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In this post, I’ll share my hands-on experience with the latest Sonos Beam vs Bose Smart Soundbar, two of the top contenders for your home theater upgrade. Both have Alexa built in.
Battle of the Alexa Soundbars
I‘ve tested the Sonos Beam in my bedroom and the Bose Smart Soundbar in my living room, and I appreciate them both for different reasons.
We’ll see how the Bose soundbar measures up to the Sonos Beam across a variety of technical specifications for both casual users and audiophiles alike. If hands-free voice control is a priority, both of these soundbars support Alexa—but only one truly feels built around it.
According to this study from Mordor Intelligence, the global soundbar market is projected to surpass $10 billion by 2029. Pretty crazy.
If you are short on time and want a quick summary, here it is:
Sonos Beam offers crisp dialogue, multi-assistant voice control, and a compact form ideal for daily use. Bose Smart Soundbar features real upward-firing Atmos height channels, AI-enhanced speech clarity, and broader streaming support. Beam is perfect for voice and clarity; Bose delivers a more immersive, cinematic soundstage for movies and elevated home theater setups.
Let’s dive into the comparison table where I review key specs between Sonos Beam vs Bose Smart Soundbar side by side.
Sonos Beam vs Bose Smart Soundbar Comparison Table
Here’s a side‑by‑side breakdown of the key specs in the Sonos Beam vs Bose Smart Soundbar.
Last update on 07/09/2025 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
📌 Notes:
- Atmos implementation differs: Sonos Beam Gen 2 virtualizes Atmos using DSP; Bose uses real upward-firing drivers for authentic height effects.
- Voice assistant flexibility: Beam supports both Alexa and Google Assistant, while Bose limits you to Alexa only.
Sonos Beam Mini Review – Compact Clarity
Specifications
- Audio: 3.0 channels, racetrack drivers, center tweeter
- Dolby Support: Virtual Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital+
- Voice Assistant Support: Alexa (hands-free), Google Assistant
- Connectivity: HDMI eARC, optical adapter, Wi‑Fi, AirPlay 2
- Smart Features: Sonos app, voice control, Trueplay (iOS)
- Size & Weight: 25.6″ W × 3.9″ D × 2.7″ H; 6.35 lbs
Mini Review
I’ve used the award-winning Sonos Beam Gen 2 in both my bedroom and dining room, paired with Sonos speakers in a compact white soundbar setup. Its form is smaller than the popular Samsung HW-Q series, yet it still fills a large den with immersive audio-even without a Sonos Sub.
The Beam integrates with the Sonos ecosystem, allowing for quick set-up, software updates, and seamless control from a mobile device. While it lacks the physical height channels of the new Bose, it still provides more accurate reproduction of the sound for dialogue and voice commands thanks to its center tweeter and Trueplay tuning.
Its compact design, lower weight, and native Alexa voice control make it ideal for open floor plans.
Pros
- Compact design with premium sound quality
- Easy setup via HDMI cable and Sonos app
- Voice assistant support (Alexa & Google Assistant)
- Smart integration across Sonos speakers
- Excellent for open floor plans and small to mid-size rooms
Cons
- No Bluetooth or Chromecast
- Bass performance is limited without Sonos Sub
- Atmos is virtual, not physical
Where to Buy
Video Review
🎥 Video Credit: SoulOfTech
Bose Smart Soundbar Mini Review – Big Room Atmos
Specifications
- Audio: 3.0.2 channels, front & up‑firing drivers
- Dolby Support: True Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital+, Dolby TrueHD
- Voice Assistant Support: Alexa (hands-free only)
- Connectivity: HDMI eARC, HDMI ARC, optical input, Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast
- Smart Features: Bose Music App, voice commands, AI Dialogue Mode
- Size & Weight: 27.3″ W × 4.1″ D × 2.2″ H; 6.9 lbs
Mini Review
I tested the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 in my living room alongside the Sonos Beam, and the difference is immediately noticeable. In the Sonos Beam vs Bose Smart Soundbar matchup, Bose clearly wins on Atmos realism. The form of the Bose Smart Soundbar is longer and slightly heavier, but that added size delivers a more immersive experience-especially in rooms with tall ceilings or open layouts.
It integrates well with Bose’s range of speakers, including the optional bass module and Bose personal surround sound units. With Bluetooth, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect, it covers more wireless connections than Beam, and the HDMI port setup supports both HDMI ARC and eARC for simple TV integration.
