When it comes to setting up your home audio system, two names immediately come to mind: Sonos and Bose. These brands are leaders in the market and are well-known for their wide range of products, including home cinema speakers like soundbars, built-in surround speakers, outdoor options, and Bluetooth speakers.
However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which brand offers the superior product and, more importantly, which would be the best fit for your home. Everyone listens to music and watches TV differently, so home speakers are not one-size-fits-all. However, as a professional tester, I know the best ways to compare the two brands across their different product offerings, so you can make the right decision for your home set-up.
Continue reading to find out which brand is the best in terms of sound quality and aesthetics. If you're interested in similar content, check out our guide to the best surround sound systems.
Sonos vs Bose: Design
When comparing Sonos and Bose speakers, Sonos stands out for its focus on design. While Bose has made its speakers sleeker over time, Sonos prioritizes projecting a luxury vibe with its curved soundbars and speakers. The organic shapes and curved edges of Sonos products create a more inviting atmosphere, softening the presence of tech in a room — just take the Sonos Era 300 speaker (which you can find at Best Buy), pictured above.
Bose is renowned for its stylish, contemporary speaker designs. It provides an extensive selection of connectivity options, such as Bluetooth, HDMI, Toslink optical, Ethernet, and USB. For example, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is distinguished by its versatile connectivity choices, making it a premier selection for people in search of adaptability and premium sound quality.
- Verdict: When comparing Sonos and Bose speakers, Sonos emphasizes luxurious design with organic shapes and curved edges, creating an inviting atmosphere. In contrast, Bose offers stylish, contemporary designs and a wide range of connectivity options, providing adaptability and premium sound quality.
Sonos vs Bose: Pricing
Sonos offers a range of speakers at various price points, catering to different budgets and needs. The Sonos Roam is more affordable, providing great portability and smart features at a lower price. Moving up, the Sonos Move offers versatility for outdoor and inside use. The Sonos One delivers impressive sound and smart capabilities for those seeking a flagship smart speaker. Meanwhile, the Sonos Arc is a high-end soundbar designed for immersive home theater setups.
Bose speakers are known for their high-quality sound and innovative features but also have a premium price tag. Bose's pricing reflects the brand's commitment to superior audio performance, advanced technology, and durable construction. While some consumers may find Bose products more expensive than other brands, many believe that the quality and reliability justify the cost. Bose also often offers a range of products at different prices, allowing customers to choose the option that best fits their budget and audio needs.
- Verdict: Bose definitely has the most choice, but there's also something to be said for Sonos's more streamlined offering. The top-end soundbars from both brands are the same price, and while Sonos is more focused on home cinema with multiple speaker sets, Bose has a more substantial Bluetooth speaker range.
Sonos vs Bose: Smart speakers
Sonos offers a range of smart speakers designed for various indoor and outdoor settings. The Sonos Move is a good option that provides both Alexa and Google Assistant on the go, making it suitable for outdoor use. For a more affordable portable speaker, the Sonos Roam is a great choice. Sonos also offers the Sonos One, a flagship smart speaker with impressive features and seamless connectivity. These speakers support Bluetooth, WiFi, and AirPlay 2, and they offer speaker pairing for a multi-room audio experience.
Bose offers a range of smart speakers catering to different needs and preferences. The Bose Portable Smart Speaker is designed for on-the-go use, providing portability and smart assistant support. The Bose Move is a suitable option for at-home outdoor use, offering robust performance. The Bose Smart Speaker 500 is the brand's flagship smart speaker, delivering high-quality sound and versatile connectivity options, including Bluetooth, WiFi, and AirPlay 2. It also offers AUX cable connectivity for added flexibility.
- Verdict: Sonos gets our vote here due to the price difference between its offerings and Bose's. We would argue that the Sonos Roam is the most portable and cheapest of the bunch, and the Sonos One is an excellent choice for less cash than the similarly-specced Bose Smart Speaker 500.
Sonos vs Bose: Home cinema
Sonos offers a range of home cinema speaker sets for an all-in-one solution. The most affordable option is the Immersive Set with Ray ($1,106), which includes a Sonos Ray, Sonos Mini, and a pair of One SL speakers. For a more premium option, there's the Premium Immersive Set with Arc, which includes a Sonos Arc, Sub, and a pair of One SL speakers, priced at $2,046.
Bose offers a range of home cinema speaker sets, providing all-in-one solutions for immersive entertainment. The Bose Premium Home Theater System is a comprehensive package featuring the Bose Smart Soundbar 900, Bose Bass Module 700, and a pair of Bose Surround Speakers 700. This setup delivers powerful audio performance and seamless integration. While Bose offers a single package, it ensures high-quality sound and a premium home theater experience.
- Verdict: Again, the difference here comes down to pricing, with even Sonos's most expensive package being cheaper than Bose's equivalent. Despite not having as many soundbars to offer, Sonos's choice of home cinema packages is more varied, with two, three, and four sets all available from the site.
Sonos vs Bose: Our verdict
- Winner: Sonos
Both brands offer high-quality products tailored to different preferences. Sonos excels in luxurious design, offering organic shapes and curved edges that create an inviting atmosphere. The brand also offers a variety of speakers at different price points to cater to various budgets and needs.
On the other hand, Bose stands out for its stylish, contemporary designs and extensive connectivity options, prioritizing adaptability and premium sound quality. While Bose products often come with a premium price tag, the brand's dedication to superior audio performance and advanced technology justifies the cost for many consumers.
Sonos has positioned itself at the top for several key reasons. However, Bose is also a good choice for those who prioritize functionality over aesthetics. Both brands offer smart speakers with Alexa and Google Assistant and portable weather-proof options. Of course, the sleek design of Sonos' range may be a deciding factor for many people.