The Battle of the Smart Speakers: Sonos Era 300 vs Bose Smart Speaker 500
By Elisabeth Christ
Published March 2024
Are you an audiophile? Or are you a smart speaker lovers? If yes, you must have known of Sonos Era 300 vs Bose Smart Speaker 500. In a world where technology is constantly evolving, these two giants in the audio industry are here to battle it out for the title of the best smart speaker on the market.
So, grab a seat, sit back, and let's dive into the world of sound quality, features, and design as we compare these two top contenders. Get ready to find out which smart speaker will come out on top in this epic battle of the sound waves! And who knows, you might want to buy one after reading this review.
On our list
#1 Price & Design
#2 Features & Audio Quality
#3 Connectivity & Compatibility
#4 Potential Drawbacks
| Specs | Sonos Era 300 | Bose Smart Speaker 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | |
| Price | $449 | $299 |
| Chipset | Computer processor chip | - |
| Driver | 4 tweeters & 2 woofers | Two full-range drivers |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB-C | Bluetooth 4.2, 3.5mm AUX jack, Wi-Fi |
| Compatibility | Apple AirPlay 2 & Amazon Alexa | Chromecast built-in and Apple AirPlay 2 |
#1 Price & Design
Bose Smart Speaker 500
Let's kick things off with the design, shall we? The $449 Sonos Era 300 has an hourglass-like shape that not only looks cool but also enhances its acoustic performance. With a matte black finish, it adds a modern touch to any room. The speaker's minimalist design includes mid/bass drivers on its left and right sides to broaden the soundstage, complemented by clean physical controls. Plus, the rubber feet provide stability, and the back has all the essential connectivity options you need, making it a visually and functionally impressive piece of audio technology.
In comparison, Bose Smart Speaker 500 comes with lower price points, at $379, and a more sophisticated aluminium exterior available in black or silver, causing it to effortlessly blend into any home decor. Its oval shape topped with capacitive touch controls and six preset buttons makes it easy to use. But what sets this speaker apart is its 2.3 x 1.3-inch LCD display at the front that shows time, music information, and even artwork, creating a one-of-a-kind visual experience. This elegant and practical design will be a stylish addition to any living space.
#2 Features & Audio Quality
Sonos Era 300
Moving on to the feature, the Sonos Era 300 will be the first to talk about. This baby is loaded with four tweeter drivers, each powered by its own amplification, and positioned for optimal sound dispersion. Plus, it has far-field microphones and intuitive touch controls that let you enjoy exceptional spatial audio without having to pinpoint the speaker's location. Whether you're watching movies or grooving to music, this speaker delivers clear dialogue, vibrant melodies, and impressive sound effects. And with the Sonos app, you can fine-tune the EQ and create multi-room setups by pairing two Era 300s for a comprehensive Dolby Atmos experience that'll leave you breathless.
But don't overlook the Bose Smart Speaker 500! This speaker is a beast when it comes to audio quality, boasting two full-range drivers and eight sensitive microphones that pick up your voice even with loud music in the background. The balanced sound profile ensures clear vocals, lead instruments, and a wide room-filling soundstage that'll leave you feeling like you're in the middle of a live performance. And with the Bose Music app, you can customize bass and treble levels to your liking while enjoying smart features that make your life easier.
#3 Connectivity & Compatibility
Bose Smart Speaker 500
In the realm of smart speakers where connectivity and compatibility are pivotal, the Sonos Era 300 and Bose Smart Speaker 500 each present a distinctive set of features tailored to diverse user needs.
The Sonos Era 300 opts for a wired connection rather than battery power, ensuring continuous, high-quality audio playback without the worry of battery life. It embraces the modern home with its broad compatibility across Android and iOS devices, facilitated by a USB-C port and Bluetooth 5.0, including support for SBC and AAC codecs. Notably, it integrates seamlessly into smart home setups with Apple AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more reliable connections, and voice control via Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, positioning it as a versatile choice for tech-savvy users seeking expansive connectivity options.
Conversely, the Bose Smart Speaker 500 offers a blend of traditional and contemporary connectivity features, supporting both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, along with a 3.5mm aux input for wired audio sources. It is designed to cater to a wide audience with its integrated power supply, compatibility with iOS and Android devices, and support for Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, enabling a variety of streaming options. The addition of both Alexa and Google Assistant directly into the device underscores its commitment to providing a seamless, integrated smart speaker experience, appealing to users invested in either voice assistant ecosystem.
#4 Potential Drawbacks
Sonos Era 300
Despite their impressive capabilities, both the Sonos Era 300 and Bose Smart Speaker 500 are not without their drawbacks, which could influence consumer preference based on individual priorities and use cases.
The Sonos Era 300's limitations stem primarily from its software and service integration; the absence of Google Assistant and Chromecast support narrows its appeal for users entrenched in Google's ecosystem. Furthermore, criticisms of Tidal's Dolby Atmos content catalogue and a mobile app that is described as slow and non-intuitive may dampen the overall user experience, especially for those seeking swift, straightforward control over their audio environment.
On the other hand, the Bose Smart Speaker 500's potential drawbacks lie in its audio performance and privacy concerns. Some users may find the default bass levels overpoweringly loud, necessitating adjustments via the Bose Music app to achieve a more balanced sound profile. Additionally, the app's data collection practices could raise privacy concerns for users cautious about sharing their listening habits and preferences.
Sonos Era 300
✓ Computer processor chip
✓ 4 tweeter & 2 woofer drivers
✓ Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB-C
✓ Apple AirPlay 2 & Amazon Alexa support
Bose Smart Speaker 500
✓ Two full-range drivers
✓ Bluetooth 4.2 and 3.5mm AUX jack connect
✓ Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 compatible
✓ Wi-Fi 6
Final Thoughts
Sonos Era 300 vs Bose Smart Speaker 500
After comparing the Sonos Era 300 and Bose Smart Speaker 500, it's clear that both speakers have their strengths and weaknesses. The decision of which one to choose depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you're an audiophile who values exceptional sound quality above all else, then the Sonos Era 300 is the way to go. Its four tweeter drivers and intuitive touch controls make for a comprehensive Dolby Atmos experience that'll leave you breathless. Plus, with its broad compatibility across Android and iOS devices, facilitated by a USB-C port and Bluetooth 5.0, it's a versatile choice for tech-savvy users seeking expansive connectivity options.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a smart speaker that can blend seamlessly into your home decor while still delivering excellent audio performance, then the Bose Smart Speaker 500 is worth considering. With its sophisticated aluminium exterior available in black or silver and an oval shape topped with capacitive touch controls and six preset buttons makes it easy to use. And with its support for Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, it offers a variety of streaming options.
In conclusion, both speakers are excellent choices depending on what you're looking for in a smart speaker. So take some time to consider your needs and preferences before making a decision - either way, you won't be disappointed!
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