Sonos Arc Vs. Bluesound Soundbar: Breaking Down The Pros And Cons

What To Know

  • The Sonos Arc, while lacking a built-in voice assistant, integrates seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem, allowing you to control it using the Sonos app or with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant via a separate smart speaker.
  • The Bluesound Soundbar can be paired with other Bluesound speakers to create a whole-home audio system, while the Sonos Arc can be integrated into a Sonos multi-room setup for a truly immersive listening experience throughout your home.
  • The Bluesound Soundbar excels in design, voice assistant convenience, and Dirac Live room correction, while the Sonos Arc triumphs with its immersive sound, Sonos ecosystem integration, and Trueplay room correction.

In the realm of home audio, the Bluesound Soundbar and Sonos Arc stand as two formidable contenders for the ultimate soundbar experience. Both devices boast an impressive array of features, but which one emerges as the superior choice? This in-depth comparison will delve into the key aspects of each soundbar to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The Bluesound Soundbar features a sleek and minimalist design that seamlessly blends into any home décor. Its slim profile and discreet wall-mount option make it an unobtrusive addition to your living space. The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, sports a more curvaceous and angular design that exudes a modern and sophisticated aesthetic. Both soundbars are constructed from premium materials, ensuring durability and longevity.

Sound Performance

Sound quality is paramount for any soundbar, and both the Bluesound Soundbar and Sonos Arc deliver exceptional audio experiences. The Bluesound Soundbar boasts a 2.1-channel configuration with two mid-woofers and a dedicated tweeter, providing clear and balanced sound with a wide soundstage. The Sonos Arc, however, takes things a step further with its 5.1.2-channel setup, featuring three forward-facing tweeters, two side-firing speakers, and two upward-firing speakers. This immersive sound system creates a truly cinematic experience, enveloping you in a symphony of rich and detailed audio.

Connectivity and Features

Both the Bluesound Soundbar and Sonos Arc offer a comprehensive suite of connectivity options. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and HDMI eARC are all supported, allowing you to connect to a wide range of devices. The Bluesound Soundbar also features a built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant, providing convenient hands-free control. The Sonos Arc, while lacking a built-in voice assistant, integrates seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem, allowing you to control it using the Sonos app or with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant via a separate smart speaker.

Room Correction and Customization

To ensure optimal sound performance in different room environments, both the Bluesound Soundbar and Sonos Arc offer advanced room correction features. The Bluesound Soundbar utilizes Dirac Live calibration, which analyzes the room acoustics and adjusts the soundbar’s output accordingly. The Sonos Arc employs Trueplay, a room correction technology that uses your iPhone or iPad to calibrate the soundbar for your specific listening space.

Multi-Room Audio and Home Theater

For those seeking a multi-room audio experience, the Bluesound Soundbar and Sonos Arc both integrate seamlessly with their respective multi-room ecosystems. The Bluesound Soundbar can be paired with other Bluesound speakers to create a whole-home audio system, while the Sonos Arc can be integrated into a Sonos multi-room setup for a truly immersive listening experience throughout your home.

Which One is Right for You?

The choice between the Bluesound Soundbar and Sonos Arc ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize sleek design, built-in voice assistant, and Dirac Live room correction, the Bluesound Soundbar is an excellent choice. However, if you seek an immersive 5.1.2-channel experience, seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem, and Trueplay room correction, the Sonos Arc is the superior option.

In a nutshell: The Ultimate Home Audio Champion

Both the Bluesound Soundbar and Sonos Arc are exceptional soundbars that deliver high-quality audio experiences. The Bluesound Soundbar excels in design, voice assistant convenience, and Dirac Live room correction, while the Sonos Arc triumphs with its immersive sound, Sonos ecosystem integration, and Trueplay room correction. Ultimately, the choice between these two audio powerhouses depends on your specific requirements and preferences.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which soundbar has better sound quality?
A: The Sonos Arc offers a more immersive and detailed sound experience due to its 5.1.2-channel configuration.

Q: Does the Bluesound Soundbar have a built-in voice assistant?
A: Yes, the Bluesound Soundbar features a built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant.

Q: Which soundbar is more versatile for multi-room audio?
A: Both soundbars offer multi-room capabilities, but the Sonos Arc seamlessly integrates with the Sonos ecosystem, providing a wider range of multi-room options.

Q: Which soundbar is more expensive?
A: The Sonos Arc is typically more expensive than the Bluesound Soundbar.

Q: Which soundbar has better room correction capabilities?
A: The Bluesound Soundbar uses Dirac Live calibration, while the Sonos Arc employs Trueplay room correction. Both technologies offer excellent room correction, but Dirac Live is generally considered more advanced.