Sonos Beam vs Bose Soundbar 700: UK Comparison 2026
Updated 2026-06-12
UK soundbar shoppers often face a choice between Sonos Beam (Gen 2) and Bose Smart Soundbar 700. Sonos brings compact design, smart home integration, and affordability, while Bose delivers premium sound quality and larger presence. This comparison helps UK buyers decide based on room size, audio priorities, and budget. Both support major UK streaming services and integrate with smart home ecosystems. The key difference: Sonos suits apartment dwellers and value seekers, while Bose appeals to those prioritising raw sound quality.
Sonos
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
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Bose
Bose Smart Soundbar 700
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Specs Comparison
| Spec | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Bose Smart Soundbar 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 65cm × 6.5cm × 10.5cm | 68.5cm × 5cm × 9cm |
| Weight | 1.4kg | 1.5kg |
| Channels | 5 drivers (built-in subwoofer) | — |
| Power Output | 40W RMS | 70W peak |
| Smart Assistant | Amazon Alexa built-in | — |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6, HDMI eARC, Optical, USB-C | WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, HDMI eARC, Optical, USB |
| Surround Expansion | Yes (add Sonos One speakers) | Limited (Bose Bass Module + Wireless Surround Speakers sold separately) |
| Driver Count | — | 9 drivers with active centre channel |
| Smart Assistants | — | Amazon Alexa + Google Assistant |
Pros & Cons
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Pros
- Compact footprint, fits smaller spaces and under wall-mounted TVs
- Excellent smart home integration with Alexa and Apple HomeKit support
- WiFi 6 and app control offers seamless multi-room audio
- Expandable ecosystem: add surrounds, subwoofer, or rear speakers
- Crisp dialogue and clear mid-range, ideal for TV and streaming
Cons
- Bass output is modest without pairing with Sonos Sub
- Pricier than some 2.0 competitors when expanding with accessories
- WiFi-only (no Bluetooth), requires home network connection
Bose Smart Soundbar 700
Pros
- Deeper, fuller bass and more immersive soundstage for movies and music
- Dual voice assistant support (Alexa and Google) for UK smart homes
- Premium sound quality with advanced signal processing
- Excellent dialogue clarity with dedicated centre-channel drivers
- Bluetooth option for phone audio or portable use
Cons
- Higher price point (£200+ more than Sonos Beam)
- Less compact; requires more shelf or TV stand space
- Surround speaker ecosystem is limited compared to Sonos
- Older design (2020), lacks WiFi 6 and latest codec support
- Setup is more rigid; less flexible expansion options
Our Verdict
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) wins for most UK buyers due to better value, compact design, and seamless smart home integration. Bose 700 suits those with larger rooms and a strong focus on audio quality over features. Budget is your decision maker.
Best for Budget
Bose Smart Soundbar 700
Best for Features
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
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