The world of soundbars has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years, with top brands like Sonos and Bose pushing the boundaries of innovation and quality. Two of the most popular soundbars on the market, the Sonos Arc and Bose 700, have garnered immense attention from audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike. But which one is the best? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the features, design, audio quality, and overall performance of these two soundbars to help you make an informed decision.
A Design Comparison: Sleek and Sophisticated vs Minimalist Chic
The first thing that catches the eye is the design of these soundbars. The Sonos Arc boasts a sleek and sophisticated design, with a curved shape that complements any modern living room setup. The Arc’s stainless steel grille gives it a premium look, while the matte finish on the top and bottom adds a touch of elegance. At 45 inches wide and 4.5 inches tall, the Arc is a statement piece that demands attention.
On the other hand, the Bose 700 takes a more minimalist approach. With a slim profile and a sturdy glass top, the 700 exudes a sense of understated sophistication. The soundbar’s grille is made of metal, but it’s more discreet than the Arc’s, giving the 700 a more streamlined look. Measuring 43.8 inches wide and 2.6 inches tall, the 700 is slightly smaller than the Arc but still packs a punch in terms of design.
Audio Quality: Immersive Sound vs Precise Performance
Now, let’s talk about the most critical aspect of any soundbar: audio quality. The Sonos Arc is designed to provide an immersive audio experience, with 11 high-performance drivers and a dedicated subwoofer that produces deep bass notes. The Arc’s audio is characterized by clear dialogue, precise instrumental reproduction, and an expansive soundstage that envelops the listener. The Arc also supports Dolby Atmos and TrueHD, making it an excellent choice for movie nights.
The Bose 700, on the other hand, focuses on precise performance. With six transducers, including two tweeters and four woofers, the 700 delivers crystal-clear sound with exceptional detail. The soundbar’s bass response is punchy but not overpowering, making it suitable for music lovers who prefer a more balanced audio experience. The 700 also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, but its implementation is not as seamless as the Arc’s.
Dialogue Clarity: Which Soundbar Wins?
One of the most critical aspects of soundbar performance is dialogue clarity. In this regard, the Sonos Arc takes the lead. With its dedicated center channel speaker, the Arc ensures that dialogue is crisp and clear, even at low volumes. The Arc’s ability to separate dialogue from background noise is impressive, making it an excellent choice for viewers who struggle to hear conversations in their favorite TV shows and movies.
The Bose 700, while capable of producing clear dialogue, doesn’t quite match the Arc’s performance in this regard. However, the 700’s dialogue mode, which adjusts the soundbar’s EQ to emphasize vocal frequencies, helps to improve dialogue clarity. Still, the Arc’s dedicated center channel speaker gives it a slight edge in this department.
Bass Response: Do You Need a Separate Subwoofer?
Bass response is another critical aspect of soundbar performance. The Sonos Arc’s dedicated subwoofer produces deep, rumbling bass notes that add depth and presence to movie soundtracks and music. While the Arc’s subwoofer is not as powerful as some standalone subs, it’s more than sufficient for most listeners.
The Bose 700, on the other hand, relies on its internal woofers to produce bass. While the 700’s bass response is punchy and well-controlled, it may not be enough for bass enthusiasts. If you want to add more oomph to your sound system, you may need to invest in a separate subwoofer.
Smart Features: Voice Assistants and Multi-Room Audio
In today’s smart homes, voice assistants and multi-room audio capabilities are essential features. The Sonos Arc supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control the soundbar with voice commands. The Arc also integrates seamlessly with other Sonos speakers, enabling you to create a whole-home audio system.
The Bose 700 also supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but its implementation is not as seamless as the Arc’s. The 700’s multi-room audio capabilities are also limited compared to the Arc’s, with fewer compatible speakers and a less intuitive setup process.
Setup and Connectivity: Easy Peasy vs A Few Hiccups
Setting up the Sonos Arc is a breeze, thanks to the Sonos app’s intuitive interface and guided setup process. The Arc connects to your TV via HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), ensuring a seamless audio experience.
The Bose 700’s setup process is not as smooth, with some users reporting issues with HDMI connectivity and app integration. However, once you’ve overcome these initial hurdles, the 700’s connectivity options are impressive, with support for HDMI, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
Pricing and Value: Which Soundbar Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck?
The Sonos Arc is priced at around $799, while the Bose 700 costs around $549. While both soundbars offer excellent performance, the Arc’s higher price tag is justified by its more comprehensive feature set, including a dedicated subwoofer and more seamless multi-room audio capabilities.
