• Compact and sleek design fits most TV setups
• TrueSpace technology enhances non-Atmos content
• A.I. Dialogue Mode improves vocal clarity
• Multiple streaming options (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2)
• Built-in Alexa voice assistant
• Impressive sound quality for its size
• Simple setup process

Cons ❌

• Limited Dolby format support compared to 600
• Bass response could be stronger
• No HDMI cable included
• Fewer connectivity options than the 600
• No advanced Voice4Video feature
• Still relatively expensive for its class

Bose Soundbar 600

Pros ✅

• Enhanced Dolby format support (Atmos, Digital, TrueHD, Digital Plus)
• Voice4Video technology for expanded TV control
• SimpleSync connectivity for better ecosystem integration
• More physical ports and connection options
• Includes both HDMI and optical cables
• Available in refurbished options at lower price points
• Slightly better spatial audio performance

Cons ❌

• Higher price point than the 550
• Similar physical size and driver configuration to the 550
• Still benefits from additional subwoofer (sold separately)
• Wi-Fi connectivity issues reported by some users
• Occasional voice command delays
• No significant improvement in bass response over 550

Comparison Description

Bose Soundbar 550 vs 600 Which Best for your home entertainment setup, there are some significant differences that emerge which might influence your decision.

Design & Build Quality

Both soundbars share virtually the same dimensions and weight, both featuring quality materials and black finishes. The aesthetic divergence is minor, with the 600 having a marginally more advanced wraparound metal grille than the 550. Both maintain Bose’s minimalist design that fits most TV installations.

Audio Performance

While both the soundbars come with 5 transducers including 2 upward-firing drivers for surround sound, the Soundbar 600 has an advantage with broader support for Dolby formats. Beyond the usual Dolby Atmos that comes with the 550, the 600 includes compatibility with Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Digital Plus formats. Broader format support makes the 600 more versatile with various audio sources.

Smart Features

The Soundbar 600 has Voice4Video technology, a complete upgrade over the standard Alexa integration on the 550. This premium feature allows users to command not only the soundbar but also the TV, cable box, or satellite receiver with voice instructions. The SimpleSync connectivity on the 600 enhances integration with other Bose products as well.

Connectivity

Both soundbars provide the same wireless connectivity features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast built-in. The Soundbar 600, however, has more physical connection features such as a separate port for a wired bass module and an IR blaster. The 600 also comes with an HDMI cable in the box, which the 550 does not.

Value Proposition

Bose Soundbar 550 vs 600 What Best question frequently hinges on price vs. features. The 600 introduces a premium of about $50-100 over the 550, but with additional audio format compatibility, more connections, and Voice4Video. Those on a budget do have an option to acquire refurbished versions of Soundbar 600 that provide a means to have these enhanced features at a cost nearest the new 550.

While both the soundbars offer excellent audio experiences, the 600 is the upgrade from the 550 with smart modifications that may be worth the cost difference for most users. But for those who only consume content without complicated Dolby formats, the 550 will be more than adequate and within their budget.

Final Verdict

After a detailed comparison of both models in our Bose Soundbar 550 vs 600 Which Best review, we’ve made a decision based on performance, features, and cost.

The Bose Soundbar 550 remains an excellent choice for buyers looking for a high-quality, compact soundbar with Dolby Atmos support. Its TrueSpace and A.I. Dialogue Mode provide excellent sound for general TV viewing, and their onboard smart functions suit most purposes. If your budget is just a little smaller and you can live without having the most advanced in audio file support or voice control capabilities, the 550 is a good purchase for your home audio equipment.

The Bose Soundbar 600, however, becomes our top pick for most consumers who can pay its high price point. The additional support for Dolby formats, Voice4Video, and additional connection options make it more future-proof and capable. For consumers who appreciate staying current with new features and providing the most choices, the 600 is worth its high cost with value-added enhancements in the overall consumer experience.

Budget-strapped, yet wanting the better, newer functionality of the 600, one gets a viable compromise in the refurbished model that comes close to all the benefits of the new one at a price that approaches that of the 550.

In Bose Soundbar 550 vs 600 Which Best, both are true to Bose’s brand of quality sound devices. Your individual needs with regard to audio codecs, smarts, and prices will end up being the deciding factor in selecting which soundbar is a good fit within your entertainment setup. Either of them, both models deliver exemplary quality sounds that seriously enhance your viewing and enjoyment experience of favorite shows.

In choosing Bose Soundbar 550 vs 600 which Best meets your requirements, consider not just the initial cost differential but how your viewing patterns will evolve over the next two or three years. The extra features on the 600 will be worth the additional money if streaming services continue to enhance their audio options and smart home technology plays an increasingly important role in modern setups.

Comparison:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bose Soundbar 600 worth the added expense over the 550?

For most users, the Bose Soundbar 600 is worth the additional expense with expanded Dolby format support (Dolby Digital, TrueHD, and Digital Plus), the new voice technology Voice4Video for voice control of your TV system, and more connectivity options. If you are an enthusiast of films and need the up-to-date audio codecs or prefer smart home integration with the latest features, the upgrade is justified. But if you watch mostly normal TV shows and do not require the additional voice control options, the Soundbar 550 is still capable of producing great sound quality at a lower price.

