When it comes to premium soundbars, two names that often come to mind are Bose and Sonos. Both brands have a reputation for delivering top-notch audio quality, sleek designs, and seamless integration with your home entertainment system. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of soundbars and compare two of their flagship models: the Bose 700 and the Sonos Arc. Which one is better? Let’s find out.
The Design and Build Quality
Before we dive into the technical aspects, let’s talk about the design and build quality of both soundbars. The Bose 700 is a sleek and modern soundbar that measures 2.6 inches tall, 4.1 inches deep, and 43.3 inches wide. It’s made of high-quality glass and metal, giving it a premium feel that’s second to none. The soundbar is designed to sit discreetly in front of your TV, blending in with its surroundings without drawing attention away from the screen.
On the other hand, the Sonos Arc is a more futuristic-looking soundbar that’s slightly larger than the Bose 700, measuring 3.4 inches tall, 4.5 inches deep, and 45 inches wide. It’s made of a durable plastic material that’s weather-resistant and easy to clean. The Arc has a more angular design, with a raised center section that houses the tweeters and a wraparound grille that gives it a unique, high-tech look.
Winner: Bose 700
While both soundbars look and feel premium, the Bose 700 takes the cake with its sleek, minimalist design that’s sure to blend in with any living room décor.
Sound Quality
Now, onto the most important aspect of any soundbar: the sound quality. The Bose 700 features a unique engineering design that uses six transducers to deliver a wide, immersive soundstage. It has a dedicated center channel that helps to clarify dialogue and a bass module that adds depth to the sound. The soundbar also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, making it capable of delivering a truly cinematic experience.
The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, uses 11 amplifiers to power its 11 speaker drivers, including two tweeters, three mid-range woofers, and six bass radiators. It also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, as well as Sonos’ proprietary Trueplay tuning technology, which uses the soundbar’s microphones to optimize the sound quality based on the room’s acoustics.
Winner: Sonos Arc
While both soundbars deliver exceptional sound quality, the Sonos Arc takes the edge with its more advanced speaker design and proprietary Trueplay technology.
Smart Features and Connectivity
In today’s connected world, a soundbar’s smart features and connectivity options are just as important as its sound quality. The Bose 700 is equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity, making it easy to stream music from your phone or tablet. It also has built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control the soundbar with your voice. Additionally, the Bose 700 is compatible with the Bose Music app, which lets you customize your listening experience and access a range of smart features.
The Sonos Arc also supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity, as well as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration. However, it takes things to the next level with its compatibility with the Sonos app, which allows you to create a whole-home audio system by linking multiple Sonos speakers together.
Winner: Sonos Arc
While both soundbars offer robust smart features and connectivity options, the Sonos Arc’s whole-home audio capabilities give it the edge in this department.
Price and Value
Finally, let’s talk about the price and value of both soundbars. The Bose 700 is priced at around $899, making it a significant investment for any home entertainment system. However, its premium design, exceptional sound quality, and robust smart features make it well worth the cost.
The Sonos Arc is priced at around $799, making it a slightly more affordable option than the Bose 700. However, its advanced speaker design, proprietary Trueplay technology, and whole-home audio capabilities make it an equally compelling value proposition.
Winner: Sonos Arc
While both soundbars offer excellent value for the price, the Sonos Arc’s lower price point and advanced features make it the better value overall.
| Feature | Bose 700 | Sonos Arc |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Build Quality | Premium glass and metal design | Durable plastic material |
| Sound Quality | Wide, immersive soundstage with dedicated center channel | Advanced speaker design with 11 amplifiers and Trueplay technology |
| Smart Features and Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, whole-home audio capabilities |
| Price | $899 | $799 |
The Verdict
So, which soundbar is better: the Bose 700 or the Sonos Arc? In the end, it comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a premium design that will blend in seamlessly with your living room décor, the Bose 700 is the way to go. However, if you’re after a soundbar that delivers exceptional sound quality, advanced smart features, and whole-home audio capabilities, the Sonos Arc is the better choice.
Ultimately, the Sonos Arc is the winner in this showdown, thanks to its cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and unbeatable value proposition. However, both soundbars are exceptional choices that are sure to elevate your home entertainment experience to new heights.
What are the key differences between the Bose 700 and Sonos Arc soundbars?
The Bose 700 and Sonos Arc are both high-end soundbars, but they have distinct differences in terms of design, features, and sound quality. The Bose 700 has a more minimalist and sleek design, with a stainless steel grille and a glass top surface. In contrast, the Sonos Arc has a more futuristic and elliptical design, with a cloth grille and a plastic top surface.
In terms of features, the Bose 700 has more advanced noise-cancellation technology and a more comprehensive range of sound modes, including a dedicated “Dialogue Mode” for clearer speech. The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, has more advanced Wi-Fi connectivity and multi-room audio capabilities, making it a better option for those with larger homes or multiple rooms.
Which soundbar has better sound quality?
Both the Bose 700 and Sonos Arc have excellent sound quality, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Bose 700 has more detailed and nuanced sound with better bass response, making it better suited for music and action movies. The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, has a more immersive and cinematic sound with better surround sound capabilities, making it better suited for movie nights and gaming.
That being said, the Sonos Arc has a more limited frequency response range compared to the Bose 700, which may affect its ability to produce deep bass notes. However, the Sonos Arc makes up for this with its advanced Dolby Atmos and TrueHD capabilities, which create a more immersive audio experience.
Can I connect multiple speakers to the Bose 700 or Sonos Arc?
The Bose 700 has limited multi-room audio capabilities, but it can be paired with a Bose Bass Module and/or a pair of Bose Surround Speakers for a more immersive audio experience. However, it does not support connecting multiple speakers wirelessly.
The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, has more advanced multi-room audio capabilities, allowing users to connect multiple Sonos speakers wirelessly and control them using the Sonos app. This makes it a better option for those with larger homes or multiple rooms.
Do the Bose 700 and Sonos Arc have built-in voice assistants?
The Bose 700 has built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing users to control the soundbar using voice commands. However, it does not support Apple’s Siri or other voice assistants.
The Sonos Arc also has built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but it also supports Apple’s AirPlay 2 and Siri. This makes it a better option for those who are invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Can I use the Bose 700 or Sonos Arc with my TV?
Both the Bose 700 and Sonos Arc can be connected to a TV using an HDMI cable, and they both support HDMI-CEC, which allows users to control the soundbar using their TV’s remote control. However, the Sonos Arc has more advanced TV integration features, including support for OLED and QLED TVs.
The Sonos Arc also has more advanced audio return channel (ARC) capabilities, allowing it to receive audio signals from the TV and process them in real-time. This results in a more seamless and immersive audio experience.
How much do the Bose 700 and Sonos Arc cost?
The Bose 700 typically retails for around $900-$1,000, depending on the region and retailer.
The Sonos Arc typically retails for around $800-$900, depending on the region and retailer. However, it’s worth noting that the Sonos Arc is often bundled with other Sonos speakers or accessories, which can affect the overall price.
Which soundbar is better value for money?
The Sonos Arc is generally considered to be better value for money due to its more advanced features and capabilities, including its multi-room audio capabilities and immersive audio experience. However, the Bose 700 has a more premium design and build quality, which may be worth the extra cost for some users.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to individual preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a more affordable option with advanced features, the Sonos Arc may be the better choice. But if you’re willing to pay a premium for a high-quality design and sound, the Bose 700 may be the better option.