Bose 700 Soundbar Review – Does It Live Up To The Hype?

Today, we’re diving into the world of high-fidelity sound with the Bose 700 Soundbar, a sleek piece of audio tech promising to transform living rooms into cinemas. With its claims of superior sound quality and smart home integration, it’s poised to tick all the boxes for audiophiles and smart home enthusiasts alike. But does it live up to the hype, or is it all just a bit of sound and fury? Let’s find out, shall we, and perhaps uncover if it’s more than just a pretty face with a hefty price tag.

What exactly is the Bose 700 Soundbar?

The Bose 700 Soundbar is essentially the Swiss Army knife of soundbars, blending immersive sound with a sleek design and smart home capabilities. In a market that’s increasingly crowded, it stands out by promising not just to be a speaker, but an integral part of your smart home ecosystem.

Benefits of using this soundbar

1. Immersive Audio Experience: It wraps you in a cocoon of sound, making you feel like you’re in the heart of the action, whether that’s the roar of a crowd or the whisper of a breeze.
2. Smart Home Integration: With Alexa built-in, it’s like having a personal assistant who’s also a maestro of music, ready to play your favourite tunes on command.
3. Sleek and Unobtrusive Design: It won’t dominate your living room, but it will complement it, blending seamlessly with your decor.
4. High-Quality Build: This is a piece of kit that feels as good as it looks, suggesting it won’t just be a flash in the pan.

First Impressions and Product Overview

Upon unboxing the Bose 700 Soundbar, it’s clear that Bose hasn’t skimped on aesthetics. Its sleek, minimalistic design immediately catches the eye, promising to enhance any living room setup. Measuring 98 x 10.7 x 5.7 cm and weighing 4.8 kg, it’s surprisingly compact yet feels robust and well-built. The primary function of this soundbar is to elevate your audio experience, whether you’re watching movies, listening to music, or binging on podcasts. And with unique features like Bose Voice4Video technology, it’s not just about sound; it’s about smart sound.

Check Current Amazon UK Price

Features: Quick overview of what you’re getting

• Amazing Sound Quality
• Virtual Surround Sound
• Alexa Integration
• Sleek Design
• High-Quality Build
• Bose Voice4Video technology
• Bluetooth/Wired, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect Connectivity
• Compact Dimensions
• Virtual Assistant Compatibility
• Easy Setup
• Robust Warranty
• Intuitive User Interface

While the Bose 700 Soundbar packs a punch with its features, it’s a real shame that the Alexa integration isn’t as seamless as one might hope, occasionally proving less responsive. Additionally, the glossy surface, though stylish, can reflect TV light, which might detract from its otherwise sleek appearance.

Smart Features Overview

Alexa Voice Control – The integration of Alexa allows for voice control over your soundbar, offering convenience but with some limitations in responsiveness and functionality.

What we liked about the Bose 700 Soundbar

Exceptional Sound Quality

The sound quality of the Bose 700 Soundbar is, in a word, exceptional. It delivers an immersive audio experience that truly envelops you, whether you’re watching an action-packed movie or listening to your favourite album. The clarity and depth of sound it produces are truly impressive, making it a standout feature.

Virtual Surround Sound

The virtual surround sound capability of this soundbar adds an extra layer of immersion to your viewing experience. It manages to create a sense of spatial audio that enhances dialogues and deepens bass, providing a cinematic experience right in your living room.

Sleek Design

Its design is another area where the Bose 700 shines. The soundbar’s sleek, minimalistic look fits perfectly under most TVs, adding a touch of elegance without being obtrusive. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into its design, making it not just a soundbar but a piece of home decor.

High-Quality Build

The build quality of the Bose 700 Soundbar is nothing short of excellent. It feels sturdy and well-engineered, suggesting it’s built to last. This robust construction not only ensures durability but also adds to the overall premium feel of the product.

