When it comes to enhancing your home audio experience, soundbars have become a popular choice for many audio enthusiasts. Among the various options available, two models consistently stand out: the Sonos Arc and the Bose 700. In this article, we will dive deep into a comprehensive comparison between these two exceptional soundbars, evaluating their features, sound quality, design, and user experience, helping you decide whether to invest in the Sonos Arc or the Bose 700.
Understanding the Basics: Soundbars Explained
Soundbars are compact, elongated speakers designed to improve audio quality from televisions, gaming consoles, and streaming devices without the bulk of a surround sound system. They provide a simple setup while delivering immersive sound experiences. As the demand for high-quality home audio rises, the competition among leading brands like Sonos and Bose intensifies.
Feature Comparison: Sonos Arc vs. Bose 700
Let’s break down the features of both soundbars to understand what makes each model unique.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first aspects of any soundbar you will notice is its design.
Sonos Arc:
– The Sonos Arc features a sleek, modern design with a curved shape that is aesthetically pleasing. Its dimensions are 87.5 x 11.5 x 8.2 cm, which allows it to fit snugly beneath most modern TVs without being obtrusive. The Arc offers a matte finish available in white or black, blending seamlessly into various home environments.
Bose 700:
– The Bose 700, on the other hand, flaunts a more traditional rectangular shape. Its dimensions are 95.25 x 10.16 x 7.62 cm. The soundbar has a premium feel, constructed with a solid metal grille and available in black or silver finishes. Its minimalistic design emphasizes elegance, making it a contemporary addition to any living space.
Audio Performance
Sound quality is undeniably the core feature that differentiates soundbars, and both Sonos and Bose have invested heavily in audio technology.
Sonos Arc:
– The Sonos Arc is equipped with eleven high-performance drivers, including eight elliptical woofers and three silk-dome tweeters. With Dolby Atmos support, the Arc delivers stunning 3D audio that envelops you in sound, making it perfect for both movies and music. Voice clarity is impressive, ensuring that dialogues in movies are crystal clear.
Bose 700:
– The Bose 700 features eight drivers, specifically designed for spatial awareness, creating an immersive sound stage. It utilizes advanced technologies to deliver optimized audio regulation and intensive bass response that doesn’t compromise on mid and high frequencies. Bose’s proprietary ADAPTiQ technology personalizes the sound experience based on your room’s acoustics, enhancing audio performance.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity capabilities are essential when choosing a soundbar, especially in today’s interconnected gadget ecosystem.
Sonos Arc:
– The Sonos Arc primarily connects via HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), ensuring high-quality audio transmission. It also supports Wi-Fi, allowing for seamless integration with existing Sonos systems and access to various streaming services. The Arc is compatible with Apple AirPlay 2, making it convenient to stream music directly from your Apple devices.
Bose 700:
– The Bose 700 offers versatile connectivity options, including HDMI ARC, optical input, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. This variety allows you to easily connect your devices without compatibility issues. The Bluetooth feature adds a layer of convenience by enabling wireless streaming from your smartphone or tablet.
User Experience: Which Soundbar is Easier to Use?
User experience can significantly influence your decision when purchasing a soundbar. Ease of setup and intuitive controls are crucial.
Setup and Installation
Sonos Arc:
– Setting up the Sonos Arc is straightforward. Once the Arc is connected via HDMI to your TV, you can use the Sonos app to configure settings, which allows users to easily integrate the soundbar into their smart home system. The app also guides you through the Trueplay tuning process for optimal sound based on your environment.
Bose 700:
– Similarly, the Bose 700 is easy to set up. The Bose Music app assists in the initial configuration and offers control over sound settings and streaming options. The ADAPTiQ sound calibration system helps in optimizing sound output based on your room, ensuring an effortless initial experience.
Control and Compatibility
Sonos Arc:
– The Sonos Arc can be controlled using the Sonos app, your TV remote, or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. This flexibility caters to various user preferences, ensuring convenience and simplicity.
Bose 700:
– With the Bose 700, you can also use the Bose Music app to control your soundbar. It supports voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, giving you multiple options for hands-free commands. Additionally, it integrates easily into smart home systems, enhancing overall compatibility.
Smart Features: Voice Control and Streaming Capabilities
In today’s digital age, smart features play a crucial role in enhancing user experience. Let’s see how each soundbar stacks up in this department.
Voice Assistant Integration
Sonos Arc:
– The Sonos Arc includes built-in voice assistants, allowing you to control smart home devices, search for music, and check the weather, all through voice commands. The integration with Alexa and Google Assistant enhances functionality, making it a truly smart soundbar.
Bose 700:
– The Bose 700 also supports voice control through built-in Alexa and Google Assistant. The robust microphone system allows for clear voice recognition even in noisy environments, enhancing the overall functionality and user experience.
Streaming Services and Compatibility
Sonos Arc:
– The Sonos Arc is compatible with a multitude of streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, among others. Accessing your favorite tunes is simple and direct via the Sonos app.
Bose 700:
– The Bose 700 also provides access to various streaming platforms through the Bose Music app. It includes support for Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth streaming, offering users a flexible audio experience.
Pricing and Value for Money
In the soundbar market, pricing can vary significantly based on features and performance.
Sonos Arc:
– The Sonos Arc is priced around $799. Given its advanced features like Dolby Atmos support and robust build quality, many users often consider it a valuable investment, particularly for movie enthusiasts.
Bose 700:
– The Bose 700 is similarly priced, typically around $799 as well. Its premium sound quality and design justify the price, making it an attractive option for audiophiles seeking clarity and depth.
Making Your Decision: Sonos Arc or Bose 700?
Deciding between the Sonos Arc and the Bose 700 largely depends on your specific audio needs and preferences.
