While you’ll find many users comparing the Sonos units with Bose systems, there are pretty significant differences between the two brands. Sonos maintains a more premium spot in the market, and Bose is known for its better pricing.
Recently, many users have been confused about putting their money into Sonos Arc and Bose 900. Both of these devices are pretty decent and bring consistent performance to your audio system. So, you can’t really go wrong when sticking with either one.
It all comes down to how you’re planning on spending your money, and most owners usually go with the cheaper option. So, you should try to follow through with the same mindset, and you will not be disappointed by the final purchase.
The similar pricing on both of these devices can make it hard to pick the right fit for your home. So, here are some specifics on the Bose 900 vs Sonos Arc to help you decide which unit better fits your requirements.
Comparing The Sonos Arc vs Bose 900
Specifics | Sonos Arc | Bose 900 |
Design | Decent | Moderate |
Features | Moderate | Extensive |
Market Sentiment | Phenomenal | Moderate |
Dealer Support | Amazing | Amazing |
While you will find the owners behind both of these options, that doesn’t mean that the value brought forward by both devices is the same.
Sonos Arc brings a better design to the table and is often preferred by owners that are willing to forgo some of the connectivity features for a better design.
On the other hand, you will find that most of the audiophiles and owners looking for exceptional performance like to stick with Bose 900. So, it all boils down to your requirements and how you’re planning on spending your money.
Both of these options are phenomenal, and you will get incredible value from them. One of the biggest reasons behind the popularity of the Sonos Arc is its design.
After looking at the amazing finish on this system, owners don’t consider much else and want to include this unit in their audio system.
Similarly, when you look at owners trying to get better performance out of their gaming systems or entertainment hubs, they will often go with Bose 900.
So, if you’re just looking for an aesthetic piece, try testing out the Sonos Arc, and go with Bose 900 when you’re aiming for more quality.
Hopefully, this will give you a better perspective on the purchase, but most of the time, the difference in performance is not significant enough to impact the purchase decision. Here are some additional details to help you finalize the purchase.
Sonos Arc
Even though the Sonos units are generally better built and more expensive, the Sonos Arc is around 200 to 300 dollars cheaper than the Bose 900 when you’re accounting for all accessories.
Moreover, Bose focused extensively on its design and smart features to develop a more robust system that will look perfect under your display. The basic performance of both devices is pretty similar if you’re not that picky. So, you can’t really go wrong with either one of these sound systems.
When you’re looking at the overall size of the Sonos system, it has a more prominent presence on your table. The sound bar is wider and taller and will acquire more space on the table.
This might not be an issue for most users as the difference in dimensions is not that large, but if you’re planning on putting the Sonos Arc under your display, then there can be a few complications.
For this reason, you will find most users moving away from the Sonos Arc while developing their audio systems.
Sonos Arc brings a cylindrical shape and a cleaner matte finish that is usually preferred by users. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional look, then Bose has covered you with the standard rectangular shape and a glossy top that will look shiny on your table.
The glossy top on the Bose 900 can be pretty decent, but you will struggle to keep it clean. So, keep that in mind if you’re planning on going with the Bose 900 over the Sonos Arc.
As far as the smart features are concerned, the differences become a bit more significant with the absence of Bluetooth support in Sonos. You will still get standard Bluetooth connectivity in Bose 900, and it is pretty easy to set up your android device with the soundbar.
However, with the Sonos Arc, you won’t be able to access that feature. Furthermore, you won’t get Chromecast or the same tuning features as Bose 900 on the Sonos Arc.
Overall, Sonos Arc is not a bad unit but still lacks a few utility features that you will get in the Bose 900 unit. While the Bose 900 is somewhat more expensive than the Sonos Arc, this increase in price point is justified by several utility features.
Other than a few accessibility features, in the Bose 900, you won’t be losing on much, and Sonos Arc brings the same incredible sound quality.
Bose 900
With Bose 900, this brand focused extensively on launching a device that would outperform all other soundbars within the same price range. Even though this might not be the most elegant device, in terms of smart features and easy installation, there aren’t any better units on the market.
Moreover, the compact structure offered by Bose 900 allows this device to slide right under your display. So, you won’t have to free up any extra space for the Bose 900 system.
It is true that the design of the Sonos Arc is superior to the Bose 900 system, but the Bluetooth integration and support for Chromecast make Bose the better choice for most users.
On the other hand, if you’re not on an Android, then you won’t be missing out on anything.
The Sonos Arc complements iOS devices, and you will get the same integration as Bose 900 when using iOS devices with Sonos. So, make sure to evaluate your current smart system before making the final purchase decision.
As far as the color options are cornered, you will get both white and black options with both of these units.
The Bose 900 system further brings more ports and compatibility options with other devices, and you won’t have to spend any time or attention purchasing converters to include this sound system in your house.
Overall, Bose 900 maintains the better spot in the market when you’re comparing these two specific models. While Sonos devices are generally higher quality than similar Bose options, that is not the case when you’re comparing Bose 900 with the Sonos Arc.
So, make sure to thoroughly evaluate your space and feature requirements before making the final purchase decision between Sonos Arc and Bose 900.
So, Which One Should You Pick?
If you’re short on space and need a unit that will work well with your Android, then going with Bose 900 is the only real option here.
However, if you’re a fan of the Sonos design, and don’t really mind the missing Bluetooth features, then going with Sonos will save you a bit of money. In terms of pure sound quality and playback, the difference is not significant enough to impact your purchase decision.
So, you should value installation and accessibility features to make the final decision on which unit you should add to your audio system.
The market sentiment and the dealer support for the Sonos system are better, and this brand is regarded as the better choice when you’re comparing the complete portfolio from both options.
So, if you’re trying to go with a safer option that will help you through all complications, then Sonos is the better deal. In the end, it just boils down to your requirements and the type of budget you’re willing to spend on either one of these units.
Try also engaging the experts from both brands to get a better perspective on these models.
Wrapping Up
Can’t seem to decide between Bose 900 and Sonos Arc? We’ve listed some pointers to help make your life easier. Most of the time, the difference is not significant enough for owners, and you will be served well with either one of these options.
However, if you’re an audiophile and need absolute performance, then going with Bose 900 is a better idea. This unit will lack in design and basic aesthetics, but other than that, going with Bose is not a bad idea. So, be sure to try out this option accordingly.
With that said, the popularity and the support behind the Sonos Arc are still superior. Owners can’t seem to hold off on the purchase of this unit because of its elegant design.
So, if you are willing to let go of some of the features to pursue better aesthetics, then Sonos Arc is for you.
Lastly, there is no such thing as one perfect unit for all owners. Depending on your requirements and needs, the ideal device can vary.
So, instead of looking towards others for their opinion from the start, try to first clarify your requirements. This will make the purchase decision much easier for you.