The world of home audio has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years, with soundbars emerging as a popular choice for those seeking an immersive entertainment experience. Among the plethora of options available, two brands have consistently stood out from the crowd – Sonos and Bose. Both giants have introduced their flagship soundbars, namely the Sonos Arc and the Bose 700, which have generated immense buzz in the audio community. In this article, we’ll delve into the features, specifications, and performance of these two behemoths to help you make an informed decision on which one is better suited for your needs.
The Design and Build Quality
When it comes to aesthetics, both the Sonos Arc and the Bose 700 exude premium quality. However, they differ significantly in terms of design philosophy.
The Sonos Arc boasts a sleek, elliptical shape with a smooth, matte finish. Its compact design makes it an ideal fit for most living rooms, and its subtle appearance ensures it blends seamlessly with any décor. Weighing in at 13.78 lbs, the Arc is relatively lightweight, making it easy to move around or mount on a wall.
On the other hand, the Bose 700 sports a more futuristic, angular design with a stainless steel grille that adds an element of sophistication. Its longer and more substantial build (13.4 x 4.25 x 2.7 inches, 8.5 lbs) makes it more suitable for larger rooms or those with a more dramatic home theater setup.
Design Verdict: Sonos Arc wins this round with its sleeker, more compact design that appeals to a wider audience.
Sound Quality and Performance
This is where the rubber meets the road. Both soundbars are equipped with advanced audio processing capabilities, but their approaches differ significantly.
The Sonos Arc is powered by 11 high-performance drivers, including eight elliptical woofers and three tweeters. It supports Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, and Multichannel PCM, ensuring a rich, immersive audio experience. The Arc’s proprietary S2 chip enables advanced processing capabilities, including automatic EQ optimization and real-time tuning. This results in a sonic landscape that is both detailed and engaging.
The Bose 700, on the other hand, features a custom-designed six-speaker array, comprising four tweeters and two woofers. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, offering a similarly immersive experience. Bose’s ADAPTiQ room calibration technology ensures the soundbar adapts to your room’s acoustics, providing an optimized listening experience.
Sound Quality Verdict: The Sonos Arc takes the lead with its more comprehensive driver array and advanced processing capabilities, delivering a more detailed and engaging soundstage.
Additional Features and Smart Capabilities
Both soundbars come equipped with a range of smart features that enhance their functionality and user experience.
The Sonos Arc integrates seamlessly with the Sonos app, allowing for effortless music streaming, voice control, and multi-room audio. It supports Apple AirPlay 2, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa, making it a great option for those invested in the Sonos ecosystem.
The Bose 700 also boasts a dedicated app, offering a range of features like customizable presets, voice assistant integration (Google Assistant and Alexa), and compatibility with popular music streaming services. However, it does not support Apple AirPlay 2, which might be a drawback for some users.
Smart Capabilities Verdict: The Sonos Arc wins this round with its more comprehensive smart features and seamless ecosystem integration.
Wireless Connectivity and Compatibility
Both soundbars offer wireless connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
The Sonos Arc supports Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a stable connection to your devices.
The Bose 700 features Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n/ac) and Bluetooth 4.2, providing a reliable connection to your devices.
Wireless Connectivity Verdict: The Bose 700 takes the lead with its more advanced Wi-Fi capabilities.
Price and Value
This is an essential consideration for most buyers. Both soundbars come with a premium price tag, but which one offers better value?
The Sonos Arc is priced at around $799, which is relatively competitive considering its advanced features and performance.
The Bose 700 is priced at around $899, making it a more expensive option.
Price Verdict: The Sonos Arc offers better value with its lower price point and comprehensive feature set.
Conclusion
In the end, the choice between the Sonos Arc and the Bose 700 boils down to your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a sleeker design, more comprehensive smart features, and a more engaging soundstage, the Sonos Arc is the better choice. However, if you prefer a more futuristic design, advanced Wi-Fi capabilities, and a premium brand reputation, the Bose 700 might be the way to go.
Ultimate Verdict: The Sonos Arc is the better option for those seeking a more well-rounded soundbar experience, but the Bose 700 is a strong contender for those willing to invest in a premium product.
| Feature | Sonos Arc | Bose 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Sleek, elliptical shape | Futuristic, angular design |
| Sound Quality | 11 high-performance drivers, Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, and Multichannel PCM | Custom-designed six-speaker array, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X |
| Smart Features | Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa | Bose app, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa (no Apple AirPlay 2) |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Price | $799 | $899 |
By carefully evaluating these key aspects, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision on which soundbar reigns supreme for your specific needs and preferences.
What is the main difference between Sonos Arc and Bose 700 soundbars?
