has a strong presence in the commercial audio solutions segment.
4. Design and Connectivity
In terms of design, both brands Sonos and Bose have amazing designs and voice clarity. The design has been the strength of both brands and that reflects in their product assortment.
In terms of connectivity, you would find both Sonos and Bose range of speakers offering you a wide range of connectivity options such as Bluetooth, Airplay, Google Assistant, Siri, and Amazon Alexa from a connectivity perspective.
When it comes to the integrated streaming services, you will find Sonos offering a perfect integration with Spotify, Pandora, Deezer, iHeartRadio, TuneIn and more. It can also pair over Bluetooth and WiFi. You would also find the Sonos range of devices offering you support for features such as multi-room capability, multi-user control and multi-room audio.
Bose devices are seen working with Bluetooth or with an optional Airplay 2 hub. The built-in Alexa support should be yet another prime feature. You would also be able to play Apple Music over the Bose devices.
5. Strengths & Weaknesses- Sonos vs Bose (From an Audio Enthusiasts Point of View)
Let us now check out the Pros and cons you would witness on Sonos and Bose speakers and audio systems. Do note that, these might vary based on individual preferences and requirements and I have written these from the perspective of an audio equipment enthusiast.
SONOS
Strengths
- Outstanding audio quality with excellent bass
- Option to connect with multiple devices and multiple speakers together.
- Great connectivity features
- Integrations with music streaming platforms and voice assistants
Weaknesses
- Slightly higher pricing
- Work better with iOS, and the functioning may not be as seamless with other platforms.
BOSE
Strengths
- Years of heritage in the audio equipment market
- Commercial as well as home audio solutions
- Good presence in the international market
Weaknesses
- Universal remotes that may not be much intuitive
- Less interactive tech stack
- Absence of plug and play integrations
Bose vs Sonos Products
Let us now check out a few great Sonos and Bose products so that you will have access to a great comparison between the two brand and their products.
1. Sonos Arc
Sonos Arc has been designed and marketed as the premium soundbar for TV, movies, music, gaming and much more. It is the first Sonos soundbar which comes with Dolby ATMOS. The soundbar has been built for giant TVs. You would find it wider than most of the conventional soundbars accompanying a TV.
Specifications:
- Connections – HDMI, optical, ethernet , ARC/eARC eARC
- Surround format support – Dolby Atmos, Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital+, Dolby Digital, DTS
- Bluetooth – No
- AirPlay 2 – Yes
- Voice control – Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
- Dimensions – 8.7 x 114 x 12cm / 3.4 x 45 x 4.5 inches
- Weight – 6.3 kg / 13.8 lbs
The curvy design is what I found to be very interesting- it hides the dimensions of the soundbar and makes it look aesthetic. In terms of sound performance, the soundbar provides you access to the sound field that is generated by 11 Class D digital amplifiers that power 11 custom drivers.
Dolby ATMOS experience is amazing in Sonos Arc. The playback precision that you will find with this soundbar is definitely worth giving it a shot. Arc is more than a soundbar, and it also doubles up as an app or voice-controlled wireless speaker. Integration and access to practically every music streaming service make it a top contender for the best soundbar in the United States.
- An authentic Dolby ATMOS experience
- Detailed and dynamic sound
- A wide range of Smart features
- No HDMI passthrough option
2. Sonos Five
This is one of the best options in the market if you are looking for a speaker for yourself. The beefy and exuberant design makes it one of the most unique speakers that you would find.
Five is the biggest and most powerful wireless speaker in the Sonos range of speakers offering innovative, brilliant, and long-standing performance.
Some of the features of the speaker are-
- Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 plus line-in connection for music sources
- Full Sonos wireless support
- No Bluetooth, mics or Chromecast
You have no personal voice assistant as part of the package. You have no access to Alexa, no Google Assistant, and no option for Voice Control. This can come as a surprise because of the recent focus on Sonos Voice Control.
The performance of the slick Sonos app is very intuitive. The sound quality is quite expressive and detailed. The textured vocals and a snappy bass floor should make the speaker stand out from the rest.
The design is quite simple, and the speaker is made available in an all-white or all-black option. The rock solid construction makes it sturdy and long-lasting. It comes at an affordable price and provides great value for money.
- An expansive, room-filling sound
- Multi-room connectivity with AirPlay 2
- Stereo pairing
- Dual placement option
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- No high-resolution support
3. Sonos Sub (Gen 3)
The Sonos Sub (Gen 3) is your great choice if you are looking for the best subwoofer. This is the 3rd generation of Sonos Sub. It has 2 force-cancelling drivers located at the centre of the Sub which eliminates vibration and rattle. This ensures that you get powerful bass minus any distortion.
