Best Soundbars 2026: Sonos Beam vs Bose Soundbar 1700

Are you looking to elevate your home entertainment experience with a premium soundbar? The market is flooded with options, but the battle between the Sonos Beam Gen 3 and the Bose Soundbar 1700 has become particularly fierce. In this head-to-head comparison, this guide dives deep into the features, setup process, daily use scenarios, and overall value of these two top-tier soundbars to help you decide which one is truly worth it in 2026.

Product Overview

Sonos Beam Gen 3

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Display: None (compact design)
• Features: Dolby Atmos, Voice Control via Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
• Price: ~$499
• Key Features:
• Compact and versatile for larger rooms
• Advanced Dolby Atmos support
• Easy voice control integration with popular assistants

Bose Soundbar 1700

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, Optical
• Display: None (slim design)
• Features: Clear Media Technology, Sonic Max processing, Voice Control via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
• Price: ~$549
• Key Features:
• Excellent sound clarity with Clear Media Technology
• Advanced Sonic Max processing for rich audio
• Streamlined voice control integration

Setup Experience

Setting up the Sonos Beam Gen 3 is a breeze, thanks to its compact design and smooth integration. The process takes around 15 minutes and requires downloading the Sonos app from the App Store or Google Play. Once installed, connecting it to your Wi-Fi network is straightforward, and you can start enjoying high-quality sound almost immediately.

In contrast, setting up the Bose Soundbar 1700 involves a slightly longer setup process due to its more extensive feature set. It took approximately 20 minutes to complete the setup, which included downloading the Bose Home App for voice control integration and adjusting settings via HDMI ARC or optical connections.

Daily Use Experience

Scenario 1: Morning Wake-Up Call

Sonos Beam Gen 3: You wake up early one morning and say, “Alexa, play news headlines.” The Sonos Beam quickly wakes up and starts playing the morning news. The sound quality is crisp and clear, with good bass response that doesn’t overpower the room.

Bose Soundbar 1700: Similarly, you can use your voice to start the day with Boses Clear Media Technology. However, it takes a bit longer for the soundbar to recognize your command due to its more complex processing steps. The audio quality is top-notch, offering a balanced mix of clarity and richness.

Scenario 2: Movie Night

Sonos Beam Gen 3: During movie night, you decide to immerse yourself in the action with Dolby Atmos support. Placing the soundbar at one end of your living room and the subwoofer at the other creates an impressive surround sound effect. The dialogue is clear, and the overall audio experience is quite engaging.

Bose Soundbar 1700: For movie nights, Boses Sonic Max processing ensures that every scene sounds balanced and detailed. While it doesn’t offer Dolby Atmos support out of the box, its Clear Media Technology enhances clarity during dialogues, making for a smooth viewing experience.

What Competitors Do Better

One area where competitors excel is in battery life. For instance, the Samsung HW-Q90T offers longer battery life and more robust connectivity options through USB-C charging. It also supports more advanced voice control integrations with Google Assistant and Alexa.

Additionally, the JBL Bar 5.1 offers strong sound quality at a lower price point, making it a compelling choice for those looking to save money while still enjoying high-quality audio.

Pros and Cons

Sonos Beam Gen 3

• Pros:

• Standout voice control integration via Alexa and Google Assistant.

• Compact design makes it versatile for larger rooms.

• Good sound quality with Dolby Atmos support.

• Cons:

• Slightly higher price point compared to some competitors.

• Limited connectivity options (only Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).

Bose Soundbar 1700

• Pros:

• Clear Media Technology and Sonic Max processing for superior audio clarity.

• Comprehensive voice control integration with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

• Streamlined setup process.

• Cons:

• Slightly higher price than the Sonos Beam Gen 3.

• No built-in display, which can be a drawback in some scenarios.

The Verdict

Which One to Buy

Based on the detailed analysis, here are your options:

For Voice Control Enthusiasts and Budget-Conscious Buyers:

• Sonos Beam Gen 3 is the clear choice. Its compact design and reliable voice control integration via popular assistants make it a great value for those prioritizing ease of use.

For Audio Quality Lovers and Comprehensive Features:

• Bose Soundbar 1700 offers superior audio clarity with Clear Media Technology and Sonic Max processing. If you are willing to spend a bit more, this soundbar delivers a richer listening experience across various scenarios.

Comparison Table

FAQ

Q: Which soundbar offers better voice control?

A: The Sonos Beam Gen 3 excels in voice control with support for Alexa and Google Assistant, while the Bose Soundbar 1700 also supports these assistants but has a slightly longer setup process.

Q: Are there any battery life concerns?

A: Both soundbars are powered via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and do not have built-in batteries. The Sonos Beam Gen 3 is more compact, whereas the Bose Soundbar 1700 offers Clear Media Technology for enhanced audio clarity.

Q: Which one would be better for gaming?

A: For gaming, both soundbars offer solid performance, but the Sonos Beam Gen 3 might be a safer choice due to its voice control features and more straightforward setup process. However, the Bose Soundbar 1700’s Clear Media Technology could provide an edge in clarity during gameplay.

Also on Cydon Says

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• Top 5 Smart Home Devices You Should Get in 2026
• How to Set Up Your Home Audio System for the top Experience