Can I connect extra speakers to both the Soundbar 550 and 600 models?

Yes, both the Bose Soundbar 550 and 600 are part of Bose’s ecosystem and can be expanded with additional speakers. You can have a Bose Bass Module (subwoofer) for added low-end performance and Bose Surround Speakers for a more full surround sound experience. The Soundbar 600 features a dedicated wired bass module port, and both models have wireless connectivity with compatible Bose speakers. This is a modular approach where you begin with the soundbar and work your way toward a more integrated home theater setup over time.

How are the Dolby Atmos performances compared between these two soundbars?

Both the Soundbar 550 and 600 are Dolby Atmos capable and have identical physical configurations with 5 transducers with 2 upward-firing drivers to achieve height effects. Still, the Soundbar 600 typically offers a marginally more polished Atmos experience due to enhanced audio processing and wider format support. That said, the distinction isn’t radical, and both offer excellent spatial audio given their small frames. The actual Atmos performance also heavily relies on your room’s acoustics, such as ceiling height and material, as this determines how effectively the upward-firing speakers produce overhead sound effects.

Do I need a special TV to be able to utilize all of the features of these soundbars?

To be able to use all of the features of either soundbar, a TV that has HDMI-ARC or eARC connection is ideal. This makes it easy to connect and control your TV and soundbar. To work with Dolby Atmos content, your streaming device or TV must have Atmos output support. The Voice4Video feature on the Soundbar 600 is compatible with most contemporary TVs and cable/satellite boxes, although compatibility will differ. The minimum functionality of each soundbar will work with any TV that contains an HDMI or optical audio output. Keep in mind that the Soundbar 600 comes with both HDMI and optical cables, whereas the 550 only has an optical cable.

Which soundbar is better at voice assistant integration?

Whereas both soundbars incorporate Amazon Alexa into them, the Soundbar 600 also comes with an upgraded voice control experience through Voice4Video. You can actually command not only the soundbar itself but even your TV as well as any devices connected thereto such as cable boxes just through voice prompts. For instance, you need not use your remote anymore while telling Alexa things like “Turn on the TV” or “Switch to channel 7.” The Soundbar 550 has standard Alexa functionality for command of the soundbar itself, listening to music, and overall voice assistant features, but without the additional TV control features of the 600 model.

How is the experience on the Bose Music app between the two models?

The experience on the Bose Music app is the same across the two models, since both utilize the same application. The app walks you through installation, lets you tweak settings, handle music sources, and play control. The Soundbar 600, though, has more settings options concerning its added features such as Voice4Video setup and other Dolby format settings. Both are enhanced by firmware updates provided via the app, so your soundbar can gain new features and enhancements over time. A few users mention that the app sometimes has connectivity problems, but this appears to happen to both models.

Will either soundbar sound good without the addition of a subwoofer?

Both the Soundbar 550 and 600 produce great sound quality for their small size, with well-balanced audio that plays dialogue, music, and effects clearly. But because of physical constraints of their thin profiles, neither delivers the deep, powerful bass that home theater buffs may crave. For light TV viewing and music listening, most users find the self-contained soundbars more than sufficient. For more cinematic use or bass-intensive music, supplementing with a Bose Bass Module would greatly improve low-end performance. If you care about deep bass but you’re not ready to commit to both the soundbar and the subwoofer, both of these models are equal in this aspect.

How do Bose soundbars stack up against Sonos options?

Bose and Sonos are two high-end philosophies about home audio. Relative to similarly priced Sonos alternatives such as the Beam (Gen 2) or Arc, the Bose soundbars have a tendency to provide greater initial clarity and crunch, but Sonos tends to provide a slightly warmer sound character. The Bose products, including the 600, provide wider format support than the Sonos Beam, while the Sonos ecosystem is sometimes viewed as more adaptable for whole-house audio. The Bose Soundbar 600 is as good a match as the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) when it comes to features and performance, and the Sonos Arc (at a premium price point) has more drivers and arguably better Atmos performance than either of the Bose units.

Is there much difference in audio quality for music between the two units?

In terms of music playback, the difference between the Soundbar 550 and 600 is small but appreciable to ears with good discernment. The Soundbar 600 tends to create slightly more pinpoint highs and a wider soundstage due to its enhanced audio processing. Both perform nicely with stereo music and can use their TrueSpace technology to create a wider, more enveloping presentation of stereo material. For general music listening while otherwise occupied, the differences won’t be worth the price differential. But for deep listening sessions, the Soundbar 600’s improvements come more to the forefront, especially with higher-end streaming inputs.

How do power consumption between these soundbars differ?

The Soundbar 550 and Soundbar 600 are both reasonably energy-frugal compared to big home theater setups. The Soundbar 550 has a rated power of 1W RMS with 12W peak, whereas Bose does not release detailed power consumption values for the 600. In real-world usage, there is little variation in energy consumption between the two units. Both have power-saving features that cut consumption when not actively used. Should efficiency be a worry, either choice is a cleaner option than the conventional multi-speaker surround sound system, though the edge there may be for the 550 based on what could be a lower power drain.