Choosing the right soundbar can dramatically elevate your home entertainment experience, and Bose is a name synonymous with premium audio. When considering their offerings, the Bose SoundTouch 300 and the Bose SoundTouch 700 often come up in conversation.
Both soundbars promise to deliver that signature Bose sound quality, but they cater to slightly different needs and budgets. Deciding between these two exceptional models can be a challenge.
This comparison dives deep into the nuances of the Bose SoundTouch 300 versus the Bose SoundTouch 700 to help you make an informed decision. We’ll explore their features, performance, and overall value to ensure you get the best audio upgrade for your living room.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Bose SoundTouch 300 | Bose 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 28″ x 2.5″ x 4″ | 38.5″ x 2.2″ x 4″ |
| Weight | 6 lbs | 11 lbs |
| Connectivity (Wired) | HDMI (ARC), Optical, AUX | HDMI (ARC), Optical, AUX |
| Connectivity (Wireless) | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Multi-room Audio | Yes (SoundTouch) | Yes (Bose Music App) |
| Voice Assistant Integration | No | Yes (Alexa, Google Assistant) |
| Sound Quality | Good, clear dialogue | Excellent, immersive |
| Bass Performance | Decent, can be enhanced with subwoofer | Strong, deep |
| App Control | SoundTouch App | Bose Music App |
| Expandability | Optional wireless bass module and surround speakers | Optional wireless bass module and surround speakers |
| Audio Formats | Limited | Supports Dolby Digital, DTS |
| Design | Compact, minimalist | Sleek, premium metal grille |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Connectivity Options
- Bose Soundtouch 300: Offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, Optical, and AUX inputs. While versatile for its time, it lacks newer standards like HDMI eARC and doesn’t support higher-resolution audio formats directly over HDMI.
- 700: Features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, Optical, AUX, and notably, HDMI eARC for improved audio transmission with compatible TVs. It also supports more advanced audio codecs.
- Winner: 700
Sound Quality & Technologies
- Bose Soundtouch 300: Delivers a clear and balanced sound profile with Bose’s proprietary PhaseGuide technology for wider sound dispersion. It’s good for general listening but can lack the depth and impact of more advanced systems.
- 700: Boasts enhanced drivers and a more refined acoustic design, offering richer bass, clearer dialogue, and a more immersive soundstage. It supports Dolby Digital and DTS, with potential for Dolby Atmos with an upgrade.
- Winner: 700
Design & Build Quality
- Bose Soundtouch 300: Features a sleek, minimalist design with a glass-top finish, fitting well into most living room aesthetics. The build is solid but feels less premium compared to its successor.
- 700: Elevates the design with a premium glass top and a perforated metal grille, exuding a more sophisticated and modern look. The build quality is noticeably superior, feeling more robust and high-end.
- Winner: 700
Smart Features & Voice Control
- Bose Soundtouch 300: Integrates with the SoundTouch app for streaming services and multi-room audio. It does not have built-in voice assistants.
- 700: Includes built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free control, music playback, and smart home integration. It also supports voice control via the Bose Music app.
- Winner: 700
Expandability & Surround Sound
- Bose Soundtouch 300: Can be paired with Bose’s wireless bass modules (e.g., Acoustimass 300) and surround speakers for a more complete home theater experience. Setup is straightforward.
- 700: Offers similar expandability with the Bass Module 700 and Surround Speakers 700, creating a more powerful and immersive surround sound system. The integration feels more seamless and advanced.
- Winner: 700
App Control & Ecosystem
- Bose Soundtouch 300: Controlled via the older SoundTouch app, which is functional but less intuitive and feature-rich than newer offerings. It supports multi-room audio within the SoundTouch ecosystem.
- 700: Utilizes the modern Bose Music app, which provides a cleaner interface, easier setup, and better integration with other Bose smart products. It’s essential for firmware updates and advanced customization.
- Winner: 700
Setup & Calibration
- Bose Soundtouch 300: Setup is generally easy via the SoundTouch app. It includes ADAPTiQ audio calibration to optimize sound for your room, though it’s a more basic system.
- 700: Features an even simpler setup process guided by the Bose Music app. The ADAPTiQ calibration is more advanced, ensuring better acoustic optimization for a wider range of room acoustics.
- Winner: 700
Price & Value
- Bose Soundtouch 300: Being an older model, it can often be found at a significantly lower price point, offering good value for its sound quality and features, especially if found on sale.
- 700: Positioned as a premium product, it comes with a higher price tag reflecting its advanced features, superior build, and modern technology. It offers excellent value for those seeking a top-tier soundbar experience.
- Winner: Bose SoundTouch 300 (for budget-conscious buyers)
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Sound Quality | Bose 700 |
| Bass Performance | Bose 700 |
| Voice Assistant Integration | Bose 700 |
| Design & Build Quality | Bose 700 |
| Value for Money (Entry-level) | Bose SoundTouch 300 |
| Ease of Use (Basic) | Bose SoundTouch 300 |
| Expandability | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Connectivity Options: Both soundbars offer a comprehensive range of connectivity, including HDMI ARC for easy TV hookup, optical for older TVs, and an AUX input for flexible audio sources.
- Wireless Streaming: Both support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing for seamless wireless music streaming from your smartphone, tablet, or network.
- Multi-Room Audio: Both systems are designed for multi-room audio setups, enabling you to play music in different rooms of your house, controllable through their respective apps.
- Expandability: Both the SoundTouch 300 and the 700 can be expanded with optional wireless bass modules and surround speakers to create a more immersive home theater experience.
