Bose Soundbar 700 vs 900: The High-End Battle
By Elisabeth Christ
Updated July 2024
The battle of the Bose soundbars pits two heavyweights against each other: the Bose Soundbar 700 and the Bose Soundbar 900. These models, both revered in the audio world, offer unique strengths that cater to different audio preferences and home setups. As technology enthusiasts and audiophiles seek the best home entertainment systems, understanding the intricate differences between these two soundbars is essential. Dive into this comprehensive comparison to discover which Bose soundbar reigns supreme for your specific needs.
Key Takeaways
The Bose Soundbar 700, priced at $800, measures 38.5 inches wide and 2.25 inches high, and features a sleek design with no physical buttons, relying on a touch-sensitive area and the Bose Music app for control. It supports Dolby Digital and DTS audio signals, providing clear dialogue and a rich audio profile through its PhaseGuide arrays and center midrange drivers. The Bose Soundbar 900, priced at $899, is slightly larger at 41 inches long and 2.3 inches high, and supports Dolby Atmos with nine transducers, including two up-firing dipole speakers for an immersive 3D soundstage. Both soundbars offer similar connectivity options, but the Soundbar 900's advanced audio capabilities make it a better choice for home theater enthusiasts.
Bose Soundbar 700
Soundbar with Sleek, Elegant Design
✓ Rich, clear sound with a well-balanced audio profile
✓ ADAPTiQ audio calibration
✓ Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
✓ Universal remote control
Bose Soundbar 900
Premium Wireless Soundbar with Versatile Usage
✓ Wide and detailed soundstage
✓ PhaseGuide Technology for sound placement enhancement
✓ Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
✓ Polished glass top design and elegant build
#1 Price and Design
Bose Soundbar 700
The Bose Soundbar 700, priced at $800, comes in sleek black or white options. Measuring 38.5 inches wide and just 2.25 inches tall, it is designed to fit between the legs of almost any 50-inch TV. Its elegant lines and modern exterior design exude sophistication, blending seamlessly into any living room decor. The minimalist design features no physical buttons, instead relying on a touch-sensitive area near the front left corner for muting the built-in microphone. This thoughtful design detail, while sleek, can attract fingerprints on the glass surface. The soundbar's intuitive setup through the Bose Music app makes installation a breeze, and it includes a microfiber cleaning cloth and a $40 bracket for wall-mount placement.
Bose Soundbar 900
In contrast, the Bose Soundbar 900, retailing at $899, also offers black and white finishes. With dimensions of 58.1 x 1045 x 107 mm and weighing 5.75 kg, this soundbar is slightly larger and heavier, standing at 2.3 inches high, 4 inches deep, and 41 inches long. The design is both minimalist and sleek, featuring nine transducers, including two tweeters, four racetrack transducers, a center tweeter, and two up-firing transducers for Dolby Atmos. The simple setup process is facilitated by the Bose Music app, although users have reported occasional issues with the power cable popping out. Designed to complement 50-inch-and-over televisions, the Soundbar 900 promises an elevated aesthetic and functional experience.
#2 Sound Quality
Bose Soundbar 700
Talking about soundbars, the most important aspect is, well, the sound profle. Let’s talk about the The Bose Soundbar 700 first which offers an immersive home theater sound experience, driven by hidden midrange drivers and a tweeter behind its grille. It supports Dolby Digital and DTS audio signals but lacks Dolby Atmos and DTS support, limiting it to 5.1 channel audio formats. Despite this, the soundbar delivers a superb sense of depth and width, with crisp and clear dialogue thanks to its PhaseGuide arrays. The addition of an optional Bose Bass Module can further enhance its sound quality, though this comes at an increased price. Users can adjust treble, bass, and sync/delay settings via the Bose Music app, ensuring a tailored audio experience.
Bose Soundbar 900
On the other hand, the Bose Soundbar 900 shines with its support for Dolby Atmos, offering a more advanced audio experience with its 5.0.2 channel setup. The nine transducers, including up-firing speakers, create a wide soundstage with impressive 3D effect sound, making it ideal for those who seek a deeply immersive audio environment. The Adaptiq room calibration technology ensures optimal sound production, even in uniquely shaped rooms. Customization options in the Bose Music app allow users to adjust the height of the up-firing speaker sound, the balance of the center speaker, and basic treble and bass EQ balance, providing a highly personalized listening experience.
#3 Compatibility and Connectivity
Bose Soundbar 700
The Bose Soundbar 700 is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, offering versatile connectivity options including HDMI ARC, optical cable, and an Ethernet port. It features dedicated ports for the Adaptiq microphone, a wired bass module (subwoofer), and an optional IR repeater. Wireless connectivity is robust with Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast support, and Bose's SimpleSync technology, which allows for connection with other Bose headphones. The soundbar supports a multiroom network, enabling users to enjoy synchronized audio throughout their home.
Bose Soundbar 900
The Bose Soundbar 900 enhances connectivity with HDMI eARC, optical audio input, and a subwoofer output (3.5mm). It supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, as well as Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast. The soundbar also integrates with Bose's SimpleSync technology and the Adaptiq system, which tunes the speakers to the user’s seating positions for an optimized audio experience. Both soundbars include voice assistant support, with Alexa and Google Assistant built-in, ensuring convenient voice control and smart home integration.
Bose Soundbar 700 vs 900
Final Thoughts
Bose Soundbar 700 vs 900
The Bose Soundbar 700 and 900 both stand at the pinnacle of home audio innovation, each offering a distinct blend of premium features and exceptional sound quality tailored to diverse user preferences. The Soundbar 700, with its sleek, minimalist design, becomes an elegant centerpiece in any living space. Its sophisticated aesthetics, combined with the clarity of dialogue and a rich audio profile, make it perfect for those who appreciate refined design without compromising on straightforward, high-quality sound. On the other hand, the Soundbar 900 redefines the immersive audio experience with its cutting-edge Dolby Atmos support and extensive customization options. Ultimately, your decision hinges on what you value most in a soundbar. If you seek a blend of style and simplicity with impeccable audio clarity, the Soundbar 700 is your match. However, if your passion lies in experiencing the pinnacle of home audio technology with unparalleled immersion and customization, the Soundbar 900 is the ultimate choice.
If you like to read more on Soundbars or Bluetooth speakers, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Bluetooth Speakers for 2024
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 vs Ultimate Ears BOOM 3
Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 vs Anker Soundcore Motion+
Sonos Roam vs Ultimate Ears BOOM 3
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 vs Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2
Don't miss out on tech
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest tech trends and guides on the best gadgets around.
Recommended reading
