Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar vs Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Critics score the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar 79 and the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) 85 out of 100, from 7 and 12 professional reviews. 5 outlets reviewed both: 1 scored the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar higher, 3 scored the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) higher and 1 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) 4 points ahead.
Image: BoseBose Smart Ultra Soundbar
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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Image: SonosSonos Beam (Gen 2)
Praised for: sound quality (11 of 12), ease of use (5 of 12)
Criticised for: price (4 of 12)
The catch: Its virtual Atmos doesn't convince everyone.
All 12 reviews of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) →
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Critics who reviewed both
The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards| Outlet | Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| How-To Geek | 80 | 90 | -10 |
| Trusted Reviews | 83est. | 89est. | -6 |
| Expert Reviews | 77est. | 80 | -3 |
| Tom's Guide | 80 | 80 | same |
| CNET | 82 | 81 | +1 |
Scores converted to 0–100. Difference is the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar minus the Sonos Beam (Gen 2). 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 Beam (Gen 2)?
Critics rate the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) higher: 85 against 79. 5 outlets reviewed both: 1 scored the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar higher, 3 scored the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) higher and 1 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) 4 points ahead.
Do critics agree about the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar and the Sonos Beam (Gen 2)?
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar: critics split, scores from 60 to 90. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2): critics agree, scores from 80 to 90.