If you’re looking for a soundbar with excellent sound quality, then you’re likely considering one from Bose.
This audio equipment company has been around since 1964 and is well known for producing high-quality products.
The Bose Soundbar 500 vs 700 – if you want to find out which option is best for you, keep reading.
What Is a Soundbar?
A soundbar is a type of speaker that looks like a long rectangle. It houses multiple speakers and is both wide and low.
It is designed this way so that it can fit beneath various displays, but the design also has acoustic benefits.
The multiple speakers give a surround sound effect while only needing one device rather than having speakers throughout the room.
Some soundbars come with a built-in subwoofer, while others require you to have an additional bass speaker.
Bose is in the latter camp and all their soundbars have an optional base module and if you really want, surround sound speaker options.
They’re a great way to improve the sound quality in your home or office without breaking the bank.
Why Choose Bose?
Bose has a long-standing reputation for excellent sound quality.
You know that if you purchase any Bose products, you’ll be getting the best possible sound upgrade.
Their speakers provide amazing clarity and are known for their excellent bass and treble support.
If you’re looking for reliable audio devices with consistently great sound, then Bose is the brand to choose.
Which Is Better, the Soundbar 500 or 700?
It is important to state from the start that these are both excellent soundbars.
They both give you good sound quality and will be a dramatic improvement on the standard speakers included with your TV.
However, the Bose Soundbar 700 does outrank the Bose Soundbar 500 in many ways.
It has superior audio quality, has more extras included in the box, and is compatible with both DTS and Dolby Digital, while the 500 is only compatible with Dolby Digital.
When it comes to aesthetics, the 500 wins. It has a sleek matt black design, with an aluminum grille.
The 700 has a glass top that easily attracts dust and fingerprints and needs to be cleaned frequently, which is frustrating. However, a cleaning cloth is included to help with this.
What Are the Main Differences Between The Two Devices?
There is no doubt that both of these devices are phenomenal for music streaming purposes and will greatly improve any movie viewing experience.
These units are fairly similar, with the 700 being a slightly newer and higher performing unit than the 500.
However, there are a few key differences to note between the two. First, they look different, as noted above.
Both the Bose Soundbar 700 and 500 have Dolby Digital sound support, while only the 700 has DTS Support (Digital Theatre Sound).
They both come with an HDMI cable included, but only the 700 comes with a universal remote control.
Pros and Cons of the Bose Soundbar 500
This wonderful unit provides a far richer sound than you’ll get from any standard TV sound system. It is very stylish and is smaller than some of its counterparts available on the market.
The Bose Soundbar 500 has an included HDMI cable, can decode Dolby Digital surround sound, and has both Google Assistant and Alexa built-in.
On the back of this Bose soundbar, you’ll find an optical audio input, HDMI port, and Ethernet port, as well as inputs for optional additional speakers and the power input.
If you want to add even more to your sound experience, you can invest in the Bose Bass 500 module, as well as some Bose Surround Speakers, which can be paired with your Bose soundbar.
Pros
- Slim and sleek design
- Light in weigh
- Good sound quality despite the size
- Google Assistant and Alexa are built-in
- Excellent app
Cons
- Expensive for its category
- Only 1 HDMI input
- Bose Music App lacking in some areas
Pros and Cons of the Bose Soundbar 700
The Bose Soundbar 700 is a stunning machine that will fit in with any decor and won’t stick out like a sore thumb, unlike some other soundbars on the market.
It is very easy to set up using the Bose Music app – however, if you don’t have a smartphone or tablet, then this Bose soundbar might not be the right choice for you.
This unit has a richer sound than the Bose Soundbar 500.
To make sure that you can enjoy this higher-quality sound throughout the room, you’ll need to set up the soundbar using the included ADAPTiQ headset.
This headset has a small microphone that works with the app to optimize the sound system for the room you’re in.
The Bose Soundbar 700 is also known as the Bose Smart Soundbar 700, and it is an excellent smart speaker.
It also comes with a universal control, which means you can control all your devices with one remote.
Pros
- Fantastic surround sound
- Snazzy design
- Compatible with various voice assistants
- Option for a private listening session
- Universal remote control included
- Chromecast and Airplay 2 preinstalled
Cons
- The glass cover picks up fingerprints and dust easily, requiring frequent cleaning
- Pricey
- Doesn’t support all music services
Specs & Features Comparison: The 500 vs The 700
Design
500: Matte Finish Top | 700: Premium Glass Top
Dimensions
500: 31.5” x 1.75” x 4” | 700: 38.5” x 2.25” x 4.25”
Weight
500: 7 pounds | 700: 10.5 pounds
Colour
500: Black Only| 700: Black & White
Audio Performance
500: Classic Bose Sound | 700: Loud, Low, more Spacious
Microphone
500: Custom 8-mic array | 700: Custom 8-mic array
Dolby Digital/ DTS
500: Dolby only | 700: Both
HDMI-ARC/ Bluetooth
Supported by both
Remote
500: Basic IR remote | 700: Universal remote
Audio input
500: Optical | 700: Optical
Dedicated App
Both utilize the Bose Music app
Voice Assistant Support
Both support both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Front Facing Drivers
500: Three Front-Facing | 700: Four Front-Facing
FAQ
How many microphones does the Bose 500 soundbar have?
The Bose Soundbar 500 has 8 built-in microphones. These microphones are custom-designed and can pick up your voice even when you’re playing music loudly. They’re accompanied by a light bar that will indicate when Alexa or Google Assistant is listening.
Can I pair a Bose 700 soundbar with a Bose 500 subwoofer?
Yes, this is possible. The Bose 700 Soundbar and Bose Bass Module 500 are compatible, as they operate on the same wifi frequency. The 700 Bass Module is also compatible with the Bose 500 Soundbar.
Can you add speakers to Bose 500 soundbar?
The Bose Soundbar 500 is compatible with the speakers available for the Bose Soundbar 700, as well as its own speakers. You can purchase a Bose subwoofer, as well as additional surround sound speakers to pair with the soundbar for the ultimate audio experience.
What is included with the Bose Soundbar 700?
There are a number of useful extras included in the box with the Bose Soundbar 700, such as a universal remote, HDMI cable, cleaning cloth, four AA batteries, Optical Cable, power cord, and the ADAPTiQ headset.
Final Thoughts
While there are a variety of soundbar options available, both the Bose Soundbar 500 and 700 are top-quality investments.
When you’re looking at the Soundbar 500 vs 700, the decision mainly comes down to price and sensitivity to the quality of sound.
The 500 is better suited to homes with young kids, as it won’t show the invariable sticky fingerprints as easily as the 700, but it is still super stylish.
The 700 takes the cake when it comes to audio quality, and the extra features such as the universal remote and DTS compatibility give it a lot of extra appeal.