You get impressive images on your TV, so shouldn’t the audio match the picture quality? When the audio matches the images, it’s easy to feel like you are watching the movie in a theater. Adding a soundbar dramatically improves audio quality, but how do you know which component is right for your entertainment setup?
Two soundbars to compare are the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 vs the Sonos Arc. Both are premium soundbars with different strengths and weaknesses. Dolby Atmos sound is standard with both models, but the Sonos Arc’s performance is higher from an audio standpoint, with more features to adjust and customize the sound output. Bass is also a little clearer with the Sonos Arc (>>> Find on Amazon). The Bose 900 boasts more wireless playback functions, and its build is sturdier than the Sonos model.
If you’re still not sure which smart soundbar is right for your content, sometimes it helps to take a closer look at what you get with each model.
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 vs Sonos Arc Side by Side:
| Bose Smart Soundbar 900 | Sonos Arc | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Power (Watts) | No data | 110W |
| Connectivity Options | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI | HDMI |
| Subwoofer | No | No |
| Dimensions (inches) | 41.14 x 2.29 x 4.21 | 3.4 x 45 x 4.5 |
| Price | Find on Amazon B&HPhotoVideo | Find on Amazon B&HPhotoVideo |
Audio Quality
You get Dolby Atmos surround sound with both soundbars for crystal clear dialogue and music. Even sound effects are impressive. Onscreen explosions can shake the room when the volume is cranked up.
Comparing the Sonos Arc vs Bose Smart Soundbar 900 for home theater uses, the Arc soundbar comes out ahead thanks to its Dolby TrueHD support and the Speech Enhancement option you can turn on through the Sonos app. The Bose is also a Dolby Atmos soundbar, but doesn’t have the same Dolby digital sound support that you’ll get from the Sonos.
The Sonos Arc also gives users more options for customizing the sound beyond this dialogue enhancement. Its Enhanced Trueplay feature automatically optimizes the sound to match the room’s dimensions. Within the Arc soundbar are 11 speakers, including two up-firing dedicated height channels, so you can immersive yourself in audio without having to worry about dead zones. Lower bass frequencies are crisp without distortion. It’s great when you are listening to music.
Now, the Bose soundbar also delivers multi directional sound. The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 features 9 internal speakers, including two upfiring speakers, and uses Bose’s PhaseGuide technology to send sound to specific spots in your space to emulate a three-dimensional, realistic soundscape.
Along with Dolby Atmos surround sound, it also has Bose’s proprietary TrueSpace processing to add height channels without ceiling-mounted speakers, so it can still deliver immersive audio. You can also customize that sound using the ADAPTiQ calibration system through the Bose Music app, or sync it with other Bose smart speakers for an even fuller sound. Even so, in a side by side comparison, the Sonos Arc is the best Dolby Atmos soundbar for 3D audio.
Best Audio Quality: Sonos Arc
Design Quality
You probably aren’t planning on moving the soundbar around, but you still want it to have a durable construction. Smart soundbars come with a higher price tag, and replacing a damaged one is expensive. You also want the soundbar to blend in with your other components.
Both soundbars feature a slim and sleek design. The Sonos Arc is easy to install on a wall if you buy one of the mounting kits, and will also fit easily on most entertainment systems. However, it doesn’t feel as sturdy as the Bose, and its rounded design, while visually attractive, makes it less stable when it’s set up on a TV stand or shelf.
Here, it’s the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 that has a slight advantage. It has a sleeker design with a flat, stable base, and boosts a more durable construction than the Arc.
Best Design Quality: Bose Smart Soundbar 900
Ease of Installation and Use
Installing either soundbar is a breeze, but the Arc is a little easier. It also has a more flexible installation. It’s designed for mounting on a wall, shelf, or table. The Arc also comes with automatic Trueplay tuning technology that adapts the audio for the acoustic needs of your space.
We also appreciate how easy it is to control the Sonos Arc. It syncs with the remote you already have for your TV or projector so you don’t need a separate remote, cutting back on remote clutter and confusion. If you prefer, you can also simply tap or swipe the top of the soundbar to control playback, and the Sonos app lets you link your streaming services and music to quickly and easily send signals to the soundbar.
This isn’t to say the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is difficult to install or control–it simply isn’t quite as intuitive as the Sonos Arc. It doesn’t sync to your TV remote, for one thing. However, you don’t necessarily need to use the separate remote that’s included since you can also control it through the Bose Music app on Android or iOS devices. It’s also very easy to set up as part of a larger sound systems thanks to its SimpleSync technology that quickly connects to wireless speakers or headphones via Bluetooth.
Easiest to Install: Sonos Arc
Connectivity
The smart soundbars come with HDMI ports, along with inputs for external speakers. The Sonos Arc supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream music and content from Apple and AirPlay 2. For wired connections, it connects to eARC HDMI ports, and includes an Optical Audio Adapter for TVs that lack an HDMI output.
