In the world of home theater systems, soundbars have become an essential component for delivering cinematic audio experiences without the clutter of traditional speaker setups. Among the top contenders in this category are the Sonos Beam and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900. Both are renowned for their audio quality, smart features, and sleek designs. But which one truly stands out as the best choice for your home theater? Let’s dive into the details and compare these two impressive soundbars.

Design and Build Quality

Sonos Beam: The Sonos Beam is compact, measuring just 25.6 inches in length, making it an excellent choice for smaller spaces or those who prefer a more discreet audio setup. Its minimalist design features a fabric grille and touch-sensitive controls on the top. Available in black and white, the Beam seamlessly blends with most modern home décor.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900: On the other hand, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is larger at 41 inches, offering a more substantial presence. Its design is sleek and elegant, with a metal grille and a glass top that exudes a premium feel. The soundbar is also available in black, and its aesthetic is likely to appeal to those who appreciate a more sophisticated look.

Audio Performance

Sonos Beam: Despite its smaller size, the Sonos Beam packs a punch with its impressive sound quality. It features four full-range woofers, one tweeter, and three passive radiators, delivering clear dialogue and balanced sound. The Beam supports Dolby Audio but does not offer Dolby Atmos. However, its Trueplay tuning technology adapts the sound to your room’s acoustics, ensuring an optimized listening experience.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900: The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 excels in audio performance, thanks to its advanced speaker array and support for Dolby Atmos. It includes nine speakers, including two upward-firing transducers that create an immersive soundstage with height effects. Bose’s PhaseGuide technology further enhances the spatial audio experience, making it feel as if sound is coming from all around you.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Sonos Beam: The Beam integrates seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem, allowing you to build a multi-room audio setup with other Sonos speakers. It supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, giving you hands-free control over your music, smart home devices, and more. Connectivity options include HDMI ARC, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, but it lacks Bluetooth support.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900: The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 also offers robust smart features, including support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Additionally, it works with Bose Music app for easy setup and control. Connectivity options include HDMI eARC, optical input, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, providing greater flexibility for connecting various devices.

Setup and Ease of Use

Sonos Beam: Setting up the Sonos Beam is straightforward, especially if you’re already familiar with the Sonos app. The app guides you through the setup process, including Trueplay tuning. The Beam’s compact size makes it easy to position, whether you place it on a TV stand or mount it on the wall.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900: The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is also user-friendly, with the Bose Music app guiding you through the setup process. The soundbar comes with ADAPTiQ audio calibration, which adjusts the sound based on your room’s acoustics. Its larger size might require more consideration when positioning, but it comes with mounting hardware for wall installation.

Price and Value

Sonos Beam: The Sonos Beam is priced competitively, making it an attractive option for those looking for high-quality sound without breaking the bank. Its integration with the Sonos ecosystem and smart features offer excellent value for the price.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900: The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is more expensive, reflecting its premium build and advanced audio capabilities. For those seeking the best possible audio experience with Dolby Atmos and superior sound quality, the higher price may be justified.

Choosing between the Sonos Beam and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you have a smaller space, prefer a more compact soundbar, and already use Sonos products, the Sonos Beam is an excellent choice. It offers great sound quality, seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem, and smart features at a reasonable price.

However, if you’re looking for the best possible audio experience with Dolby Atmos, a more substantial build, and greater connectivity options, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is the clear winner. Its superior sound quality and advanced features make it worth the investment for those who prioritize audio excellence in their home theater setup.

In the quest for the best home theater sound, both the Sonos Beam and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 stand out as top contenders, each with its own strengths and unique appeal.