Bose makes some of the best premium soundbars on the market. Two of their most popular models are the Bose Soundbar 700 and the Soundbar 900. Released a few years apart, these high-end soundbars share similarities but have key differences that impact audio performance.
As an expert in digital technology with a passion for quality home audio, I‘ve compared these Bose soundbars side-by-side across various factors. My goal is to help you determine which model better suits your needs and budget based on sound quality, design, features, and value.
Let‘s begin with a high-level comparison overview.
Bose Soundbar 700 vs 900: At-a-Glance Comparison
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| Features | Bose Soundbar 700 | Bose Soundbar 900 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2018 | 2021 |
| audio Channels | 3.0 channels | 5.0.2 channels |
| Dolby Support | Dolby Audio | Dolby Audio + Dolby Atmos |
| Sound Quality | Loud, lows emphasized. Good for music. | Spacious, clear sound with 3D imaging ideal for movies. |
| Remote Control | Backlit universal remote | Simplified 900 series remote |
| Voice Assistants | Alexa + Google Assistant built-in | Alexa + Google Assistant built-in |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 38.5′′ x 2.25′′ x 4.25′′ | 41.14′′ x 2.29′′ x 4.21′′ |
| Price | Around $490 | Around $520 |
As we go deeper on the various features and performance factors, you‘ll get a clearer picture on which model is the better buy depending on your priorities.
Key Differences Between Bose Soundbar 700 vs 900
While both are premium smart soundbars from Bose, created specifically for home theater and entertainment rooms, there are some notable ways in which the Soundbar 900 outperforms the older Soundbar 700.
Audio Performance and Surround Sound Capability
The biggest differences between the Bose 700 vs 900 relate to audio performance and sound quality.
Channels: The Soundbar 900 has a 5.0.2 configuration with two added upfiring speakers compared to the 3.0 channel design of the Soundbar 700. This gives the 900 a much more immersive surround sound experience.
Dolby Support: In addition to standard Dolby Audio, the 900 also supports advanced Dolby Atmos object-based surround sound. This allows for even more lifelike 3D audio effects that seem to move all around you. The 700 is limited to basic Dolby Audio only.
Sound Quality: With two extra built-in speakers firing sound upwards and Dolby Atmos height channels, the 900 produces a very open, spatial listening experience. You really feel "in the movie" thanks to the domed soundstage. Voices are clear, bass is tight, and imaging is precise.
The Bose 700 still sounds very good, with an emphasis on thumping low end well suited for music listening. But it can‘t match the fully immersive domed surround soundstage of the 900 model.
Room Size Suitability: Thanks to all those extra speakers and Dolby Atmos processing, the 900 can easily fill large entertainment rooms with surround effects. Its wider dispersion is better for spaces used by multiple listeners.
The 700‘s 3.0 audio system is still capable of enveloping small to medium-sized rooms fairly well. But it lacks the power and channel separation to impress in bigger home theaters.
So for serious cinephiles wanting jaw-dropping, theater-rivaling surround sound, the Bose Soundbar 900 is the clear winner in audio performance.
Design and Dimensions
Visually, both Bose models have a nearly identical modern aesthetic. Available in black or white, they feature sleek glass tops and metal speaker grilles in an elongated, slim profile. These will blend right into contemporary decor.
In terms of dimensions though, the 900 is a bit bigger overall:
- Bose Soundbar 700: 38.5" W x 2.25" H x 4.25" D
- Bose Soundbar 900: 41.14" W x 2.29" H x 4.21" D
So you‘ll need a bit more shelf space for the 900 model. Wall mounting is an option for both soundbars but requires buying third party accessories.
Satellite Speaker and Subwoofer Compatibility
You can pair both the Bose 700 and 900 with compatible wireless surround speakers and a subwoofer for expanded audio. Adding satellite rear speakers and a sub will greatly improve the surround effects, filling in the sound with more bass impact.
Bose recommends matching their soundbars with speakers/subs within the same product families for optimal performance. But you can experiment with mixing between 700 and 900 series components too (albeit with a potential trade-off in consistency).
Just don‘t pair a booming 900 series sub with the less powerful Soundbar 700, as you likely won‘t get the full benefit of the subwoofer paired this way.
All in all, while the Soundbar 900 arguably has less need for added satellites/sub given its existing 5.0.2 domed surround sound, you‘ll achieve the ultimate experience by building out a full 5.1.2 or 7.1.2 modular system around either the 700 or 900 models.
smart Features and Connectivity
On the smart feature front, the Bose Soundbar 700 and 900 have identical capabilities:
- Built-in voice control powered by Alexa and Google Assistant
- Support popular streaming platforms like Spotify Connect and Apple Airplay 2
- Can stream audio over WiFi and pair with devices via Bluetooth
You get the full suite of integrated music services, customizable presets, and wireless connectivity on both models. This allows easy voice-controlled playback from places like Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora, etc.
