How do Sony soundbars compare to Bose soundbars?

Sony and Bose are household names when it comes to premium electronics. Their audio products are built to last and designed to appeal to professional and casual listeners alike. Both manufacturers’ soundbar offerings build on their legacies by delivering high-fidelity sound that enhances and deepens your listening experience.

Because the two brands make such comparable products, much of the decision-making between the two comes down to personal preference. While their soundbars seem similar, there are subtle differences in their aesthetics and technology that you should consider before choosing one.

Sony soundbars

The Sony logo imbues any electronic device with a degree of prestige, thanks to the reputation for quality the company has earned since its inception as a small electronics shop in 1946 Tokyo.

Today, Sony offers a huge selection of soundbars. Whether you’re looking for something compact to use on your desk or a fully featured soundbar for your home theater, Sony has you covered.

Sony soundbar pros

• More to choose from. Sony offers more options over a wider price range compared to Bose’s selection.
• Better aesthetics. While subjective, most would agree that Sony’s attention to the design of their products gives them a more premium look and feel than Bose.
• Audio enhancements. Sony’s soundbars often include more features than those offered by Bose. These are in the form of audio enhancements that make stereo audio sound like the latest surround sound technology.
   

Sony soundbar cons

• Cost. Both companies offer competitive pricing, but Sony’s soundbars tend to be slightly more expensive unless they’re on sale.
• Limited customization. Bose offers deep audio customization options via their app for select soundbars. Sony usually restricts you to a few presets to select from via a simple remote control.
   

Best Sony soundbars

Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch 500W Dolby Atmos Soundbar  

This premium soundbar uses an array of speakers and Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping to provide an unparalleled home theater experience. You can add additional speakers to it to complete your surround sound system.

Sold by Amazon

Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker 

Sony delivers with this budget-friendly soundbar that features the company’s S-Force Pro surround sound. It’s simple to set up and looks great with its faux leather trim and satin finish.

Sold by Amazon

Bose soundbars

Bose has focused exclusively on audio since the company was founded in 1964. This specialization has made the brand an industry leader when it comes to headphones, soundbars, speakers and home theater systems.

From recording studios to studio apartments, Bose’s dominance of the audio market can be seen and heard everywhere.

Bose soundbar pros

• Bose is an American company. While both manufacturers have factories all over the world, supporting a U.S. company might make the difference for some, considering how comparable their products are to Sony’s.
• Better customer service. In general, Bose has a better reputation for assisting users with issues that crop up after their warranty has expired. Sony, however, tends to leave customers out to dry or encourage them to purchase new products.
• Deep customization. Using Bose’s app, you can dig into some of their soundbars’ features to tailor the audio output to your liking.
   

Bose soundbar cons

• Reflective finish. Most Bose soundbars have a glossy finish that accumulates dust and smudges easily. This shiny surface might be distracting for people who place their soundbars directly under their TV, as it will reflect any light emitted from the screen.
• A little less bang for your buck. Bose’s soundbars generally aren’t as feature-rich as Sony’s.
• The app is required. Access to configuration options for some Bose soundbars requires you to download the company’s app. This may be annoying if you just want the simplicity of using a remote.
   

Best Bose soundbars

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Bass Module 

This soundbar is loaded with features like Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility. Its included subwoofer adds punch to your music, movies and games. You can customize the sound settings with Bose’s app.

Sold by Amazon

Bose TV Speaker 

Compact and affordable, this little soundbar is a great addition to small entertainment centers or workstations. It pairs with Bluetooth devices to also function as a portable speaker.

Sold by Amazon

Should you get a Sony soundbar or a Bose soundbar?

Sony’s consistent advancement of audio technology gives its speakers a cutting-edge feel that Bose has yet to achieve. Its soundbars also feel a bit more future-proof, since they don’t require the use of a potentially discontinued app for setup.

While you really can’t go wrong with either brand, Sony’s attention to the texture, details and aesthetics of their soundbars also gives their products a slight edge over Bose’s for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

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Derek Walborn writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.