- App Control: Both soundbars are managed via dedicated mobile applications (SoundTouch App for the 300 and Bose Music App for the 700), offering control over settings, music sources, and multi-room management.
- Dialogue Clarity: Both are engineered to deliver clear dialogue, a crucial feature for enjoying movies and TV shows.
Bose Soundtouch 300 Vs 700 Buying Guide
Sound Quality and Immersion
The Bose Soundtouch 300 offers a strong performance, delivering clear dialogue and a surprisingly wide soundstage for its size. It excels at filling a medium-sized room with balanced audio, making movies and music enjoyable. However, the Bose 700 elevates this experience significantly. It boasts a richer, more detailed sound profile with deeper bass and more pronounced highs. The 700’s advanced acoustics create a more immersive and room-filling sound, making it ideal for those who prioritize a premium audio experience and a more cinematic feel. (See Also: Nest Cam Vs Ring )
Connectivity and Smart Features
Both soundbars offer robust connectivity options, including HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth. The Soundtouch 300 integrates with Bose’s SoundTouch multi-room audio system, allowing for seamless streaming across multiple Bose devices. The Bose 700, however, takes smart features a step further. It includes Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming services, voice assistant integration (like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant), and supports AirPlay 2 for Apple device users. This enhanced smart functionality makes the 700 more future-proof and convenient for modern smart homes.
Design and Aesthetics
Bose is known for its sleek and minimalist designs, and both the Soundtouch 300 and 700 uphold this reputation. The Soundtouch 300 features a clean, glass-top design that blends well with most entertainment setups. The Bose 700 refines this aesthetic with a premium finish and a slightly more compact profile, making it appear more sophisticated and less obtrusive. The materials used in the 700 feel more high-end, contributing to its overall premium perception and making it a more visually appealing addition to a modern living room.
Value and Budget Considerations
When considering value, the Soundtouch 300 often presents a more budget-friendly option, offering excellent Bose sound quality at a more accessible price point. It’s a fantastic choice for those looking to upgrade from TV speakers without breaking the bank. The Bose 700, while a significant investment, justifies its higher cost through superior audio performance, advanced smart features, and a more premium build. If budget is a primary concern, the Soundtouch 300 is a strong contender. However, for those seeking the ultimate Bose soundbar experience and willing to spend more, the 700 offers greater long-term value. (See Also: Lose It Vs Weight Watchers )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Bose SoundTouch 300 If…
- You’re looking for a significant upgrade from your TV’s built-in speakers without breaking the bank.
- You prioritize ease of use and a simple setup process.
- You already have other Bose SoundTouch speakers and want to integrate them into a multi-room system.
- You don’t require advanced voice assistant integration or the absolute best in audio fidelity.
Buy Bose 700 If…
- You desire a premium audio experience with exceptional clarity, depth, and immersive sound.
- You want the convenience of built-in voice assistant support (Alexa and Google Assistant).
- You appreciate a sleek, modern design that complements a high-end entertainment setup.
- You’re looking for the latest Bose technology and features for your home theater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Bose Soundtouch 300 and 700 be expanded with a subwoofer or rear speakers?
Yes, both the Bose Soundtouch 300 and the Bose 700 offer the option to expand their sound systems. You can add the Bose Bass Module 500 or 700 for enhanced low-frequency impact and the Bose Surround Speakers 700 for a more immersive, theatre-like surround sound experience. This modularity allows you to tailor the audio setup to your room size and personal preferences, creating a truly robust home theater system.
Which soundbar is better for dialogue clarity?
Both soundbars are engineered for excellent dialogue clarity, a hallmark of Bose audio products. However, the Bose 700 often has a slight edge due to its more advanced acoustic processing and wider frequency response. It can better isolate and enhance vocal frequencies, ensuring that dialogue remains crisp and intelligible even during complex action sequences or when the overall sound mix is dense. The Soundtouch 300 is still very good, but the 700 offers a more refined and distinct vocal presentation.
Does the Bose 700 offer voice control directly, or does it require a separate device?
The Bose 700 soundbar features built-in voice control capabilities, typically integrating with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This means you can control playback, adjust volume, and even ask general questions directly through the soundbar itself without needing a separate smart speaker. The Soundtouch 300 does not have this integrated voice control and would require a separate compatible smart speaker to achieve similar voice-activated functionality. (See Also: Bose Quiet Comfort Vs Airpods Pro )
How does the wireless connectivity compare between the two models?
Both soundbars offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless streaming. The Soundtouch 300 is part of Bose’s SoundTouch ecosystem, allowing for easy multi-room audio streaming within that system. The Bose 700 builds upon this with support for AirPlay 2, providing a more seamless and integrated wireless experience for Apple users. Both offer reliable connections for music streaming services and app control, but the 700’s AirPlay 2 support is a significant advantage for those invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Is the extra cost of the Bose 700 worth it over the Soundtouch 300?
For many users, the extra cost of the Bose 700 is justified by its superior audio performance, richer bass, more detailed soundstage, and advanced smart features like built-in voice control and AirPlay 2. If you prioritize the absolute best sound quality, a more premium build, and cutting-edge connectivity, the 700 is a worthwhile investment. However, if your budget is tighter and you’re looking for a significant audio upgrade over your TV speakers with excellent sound, the Soundtouch 300 remains a compelling and capable option.
Final Verdict
The Bose Soundtouch 300 offers a compelling entry into premium soundbar audio with its clear sound and good value. However, the Bose 700 represents a significant leap forward, delivering superior audio fidelity, deeper bass, more immersive sound, and advanced smart features. Its premium design and enhanced connectivity make it the more complete and future-proof package for discerning audiophiles and smart home enthusiasts.
Winner: Bose 700