The only minor difference is newer Bluetooth 5.0 support on the Soundbar 900 vs Bluetooth 4.2 on the 700 model—but both work very well with phones/tablets.
So there‘s essentially no gap between the Bose soundbars when it comes to their smart features. But audiophiles will likely care far more about the audio performance differences highlighted earlier.
Key Buying Considerations: Bose 700 vs 900
With the main pros, cons, and differences covered, which soundbar comes out on top? Here are five key facts to consider when deciding between the Bose Soundbar 700 and 900:
1. The 900 has a surround-optimized 5.0.2 speaker setup with Dolby Atmos compared to the 700‘s basic 3.0 channels. More built-in drivers paired with object-based Dolby height channels allow the 900 model to produce an incredibly spacious, 3D dome of sound perfect for home theaters.
2. While costing about $30 more on average, the 900 delivers significantly better performance, audio clarity and realism. Considering its sizable audio improvements over the 700 owing to extra speakers and Dolby Atmos, the 900 is a great value despite having a slightly higher price tag.
3. Both models boast comparable smart connectivity and voice assistant features. You get integrated access to all the top music platforms plus Alexa/Google Assistant voice commands on either soundbar. The hardware and audio format support is where they primarily differ.
4. For shoppers prioritizing deeply immersive surround effects, the 900 is the obvious best choice. It transforms living rooms into breathtaking home cinemas thanks to dedicated upfiring and height channels. The 700 still excels with music and TV audio though.
5. Those with smaller spaces or who listen more casually may still appreciate saving $30+ and choosing the 700. It brings gorgeous design, booming bass, and smart streaming in a flexible 3.0 channel system. Just don‘t expect true Dolby Atmos 3D spaciousness.
Now let‘s move onto my recommendations and advice if choosing between these two outstanding Bose sound products.
My Recommendation: Which Bose Soundbar is Better for You?
In light of their strong similarities coupled with some meaningful performance differences, the Bose Soundbar 900 is the best choice overall—unless you have specific reasons to downgrade to the 700 model.
Thanks to dedicated upfiring and Dolby Atmos-enabled height channels, the 900 model delivers a supremely wide, 3D bubble of sound no other single soundbar can match. This makes movies and games spring to life with incredible realism. Dialogue always stays clear and centered too.
While the 700 loses out on the 900‘s domed surround capabilities, it still impresses with room-filling sound tuned especially well for music playback. And it costs a bit less.
So if your main usage is background listening or you have a smaller area to fill, the 700 may suffice. Same if you aren‘t particular about Dolby Atmos and absolute audio perfection—then save $30+ and enjoy the 700 model‘s style and bass emphasis.
Just don‘t expect true cinema-rivaling surround sound without the 900‘s extra drivers and Dolby height channel support.
For discerning home theater lovers wanting the best Bose has to offer, it‘s undoubtedly worth spending a little more on the Soundbar 900. Its expansive, layered audio easily outclasses the 700 model while creating an immersive soundscape no other single audio bar can match.
I hope this detailed side-by-side comparison helps you pick the right model based on your room size, listening tastes, and budget! Have you compared or bought either of these soundbars? Feel free to share your experiences below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Bose 900 come with a subwoofer?
A: No, a subwoofer is sold separately. But thanks to dedicated low frequency drivers and Dolby Bass processing, the 900 produces satisfyingly deep low end on its own. You can add their 900 series sub for even more impact.
Q: What‘s the main benefit of choosing the Soundbar 900 over 700?
A: Far superior surround sound performance and audio clarity owing to extra physical drivers and Dolby Atmos height/3D support. The 900 creates an incredibly spacious, 3D bubble of sound that makes movies shine.
Q: Is the Bose Soundbar 700 still a good choice?
A: Yes, it‘s still an excellent (and cheaper) option for music listening or smaller spaces. You‘ll enjoy gorgeous style, bass-rich audio and equivalent smart features. Just expect a less cinematic, enveloping experience versus the 900 model.
Q: Do these Bose soundbars support DTS:X or just Dolby Atmos?
A: Unfortunately, no Bose soundbar currently supports the DTS:X audio format. Only the 900 is compatible with Dolby Atmos 3D audio. So if DTS:X support matters to you, consider models from other brands.
I hope my comprehensive comparison between the Bose Soundbar 700 and 900 models assists anyone evaluating these excellent (yet meaningfully different) releases from such a respected audio brand. Let me know if you have any other questions!