The Bose 900 matches that connectivity, including the option of eARC HDMI or optical audio connections and full wireless support. It also comes with the Bose Music App and is compatible with Spotify Connect. All told, it offers a little more connectivity, especially for consumers that stream most of their content.
Best in Connectivity: Bose Smart Soundbar 900
Smart Features
That full wireless connectivity mentioned above makes both of these models truly smart soundbars. The Sonos Arc supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control, as well as Siri voice control through the AirPlay 2 app on an iOS device. It can also be integrated into a multi room audio set up thanks to its easy connectivity with other Sonos speakers.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 also supports multi room audio, easily connecting to another Bose subwoofer or speaker, and streaming through services like Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2. It also has built-in Chromecast to stream content directly from devices. Both Google and Alexa voice control are supported. The Smart Soundbar 900 is an especially great choice for Alexa-based smart homes thanks to its Voice4Video technology that expands its Alexa voice control capabilities and hands-free control options.
Better Smart Features: Bose Smart Soundbar 900
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 produces powerful audio, thanks to the dual upwards firing speakers powered by Dolby Atmos. TrueSpace spatial technology optimizes sound for an immersive listening experience.
The wireless Bluetooth soundbar boasts a sleek design and durable construction. It’s designed to last for years. Its wireless design also makes the soundbar a breeze to integrate with your TV and other components. To start listening to exceptional audio, connect your TV to the optical audio or HDMI eARC port. Built-in Alexa and Google assistant ensure you can operate the soundbar with ease.
Download the Bose Music App and keep your favorite tunes in one convenient place. Its wireless connectivity also lets you stream content from your Bluetooth devices. Enjoy music from Spotify and Apple AirPlay 2. It’s amazing how clear the music and dialogue sound with the soundbar. Relevant comparison: http://hqsound101.com/bose-soundbar-700-vs-sonos-arc/
Pros
- Wireless connectivity
- Voice-control support
- Dolby Atmos sound
- Dual upwards firing speakers
- Easy installation
Cons
- The lack of automatic audio calibration can make it hard to optimize sound quality
Sonos Arc Review
The Sonos Arc produces 3D audio with support from Dolby Atmos sound. The smart soundbar automatically optimizes audio with Enhanced Trueplay technology. You hear crisp audio across the spectrum no matter where the soundbar is placed in the room.
It offers a flexible installation. You’re not limited to placing the soundbar on a shelf or table. You can easily mount the Arc on a wall. Connecting the soundbar to your TV and other devices is quick and easy. Along with wireless capabilities, the Arc comes with HDMI and eArc ports on the back. Apply Airplay 2, and the Sonos app allows you to stream and listen to music without turning the TV on.
When you need to hear the dialogue, turn on the speech enhancement function. It produces crisp audio without turning the volume up. When you are ready to expand your system, the soundbar lets you wirelessly connect a sub-woofer and a pair of rear speakers.
Pros
- Dolby Atmos Sound
- Automatic tuning
- Wireless connectivity
- Flexible installation
- Voice-control capabilities
Cons
- The voice enhancement feature does not optimize music quality
Sonos Arc vs Bose Smart Soundbar 900: Customer Impressions
Both of these two soundbars receive consistently high ratings and reviews from customers. Buyers of the Bose are by and large impressed with its overall sound quality, though some find the bass power a bit lacking and choose to add an external subwoofer to compensate. The main source of negative reviews isn’t the soundbar itself but the remote, which is clunky and not laid out as intuitively as we’d like. Some users also have difficulty connecting the soundbar to their phone for control through the Bose app.
The ratings of the Sonos Arc are consistently higher across the board. Users praise the audio quality and find it has good low-end power, even without an external subwoofer. It also gets strong marks on factors like value for the money and ease of control. The only consistent negative comment on the Sonos Arc is that, for users who have difficulty setting it up or connect it to other equipment, the customer service is a bit lacking. Some people report long hold times and unhelpful tech support representatives when they do get through. On the plus side, most users don’t have any issues during setup and don’t need to reach out to tech support before they can start using the soundbar.
Conclusion
You are not going to be disappointed with either soundbar. Dolby Atmos ensures optimal sound quality. Comparing the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 vs the Sonos Arc comes down to what you want and need from the component.
The 900 offers more connectivity and comes with a better build. The Sonos Arc has a flexible installation and produces a slightly better sound (>>> Check the current price on Bhphotovideo). It’s also easier to optimize audio quality with the Arc. The soundbar takes care of it automatically.
Whichever soundbar you bring home, you will notice an improvement in audio quality.
REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING:
- Denon DHT-S517 vs Sonos Arc Comparison