Should You Buy the Sonos Beam Gen 2 or Bose TV Speaker? A Complete Comparison

When it comes to improving your TV's sound, both the Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($449) and Bose TV Speaker ($199) offer compelling options, but they serve rather different needs. Let's explore exactly who should buy each one and why.

Understanding Today's Soundbar Market

Soundbars have become the go-to solution for better TV audio, replacing complex home theater systems for many people. The key is finding the right balance of sound quality, features, and price for your specific needs.

The market has evolved significantly in recent years, with premium features like Dolby Atmos (which creates 3D-like sound) becoming more common, and smart features now standard in mid-range and up models. But not everyone needs these advanced capabilities – sometimes better stereo sound is enough.

How These Two Stack Up

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 arrived in October 2021 as an upgrade to the original Beam, adding Dolby Atmos support and more processing power. It represents Sonos's mid-range offering, sitting below their flagship Arc but above their basic Ray soundbar.

The Bose TV Speaker launched in late 2020 as a simplified option for those wanting better TV sound without complexity. It's remained largely unchanged since release, focusing on doing the basics well rather than chasing feature updates.

Sound Quality: A Tale of Two Approaches

The Beam Gen 2 delivers impressive audio for its size. With five drivers (speakers) working together, it creates a wide soundstage that makes movies and TV shows feel more immersive. The addition of Dolby Atmos, while virtual (meaning it uses software to simulate height effects rather than upward-firing speakers), still adds noticeable dimension to compatible content.

I've found the Beam particularly impressive with movies that have complex sound design. When watching films like "Dune," the sandstorm scenes feel more encompassing, with sound seemingly coming from above and around you. It's not quite as convincing as systems with dedicated height speakers, but it's remarkable for the size and price.

The Bose takes a simpler approach, focusing on clear dialogue and balanced stereo sound. Its "Dialogue Mode" is particularly effective at making speech more intelligible without sounding artificial. While it can't match the Beam's spatial audio tricks, it excels at its primary job: making TV shows and movies sound better than your TV's speakers.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Here's where these soundbars really diverge. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is essentially a smart speaker that also happens to be great for TV audio. It supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, can play music from virtually any streaming service, and integrates with Apple's AirPlay 2. The HDMI eARC connection allows for high-quality audio formats and seamless TV control.

The Bose TV Speaker keeps things basic: HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth connections cover the essentials. There's no Wi-Fi, no smart features, and no app control. For some users, this simplicity is actually a benefit – plug it in, connect to your TV, and you're done.

Setup and Daily Use

Both soundbars are straightforward to set up, but the experience differs significantly:

Sonos Beam Gen 2:

• Initial setup through the Sonos app
• Trueplay tuning available (iOS devices only) to optimize sound for your room
• Regular software updates add features and improvements
• Control through app, voice, or TV remote

Bose TV Speaker:

• Physical connections only
• Basic remote included
• Works with most TV remotes
• No app or updates needed

Home Theater Potential

If you're thinking about eventually building a larger home theater system, this is a crucial consideration. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 can be the starting point of a complete surround system:

• Add two One SL speakers for rear surrounds
• Add a Sub (Gen 3) for deeper bass
• Expand to other rooms with additional Sonos speakers

The Bose TV Speaker's expansion options are limited to adding a compatible Bose subwoofer through a wired connection. That's it.

Value Proposition

At $449, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 isn't cheap, but it offers significant value if you'll use its advanced features:

• Superior sound quality
• Smart speaker functionality
• Regular updates and improvements
• Multi-room audio potential
• Future expandability

The Bose TV Speaker at $199 represents solid value for different reasons:

• Focused feature set
• Good sound for the price
• Simple operation
• Reliable performance

How to Decide

Consider these questions to help make your choice:

1. What's your primary use case?
   • Mainly TV/movies: Either could work
     • Music and streaming: Sonos Beam Gen 2
     • Just better TV sound: Bose TV Speaker

1. What's your room size?
   • Small to medium: Either works well
     • Large: Sonos Beam Gen 2 better suited

1. Do you care about smart features?
   • Yes: Sonos Beam Gen 2
     • No: Bose TV Speaker

1. Planning to expand later?
   • Yes: Sonos Beam Gen 2
     • No: Either option

1. Is budget the primary concern?
   • Yes: Bose TV Speaker
     • No: Consider features first

Bottom Line

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the clear winner in terms of capabilities and sound quality, but it comes at more than twice the price of the Bose TV Speaker. If you'll use its advanced features and possibly expand your system later, it's worth the investment.

However, if you simply want better TV sound without complications or extra features, the Bose TV Speaker delivers exactly that at a more accessible price point. Its focused approach and reliability make it an excellent choice for many users.

Remember: The best soundbar isn't always the most expensive or feature-rich – it's the one that best meets your specific needs and budget while providing an enjoyable listening experience.

Sonos Beam Gen 2 Soundbar Deals and Prices

Bose TV Speaker Soundbar Deals and Prices