Check Current Amazon UK Price

What we were disappointed with

Limited Alexa Functionality

Despite boasting Alexa integration, the functionality feels somewhat limited. The responsiveness can be sluggish, and it doesn’t quite match up to the performance of dedicated Echo devices. This is a letdown, especially considering the smart home capabilities it promises.

Reflection Issue

The glossy finish, while stylish, has a downside. It can reflect light from the TV, which can be distracting during darker scenes. This design choice, while visually appealing, can detract from the viewing experience in brightly lit rooms.

Inadequate Instructions

Setting up the Bose 700 Soundbar can be a bit of a puzzle, thanks to the inadequate instructions provided. This can be particularly frustrating when trying to troubleshoot Bluetooth connectivity issues, leaving users to fend for themselves or seek answers online.

Getting Set Up

Setting up the Bose 700 Soundbar was, in theory, supposed to be a breeze. However, the reality was a bit more complicated. The initial unboxing and physical setup were straightforward, but the digital setup left a bit to be desired. Connecting to Wi-Fi and integrating with Alexa proved to be a bit of a head-scratcher, not due to complexity but rather due to the inadequacy of the instructions provided. It seems I wasn’t alone in this experience, as a quick glance at other reviews revealed similar frustrations among users. A tip for those looking to make this process smoother: download the Bose Music app before you start, and ensure your Wi-Fi is as stable as it can be. This should, hopefully, mitigate some setup pains.

Build Quality and Extras

The build quality of the Bose 700 Soundbar is nothing short of what you’d expect from a premium Bose product. It’s robust, sleek, and has a weightiness that reassures you of its quality. The glossy top, while a fingerprint and dust magnet, does add a touch of elegance to the overall design. However, as mentioned, it can reflect TV light, which can be a bit of an eyesore. On the warranty front, Bose offers a standard manufacturer’s warranty, providing a safety net for your investment. This is a welcome addition, especially considering the premium you pay for the brand.

Who is this product best suited to?

If You’re an Audiophile

For those who prioritise sound quality above all else, the Bose 700 Soundbar is a dream come true. Its immersive sound and virtual surround sound capabilities make it ideal for audiophiles seeking to enhance their home theatre system.

If You’re a Tech Enthusiast

With features like Bose Voice4Video technology and Alexa integration, this soundbar appeals to tech enthusiasts who love integrating their home devices. Despite some limitations, the smart features add a level of convenience and modernity.

If You Value Aesthetics

The sleek design of the Bose 700 Soundbar ensures it complements any TV setup without being obtrusive. It’s perfect for those who value both function and form in their home entertainment system.

Check Current Amazon UK Price

Who should avoid this

Despite its many virtues, the Bose 700 Soundbar might not be for everyone. If you’re on a tight budget, the premium price might be hard to justify. Similarly, if you’re not a fan of dealing with potential setup frustrations or require a soundbar with flawless smart integration, you might want to look elsewhere. Lastly, for those with minimalist or very compact living spaces, the size and design of the soundbar, while sleek, might still be too imposing.

Value for Money

When it comes to value for money, the Bose 700 Soundbar sits in an interesting position. It’s undeniably priced at a premium, but when you consider the exceptional audio quality, sleek design, and smart features, it becomes clear that this soundbar is aimed at enthusiasts willing to invest in their audio experience. While there are cheaper options on the market, few can match the Bose 700 in terms of overall performance and quality.

The verdict: Is the Bose 700 Soundbar worth a buy?

After thoroughly testing the Bose 700 Soundbar, it’s clear that it offers an exceptional audio experience coupled with a modern, sleek design. The sound quality is immersive, making movies and music more enjoyable. However, it’s not without its flaws. The poor Alexa integration and reflection issue are notable drawbacks that potential buyers should consider. Compared to similar products, the Bose 700 stands out for its audio quality but falls short in smart integration. Is it the best product for your home entertainment system? If superior sound and design are your priorities, then yes. However, if seamless smart integration is crucial for you, exploring other options might be advisable.

Check Current Amazon UK Price

Detailed Specs