The main difference between Sonos Arc and Bose 700 soundbars lies in their design and functionality. The Sonos Arc is a more compact and sleek soundbar that is designed to blend into any home decor. It has a more minimalist approach and is known for its excellent sound quality and seamless integration with other Sonos speakers. On the other hand, the Bose 700 is a more premium soundbar that is designed to provide an immersive audio experience. It has a more angular design and is known for its advanced features such as ADAPTiQ audio calibration and Alexa built-in.
In terms of sound quality, both soundbars are known for their excellent performance, but they cater to different types of listeners. The Sonos Arc is ideal for those who want a more subtle and nuanced sound, while the Bose 700 is better suited for those who want a more immersive and cinematic experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two soundbars will depend on your personal preferences and the type of audio experience you’re looking for.
Which soundbar is better for music lovers?
The Sonos Arc is generally considered a better option for music lovers due to its ability to seamlessly integrate with other Sonos speakers and provide a more nuanced and detailed sound. The Arc is also compatible with a wide range of music streaming services, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Tidal, making it easy to access your favorite tunes. Additionally, the Arc’s compact design and sleek aesthetic make it a great addition to any living room or music listening space.
That being said, the Bose 700 is also capable of producing high-quality sound, especially with its advanced ADAPTiQ audio calibration feature. However, the 700 is more geared towards providing an immersive audio experience for TV and movies, rather than music specifically. If music is your primary concern, the Sonos Arc may be the better option, but if you’re looking for an all-around soundbar that can handle both music and movies, the Bose 700 is definitely worth considering.
Can I use both soundbars as a home theater system?
Yes, both the Sonos Arc and Bose 700 can be used as a home theater system, but they have different approaches to achieving this. The Sonos Arc can be paired with other Sonos speakers, such as the Sonos Sub or Sonos One, to create a more immersive audio experience. The Arc also has a feature called “Speech Enhancement” which helps to clarify dialogue in TV shows and movies. Additionally, the Arc supports Dolby Atmos, making it a great option for those who want a more cinematic experience.
The Bose 700, on the other hand, can be paired with the Bose Bass Module and/or Surround Speakers to create a more immersive home theater system. The 700 also has a feature called “Bose TrueSpace” which helps to create a more immersive audio experience. Additionally, the 700 supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, making it a great option for those who want a more cinematic experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two soundbars will depend on your specific home theater needs and preferences.
Are both soundbars compatible with voice assistants?
Yes, both the Sonos Arc and Bose 700 are compatible with voice assistants. The Sonos Arc is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control the soundbar with voice commands. Additionally, the Arc can be controlled using the Sonos app, which is available on both iOS and Android devices.
The Bose 700, on the other hand, has Alexa built-in, allowing you to control the soundbar with voice commands. Additionally, the 700 is also compatible with Google Assistant, making it easy to integrate with your existing smart home setup. However, it’s worth noting that the 700’s voice assistant capabilities are more limited compared to the Arc, which has more advanced voice control features.
How do I set up and install the soundbars?
Setting up and installing both the Sonos Arc and Bose 700 is relatively easy and straightforward. For the Sonos Arc, you’ll need to download the Sonos app, plug in the soundbar, and follow the in-app instructions to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. The app will then guide you through the calibration process, which helps to optimize the soundbar’s performance for your specific room.
For the Bose 700, you’ll need to download the Bose Music app, plug in the soundbar, and follow the in-app instructions to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. The app will then guide you through the ADAPTiQ audio calibration process, which helps to optimize the soundbar’s performance for your specific room. Additionally, the 700 comes with a remote control and a set of wall-mounting hardware, making it easy to install and set up.
What is the warranty and customer support like for both soundbars?
Both the Sonos Arc and Bose 700 come with excellent warranty and customer support options. The Sonos Arc comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. Additionally, Sonos offers a 100-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to return the soundbar if you’re not satisfied with its performance.
Bose also offers a one-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. Additionally, Bose has a more comprehensive customer support program, which includes online support resources, phone support, and in-person support at Bose retail stores. Both Sonos and Bose have excellent reputations for providing top-notch customer support, so you can rest assured that you’ll be taken care of regardless of which soundbar you choose.
What are the price differences between the two soundbars?
The price difference between the Sonos Arc and Bose 700 is significant. The Sonos Arc typically retails for around $800, while the Bose 700 typically retails for around $1,000. However, it’s worth noting that the 700 often comes with additional features and accessories, such as the Bose Bass Module and Surround Speakers, which can increase its overall cost.
That being said, the Arc is often considered a more affordable option for those who want a high-quality soundbar without breaking the bank. Additionally, the Arc’s more compact design and sleek aesthetic make it a great option for those who want a soundbar that blends into their home decor. Ultimately, the choice between the two soundbars will depend on your budget and specific audio needs.