Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar vs Sonos Arc Ultra

Quick answer

Critics score the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar 79 and the Sonos Arc Ultra 88 out of 100, from 7 and 21 professional reviews. 6 outlets reviewed both: 1 scored the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar higher and 5 scored the Sonos Arc Ultra higher. On average those critics put the Sonos Arc Ultra 12 points ahead.

Bose Smart Ultra SoundbarImage: Bose

Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar

79
Mixed
Average of 7 professional reviews
5 of 7 recommend it · critics split
Where the 7 reviews landedRange 60–90
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Praised for: sound quality (7 of 7), build quality (3 of 7)

Criticised for: call quality (2 of 7)

The catch: Less impressive with music.

All 7 reviews of the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar →

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Sonos Arc UltraImage: Sonos

Sonos Arc Ultra

88
Highly rated
Average of 21 professional reviews
21 of 21 recommend it · broad agreement
Where the 21 reviews landedRange 80–95
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Praised for: sound quality (19 of 21), ease of use (5 of 21), connectivity (3 of 21)

Criticised for: price (14 of 21), controls and app (6 of 21)

The catch: Expensive, and no HDMI passthrough.

All 21 reviews of the Sonos Arc Ultra →

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Critics who reviewed both

The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards
OutletBose Smart Ultra SoundbarSonos Arc UltraDifference
What Hi-Fi?6089est.-29
Expert Reviews77est.95-18
Tom's Guide8095-15
Trusted Reviews83est.89est.-6
Homes and Gardens9095-5
CNET8281+1

Scores converted to 0–100. Difference is the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar minus the Sonos Arc Ultra. Outlined tiles are estimated from the verdict. Each score links to the review.

Compare either one with another soundbar → · All soundbars ranked →

Common questions

Which is better, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar or the Sonos Arc Ultra?

Critics rate the Sonos Arc Ultra higher: 88 against 79. 6 outlets reviewed both: 1 scored the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar higher and 5 scored the Sonos Arc Ultra higher. On average those critics put the Sonos Arc Ultra 12 points ahead.

Do critics agree about the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar and the Sonos Arc Ultra?

The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar: critics split, scores from 60 to 90. The Sonos Arc Ultra: broad agreement, scores from 80 to 95.