Soundbars have revolutionized our home entertainment systems, as they provide an immersive audio experience without the bulk of traditional speaker setups. Bose is a renowned brand in the audio industry, and its soundbars are no exception.
It has been manufacturing high-quality audio devices, including headphones, speakers, and soundbars, since 1964. The Bose Soundbar 700 and 500 are two of the company’s most popular soundbars, and for good reason.
Both soundbars offer excellent audio quality and a variety of features. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the comparison of Bose Soundbar 500 vs 700 in terms of their design, sound performance, connectivity, and other features.
We would recommend you read the post to the end if you want to make an informed decision.
Quick Difference Among the Bose Soundbar 500 & Bose Soundbar 700
The primary differences between the Bose 500 and 700 lie in their sound performance and advanced features.
Bose 700 takes the lead when it comes to sound performance. It offers exceptional clarity, deeper bass, and richer tones, which provide a cinematic and truly immersive audio experience. On the other hand, the Bose Soundbar 500 also enhances your TV’s audio significantly but doesn’t reach the same level of audio excellence as the Soundbar 700.
Soundbar 700 also takes the upper hand when it comes to advanced features. It comes with HDMI ARC support for high-end audio equipment and ADAPTiQ technology for personalized sound optimization based on your room acoustics. It also boasts a premium glass top with a stylish metal grille and is compatible with Bose’s SoundTouch ecosystem for multi-room audio.
While the Soundbar 500 is a more budget-friendly option and comes with a sleek and minimalistic design, if you’re an audiophile and looking for a premium audio experience with advanced capabilities, the Bose Soundbar 700 is a wise choice.
Bose Soundbar 500 vs 700 – Comparison Chart
| Aspect | Bose Soundbar 500 | Bose Soundbar 700 |
| Dimensions | 1.75″ H x 31.5″ W x 4.0″ D | 2.25″ H x 38.5″ W x 4.25″ D |
| Weight | 7 lbs | 10.5 lbs |
| Design | Sleek, minimalist, matte black finish | Premium glass top, metal grille |
| Microphone | Custom 8-mic array | Custom 8-mic array |
| Sound Performance | Good quality with clear dialogue | Exceptional clarity, deeper bass |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2 |
| Channels | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Remote Control | Basic | Universal |
| Wi-Fi Streaming | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet port | Yes | Yes |
| Optical audio input | Optical | Optical |
| Bose Music App | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Ports | 1 HDMI ARC input | 1 HDMI ARC input |
| Voice Assistant | Built-in voice assistants (Google & Alexa) | Built-in voice assistants (Google & Alexa) |
| HDMI cable | Yes | Yes |
| Optical port | Yes | Yes |
| Discrete speakers | Separate purchase | Separate purchase |
| Subwoofer | Separate purchase | Separate purchase |
| Built-in Chromecast | No | No |
| Dolby Atmos | No | No |
| DTS | No | Yes |
| DTS:X | No | No |
| Dolby Digital | Yes | Yes |
| ADAPTiQ room calibration | Yes | Yes |
| Colors | Black | Black, White |
| Price tag | Economical | Costly |
Detailed Comparison of Bose Soundbar 500 vs 700
Let’s dive into the detailed comparison of both soundbars to make our decision more informed.
Design and Build
Both the Bose 500 and 700 have a stylish and modern design. The Bose 500 impresses with its luxurious and minimalist design. It measures 31.5 inches in width, 4.02 inches in depth, and 1.75 inches in height and weighs 7 lbs, which means it is more compact, weighs less, and is shorter in length than the Bose 700 soundbar.
It features a sleek aluminum grille that surrounds the whole soundbar and has a matte black finish, which can blend with any home entertainment setup.
The Bose 700 soundbar has impeccable build quality and exudes a modern and luxurious aesthetic. With a premium glass top combined with an aluminum grille and curved edges, the Bose 700 takes design to the next level.
It measures 38.5 inches in width, 4.25 inches in depth, and 2.25 inches in height, with a weight of 10.5 lbs. It is slightly larger and heavier than the Bose 500.
Although the 700 soundbar has a glass top that gives it a highly premium look, it is more susceptible to dust, fingerprints, scratches, and pressure that can shatter the glass. It comes with a cleaning cloth to safely remove dirt and dust from your soundbar.
But if you don’t like frequent cleaning of your soundbar or you have children in your home, then the preferred choice is Bose 500.
Both Bose soundbar models have touch controls on their tops and inputs for HDMI and optical on their backs. Moreover, both come with built-in microphones and voice assistant controls for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Winner: The Soundbar 700’s larger size and premium materials give it the edge in this category. It not only looks more upscale but also feels more substantial.
Sound Performance
The Bose Soundbar 700 takes sound performance to the next level. In our tests, it produced richer and more room-filling sounds that make your listening experience exciting and enjoyable. With four mid-range drivers and one tweeter, it delivers a wider soundstage and deeper bass, making it the perfect option for larger rooms.
The Bose 700 also features PhaseGuide technology, which is not present in the Bose 500. This technology combines the direction, time, and science behind how soundwaves work and produces a surround sound system without any physical speakers in the room.
Its enveloping, high-end sound makes your movie and music experiences more immersive. It delivers punchy and deep bass, which is enough for most listeners; however, it can be improved by adding separate subwoofers.
It is also compatible with modern surround sound technologies such as DTS and Dolby Digital and can beautifully translate DTS or Dolby Digital-encoded content. The rich, detailed, and balanced sound makes the 700 soundbars a top choice for audio enthusiasts.
