Using speakers and soundbar stereos is an emerging need that is enhancing daily whether you are using a mobile or laptop or running a studio system where you need crispy sound output. The usage list is enormously long, and regardless of the best-selling hot items, picking the right speaker that best fits your needs is necessary to save money and time.
Nowadays, when the market is already flooded with mobile speakers launched by different compatible brands, finding the one that pays off the price is a challenging task.
Considering their exclusive features and qualities, one of the famous and reliable speaker manufacturers is Bose Soundbar which blends quality with the latest looks and many surprising features.
Are you looking for a fantastic speaker system by Bose Soundbar and confused between models? No worries, this article will comprehensively compare two of the best models by Bose, the Bose Soundbar 500 and the Bose Soundbar 700.
Also Read: Bose Soundbar 700 vs 900 Which is Better?
Before proceeding with a detailed comparison, here are some basic details;
Bose Soundbar 500 – General Review:
- WI-FI® AND BLUETOOTH® CONNECTIVITY
- APPLE AIRPLAY 2
- ADAPTIQ AUDIO CALIBRATION
- HDMI™ ARC CONNECTIVITY
- OPTIONAL BASS MODULE AND SURROUND SPEAKERS
Bose Soundbar 500 is comparatively cheaper or a more cost-effective sound system with outstanding voice assistant support to provide better reliability. Also, it comes with multiple connectivity options that make it a fine choice for the price.
The design of this soundbar features a relatively more minor frame that results in a little less crispy but still quality sound output. The good thing is, at the expense of some bucks, you can use an additional woofer to enhance its sound quality if needed, as this totally depends upon need.
Other than this, the only lagging point is the unavailability of DTS support.
Pros
- Quality voice assistance just like competitor
- Smaller and compact to fit the space
- Affordable and cost-effective
Cons
- Compromised audio quality
- DTS support isn’t available
- The need for extra woofers adds to the cost
- Chromecast isn’t provided
Bose Soundbar 700 – General Review:
- VOICE ASSISTANTS BUILT-IN
- WI-FI® AND BLUETOOTH® CONNECTIVITY
- SUPERIOR VOICE PICKUP
- APPLE AIRPLAY 2
- UNIVERSAL REMOTE INCLUDED
- ADAPTIQ AUDIO CALIBRATION
- HDMI™ ARC CONNECTIVITY
- OPTIONAL BASS MODULE AND SURROUND SPEAKERS
Both the 500 and 700 look similar and just by looking, it’s hard to distinguish between both. The 500 is known for its less price and almost the same features whereas the Bose Soundbar 700 is known for its crispest sound quality and appealing shinier look.
Opposite Soundbar 500, it’s a larger-built design that perfectly fits medium-range drivers. Also, it features a beautiful front-facing sound system design that provides equally good voice assistance and the crispest voice output.
The Soundbar 700 doesn’t demand any extra expense of speakers of subwoofers, making an efficient design for the price.
Pros
- Better adjustability with mid-range drivers
- Universal remote for better convenience
- DTS support and Phase-Guide transducers
Cons
- Comparatively expensive
- The payoff is also limited
- The glass top is prone to dust and dirt
- Built-in Chromecast isn’t provided
Although the prices differ significantly, both of the models are top-rated and feature almost alike functionalities. They both feature the same audio channels, voice assistance, and connectivity.
Not only the beneficial features, have they both lagged in some properties and share common weaknesses, too. So, overall, it’s easy to predict that both of them are approximately identical and share the same set of properties.
If so, what features give rise to the significant price difference? And also, why one of them is superior to others? We’ll explain thoroughly, the following detailed comparison is a detailed guide for enthusiast buyers so they can decide one knowingly.
Common Similarities Between Bose Smart Soundbar 500 Vs 700
Usually, the manufacturers restrict their cool features to their expensive brands and launch affordable articles with only basic features. That marketing strategy enhances the sale of expensive items by luring the customer into the fantasy of expensive features. This is where Bose wins many hearts as it doesn’t restrict fine features only to the expensive models.
Most of the soundbar by Bose including the 500 and the 700 comes with cutting-edge features that assure reliability along with affordability.
Voice Assistance: Both 500 and 700 feature the same quality voice assistance and provide extra convenience with built-in voice commands for Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay. The voice assistance in both appliances is remarkable, quick, and reliable.
External Connectivity: Both 500 and 700 feature exclusive external connectivity to go with today’s fast-paced life. They can connect via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, HDMI, and ARC or eARC. Both of the units feature remarkable uninterrupted connectivity that assures smooth working.
Another smart feature of both 500 and 700 soundbars is, they feature Adaptiq Mics that sense and calibrate the room size to adjust the voice quality accordingly.
Music Streaming: As mentioned earlier, they both can connect through Wi-Fi and AirPlay. Via any connection, both can play Pandora, iHeartRadio, Spotify, TuneIn, SiriusXM, Amazon Music, and much more without any discrimination.
Adding on, you can also add SimpleSync by Bose and Bluetooth to stream music right to your headphones or earplugs from any source either it’s Television or an audio device.
Common Specs & Features: Arguably, the Soundbar 500 and 700 share a standard set of specs ensuring great functionality. Both these speakers come equipped with simple yet reliable 3.0 layouts that don’t demand external connectivity to subwoofers or speakers.
