Sonos vs Bose
Both systems connect beautifully for multi-room audio and support major audio streaming services. They’re both easy to expand by adding additional speakers as you grow your system. And both have excellent app integration to control your listening experience from your device or computer.
Both the Sonos and Bose SoundTouch speakers allow you to send music wirelessly, though they work a little differently.
When you set up your first Sonos speaker, it will use your home’s Wi-Fi to create its own, dedicated wireless network called SonosNet. This wireless system exists outside of your home’s Wi-Fi and is the primary method your Sonos system will use to communicate with other speakers in the system and to stream music. SonosNet will reduce congestion on your home Wi-Fi, and will allow you to easily add additional speakers, making it simple to expand your home audio system.
The Sonos Controller App and the Bose SoundTouch app have very similar features.
Both let you program and control speakers throughout your home to play music. You can choose to have the same music on multiple speakers, or different music on individual speakers.
With the Bose SoundTouch speakers, you have to use the app if you want to program internet radio stations to the preset buttons on the top of the speaker. When Bose first introduced their SoundTouch lineup, they had to be initially set up by plugging the speakers into a computer, configuring them, and then placing them in your home. Now set up can be completely done through the app.
The Sonos App will allow you to set up and manage new speakers as you expand your system. If you are using an iOS device, you can use Sonos Trueplay (which is built in to the iOS app) and it will use your device’s microphone to calibrate your speakers for optimum performance in whatever room you set up your Sonos. Keep in mind, though, Trueplay is only available on iPhone and iPad.
With the exception of Trueplay, the Sonos and Bose app experience are pretty similar. One important difference between the apps is the integrated services each system supports.
Sonos supports significantly more streaming services than the Bose SoundTouch lineup of speakers. Both systems will play existing music on your computer or device one way or another, but the integrated experience between the Sonos Controller and supported music streaming services like Apple music is very slick.
Sonos vs Bluesound
If pure sound quality if what you’re after, Bluesound is where you look. It has easily the best Hi-Res audio chops of the multi-room systems. While you can get Sonos-a-like speaker sets, the range extends into gear that looks like full-on hifi equipment. It’s serious stuff.
With the higher-end boxes you can stream the ‘holy grail’ for wireless, 192KHz, 24-bit streams. Where Bluesound is a little weaker is the software interface, which still needs a bit of work to reach Sonos grade.
SONOS vs NAD3020D
I have listened to a sonos connect amp and I was impressed, although I have not done a side by side with a NAD 3020D. The convinience of the sonos system is a bug plus for me, but you could get that using a sonos connect with NAD (or any other separate stereo amp).
If you are looking at a connect amp I assume you have not got any other sources to plug into it, I think they only have one line in, so that is a limitation.
SONOS vs BOSE
Bose is a popular brand and is widely known as a company having the ‘best sound’. While their marketing is top-notch, their products lack a few key features – the first and most important being the inability to play music without distortion at high volumes.
PLAY:1 and SoundTouch 10 are in the same price range, and if you want to make a better investment we advise getting the PLAY:1. It’s way better, more reliable and well-built.
Sonos’ speakers have an exceptional design and blend seamlessly with interior aesthetics. The PLAY:1 is no exception and is an object of beauty in itself.
If you’re willing to invest a little more, consider getting a pair of PLAY:1 speakers. That’s when the full potential of Sonos is unlocked.
If you already own the Bose speaker, adding another SoundTouch is something to explore. Pairing Bose speakers will enhance the sound experience.
The Bose speaker can certainly pump out a bit more volume than the Sonos, but you do get a little more clarity with the Sonos. The Sonos is an inch deeper than the Bose too, and this seems to be reflected in the audio quality, making the bass that little bit deeper, with slightly richer tones than the Bose.
The difference is subtle and you’d only really notice it if you were comparing them side by side but the Sonos does score slightly higher than the Bose when it comes to sound quality – that said, the Sonos is a bit more expensive.
