What To Know
- The Bose Solo Soundbar Series II is an affordable option that provides a basic sound upgrade with a compact design.
- The Sonos Beam Gen 2, on the other hand, is a premium soundbar that delivers an immersive audio experience, smart features, and extensive connectivity options.
- If you’re looking for a budget-friendly soundbar with a compact design, the Bose Solo Soundbar Series II is a great option.
Are you seeking an exceptional audio experience to enhance your home entertainment setup? The Bose Solo Soundbar Series II and Sonos Beam Gen 2 are two highly acclaimed soundbars that offer impressive features and sound quality. To help you make an informed decision, let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two remarkable devices.
Design and Build Quality
Bose Solo Soundbar Series II:
With its compact design, the Bose Solo Soundbar Series II seamlessly integrates into any entertainment system. Its sleek, low-profile form factor allows it to be discreetly placed under a TV or mounted on a wall. The soundbar features a durable construction with a sturdy metal grille and a premium finish.
Sonos Beam Gen 2:
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 boasts a sophisticated and elegant design. Its sleek, curved shape and premium fabric grille lend an air of sophistication to any room. The soundbar is well-built with a robust construction and a sturdy base that ensures stability.
Sound Performance
Bose Solo Soundbar Series II:
The Bose Solo Soundbar Series II delivers a surprisingly impactful sound despite its compact size. It utilizes Bose‘s proprietary waveguide technology to create a wide and immersive soundstage. The soundbar offers clear dialogue reproduction and a balanced sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of content.
Sonos Beam Gen 2:
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 takes sound performance to the next level with its advanced Dolby Atmos support. It features five individual drivers, including upward-firing speakers, to create a truly immersive and cinematic audio experience. The soundbar delivers a spacious and detailed soundstage with excellent bass response and crystal-clear dialogue.
Features and Connectivity
Bose Solo Soundbar Series II:
The Bose Solo Soundbar Series II offers basic connectivity options, including an optical input and a 3.5mm auxiliary input. It also features Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio streaming from smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Sonos Beam Gen 2:
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 boasts a wider range of connectivity options. It includes an HDMI ARC/eARC port for high-resolution audio transmission and control, an optical input, and an Ethernet port for wired network connectivity. Additionally, the soundbar supports Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and Spotify Connect.
Smart Features
Bose Solo Soundbar Series II:
The Bose Solo Soundbar Series II does not offer any smart features or voice assistant integration.
Sonos Beam Gen 2:
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a smart soundbar that supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control. It allows you to control playback, adjust volume, and access various streaming services using simple voice commands.
Ease of Use
Bose Solo Soundbar Series II:
The Bose Solo Soundbar Series II is easy to set up and use. It comes with a simple remote control that provides basic playback controls. The soundbar also features a built-in LED display that indicates the current volume level and input source.
Sonos Beam Gen 2:
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is known for its user-friendly design. It can be easily set up and configured using the Sonos app. The app provides access to a wide range of settings, including sound customization, grouping with other Sonos speakers, and firmware updates.
Price and Value
Bose Solo Soundbar Series II:
The Bose Solo Soundbar Series II is priced at around $200, making it an affordable option for those seeking a basic soundbar. It offers decent sound quality and a compact design for its price point.
Sonos Beam Gen 2:
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is priced at around $450, making it a more expensive option. However, it delivers exceptional sound performance, smart features, and a wider range of connectivity options.
The Verdict
Both the Bose Solo Soundbar Series II and Sonos Beam Gen 2 are excellent soundbars that offer different strengths and value propositions. The Bose Solo Soundbar Series II is an affordable option that provides a basic sound upgrade with a compact design. The Sonos Beam Gen 2, on the other hand, is a premium soundbar that delivers an immersive audio experience, smart features, and extensive connectivity options.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly soundbar with a compact design, the Bose Solo Soundbar Series II is a great option. However, if you’re seeking exceptional sound performance, smart features, and a wider range of connectivity options, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the superior choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which soundbar has better sound quality, the Bose Solo Soundbar Series II or the Sonos Beam Gen 2?
A: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers superior sound quality with its Dolby Atmos support, wider soundstage, and more detailed audio reproduction.
Q: Which soundbar is more affordable?
A: The Bose Solo Soundbar Series II is more affordable, priced around $200, while the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is priced around $450.
Q: Can I use the Sonos Beam Gen 2 as a surround sound system?
A: Yes, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 can be used as part of a surround sound system when paired with additional Sonos speakers, such as the Sonos One or Sonos Sub.