In terms of design, you can choose between the gloss black or the gloss white finish. The physical appearance of the soundbar makes it quite an interesting option- with rounded corners and dual bass drivers. You can keep the Sub upright or lay it on the ground. For setting up the subwoofer, you are expected to make use of the Sonos s2 app. It can work seamlessly with any existing Sonos system.
Which speakers can you choose to work with the Sonos Sub Gen 3? You can use it with Sonos Arc or Sonos Beam for a full-fledged performance.
- Modern slim design
- Excellent audio quality
- Cinematic listening experience
- Immersive audio performance
- Slightly expensive
4. Bose Smart Soundbar 700
This sounder from Bose is quite popular among consumers known for its immersive sound experience with deep bass so that you can enjoy your favourite entertainment option with amazing sound clarity.
This soundbar comes with inbuilt Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant which allows hands-free controlling with many hassles. It comes with a noise-rejecting mic system which listens for your voice commands in every direction.
The Bose Voice4Video technology helps you expand the capabilities of Alexa capabilities and allows you to control this smart soundbar and other connected equipment like TV, and cable/satellite box with a single voice command
You can use this smart soundbar to make or take calls as well. The soundbar has multiple connectivity options using which you can stream your favourite songs & more audio content via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi network, Spotify Connect or Apple AirPlay 2.
This smart soundbar can be controlled via multiple options- voice controls, the Bose Music app on your mobile or tablet, or the universal remote. This makes it very easy to control the device with your fingertips sitting in one place!
The speaker comes with Bose SimpleSync technology which allows pairing with supported Bose Smart Family members with select Bose headphones or with a Bose Bluetooth or SoundTouch speaker for an amazing listening experience. You can connect it to other compatible products too for an amazing multi-room listening experience.
- Excellent sound
- Gorgeous design
- Alexa/Google Assistant Built-In
- Private listening option
- Universal remote
- Slightly Higher Price
- No HDMI input
5. Bose Home Speaker 500
Bose Home Speaker 500 is a smart Bluetooth speaker from Bose which comes built-in voice control. This single speaker fills the room with amazing stereo sound giving you an amazing audio experience. The design is sleek and this speaker comes in two colour options- Black & White
There are 3 modes to control your speaker- voice commands, tapping the top controls & the Bose Music app. Since it comes with Alexa voice control built-in, you can play your favourite songs at the tongue tip using voice commands. You’ll get to experience great voice pickup as it comes with a custom-designed eight-microphone array that hears your voice commands over loud music playing or across the room.
It comes integrated with streaming service providers like Amazon Music and Saavn. You can also use the traditional option of Bluetooth to play your favourite songs from your mobile or tablet.
- Fantastic audio quality
- Unique sleek design
- Alexa comes built-in with the speaker
- Sensitive microphone options
- Expensive price tag
- WiFi setup is a little complicated
6. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 does provide you access to a superior and highly adjustable audio performance.
Connect your phone & keep it in your pocket, that’s it. Control using voice commands or touch controls and get easy access to all information like music, weather updates, navigation and more. Access Alexa or Google Assistant voice assistants with a single press or voice commands.
They are known for best in class noise cancellation and are quite popular in the market.
The angled ear cups are really comfortable with a perfect fit. It has a streamlined, lightweight and long lasting stainless steel headband.
One of the salient features of this wireless headphone is the battery life of up to 20 hours. You also get access to time-based power information.
- High-end noise cancellation experience
- Extremely comfortable and stylish
- Crystal clear and upfront sound performance
- Intuitive touch controls
- Low battery life
- Expensive
Bose vs Sonos: Closing Thoughts
In case you intend to buy audio equipment, whom should you go with? Sonos or Bose? Both are amazing brands with very high quality best in class products.
Which brand is the best will ultimately be dependent on your requirements. While Sonos primarily deals with home audio equipment, Bose has a wider range of offerings even for commercial audio requirements. Bose has been in the market for more than 5 decades with a strong global presence, and Sonos to has been fast catching up with around 2 decades of existence.
Personally, I am a big fan of both brands. I have been using wireless speakers from Sonos and headphones from Bose for the last few years and I am absolutely happy with my purchase. I have used audio equipment from several brands across various price ranges and have found both these brands to offer very high quality products at a great value.
Irrespective of which brand you buy from, you can be assured top quality audio equipment with amazing sounds and features. In case you have used products of these brands, do share your experience via comments.
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Last update on 2022-11-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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