That being said, the Bose 700 offers excellent value for its price, with a more affordable entry point into the world of high-quality soundbars. If you’re on a budget, the 700 is an excellent choice, but if you’re willing to invest in a more premium soundbar experience, the Arc is the better option.
| Feature | Sonos Arc | Bose 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Sleek and sophisticated, curved shape, stainless steel grille | Minimalist, slim profile, glass top, metal grille |
| Audio Quality | Immersive sound, clear dialogue, deep bass, supports Dolby Atmos and TrueHD | Precise performance, clear dialogue, punchy bass, supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X |
| Smart Features | Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support, seamless multi-room audio integration | Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support, limited multi-room audio capabilities |
| Pricing | $799 | $549 |
Conclusion: The Verdict is In
In the end, the choice between the Sonos Arc and Bose 700 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for an immersive audio experience with deep bass and a more comprehensive feature set, the Sonos Arc is the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget and want a high-quality soundbar with excellent performance, the Bose 700 is an excellent option.
Ultimately, the Sonos Arc takes the crown as the best soundbar for its category, thanks to its superior audio quality, sleek design, and seamless smart features.
But don’t just take our word for it – listen to both soundbars and decide which one resonates with you. Happy shopping!
What is the main difference between Sonos Arc and Bose 700?
The main difference between Sonos Arc and Bose 700 lies in their design and approach to sound quality. Sonos Arc is a sleek and compact soundbar that focuses on delivering a more immersive and cinematic sound experience. It features 11 drivers, including two upward-firing drivers that bounce sound off the ceiling to create a sense of height. On the other hand, Bose 700 is a more traditional soundbar with a wider and taller design, featuring six drivers that focus on producing clear and balanced sound.
While both soundbars are designed to provide high-quality sound, they cater to different preferences. Sonos Arc is ideal for those who want a more immersive experience with a stronger emphasis on bass and surround sound. Bose 700, on the other hand, is better suited for those who prioritize clear and balanced sound with a stronger focus on dialogue and vocal clarity.
Which soundbar has better bass response?
The Sonos Arc has a more impressive bass response compared to the Bose 700. This is due to its unique design, which features two upward-firing drivers that help to create a sense of bass that seems to come from below. Additionally, the Arc’s bass is more pronounced and rumbling, making it ideal for action movies and music with heavy basslines.
That being said, the Bose 700 is not lacking in the bass department. It still produces a respectable amount of low-end frequency, especially when paired with the optional bass module. However, the bass response is not as dramatic or immersive as the Sonos Arc. If bass is a top priority, the Sonos Arc is the clear winner.
Can I use either soundbar with my TV’s built-in streaming apps?
Yes, both the Sonos Arc and Bose 700 can be used with your TV’s built-in streaming apps. Both soundbars support HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), which allow them to seamlessly integrate with your TV and access built-in streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and more.
However, it’s worth noting that the Sonos Arc has a more comprehensive range of integrations with popular streaming services, including Apple TV+, Disney+, and Hulu. The Arc also supports Apple’s AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast, making it easier to stream content from your devices to the soundbar.
Which soundbar has better voice assistant integration?
The Sonos Arc has better voice assistant integration compared to the Bose 700. The Arc supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to use voice commands to control the soundbar, access music, and more. Additionally, the Arc is compatible with Apple’s Siri, although this requires an iPhone or iPad.
The Bose 700, on the other hand, only supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant through a separate smart speaker or device. While it’s still possible to use voice commands to control the soundbar, the integration is not as seamless or comprehensive as the Sonos Arc.
Can I add rear speakers to either soundbar?
Yes, both the Sonos Arc and Bose 700 allow you to add rear speakers to create a more immersive surround sound experience. The Sonos Arc is compatible with the Sonos One surround speakers, which can be wirelessly connected to the soundbar to create a 5.1 surround sound system.
The Bose 700, on the other hand, is compatible with the Bose Surround Speakers, which can be wired or wirelessly connected to the soundbar to create a more immersive surround sound experience. Both soundbars also support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which allow for a more immersive audio experience.
Which soundbar is more expensive?
The Sonos Arc is generally more expensive than the Bose 700. The Arc typically retails for around $799, while the Bose 700 typically retails for around $699. However, it’s worth noting that prices can vary depending on the region and retailer.
That being said, the Sonos Arc often comes with additional features and integrations that may justify the higher price point. For example, the Arc’s immersive sound experience, seamless voice assistant integration, and comprehensive range of integrations with popular streaming services may make it a better value for those who prioritize a premium sound experience.
Which soundbar is better for music listening?
The Bose 700 is generally better suited for music listening due to its clear and balanced sound signature. The 700’s sound is more neutral and accurate, making it ideal for music genres that require a more precise sound, such as jazz or classical.
The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, has a more dramatic and immersive sound signature that is better suited for action movies and cinematic experiences. While it can still produce great sound for music, the Arc’s sound may be too bass-heavy or dramatic for some listeners’ tastes. However, the Arc’s ability to support Apple’s AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast makes it a great option for those who want to stream music from their devices.