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Sonos Beam (Gen 2) — Dolby Atmos · HDMI eARC · Compact
Sonos

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Dolby Atmos · HDMI eARC · Compact

86
/ 100
From $499
VS
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 — $899
Bose

Bose Smart Soundbar 900

$899

86
/ 100
From $899
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) lands at 86 and Bose Smart Soundbar 900 at 86. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Sonos Beam (Gen 2) if…

  • ✓Atmos in a compact bar
  • ✓Trueplay room correction
  • ✓Expandable with Sub + rears

Pick Bose Smart Soundbar 900 if…

  • ✓Dolby Atmos on most
  • ✓One-box simplicity
  • ✓eARC passthrough
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Design

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Compared on the design sub-score

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) leads on design (92 vs 84).

Ease of use

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Compared on the ease of use sub-score

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) leads on ease (90 vs 86).

Sound

Tie

Compared on the sound sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) more score per dollar ($499 vs $899).

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) 86
vs
86 Bose Smart Soundbar 900

Score breakdown

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
86
sound 86
features 88
design 92
ease 90
Bose Smart Soundbar 900
86
sound 86
features 84
design 84
ease 86

Specs side-by-side

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) versus Bose Smart Soundbar 900 — full spec comparison
Spec Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Bose Smart Soundbar 900
Channels
5.0 (virtual Atmos)
—
Connectivity
eARC HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, BT 5.0
—

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Pros
  • +Atmos in a compact bar
  • +Trueplay room correction
  • +Expandable with Sub + rears
Cons
  • −No upward drivers (virtual Atmos)
  • −No DTS
  • −App glitches

Bose Smart Soundbar 900

Pros
  • +Dolby Atmos on most
  • +One-box simplicity
  • +eARC passthrough
Cons
  • −Rear surrounds sold separately on some
  • −App quality varies
  • −Cabinet depth needs space

FAQ: Sonos Beam (Gen 2) vs Bose Smart Soundbar 900

Which is better, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) or Bose Smart Soundbar 900? +

Both score 86 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sonos Beam (Gen 2) worth the price? +

At $499, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in design.

Is Bose Smart Soundbar 900 worth the price? +

At $899, Bose Smart Soundbar 900 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.

Does Sonos Beam (Gen 2) or Bose Smart Soundbar 900 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for design, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) or Bose Smart Soundbar 900? +

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) — leads on design (92 vs 84). Compared on the design sub-score.

Which is better for ease of use, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) or Bose Smart Soundbar 900? +

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) — leads on ease (90 vs 86). Compared on the ease of use sub-score.