When it comes to small-room home audio, two compact Dolby Atmos soundbars stand out in 2025 — the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and the Bose Smart Soundbar 600. Both deliver spatial audio, smart voice control, and clean design, but which one offers the best overall value and performance for apartments, bedrooms, or dens?
In this post, we’ll compare these two side-by-side across design, sound quality, smart features, and room adaptability.
Design & Build for Small Rooms
| Feature | Sonos Beam Gen 2 | Bose Smart Soundbar 600 |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 25.6″ | 27.3″ |
| Height | 2.7″ | 2.2″ |
| Mountable | ✅ Yes (separate bracket) | ✅ Yes |
| Colors | Black, White | Black only |
Verdict: Both are compact enough for tight TV stands or wall mounts. Beam wins slightly for color options and more rounded aesthetics.
Sound Performance
| Feature | Beam Gen 2 | Bose 600 |
| Dolby Atmos | Virtual via psychoacoustics | True up-firing drivers |
| Soundstage Width | Wide, room-filling | Immersive with vertical lift |
| Voice Enhancement | ✅ Clear and balanced | ✅ Excellent clarity |
| Bass Response | Moderate (sub optional) | Slightly punchier |
Verdict: Bose has physical up-firing drivers, which can add realism in larger rooms. However, Beam’s virtual Atmos performs impressively in compact areas thanks to wall reflections.
Smart Features
| Feature | Beam Gen 2 | Bose Soundbar 600 |
| Alexa Built-in | ✅ | ✅ |
| Google Assistant Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| Apple AirPlay 2 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Multi-room Streaming | ✅ Sonos ecosystem | ✅ Bose Music App |
| Voice Control Accuracy | Excellent | Great |
Verdict: Both support voice commands and smart platforms. Beam benefits from broader Sonos ecosystem integration.
Setup & User Experience
Sonos Beam Gen 2:
Setup via Sonos app with Trueplay room tuning (iOS)
HDMI eARC or optical (with adapter)
Easily add rear Sonos One speakers and sub
Bose 600:
Bose Music app with guided setup
HDMI eARC and optical
Pairs with Bose Bass Module and surround speakers
Verdict: Both are easy to set up. Beam wins for expandability and long-term ecosystem growth.
Price and Value
| Model | Price (2025) | Included Accessories |
| Sonos Beam Gen 2 | ~$449 | Power cable, HDMI cable |
| Bose Soundbar 600 | ~$499 | Power cable, HDMI + optical |
Verdict: Beam offers slightly better value considering performance, design, and ecosystem benefits.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Choose Sonos Beam Gen 2 if you:
Have a smaller room (under 250 sq ft)
Want easy expansion with Sonos speakers
Prefer strong voice control and app support
Like subtle aesthetics and color choice
Choose Bose Smart Soundbar 600 if you:
Prefer true up-firing Dolby Atmos drivers
Want slightly stronger bass out of the box
Already use Bose devices and the Music App