Other than this, both these devices come equipped with a built-in “QuietPort” for the bass that assures the delivery of cleaner and less-distorting bass. It keeps the sound quality in a rhythmic plane that doesn’t irritate the listener.
Adding Extra Speakers: Bose has maintained its uniqueness and originality. Although it says it’s unnecessary, if you want to connect extra speakers or subwoofers to enhance the voice quality, you may have to face additional expenses.
That’s because the Bose Soundbars don’t support the speakers or subwoofers by any other brand except their own. Analogically, saying that you cannot use your old speakers or subwoofers and have to purchase new ones by the Bose may cost you many extra bucks.
Dissimilarities Between Bose 500 Vs 700
Size: Among 500 and 700 Bose Soundbars, the 500 is the little sibling that measures 1.75 x 3.5 x 4 inches and weighs only about 7 pounds.
On the other hand, the larger Bose Soundbar 700 measures about 2.25 x 38.5 x 4.25 inches, weighing merely 10.5 pounds. Although both vary in size, they are compatible with sitting in front of the TV.
As a soundbar should be as compact as possible but without any compromised sound quality, for the size, the Bose Soundbar 500 wins as it’s comparatively compact and can fit any space on any nook. The 500 can even fit on an entertainment center shelf without any effort and thus makes the right choice if the size is a significant concern for you.
Sound Quality: Although not majorly or exclusively, but 500 and 700 do differ in sound quality. Undoubtedly, the Bose Soundbar 700 features richer, crispiest, and louder audio quality.
They do differ in sound quality, but none of them excels in the bass, and thus you would need to connect them with an extra-purchased woofer if you love listening to high-bass music.
Visual Statement: The 700 cost more for the added grace and beauty. The 700 can feature an appealing visual statement and looks ravishing. The 700 is a clear winner for the looks and design as it comes with an arctic white or black color with a shinier glass top.
Conversely, the 500 comes in single black color and features a plain simple surface with a matte top. The design is simple yet it looks elegant.
Every picture has a two-sided story. Although the 700 looks quite ravishing out of the box, the glass top tends to adhere to more dust, grime, and fingerprints, requiring extra care and cleaning. And that cleaning can also add extra bucks to the expenses as you may have to buy a non-damaging cleaning solution.
Design: the 500 features a compromised sound output, maybe because of its design. The Bose Soundbar 700 features a competitive design that properly fits in 4 mid-range drives. The design divides two on each side of the tweeter. The 700 features a crispy sound output because of the extra forward driver.
Also, the 700 comes equipped with Bose’s “PhaseGuide” transducers that efficiently direct the voice into comparatively more directions that assure equal sound distribution.
Contrarily, the 500 features a design with 5 drivers; two are side-facing, whereas three are front-facing.
Maybe, while designing, it was expected that the two side drivers would promote sound quality in the 500, but it actually compromised the quality. Also, the 500 doesn’t feature the PhaseGuide transducers.
Furthermore, although both of these designs support Dolby Digital Sound only the 700 supports DTS.
Remote: Maybe, for some, the design and features of the remote don’t matter much when you can control it with voice assistance but trust us, the latest remote does make a difference. In this category, the 700 wins again as it features a Bluetooth-enabled, kind of “Universal Remote” equipped with some of the neatest features in the town. (Luxury comes with Expensive Items). You can easily switch from one playlist to another and light-up buttons according to your needs and mood.
On the other hand, the 500 comes with a satisfactory basic IR remote that covers the needs pretty much gracefully. The good thing is, that the universal remote is also compatible with the 500 but surely at the expense of some extra bucks.
Bose Smart Soundbar 500 Vs Bose Smart Soundbar 700 – Which one to go for?
In the end, the choice is always yours, but some factors always prioritize one above the other. As explained, both 500 and 700 look almost similar, share the same set of features, work efficiently, and feature the same audio channels.
Adding on, both of the designs feature some level of connectivity and almost similar design. They also feature kind of identical support for other Apps and file formats. Both of the models feature nice sensors that map out the room with their Adaptiq technology for adjusting the sound quality.
Conclusively, you can say that there isn’t much difference and the 700 features a bit more polished qualities.
Undoubtedly, both the 700 and the 500 are exclusive Soundbars and both rate high in the market. Considering all the features, qualities, and properties, it’s rather easy to state that the Bose Soundbar 700 is superior to the Bose Soundbar 500 in terms of class, looks, driver’s adjustment, sound quality, PhaseGuide support, and elite delicacy.
On the other hand, the 500 has a solid forward-facing sound, making it the best choice for the mid-range soundbar system. It features a simple-to-use design that doesn’t tangle unnecessary complexities yet at a low price.
Conclusion:
The article suffices the entire positive and negative or downside aspects of the Bose Soundbar 500 and the Bose Soundbar 700. Up until now, you may have a clear idea that both these soundbars deserve to be a part of your home or studio and none of them clearly lags in quality performance.
On a more specific note, if you are a DTS audio format lover or you love to have a beautiful white soundbar, the Bose Soundbar 700 is a very suitable choice for you.
Conversely, if you want a perfectly solid and durable soundbar that doesn’t cost much but also doesn’t compromise on quality and efficiency, the Bose Soundbar 500 is the right choice.
When you want all the quality features but doesn’t feel the need to endure luxurious properties, the Bose Soundbar 500 is exclusively great.
As all the aspects are mentioned in-depth, in the end, we hope it will be easier and more transparent for you to decide on one of those smarties. Good Luck!
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