Bose 500 vs 700: Which Bose Headphones Reign?
Struggling to decide between the Bose 500 and the 700? You’re not alone! Bose has a reputation for top-tier audio quality and innovative features, making the choice between their products a tough one.
This in-depth comparison dives into the specifics, helping you determine which Bose headphone is the perfect fit for your needs and preferences. We’ll explore design, sound performance, noise cancellation, and extra features.
Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a frequent traveler, or simply seeking an upgrade to your listening experience, understanding the differences between the Bose Smart Soundbar 500 and the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 is key to making a smart purchase. Let’s find out which one comes out on top!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Bose 500 | 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Good | Excellent |
| Microphone Quality | Good | Exceptional |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.0 |
| Battery Life (Music) | 10 hours | 20 hours |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Earcup Design | On-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Adjustable Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes, 11 levels |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Codec Support | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Weight | 7.4 oz | 8.96 oz |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Comfort
- Bose 500: Features a sleek, minimalist design with a smooth, matte finish. Offers comfortable earcups but some users find the headband pressure noticeable over extended use.
- 700: Boasts a more premium and modern design with stainless steel accents. Generally considered more comfortable, with a lighter feel and better weight distribution.
- Winner: 700
Noise Cancellation
- Bose 500: Provides good noise cancellation, effectively reducing background noise. Offers adjustable levels via the app.
- 700: Offers industry-leading noise cancellation, significantly blocking out a wider range of frequencies. Provides 11 levels of noise cancellation.
- Winner: 700
Sound Quality
- Bose 500: Delivers a balanced sound signature with clear highs and decent bass. May lack the punch of some competitors.
- 700: Presents a slightly more refined and detailed sound profile. Offers a wider soundstage and more impactful bass.
- Winner: 700
Microphone Performance
- Bose 500: Equipped with a good microphone system for calls, but not as advanced as the 700.
- 700: Features an exceptional microphone system with eight microphones for crystal-clear call quality, even in noisy environments.
- Winner: 700
Battery Life
- Bose 500: Offers a respectable battery life, providing several hours of playback on a single charge.
- 700: Provides a slightly longer battery life than the 500. Offers fast charging capabilities for quick top-ups.
- Winner: 700
Voice Assistant Integration
- Bose 500: Supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant with dedicated buttons for easy access.
- 700: Also supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant with excellent voice pickup and responsiveness.
- Winner: Tie
Controls and Connectivity
- Bose 500: Features touch controls on the earcups for playback and volume adjustments. Uses Bluetooth for connectivity.
- 700: Also has touch controls on the earcups and uses Bluetooth. Offers a more intuitive and responsive control experience.
- Winner: 700
Price
- Bose 500: Typically priced lower, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- 700: Generally more expensive, reflecting its premium features and build quality.
- Winner: 500
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | 700 |
| Microphone Quality | 700 |
| Battery Life | 700 |
| Comfort | Tie (depends on preference) |
| Design | Tie (depends on preference) |
| Overall Value | 500 |
What They Have in Common
- Voice Assistant Support: Both the Bose 500 and 700 headphones offer seamless integration with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for hands-free control.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both models utilize Bluetooth technology for wireless audio streaming from your devices, such as your phone or computer.
- Touch Controls: Both headphones incorporate touch controls on the earcups, enabling users to easily manage music playback, answer calls, and adjust volume.
- Multipoint Pairing: Both headphones support multipoint pairing, letting you connect to two devices simultaneously.
- Bose Music App Compatibility: Both are compatible with the Bose Music app, which allows you to customize settings, manage connected devices, and receive software updates.
Bose 500 vs 700 Buying Guide
Sound Quality: Bose 500 vs 700
The Bose 700 generally boasts superior sound quality compared to the Bose 500. The 700 provides a wider soundstage, offering a more immersive listening experience, and delivers a more balanced audio profile with enhanced clarity, particularly in the mid and high frequencies. The 500 still offers good sound, but it might sound a bit more confined. Ultimately, the 700’s audio quality is a noticeable upgrade, making it a better choice for audiophiles and those prioritizing a richer sound.
Noise Cancellation: Bose 500 vs 700
Noise cancellation is a key differentiator. The Bose 700 excels significantly in this area, offering industry-leading noise cancellation that effectively blocks out a wider range of ambient sounds, from the rumble of a plane to the chatter in a busy office. The Bose 500 offers acceptable noise cancellation, but it’s not as effective as the 700, especially in handling lower frequencies. If noise cancellation is a high priority, the Bose 700 is the clear winner.
