When it comes to upgrading your TV's audio, soundbars have become the go-to solution for most people. They're simpler than traditional home theater setups but can still deliver impressive sound. Today, we're comparing two very different options: the premium Sonos Arc ($899) and the budget-friendly Bose Solo Series 2 ($179).
The Sonos Arc, released in 2020, represents the current state of the art in soundbar technology. It incorporates Dolby Atmos - a technology that creates three-dimensional sound by bouncing audio off your ceiling - along with advanced processing and smart features. The Bose Solo Series 2, introduced in 2015, comes from an era before Atmos became mainstream, focusing instead on basic sound enhancement.
The Sonos Arc delivers a cinematic experience through its 11-driver array. These speakers work together to create what's called a 5.0.2 configuration - meaning you get left, center, and right channels, plus two upward-firing speakers for height effects. In practice, this means when a helicopter flies overhead in a movie, you'll actually hear the sound move from front to above you.
The Bose Solo Series 2 takes a simpler approach with stereo speakers. While it can't create the same immersive experience, it does what it sets out to do: make TV audio clearer and fuller than built-in TV speakers. Its dialogue enhancement mode is particularly effective for making conversations easier to understand.
For music lovers, the difference between these units is substantial. The Sonos Arc's sophisticated speaker array creates a wide soundstage - meaning instruments and vocals appear to come from different physical locations in the room. It supports high-resolution audio formats and can handle complex musical passages with clarity.
The Bose Solo Series 2 plays music adequately but doesn't deliver the same level of detail or spatial separation. However, for background music or casual listening, many users find it perfectly satisfactory.
The Sonos Arc functions like a smart speaker, with built-in voice assistants (Google Assistant and Alexa) and AirPlay 2 support for Apple devices. The Sonos app provides extensive control over sound settings and can integrate with your music streaming services. It's worth noting that while the Arc has Bluetooth circuitry, it's only used for setup - not music streaming.
The Bose Solo Series 2 offers basic Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming but lacks smart features. All controls are handled through the included remote control.
Room acoustics play a crucial role in soundbar performance. The Sonos Arc, at 45 inches wide, is designed for larger TVs (50 inches or larger) and rooms. It includes Trueplay tuning - a system that uses your iPhone's microphone to optimize sound for your specific room acoustics.
The Bose Solo Series 2, measuring just 21.6 inches, works well in smaller spaces and with TVs of any size. While it doesn't have room correction features, its compact size makes placement easier.
At five times the price, the Sonos Arc needs to deliver significant benefits to justify its cost. For movie enthusiasts and music lovers, it absolutely does. The Atmos support, room-filling sound, and smart features make it a hub for home entertainment.
The Bose Solo Series 2 provides excellent value for those seeking basic sound improvement. It's particularly well-suited as a solution for secondary TVs or smaller rooms where premium features aren't necessary.
The Sonos Arc can be expanded with a wireless subwoofer and rear speakers for a full surround sound setup. It receives regular software updates adding new features and improvements. The platform support for music streaming services and voice assistants means it's likely to remain current for years.
The Bose Solo Series 2, while well-built, is a standalone unit without upgrade options. Its simpler design means less can go wrong, but also fewer possibilities for enhancement.
Consider these key factors when choosing between the Sonos Arc and Bose Solo Series 2:
The Sonos Arc represents the premium end of soundbar technology, offering features and performance that justify its higher price for those who will use them. The Bose Solo Series 2 serves as an excellent entry-level option that focuses on core functionality at an accessible price point.
Your choice ultimately depends on how you'll use the soundbar and what you value most. If you're building a home theater or want the best possible audio quality, the Sonos Arc is worth the investment. If you simply want better TV sound without complications, the Bose Solo Series 2 will serve you well.
| Sonos Arc | Bose Solo Series 2 |
|---|---|
| Price - Core consideration for value assessment | |
| $899 (premium pricing) | $179 (budget-friendly) |
| Audio Channels - Determines immersion and sound positioning | |
| 5.0.2 with Dolby Atmos (theater-like experience) | 2.0 stereo only (basic sound enhancement) |
| Speaker Configuration - Impacts sound quality and separation | |
| 11 drivers (3 tweeters, 8 woofers) | 2 full-range drivers |
| Size - Affects TV compatibility and placement options | |
| 45" x 4.5" x 3.4" (suits 49"+ TVs) | 21.6" x 2.8" x 3.4" (suits any TV size) |
| Smart Features - Enables voice control and streaming | |
| Built-in Alexa/Google Assistant, AirPlay 2 | None (basic remote only) |
| Room Correction - Optimizes sound for your space | |
| Trueplay tuning (iOS devices required) | No room correction available |
| Audio Format Support - Determines content compatibility | |
| Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, Digital Plus, DTS | Basic Dolby Digital (stereo downmix) |
| Connectivity Options - Affects setup flexibility | |
| HDMI eARC, Optical, Ethernet, WiFi | Optical, Coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Expandability - Future upgrade potential | |
| Compatible with Sonos Sub and surrounds | No expansion options |
| Power Output - Influences maximum volume and clarity | |
| Class-D digital amplification (room-filling) | Limited power output (suitable for small rooms) |
| Audio Processing - Affects sound enhancement capabilities | |
| Advanced DSP, Night Mode, Speech Enhancement | Basic dialogue enhancement only |
| Multi-room Capability - Enables whole-home audio | |
| Full Sonos ecosystem integration | None |
| App Control - Provides customization options | |
| Comprehensive Sonos app with EQ controls | No app support (remote only) |
| Warranty Coverage - Protection for investment | |
| 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
The Sonos Arc is significantly better for movies due to its Dolby Atmos support and 5.0.2 channel configuration. The Bose Solo Series 2 provides basic stereo sound enhancement only.
The Sonos Arc costs $899, while the Bose Solo Series 2 is priced at $179, making it $720 less expensive.
The Bose Solo Series 2 is ideal for small rooms due to its compact size. The Sonos Arc is designed for larger spaces and may be oversized for small rooms.
The Sonos Arc requires HDMI eARC for full features but includes an optical adapter. The Bose Solo Series 2 connects via optical cable and works with any TV having optical output.
The Sonos Arc has good bass response alone but can be enhanced with an optional subwoofer. The Bose Solo Series 2 cannot be expanded with a subwoofer.
The Sonos Arc offers superior music streaming with AirPlay 2 and the Sonos app. The Bose Solo Series 2 only offers basic Bluetooth streaming.
The Sonos Arc has built-in Alexa and Google Assistant. The Bose Solo Series 2 has no voice control capabilities.
The Bose Solo Series 2 offers simpler plug-and-play setup. The Sonos Arc requires more initial setup but offers more features.
Both soundbars work with all streaming services, but the Sonos Arc can play Dolby Atmos content from supported services, while the Bose Solo Series 2 provides basic stereo.
Both the Sonos Arc and Bose Solo Series 2 can be wall-mounted, with mounting hardware available separately.
Both offer dialogue enhancement, but the Sonos Arc provides superior clarity with dedicated center channel and advanced processing. The Bose Solo Series 2 offers basic dialogue enhancement.
The Sonos Arc works best with HDMI eARC but includes an optical adapter. The Bose Solo Series 2 comes with an optical cable included.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: whathifi.com - soundandvision.com - en.community.sonos.com - cnet.com - worldwidestereo.com - abt.com - creativeaudio.net - target.com - sonos.com - worldwidestereo.com - businessinsider.com - en.community.sonos.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - bose.com - bose.com - assets.bose.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - pistonheads.com - costco.com - googlenestcommunity.com - youtube.com - discussions.apple.com
