Bose 900 vs Sonos Arc: A Comprehensive Comparison

As someone who loves music and appreciates high-quality sound, I am always on the lookout for the best audio equipment. Recently, I have been comparing two popular soundbars: the Bose 900 and the Sonos Arc. Both of these soundbars have received high praise from critics and consumers alike, but which one is truly the better choice?

When it comes to soundbars, design and build quality are important factors to consider. The Bose 900 has a sleek and modern design, with a tempered glass top and metal grille. On the other hand, the Sonos Arc has a more traditional look, with a fabric finish and curved edges. While both soundbars are well-built and sturdy, the design aesthetic may be a deciding factor for some buyers.

Of course, the most important aspect of any soundbar is the sound quality. The Bose 900 boasts impressive audio technology, including PhaseGuide technology and QuietPort technology, which work together to create a rich and immersive sound experience. The Sonos Arc, meanwhile, features Dolby Atmos technology, which creates a 3D sound experience that is sure to impress. But which soundbar truly delivers the best sound? Let’s find out.

Key Takeaways

  • Design and build quality are important factors to consider when choosing between the Bose 900 and Sonos Arc soundbars.
  • The Bose 900 utilizes PhaseGuide and QuietPort technology to create a rich and immersive sound experience, while the Sonos Arc features Dolby Atmos technology for a 3D sound experience.
  • Ultimately, the choice between these two soundbars will come down to personal preference and budget.

Design and Build Quality

Aesthetics and Finish

When it comes to the design and finish of the Bose 900 and Sonos Arc, both soundbars are sleek and modern. The Bose 900 has a more traditional soundbar shape, while the Sonos Arc has a more curved design. Both soundbars have a premium finish, with the Bose 900 featuring a matte black finish and the Sonos Arc having a choice of either a matte black or white finish.

In terms of aesthetics, the Sonos Arc has a more distinctive look with its curved design, which can be a deciding factor for some consumers. However, the Bose 900’s more traditional design may blend in better with a wider range of home decor styles.

Dimensions and Weight

The dimensions and weight of the Bose 900 and Sonos Arc are important factors to consider, especially if you have limited space or plan to mount the soundbar on a wall. The Bose 900 measures 97.8 x 10.8 x 5.7 cm and weighs 4.5 kg, while the Sonos Arc measures 114.1 x 8.7 x 12 cm and weighs 6.25 kg.

The Sonos Arc is longer and heavier than the Bose 900, but this is due to its additional speakers and larger size. If you have a smaller space, the Bose 900’s more compact size may be a better fit. However, if you have a larger room, the Sonos Arc’s larger size may provide better sound coverage.

Overall, both the Bose 900 and Sonos Arc have a premium build quality and design, with the Sonos Arc having a more distinctive look and larger size, while the Bose 900 has a more traditional design and compact size.

Sound Technology and Performance

Audio Formats and Drivers

Both the Bose 900 and Sonos Arc are equipped with advanced audio technology that supports a wide range of audio formats. The Bose 900 comes with eight custom drivers, including two high-excursion woofers, while the Sonos Arc has eleven high-performance drivers, including two up-firing speakers. These drivers work together to deliver an immersive audio experience that is rich in detail and clarity.

Bass and Treble

When it comes to bass and treble, both the Bose 900 and Sonos Arc are capable of producing deep, punchy bass and crystal-clear treble. The Bose 900 features a bass module that delivers thunderous bass, while the Sonos Arc has two downward-firing woofers that produce powerful bass. Both speakers also have adjustable treble controls that allow users to fine-tune the audio to their liking.

Dolby Atmos and Surround Formats

The Bose 900 and Sonos Arc both support Dolby Atmos, which is a surround sound technology that creates a multi-dimensional audio experience. The Bose 900 also supports Dolby Digital and DTS, while the Sonos Arc supports Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus. Both speakers are capable of delivering immersive surround sound that enhances the overall audio experience.

Soundstage and Detail

The Bose 900 and Sonos Arc are both designed to deliver a wide soundstage that creates an immersive audio experience. The Bose 900 uses PhaseGuide technology to direct sound waves to different parts of the room, while the Sonos Arc uses Trueplay technology to adjust the audio to the room’s acoustics. Both speakers are capable of delivering rich, detailed audio that brings music and movies to life.