When to Choose Sonos Arc:
– If you’re looking for superior Dolby Atmos sound, want robust multi-room capabilities, or already have other Sonos products, the Sonos Arc is an excellent choice. The integration with various streaming services and smart home functionality further cements its value.
When to Choose Bose 700:
– If your priority lies in customizable sound settings, superior voice recognition, and a sturdy build design, then the Bose 700 could be the better option for you. Its clean design and fantastic audio performance make it compelling for music lovers.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Sonos Arc vs. Bose 700
Both soundbars, the Sonos Arc and the Bose 700, offer exceptional performance, modern design, and smart features that enhance the home audio experience. While Sonos Arc takes the lead in Dolby Atmos support and broader integration options, the Bose 700 excels with its impressive audio calibration and user-friendly controls. Ultimately, your choice should align with your individual preferences and the acoustic requirements of your space.
No matter which you choose, investing in either the Sonos Arc or the Bose 700 will undoubtedly elevate your audio experience, making movie nights and music streaming sessions all the more enjoyable.
What are the main features of the Sonos Arc?
The Sonos Arc features a sleek, modern design and is equipped with 11 high-performance drivers, including two upward-firing speakers for immersive Dolby Atmos sound. It offers Trueplay tuning, which adjusts the sound based on your room’s acoustics, ensuring optimal performance. Additionally, the Arc can integrate seamlessly with other Sonos products, creating a multi-room audio experience.
In terms of connectivity, the Sonos Arc supports HDMI eARC, allowing for easy connection to your TV and offering faster audio transfer for higher-quality sound. It also features built-in voice assistant capabilities with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing you to control your smart home devices, play music, and ask questions without needing an additional device.
What are the key features of the Bose Soundbar 700?
The Bose Soundbar 700 is known for its premium build quality and exceptional audio performance. It includes a total of eight drivers that deliver clear and rich sound across a wide range of frequencies. The soundbar is designed to work with Bose’s ADAPTiQ audio calibration technology, which customizes the sound based on your room’s acoustics to provide a tailored listening experience.
Connectivity options for the Bose Soundbar 700 include HDMI ARC, optical input, and Bluetooth, making it versatile for use with various devices. Like the Sonos Arc, it also supports voice assistants, allowing for hands-free control and smart home integration. The sleek design, combined with high-quality audio, makes it a great choice for those seeking sophisticated aesthetics as well as performance.
How do the sound quality and performance compare between Sonos Arc and Bose 700?
The Sonos Arc is renowned for delivering stunning 3D sound owing to its Dolby Atmos capability, which creates a layered audio environment that envelops the listener. Its upward-firing speakers enhance the immersive experience, making it particularly suitable for movies and gaming. Users often highlight the clarity and depth of the sound, which remains consistent even at higher volumes.
On the other hand, the Bose Soundbar 700 is highly praised for its powerful bass and articulate dialogue presentation, making it ideal for TV shows and movies. While it does not have upward-firing speakers like the Arc, its drivers are engineered to provide an expansive soundstage. Many users find that, despite this difference, the Bose 700 offers an engaging listening experience without compromising on audio fidelity.
Which soundbar has better integration with smart home systems?
The Sonos Arc excels in smart home integration, particularly due to its seamless compatibility with the Sonos ecosystem. Users can easily connect the Arc with other Sonos speakers and control them using the Sonos app or voice commands via Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. This integration makes it an appealing option for those already invested in the Sonos ecosystem, providing an intuitive user experience.
Bose also offers smart features with the Soundbar 700, including voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant. While it integrates well with other Bose products, it may not offer the same level of flexibility as the Sonos system. Ultimately, for users seeking extensive smart home compatibility and control, the Sonos Arc may be the more favorable option.
What are the dimensions and design differences between the two soundbars?
The Sonos Arc has a length of approximately 45 inches and a height of around 3.4 inches, which gives it a sleek but substantial presence in front of your TV. Its minimalist design, along with the available color options, allows it to blend nicely with a variety of home decor styles. The curved design adds a modern touch, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any entertainment space.
The Bose Soundbar 700, measuring about 38.5 inches long and 2.2 inches high, has a more compact design that suits smaller spaces. Its premium glass top and metal grille contribute to a sophisticated look. While the Bose soundbar may take up less space, its design may not be as striking as the Sonos Arc for those wanting a centerpiece in their setup. Buyers should consider how the size and aesthetics fit their individual setups when making a choice.
Are there any additional accessories needed for optimal usage of either soundbar?
For the Sonos Arc, while it functions well on its own, users might consider pairing it with the Sonos Sub for enhanced bass performance, particularly for music and action movies. The addition of Sonos One or Sonos Five speakers can also elevate the audio experience through a multi-room setup. However, these accessories are optional, and the Arc performs impressively on its own.
The Bose Soundbar 700 also has the option to expand your audio system with the addition of the Bose Bass Module and Surround Speakers. These accessories significantly enhance the overall sound experience, particularly for cinematic use. Similar to the Sonos, while these additions can improve performance, the Soundbar 700 still delivers exceptional audio quality independently. Users can decide based on their specific needs and preferences.
Which soundbar offers better value for money?
Determining which soundbar offers better value for money often depends on individual preferences and specific use cases. The Sonos Arc, while higher priced, is viewed as a premium option with its Dolby Atmos capabilities, extensive app support, and superior compatibility within the Sonos ecosystem. Users seeking an immersive sound experience for home theater setups may find that the investment in the Arc is worth it.
Bose Soundbar 700, although less expensive, still provides excellent audio quality and functionality. Its solid build and performance justify its price point, especially for users who prefer Bose’s sound signature and design aesthetic. For those on a tighter budget seeking quality sound without the full home theater experience, the Bose Soundbar 700 may present a more favorable value option as well.