Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar vs Sonos Arc: The Soundbar Showdown
By Elisabeth Christ
Updated July 2024
The showdown between the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar and the Sonos Arc is more than just a battle of brands; it's about redefining your audio experience. With cutting-edge technology and innovative features, both soundbars aim to deliver rich soundscapes that can transform your TV viewing into a cinematic adventure. Let's dive into the details and see which one stands out in this audio face-off.
Key Takeaways
In terms of technical specifications, the Sonos Arc measures 113 cm in width and weighs 6.3 kg, supporting Dolby Atmos with 11 internal speakers, while the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar features an HDMI eARC connection and proprietary TruSpace processing for enhanced audio. The Sonos Arc excels in creating a 3D sound experience using Trueplay technology, while the Bose offers AI Dialogue support for clearer vocals. Both soundbars include wireless connectivity options, but the Bose Smart Ultra also supports Google Chromecast and Bluetooth, making it more versatile for streaming
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
High-end Soundbar with Immersive Sound Profile
✓ Advanced Dolby Atmos support
✓ ADAPTiQ room calibration
✓ AI dialogue mode for enhanced vocal clarity
✓ Extensive and vaious connectivity options
Sonos Arc
Premium Wireless Soundbar with High-Quality Audio Experience
✓ Dolby Atmos technology
✓ Multiple drivers including upward-firing speakers
✓ Trueplay technology for room calibration
✓ Seamless integration with Sonos ecosystem through multi-room audio setup
#1 Price and Design
Sonos Arc
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, priced at $899, exemplifies minimalist elegance and sophisticated engineering. Measuring 41.1 x 4.2 x 2.3 inches and weighing 12.68 pounds, this soundbar is designed to complement larger TV screens of 50 inches and above. Its sleek, slim profile is highlighted by a glass top and metal grille that wraps around the front and sides, creating a modern aesthetic that seamlessly integrates into any living space. The design includes two upward-firing speakers among its nine-speaker array, enhanced by Bose's proprietary TrueSpace technology for an immersive audio experience. Control is intuitive, featuring two touch-sensitive buttons on the top left side for voice assistant activation and microphone muting. However, the mirrored surface can attract dust and fingerprints, which may require regular cleaning with the included microfiber cloth. For those who prefer physical controls over app-based interfaces, a small remote control is provided, although the Bose Music app offers a robust platform for deeper customization and easy installation.
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
The Sonos Arc, also priced at $899, stands out with its meticulously crafted design and superior build quality. Measuring 45 x 3.4 x 4.5 inches and weighing 13.78 pounds, it is slightly larger and heavier than the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar. The elongated form factor with a curved grille seamlessly integrates into modern home theaters, particularly when paired with TVs of 49 inches and above. The Sonos Arc’s design is not just about aesthetics; it’s engineered to enhance sound dispersion with its 11 high-performance drivers, including two upward-firing speakers for an immersive Dolby Atmos experience. The minimalist design is further accentuated by the touch-sensitive controls on the top panel, offering a seamless and intuitive user experience. Unlike traditional remotes, Sonos emphasizes app-based control via the Sonos S2 app, which provides comprehensive management of sound settings, firmware updates, and multi-room audio configurations. The Sonos Arc also supports integration with the Sonos ecosystem, allowing users to expand their audio setup with additional Sonos speakers and subwoofers.
#2 Sound Quality
Sonos Arc
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a powerhouse when it comes to delivering high-quality audio. Equipped with spatial audio capabilities powered by Dolby Atmos and TrueSpace technology, it supports 5.1.2 channels, offering an expansive soundstage that immerses listeners in a 3D audio environment. The soundbar excels in producing clear dialogue and balanced sound, thanks to its AI Dialogue Mode that enhances vocal clarity. While it boasts impressive virtual surround sound effects, it struggles slightly with low frequencies, which can be mitigated by adding the Bose Bass Module 700 for deeper bass response.
Despite the lack of DTS support, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar’s overall audio performance remains top-notch. The combination of wide soundstage, great bass performance, and clarity ensures a rich listening experience whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or gaming. Customization options in the Bose Music app, including EQ adjustments and room calibration, further enhance the sound quality, making it adaptable to different acoustic environments.
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
The Sonos Arc takes audio performance to another level with its 11 high-performance drivers, including dedicated center channels and upward-firing speakers that utilize Dolby Atmos technology. This setup allows for a 5.0.2 channel configuration, creating a truly immersive soundstage with precise audio positioning. The Sonos Arc excels in delivering clear and detailed sound across a wide range of frequencies, from deep bass to crisp highs, making it ideal for both cinematic and musical experiences.
The soundbar’s Trueplay tuning technology automatically adjusts the sound profile based on the room’s acoustics, ensuring optimal performance in any environment. The Sonos Arc also supports multi-room audio, allowing users to create a seamless audio experience throughout their home by connecting additional Sonos speakers. Customizable sound settings through the Sonos S2 app enable users to fine-tune the audio output to their preference, ensuring that every listening experience is tailored to their needs.
#3 Compatibility and Connectivity
Sonos Arc
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar offers a robust set of connectivity options, including an HDMI eARC port, optical audio input, and an Ethernet port for networking. Wireless connectivity is equally impressive, with support for AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth playback. The soundbar’s ADAPTiQ microphone connectivity allows for precise room calibration, ensuring optimal sound quality based on the room’s acoustics.
Bose SimpleSync technology enhances the listening experience by enabling seamless connection with Bose wireless headphones for private listening. The soundbar also supports multi-room audio networks, allowing integration with other Bose speakers for a comprehensive home audio setup. Voice control is facilitated through built-in Alexa, although it lacks support for Google Assistant.
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
The Sonos Arc excels in connectivity and compatibility, offering a range of options that make it a versatile addition to any home theater setup. It features an HDMI eARC port for high-definition audio transmission and an optical audio input for compatibility with older TVs. Wireless connectivity is a strong point, with support for Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth. The soundbar’s integration with the Sonos ecosystem allows for seamless multi-room audio configurations, enabling users to expand their audio setup with additional Sonos speakers.
Voice control is another area where the Sonos Arc shines, with built-in support for both Alexa and Google Assistant, providing flexibility in smart home integration. The Sonos S2 app offers extensive customization options, including sound settings, firmware updates, and multi-room audio management, making it a powerful tool for managing the soundbar’s features and capabilities.
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar vs Sonos Arc
Final Thoughts
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar vs Sonos Arc
In the showdown between the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar and the Sonos Arc, both models offer exceptional audio performance and a range of features that cater to different user preferences. The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar stands out with its sleek design, impressive spatial audio capabilities, and robust connectivity options, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize aesthetics and seamless integration into their home theater setup. The Sonos Arc, with its superior sound quality, advanced Dolby Atmos support, and extensive multi-room audio capabilities, is ideal for audiophiles seeking an immersive and customizable audio experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two soundbars depends on your specific needs and preferences, with both models delivering top-tier performance in their respective domains.
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