That said, the Bose 500 is not a bad rig; it’s just that when we compare it to the 700, the Bose Soundbar 500 also offers solid audio performance with a focus on clarity and dialog enhancement.
It comes with a custom-designed multi-array speaker system with two side drivers and three front mid-range drivers. It is also compatible with Dolby Digital to provide you with an immersive and realistic movie and music experience.
Both the Bose Soundbar 700 and 500 feature ADAPTiQ audio calibration technology, which adapts the sound to your room’s acoustics. While the Bose 500 delivers clear vocals and midrange, it may lack some of the depth and power of larger soundbars. If you’re planning to use your soundbar in a smaller room, then the 500 is a great choice.
Winner: The Soundbar 700’s superior audio technology and larger size result in a richer and more immersive sound experience.
Connectivity
Both the Bose Soundbar 500 and 700 offer a decent array of connectivity options. It includes HDMI ARC, optical audio input, ADAPTiQ inputs, Ethernet, and a USB port for service updates. Both also offer Bluetooth, WiFi, and Apple AirPlay 2 for wireless connectivity.
Moreover, if you want to expand your audio setup by adding additional speakers and subwoofers to your soundbars, these soundbars come with additional ports for this purpose. It’s better to add Bose speakers, such as Surround Speakers 700 and Bass Module 500.
Both soundbars integrate seamlessly with Bose’s Music app, making their setup and running very easy and straightforward. Plus, both come with built-in voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Winner: In this comparison part, the final answer is a tie, as both soundbars offer wide connectivity options for their seamless operation.
Controls
When it comes to physical controls, both soundbars have touch-sensitive buttons on their top. These buttons are for basic controls like power, volume adjustment, and input selection.
When we talk about remote controls, both the soundbar 500 and 700 have different remote controls.
The Bose 500 comes with a basic remote control, allowing you to easily access settings and playback. Whereas, the Soundbar 700 comes with a universal remote control that simplifies the control of multiple devices in your home entertainment setup.
Moreover, the 700’s remote has keypad lights that indicate which source is active, and this feature is especially useful for beginners. If you have a 700’s remote, it can work with a Soundbar 500 as well.
Another way to control both soundbars is through the Bose Music app. You can use the Bose Music app on your smartphone or tablet to control the soundbar and access advanced settings. If you are one who doesn’t like to use the remote, the app is an excellent alternative.
Finally, these soundbars support voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free control.
Winner: Both soundbars offer intuitive controls, but the Soundbar 700’s universal remote provides an extra layer of convenience for managing your entire entertainment system.
Price
The Bose Soundbar 500 is affordable and less expensive than the 700 soundbar. The Bose Soundbar 700, being a more premium model with advanced features and design, is generally priced higher than the Soundbar 500. Prices may vary based on retailer, region, and any ongoing promotions or discounts.
Winner: The Soundbar 500 is the more budget-friendly option, making it an attractive choice for those looking for Bose quality without breaking the bank.
Bose Soundbar 500: Pros and Cons
• Good sound quality
• Variety of features
• Built-in voice control
• AdAPTiQ audio calibration
• Bose Music app
• Budget-friendly price point
• Doesn’t support as many audio formats
Bose Soundbar 700: Pros and Cons
• Superior sound performance
• Wide soundstage
• Rich and deep bass
• Supports all major audio formats
• Bose Music app with personalized presets
• Universal remote control
• Large size not suitable for smaller spaces
Verdict
In the comparison of the Bose Soundbar 500 vs. 700, the soundbar that won most of our tests was the Bose Soundbar 700. But the final choice depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
If your space is compact and you prefer a minimalist design or you have a limited budget but still want the Bose audio experience, the Bose Soundbar 500 is the preferred choice.
But if you are looking for a premium soundbar with top-tier sound performance and advanced features, have a large room, or prefer a soundbar with a more commanding presence, then you must go for the Bose Soundbar 700.
In summary, both soundbars offer exceptional audio quality and a range of features, ensuring you’ll enjoy Bose’s immersive experience in your home entertainment setup.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
What is the difference between the Bose Soundbar 500 and 700?
The Bose Soundbar 500 and 700 are both great soundbars, but there are a few key differences between them. The Soundbar 700 offers better sound quality, with a wider soundstage and deeper bass. It also has a few more features, such as built-in voice control and support for DTS. However, it is also more expensive than the Soundbar 500.
Which is better: Bose Soundbar 500 or 700?
The Bose Soundbar 700 is the better soundbar overall, but it depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for the best possible sound quality and don’t mind spending a bit more, the Soundbar 700 is the way to go. But if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t need all the features of the Soundbar 700, the Soundbar 500 is still a great option.
How do I connect both the gaming console and TV to the Bose 700 soundbar?
To connect both your gaming console and TV to the Bose 700 soundbar, you will need to use an optical cable. Simply connect one end of the optical cable to the optical output port on your gaming console and the other end to the optical input port on the Bose 700 soundbar. Once the cables are connected, you should be able to hear sound from your gaming console through the soundbar.
Does Bose make good soundbars?
Yes, Bose makes very good soundbars. They offer excellent sound quality, a variety of features, and a sleek and stylish design. If you’re looking for a high-quality soundbar, Bose is a great option.
Has the Bose Soundbar 500 been discontinued?
No, the Bose Soundbar 500 has not been discontinued. It is still available for purchase from Bose and authorized retailers.