Looking to upgrade your home theater audio with a Bose soundbar but not sure whether to choose the 300 or 600 model?
This comprehensive guide examines the key differences between the Bose Soundbar 300 and 600 to help you decide which is better suited for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specs | Bose Soundbar 300 | Bose Soundbar 600 |
| Price | $249 | $499 |
| Speakers | 4 full-range drivers | 4 full-range drivers, 1 center tweeter |
| Surround Sound | Stereo | PhaseGuide virtual surround |
| Dimensions | 2.25 x 25.63 x 4.25 in | 2.28 x 32.05 x 4.05 in |
| Sound Quality | Very good | Excellent |
| Audio Technologies | PhaseGuide | PhaseGuide, QuietPort |
| Voice Assistant | No | Alexa & Google Assistant built-in |
| Bluetooth Streaming | Yes | Yes |
| Inputs | 1 HDMI ARC, Optical, AUX | 1 HDMI ARC, Optical, AUX |
| Wall Mountable | Yes | Yes |
Overview Of The Bose Soundbar 300
The Bose Soundbar 300 is an entry-level soundbar designed to deliver clear audio and deep bass for TV, movies, and music. Despite its compact size measuring only 2.25 inches tall, the soundbar houses four full-range drivers aimed at reflecting audio off walls to create a wider soundstage.
Some key features of the Bose Soundbar 300 include:
- Sleek and minimalist design looks great mounted below any TV
- Four full-range drivers provide detailed sound with punchy bass -proprietary Bose PhaseGuide technology widens the soundstage
- Built-in Bluetooth for wireless music streaming
- HDMI ARC connectivity for one-cable setup
- Voice assistant integration with Alexa and Google Assistant
- ADAPTiQ audio calibration tunes sound to your room
With a current retail price of $249, the Bose Soundbar 300 delivers strong value for a compact yet powerful audio upgrade. The streamlined design blends into any living room decor while providing audio quality far beyond most TV speakers.
Overview Of The Bose Soundbar 600
As a step up from the 300, the Bose Soundbar 600 adds more robust surround sound capabilities for a more immersive audio experience. The soundbar contains four full-range drivers plus a central dome tweeter to add clarity to dialogue in TV shows and movies.
Here are some of the main highlights of the Soundbar 600:
- Slim 2.2-inch tall profile fits neatly under TV
- Five speaker drivers including a central tweeter
- Four beamforming mid-range transducers project sound at angles
- PhaseGuide and QuietPort technology provide surround sound
- Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control
- HDMI ARC and optical input for TV connectivity
- ADAPTiQ audio calibration customizes sound
- Bluetooth streaming from mobile devices
Priced at $499, the Soundbar 600 costs twice as much as the 300 model but adds more advanced audio technologies for simulated 3D sound effects. The angled side speakers help create a wider, more cinematic listening experience.
Also Read: Comparison Between the 600 and 700
Sound Quality Comparison
When it comes to audio performance, the Soundbar 600 edges out the 300 with its additional center tweeter and side-firing transducers. While both models can fill a room with clear, robust TV and movie sound, the 600 creates a larger soundstage with better channel separation.
The four mid-range drivers on the Soundbar 600 use Bose’s PhaseGuide technology to bounce audio off walls at different angles, surrounding the listener with sound. Voices and dialogue come through clearer thanks to the dedicated center tweeter.
For music listening, both soundbars provide rich bass and detailed stereo separation. However, the Soundbar 600 recreates a more spacious, concert-like sound thanks to its angled side speakers. The Soundbar 300 still sounds great, but has a slightly more compressed soundstage.
So for larger living rooms or home theater setups, the Soundbar 600’s wider sound projection gives it the edge. But for smaller spaces like bedrooms or apartments, the 300 has enough power to fill the room.
Also Read: Comparison Between Altec Lansing And JBL
Ease Of Setup And Use
Both Bose soundbar models are designed for quick and simple setup either mounted below a TV or placed on a credenza. They include all necessary cables in the box and have the same ports on the back panel – one HDMI ARC, one optical audio, and an AUX input.
Connecting to a TV takes just a single HDMI cable between the soundbar and TV’s ARC port. Both models also support one-touch Bluetooth pairing for streaming music from any smartphone or tablet.
The SoundTouch 300 and 600 can be controlled manually using the top panel buttons or Bose Music app. The 600 adds built-in voice assistants – Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant – for hands-free voice control and smart home integration.
Overall, the streamlined connectivity and control options make both soundbars equally straightforward to install and operate daily. But the 600 gives you the bonus of controlling music, volume, playback, and smart devices using just your voice.
Also watch the video!
Design Aesthetic
Visually, the Soundbar 300 and 600 share a similar minimalist style with metal grille wraps and glass tops. Both soundbars measure only 2.25 inches tall – short enough to tuck discreetly beneath most TVs. without blocking the screen.
The Soundbar 300 has a rectangular shape with rounded edges on the side. The Soundbar 600 takes on a more angular trapezoid shape and adds stainless steel end caps.
With their low profiles and neutral black coloring, the soundbars integrate almost invisibly into any living room or home theater setup. Neither model calls much attention to itself visually, keeping the focus on the TV screen while providing audio enhancement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Soundbar 600 is better overall thanks to its dedicated center tweeter and side-firing transducers that create a wider, more immersive soundstage. But the 300 can be a great option for smaller rooms where surround sound isn’t as necessary.
Yes, the Bose Soundbar 300 is worth buying if you want to upgrade TV audio on a budget. It delivers powerful, clear sound in a compact package for just $249. The four full-range drivers fill small to mid-sized rooms with quality audio.
The Soundbar 500 adds wireless surround speakers for full 5.1 channel home theater sound. It also includes a subwoofer for more powerful bass. The 300 lacks surround speakers and subwoofer but costs significantly less.
Yes, the Bose Soundbar 700 is a higher-end model above the 300. Key upgrades include virtual Dolby Atmos surround sound, an ultra-slim profile, and integrated voice assistants. But it also costs nearly double the price of the 300.
Also Read: Differences Between JBL PartyBox 300 And 310.
The Verdict
So which Bose soundbar reigns supreme – the 300 or 600? Here are a few key factors to help you choose the right model for your home theater needs and budget:
- Room size – The Soundbar 600 is better suited for large living rooms or media rooms where its wider sound projection can fill the entire space. The 300 has enough power for smaller rooms under 300 sq. ft.
- Surround sound – The Soundbar 600 creates a more immersive 3D audio experience thanks to side-firing speakers and PhaseGuide technology. Go with the 300 for basic stereo TV and music sound.
- Dialogue clarity – The center tweeter on the 600 makes voices and dialogue stand out clearly and crisply. The 300 lacks a dedicated center channel.
- Features – Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant give the 600 voice control capabilities lacking on the 300. Both have Bluetooth music streaming.
- Budget – The Soundbar 300 costs $249, while the 600 runs $499. The 300 provides great value for entry-level TV audio at half the price.
Overall, the Bose Soundbar 600 is the better choice if you have a large room and $500 budget. But for smaller spaces or if you want to spend under $300, the Soundbar 300 packs a serious audio punch in a compact package.
Whichever you choose, Bose soundbars provide a major upgrade over plain TV speakers. Just be sure to select the right model based on room size, audio features, and budget. Your shows, movies, and music will sound better than ever.