In terms of sound quality, both the Bose 900 and Sonos Arc are top contenders in the market. While the Bose 900 offers powerful bass and custom drivers, the Sonos Arc delivers immersive surround sound and advanced audio technology. Ultimately, the choice between these two speakers will come down to personal preference and individual needs.

Connectivity and Control

Wireless Connectivity

Both the Bose 900 and Sonos Arc have excellent wireless connectivity options. They both support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which means you can easily connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to the speakers without any wires. The Sonos Arc also supports Apple AirPlay 2, which allows you to stream music from your Apple device directly to the speaker.

Ports and HDMI Support

When it comes to ports and HDMI support, the Sonos Arc has the upper hand. It has an HDMI eARC port, which allows you to connect the speaker directly to your TV. This means you can control the volume of the speaker using your TV remote. The Bose 900, on the other hand, only has an optical input, which means you will need to use the Bose remote or app to control the volume.

Remote and App Control

Both the Bose 900 and Sonos Arc come with their own remote controls, which allow you to adjust the volume and other settings. However, the Sonos Arc also has an app that you can download on your smartphone or tablet. The app allows you to control the speaker from anywhere in your home, and it also has a number of additional features, such as the ability to create custom playlists and adjust the EQ settings.

In terms of voice control, both speakers support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. However, the Sonos Arc also supports Apple Siri, which means you can control the speaker using your Apple device.

Overall, the Sonos Arc has better connectivity and control options than the Bose 900, especially when it comes to HDMI support and app control. However, both speakers offer a range of connectivity options, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Smart Features and Integration

Voice Assistants

Both the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 and Sonos Arc come with built-in voice assistants, allowing you to control your soundbar using voice commands. The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 features both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, while the Sonos Arc comes with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

With voice assistants, you can control your soundbar, as well as other smart home devices, using voice commands. You can ask your soundbar to play a specific song or playlist, adjust the volume, or even turn off your smart lights.

Multi-Room Audio

Both the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 and Sonos Arc support multi-room audio, allowing you to connect multiple speakers and play music throughout your home. With the Bose Smart Soundbar 900, you can use SimpleSync to connect other Bose speakers, while the Sonos Arc uses the Sonos app to connect with other Sonos speakers.

Multi-room audio is a great feature for parties or when you want to listen to music throughout your home. You can control the music from one central location and adjust the volume in each room.

Streaming Services Compatibility

Both the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 and Sonos Arc support a wide range of streaming services, including Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Amazon Music. With these services, you can easily stream music from your phone or tablet to your soundbar.

In addition, the Sonos Arc also supports Voice4Video, which allows you to control your TV using voice commands. This feature is especially useful if you have your soundbar connected to your TV and want to control it using your voice.

Overall, both the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 and Sonos Arc offer a wide range of smart features and integration options. Whether you prefer Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, or want to connect multiple speakers for multi-room audio, both soundbars have you covered.

Price and Value for Money

Cost Comparison

When it comes to price, the Bose 900 and Sonos Arc are both high-end soundbars that come with a premium price tag. The Bose 900 is priced at £899, while the Sonos Arc is priced at £799. While the Bose 900 is more expensive, it comes with the added benefit of a built-in voice assistant, which may be worth the extra cost for some users.

In terms of value for money, it’s important to consider the features and benefits that each soundbar offers. The Bose 900 boasts a range of features, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, compatibility with the Bose Music app, and the ability to connect to other Bose smart speakers for a multi-room audio experience. The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, offers features such as Dolby Atmos support, compatibility with the Sonos app, and the ability to connect to other Sonos speakers for a multi-room audio experience.

Warranty and Support

When making a purchase, it’s important to consider the warranty and support that comes with the product. The Bose 900 comes with a limited one-year warranty, while the Sonos Arc comes with a limited two-year warranty. Both companies offer customer support via phone, email, and live chat, as well as a range of online resources such as user manuals and troubleshooting guides.

In terms of overall value for money, the decision between the Bose 900 and Sonos Arc ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific features and benefits that each soundbar offers. While the Bose 900 is more expensive, it may be worth the extra cost for users who value the built-in voice assistant and other Bose-specific features. On the other hand, the Sonos Arc offers a range of features such as Dolby Atmos support and compatibility with the Sonos app, making it a great choice for users who prioritize these features.

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