Software updates are handled through the Bose Music app, which offers a clean interface, though not quite as fluid as the Sonos app.
You’ll also appreciate the AI Dialogue Mode, which adapts in real time to improve clarity-especially helpful in open floor plans or when using the TV speaker as your primary audio source. And while the price point is higher than some of the best soundbars on the market, you’re paying for precision engineering and powerful performance.
Pros
- Real Dolby Atmos with upward-firing height channels
- Broad wireless support: Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast
- Pairs with Bose surround speakers and bass module
- Crisp voice clarity via AI Dialogue Mode
- HDMI eARC and optical connection included
Cons
- No Sonos-level multi-room sync
- Bose app can feel limited for advanced users
- Less refined integration with Google Assistant
Where to Buy
Video Review
🎥 Video Credit: Tech Bandicoot
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which soundbar has better support for Dolby Atmos and audio codecs?
The Sonos Beam vs Bose Smart Soundbar debate often centers around Dolby Atmos support. Sonos uses virtual processing with racetrack transducers, while Bose delivers true height effects using up-firing drivers. Both support Dolby Digital Plus, but Bose also handles Dolby TrueHD-an advantage for streaming platforms with higher-fidelity audio codecs.
2. Does the Sonos Beam support hands-free voice control?
Yes, the Sonos Beam includes Alexa built-in for full voice control of music, volume, and smart home devices. In the Sonos Beam vs Bose Smart Soundbar comparison, only Beam supports both Alexa and Google Assistant-giving it a distinct edge for buyers seeking flexible voice integration in recent years.
3. How does the Bose Smart Soundbar compare to the Bose TV Speaker and Ultra?
Bose’s recent soundbar history includes the compact Bose TV Speaker and the premium Smart Soundbar Ultra. In comparison, this mid-range model balances immersive overhead effects and AI voice enhancement. With Bluetooth speakers compatibility and passive radiators, it offers a good look at Bose’s evolving smart audio tier.
4. Does the Sonos Beam vs Bose Smart Soundbar support older Sonos products like Sonos Play?
Yes. While newer models are optimized for HDMI eARC, the Beam still supports older units like the Sonos Play series using optical adapters. It’s the only way to maintain a full Sonos setup while upgrading to virtual Atmos. This backwards compatibility is a notable thing among Beam’s plenty of features.
5. Are these soundbars included in affiliate programs or holiday deals?
Yes. Both the Sonos Beam vs Bose Smart Soundbar are frequently featured in Black Friday promotions and major affiliate advertising program placements, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. A side comparison of pricing during sales is a good idea, especially if you’re looking for a marriage of value and features.
6. Which soundbar feels better built around Alexa?
While both offer Alexa, only the Sonos Beam feels truly designed for voice-first homes. It responds quickly to voice commands, integrates seamlessly with smart devices, and plays nicely with other Sonos speakers. In the Sonos Beam vs Bose Smart Soundbar matchup, Beam is clearly the Alexa-native experience.
Sonos Beam vs Bose Smart: Final Verdict
My Sonos Beam vs Bose Smart Soundbar analysis showed that Sonos excels with side-firing racetrack transducers, compact form, and front-facing mid-woofers. Bose, meanwhile, delivers a lot of sound with big mid-range speaker presence.
- Choose Sonos Beam if you prefer small size, simple remote control, quick software updates, and smooth pairing with first-gen Sonos Beam or wireless headphones.
- Choose Bose Smart Soundbar if you want stronger Atmos effects, more flexible audio codec support, and a system built for best TVs and open rooms.
In recent years, Bose speakers like the Smart Ultra Soundbar have advanced significantly, overcoming earlier limited music service offerings. The main aesthetic difference now comes down to preference-and both options earn their place among the best soundbars on the market.
If I had to choose, I’d go with the Bose. Its real Atmos drivers and bolder soundstage make it the better all-around performer for most setups.
📚 Read Next: 5 Best Soundbars with Alexa
Tim Brennan, a tech blogger and host of the @TecTimmy YouTube channel, writes about smart homes at oneSmartcrib, home theaters at UniversalRemoteReviews, and AI in writing at Writeinteractive. He holds a Journalism degree from Northeastern University and has covered technology for three decades. He lives on the ocean in Nahant, Massachusetts.
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