Design & Comfort: Bose 500 vs 700
Both models feature stylish designs, but the Bose 700 has a sleeker, more modern aesthetic. The 700’s stainless steel headband and minimalist design give it a premium feel. Comfort is subjective, but both are generally comfortable for extended wear. The earcups of the 700 might feel slightly more plush. The 500 is still comfortable, it’s just a matter of preference. Both headphones are designed for long listening sessions.
Microphone Performance: Bose 500 vs 700
The Bose 700’s microphone system is highly praised, providing exceptional call quality even in noisy environments. It uses a sophisticated array of microphones to isolate your voice and filter out background noise, resulting in clear and crisp conversations. The Bose 500 also performs well, but it’s not quite on par with the 700. The 700 is the clear choice for frequent calls and video conferencing.
Battery Life & Charging: Bose 500 vs 700
Battery life is an important consideration. The Bose 700 offers a competitive battery life, typically providing around 20 hours of playback on a single charge. The Bose 500, while also offering decent battery life, might fall a little short in comparison, with around 15-20 hours. Both headphones charge via USB, and the 700 has a faster charging time. This is a point to consider in your decision.
Price & Value: Bose 500 vs 700
Price is a significant factor. The Bose 700 is generally more expensive than the Bose 500. While the 700 offers superior features and performance, the 500 provides excellent value for its price. Considering your budget and needs is crucial. If you prioritize top-of-the-line features and are willing to invest more, the 700 is the better buy. However, the 500 provides a great experience for a lower price.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy bose 500 If…
- You prefer a more compact, on-ear design.
- You’re looking for a good balance of noise cancellation and audio quality at a slightly lower price point.
- You prioritize portability and a lighter weight.
Buy 700 If…
- You need the best possible noise cancellation for travel or noisy environments.
- You prioritize exceptional call quality and microphone performance.
- You prefer an over-ear design for a more comfortable and immersive experience.
- You want longer battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Bose 500 and 700?
The primary differences lie in noise cancellation, microphone performance, and sound quality. The Bose 700 excels in all these areas, offering superior noise cancellation, clearer calls, and a more immersive listening experience. The 700 has a sleeker design and premium build. The Bose 500 still provides good sound and features at a lower price point.
Which headphone has better noise cancellation?
The Bose 700 has significantly better noise cancellation. It uses a more advanced system to block out a wider range of ambient sounds, including low-frequency noises like engine rumbles and general office chatter. The 500 offers acceptable noise cancellation, but it’s not as effective as the 700, especially in challenging environments. The 700 is the clear winner for noise cancellation.
Which headphone is better for phone calls?
The Bose 700 is superior for phone calls. Its advanced microphone system isolates your voice and filters out background noise, ensuring clear and crisp conversations even in noisy environments. The 500 is still good for calls, but the 700’s performance is noticeably better, making it the preferred choice for frequent phone users and professionals who take calls often.
What is the battery life like on each headphone?
The Bose 700 typically offers around 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, providing ample listening time. The Bose 500 also offers a solid battery life, usually around 15-20 hours. Battery life can vary depending on usage, such as volume levels and the use of noise cancellation. Both headphones charge via USB, providing convenient charging options.
Are the Bose 500 and 700 comfortable to wear?
Both headphones are designed for comfort. The Bose 700 features a premium design with a stainless steel headband and plush earcups, providing a comfortable fit for extended wear. The Bose 500 also offers a comfortable fit, though the design might feel slightly different. Individual comfort preferences vary, but both are generally comfortable for long listening sessions.
Which headphone is better for sound quality?
The Bose 700 has superior sound quality. It delivers a wider soundstage, providing a more immersive listening experience, and offers a more balanced audio profile with enhanced clarity, particularly in the mid and high frequencies. The Bose 500 still delivers good sound, but the 700 provides a noticeable upgrade for those prioritizing audio fidelity.
Which headphone is the better value?
The better value depends on your priorities and budget. The Bose 500 is the better value if you’re looking for a great listening experience at a more affordable price. The Bose 700 is the better value if you want top-of-the-line features and are willing to pay more. Consider your needs and budget when making your final decision.
Final Verdict
The Bose 700 emerges as the superior choice due to its exceptional noise cancellation, superior microphone performance, and enhanced sound quality. While the Bose 500 offers good performance at a lower price point, the 700’s advanced features and overall audio experience justify its higher cost for those seeking the best possible listening experience.
Winner: Bose 700