When it comes to small-room home audio in 2025, two standout contenders dominate the conversation — the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and the Bose Smart Soundbar 600. Both offer immersive Dolby Atmos sound, elegant modern designs, and built-in voice assistants, making them top choices for compact living spaces. However, choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal preferences and setup needs. In this Beam Gen 2 or Bose Smart 600 comparison, we’ll explore how each model performs in clarity, bass response, and smart integration to help you pick the best match for your space.
Furthermore, we’ll dive deeper into their design, sound performance, voice control, and room adaptability — outlining key strengths and trade-offs — so you can confidently decide which soundbar truly deserves a place beneath your TV.
Feature Comparison: Design & Size
| 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 soundbars are beautifully compact, making them perfect for small entertainment setups or apartment-friendly furniture. However, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 takes a slight lead with its rounded edges, two elegant color options, and premium matte finish. Its design blends effortlessly into modern minimalist interiors, offering a balance of form and functionality that makes it ideal for both bedrooms and living rooms.
Beam Gen 2 or Bose Smart 600 comparison: Audio Performance
| Feature | Beam Gen 2 | Bose Smart Soundbar 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: The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 takes the edge in larger spaces with its true up-firing drivers, producing tangible height effects and cinematic immersion. However, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 remains remarkably capable in small rooms, using reflected virtual Atmos processing to create a wide, balanced soundstage — ideal for apartments or bedrooms.
Feature Comparison: Smart Assistant & Connectivity
| Feature | Beam Gen 2 | Bose Smart Soundbar 600 |
|---|---|---|
| Alexa Built-in | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Google Assistant Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Apple AirPlay 2 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Multi-room Streaming | ✅ Sonos ecosystem | ✅ Bose Music App |
| Voice Control Accuracy | Excellent | Great |
Verdict: Both soundbars deliver seamless smart home integration, supporting Alexa, Google Assistant, and AirPlay 2 right out of the box. However, the Beam Gen 2 has a slight advantage thanks to the Sonos ecosystem’s mature multi-room streaming and routine compatibility, making it a better fit for users already invested in smart audio networks.
Feature Comparison: Setup & Expandability
| Feature | Sonos Beam Gen 2 | Bose Smart Soundbar 600 |
|---|---|---|
| App Setup | Sonos app + Trueplay room tuning (iOS only) | Bose Music app with guided setup |
| Connections | HDMI eARC or optical (adapter included) | HDMI eARC and optical |
| Add-On Options | Rear Sonos One speakers + Sub (wireless) | Bose Bass Module + surround speakers |
| Expandability | Excellent — scalable Sonos ecosystem | Good — limited to Bose ecosystem |
Verdict:
Both soundbars are remarkably easy to install, but the Sonos Beam Gen 2 stands out for its ecosystem flexibility and Trueplay room-tuning technology. While Bose offers a smooth guided setup, Sonos provides a more future-ready platform, making it ideal for users who plan to expand their audio system with wireless surrounds or additional speakers over time. In this setup category, the Beam Gen 2 clearly earns the edge.
Pricing & Accessories Overview
| Model | Price (2025) | Included Accessories |
|---|---|---|
| Sonos Beam Gen 2 | ~$449 | Power cable, HDMI cable |
| Bose Smart Soundbar 600 | ~$499 | Power cable, HDMI + optical cable |
Verdict:
While both soundbars deliver excellent Dolby Atmos performance and premium craftsmanship, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 provides greater overall value. Its slightly lower price point, sleek minimalist design, and seamless Sonos ecosystem integration make it the more future-proof choice for users seeking a compact yet intelligent home audio solution. In terms of long-term investment and usability, the Beam Gen 2 wins this round.
Beam Gen 2 or Bose Smart 600 comparison: Final Verdict
✅ Choose the Sonos Beam Gen 2 if you:
Have a smaller room (under 250 sq ft) and need balanced, room-filling sound.
Want easy expansion with additional Sonos speakers and subs.
Prefer strong voice control, AirPlay 2, and the intuitive Sonos app.
Like sleek, minimalist aesthetics with multiple color options (black or white).
✅ Choose the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 if you:
Prefer true up-firing Dolby Atmos drivers for authentic height effects.
Want slightly deeper bass performance right out of the box.
Already use Bose devices or rely on the Bose Music App for control and multiroom playback.
Verdict: Both are premium compact soundbars, but the Beam Gen 2 excels in versatility and ecosystem growth, while the Bose 600 wins for immersive height effects and plug-and-play cinematic sound.
