Design and build:

Comparing Sonos Arc vs Bose 700, the Sonos Arc has a longer width which means you can pair it with larger TVs like 75-85” sizes. Bose 700 bar is suitable for 65” TVs. Along with table placement, you can mount the soundbars on walls. Sonos Arc is made of plastic and has plastic grilles. Bose 700 is made of plastic and has metal grilles. It also has a glass top that gives it a nice look but it will attract fingerprints. The build quality of these soundbars are sturdy, feels durable and long lasting.

Performance:

Comparing Sonos Arc vs Bose 700, the Sonos Arc is a 5.0.2 channel soundbar whereas the configuration in Bose 700 is 3.0. Both these soundbars have room calibration feature. Sonos Arc calls it Trueplay, it analyzes the room layout and bar position to optimize the sound. Use the Sonos App to perform this by using the microphone in your Apple device. Bose 700 uses ADAPTiQ as a room calibration software.

Sonos Arc supports audio formats like Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus that are missing in the Bose 700. It has 3 tweeters and 8 woofers that are used for front, side and top channels. The upward firing drivers emit sound towards the ceiling that bounces back to the user creating a powerful sense of height. This is missing in the Bose 700 so if you consider yourself a movie freak, Sonos Arc is good for you.

In terms of placement, place the Arc 2 to 4” away from the bottom of the TV. Make sure the distance between the bar and side walls is within 5.5-12”. With side-firing drivers, the surround sound in Sonos Arc is more powerful and immersive compared to Bose 700. It has broad soundfield where the sound follows the action on screen.

Bose 700 is an excellent standalone soundbar that has balanced profile. While it shows decent surrounds and no height effects, it is still a great option. Inside the bar there are drivers for front left, right and center channels. It has good sense of depth and, produces sound with clarity and detail. You always have the option to add surround speakers and subwoofer for improved sound. 

With a higher SPL, the Bose 700 bar can get louder than the Sonos Arc without showing major distortion. With independent center channels, the bars can deliver clear and loud vocals. Low ends shows its presence and depth even though it is not chest thumping.

Features:

You can adjust the bass and treble using the Equalizer in the Sonos Arc. For clearer vocals, use the dialogue enhancement mode and if you are a nighttime movie watcher, use the night mode. Multiroom audio is supported where the Arc can connect to a maximum of 32 Sonos devices. It will work with new S2 OS. Comparing Bose 700 vs Sonos Arc, the Bose 700 can build up to 4 zones in a multiroom system.

Bose supports streaming from Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. So, if you want a larger system with more zones, then choose the Sonos Arc. With a Sonos Port and Boost, you can take advantage of SonosNet Wireless Mesh Network. It will work within 100’ range. Streaming through internet radio and online music streaming services is available in both soundbars. Popular apps like Apple music, Deezer, Tidal, Spotify, etc are supported.

Both these soundbars support Apple Airplay 2 with which you can stream contents from Apple iOS to the soundbars and other Apple devices. With Airplay 2, you can also create multiroom audio system. The soundbars are almost similar in terms of features with slight differences like the Chromecast is not available in the Sonos Arc.

Connectivity:

Bose 700 is more versatile as it supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity. It has Bass port for the subwoofer. Sonos Arc does not have Bluetooth option. The soundbars has HDMI eARC and Ethernet ports. The Arc has HDMI to optical adapter that you can use if your TV has optical port.

Multiple speaker pairing:

You have the option to expand the Sonos Arc by adding surround speakers (Sonos ERA 100 or 300) along with a subwoofer (Sonos Sub).

Control options:

Sonos Arc soundbar has basic controls like play/pause, increase/decrease volume, mute and previous/next track. Bose 700 doesn’t have these; it only has a mute and Action button (enable voice assistant). Comparing Sonos Arc vs Bose 700, the Arc does not have any remote control. You need to use the Sonos S2 app. Bose 700 has a large remote with several buttons.

You can use it as a universal remote as well. It also works with Bose Music app. Controlling the bars with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa is supported. Sonos Arc has Sonos Voice Control with which you can control Sonos products. It allows you to give multiple commands to them. With HDMI CEC, you can control the bar with HDMI TV remote.

Sonos S2 Controller app is available while the Bose uses Bose Music app. The Bose mobile app allows you to set favorite playlist, stations, create multiroom, etc.

Cost:

Comparing Sonos Arc vs Bose 700 soundbar, the Bose 700 is a cheaper model. It is half of the price of Sonos Arc which makes it a great option for users with tight budget.

FAQ:

Is Bose 700 worth it?

Since Bose Smart soundbar is a standalone bar, you can invest on surrounds and subwoofer. This makes a huge improvement with powerful surrounds and punchier bass. There are bass, treble adjustments along with room calibration feature to improve the overall sound.

Will Sonos Arc work with Apple TV?

Sonos Arc is compatible with Apple TV.