Bose Smart Speaker 500 vs Sonos: Are you trying to decide between the Bose Smart Speaker 500 and the Sonos? You’re not alone. As two of the top smart speakers on the market, it can be hard to determine which is better. In this blog post, we’ll look at the Bose Smart Speaker 500 and the Sonos to compare their features, sound quality, and cost. We’ll also offer our opinion on which one is the better buy. Read on to learn more!
The Design
Bose Smart Speaker 500 vs Sonos
When it comes to the design of the Bose Smart Speaker 500 and the Sonos speakers, both offer stylish, modern looks. The Bose Smart Speaker 500 has a sleek and slim design that fits in any room of your home. It has an all-metal grille and touch-sensitive controls on top. The Sonos speakers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, but they all feature a simple, unobtrusive design.
In terms of portability, the Bose Smart Speaker 500 is much more portable than the Sonos speakers. The Bose speaker is lightweight and easy to move around your home. The Sonos speakers, on the other hand, are quite bulky and can be difficult to transport.
Overall, both speakers have attractive designs that will fit into any home decor. The Bose Smart Speaker 500 is more portable than the Sonos speakers, but if you want a larger speaker that has a bigger sound, then the Sonos speaker might be a better choice.
The Sound Quality
Bose Smart Speaker 500 vs Sonos
The sound quality of the Bose Smart Speaker 500 and the Sonos are both top-notch and comparable in many ways. Both offer high-quality sound with crystal clear clarity, great bass, and plenty of volumes. The Bose Smart Speaker 500 offers more powerful sound, though it does not offer quite the same level of depth and warmth as the Sonos. The Sonos speaker offers a bit more balance between its lows, mids, and highs, making it a better choice for those looking for a more natural sound.
When it comes to features, the Bose Smart Speaker 500 offers more: dual tweeters, a woofer, and multiple drivers. These provide a bigger soundstage with greater detail than what’s offered by the single tweeter found on the Sonos. The Bose also offers three EQ modes that allow you to customize the sound, while the Sonos offers just one mode.
Both speakers feature advanced noise reduction and audio tuning, but the Bose Smart Speaker 500 has a slight edge here due to its adaptive audio technology, which automatically adjusts the audio to fit your environment. Ultimately, both speakers offer great sound quality, but the Bose Smart Speaker 500 has the advantage when it comes to more precise tuning and more powerful sound.
The Connectivity
Bose Smart Speaker 500 vs Sonos
When it comes to connecting your devices and streaming services, the Bose Smart Speaker 500 and the Sonos offer two very different experiences. The Bose Smart Speaker 500 supports both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing you to access your music, podcasts, and more using voice commands. It also has AirPlay 2, allowing you to wirelessly stream audio from any compatible Apple device directly to the speaker.
Sonos, on the other hand, supports Alexa, Google Assistant, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect. It also offers additional functionality through its app. This allows you to stream music from over 100 streaming services, as well as adjust sound settings and control multi-room listening.
Both speakers have Bluetooth connectivity, so you can stream audio from any compatible device directly to the speaker. They also both offer a 3.5mm jack for wired connections.
Overall, both speakers offer great connectivity options, but the Sonos offers more flexibility when it comes to streaming services and multi-room listening.
The Ecosystem
When it comes to the ecosystem, the Bose Smart Speaker 500 and Sonos offer slightly different options.
The Bose Smart Speaker 500 is powered by Google Assistant, allowing you to ask questions, control your music, get news updates, and more, all with voice commands. You can also access a range of streaming services, such as Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer, as well as internet radio services. The speaker also supports Apple Airplay 2 and Chromecast, so you can easily stream content from your mobile device or laptop.
Sonos speakers, on the other hand, are powered by the proprietary Sonos software. This offers access to a wide range of streaming services, including Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, Amazon Music, and more. You can also access internet radio stations, podcasts, and audiobooks. The speaker also supports AirPlay 2, so you can easily stream content from your mobile device or laptop.
Both the Bose Smart Speaker 500 and Sonos are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices, allowing you to control them using voice commands. The Sonos app is available for both iOS and Android devices and the Bose Music app is available for iOS devices only.
In terms of compatibility, both the Bose Smart Speaker 500 and Sonos have similar ecosystems but offer slightly different features. If you’re looking for a comprehensive ecosystem that offers access to a wide range of streaming services, then the Sonos speaker may be the better option for you. However, if you’re looking for a system that is easier to set up and use, then the Bose Smart Speaker 500 could be the right choice for you.
The Price
When it comes to price, both the Bose Smart Speaker 500 and Sonos offer a range of options. The Bose Smart Speaker 500 is priced at $379 USD for the single speaker, while a two-pack will set you back $599. The Sonos range is more varied, with prices for the One starting at $199 for a single speaker, and the One SL at $279 for a single speaker. For those looking for bigger sound systems, the Sonos Beam is priced at $399, while the Sonos Playbar is priced at $699.
Overall, the Bose Smart Speaker 500 is the more expensive option when it comes to buying single speakers, but if you’re looking to create a larger system or upgrade an existing one, the Sonos range offers better value for money.
The Verdict
When it comes to choosing between the Bose Smart Speaker 500 and Sonos, it ultimately depends on your individual needs. Both speakers offer great sound quality, excellent connectivity options, and a strong ecosystem of compatible apps and services.
If you’re looking for a speaker with great design and powerful bass response, then the Bose Smart Speaker 500 is likely the better buy for you. It also comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your decor.
However, if you’re more concerned about ease of setup and having access to a wide range of streaming services, then Sonos is likely the better choice for you. It’s also much cheaper than the Bose option, making it a great budget-friendly option.
Ultimately, there is no wrong choice here, as both of these speakers offer great sound quality and plenty of features. Consider your needs carefully before making your decision, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect speaker for your home.