Smart looks, smart assistants, not-so-smart features

This classy soundbar looks smart, acts smart and generally sounds smart. However, some design flaws, a lack of Atmos/DTS:X support, and limited bass make it hard to recommend at this price.

Solid front soundstage; Effective remote app; Attractive design; ADAPTiQ audio calibration; EARC support; Built-in Alexa/Google Assistant;

No additional HDMI inputs; No Atmos/DTS:X support; Top is too reflective; Annoying remote control; Lacking in bass;

Soundbars started out simple. Their mission was to provide the best sound possible from a single speaker so that folks could forget about the hassles of wiring and just enjoy their TV and music. And while that’s still true of some soundbar models, the industry has been rapidly shifting back to more speakers and less simplicity. The $800 Bose Soundbar 700 is in some ways a return to the original soundbar concept, but hiding beneath its elegant exterior are some thoroughly modern features. Is it the right audio companion for your media room? Let’s check it out. If you’re going to have to look at a soundbar from time to time, it should be the Bose Soundbar 700. I maintain that soundbars should do their utmost to disappear from sight. After all, if you wanted a speaker to be the highlight of your TV room, you’d invest in the biggest ones you could find. But let’s be real: Short of concealing a soundbar within a wall — which would defeat both its sound as well as its simplicity — you’re goi...

Enthralling surround sound; Gorgeous design; Choice of Alexa or Google Assistant; Private listening option; Smart universal remote; AirPlay 2;

Not the best value; Some music services not supported; No Chromecast option for Android; No HDMI inputs;

The Bose Soundbar 700 delivers big, polished sound from an impressively compact body, and it's easy to use. But it can only take the sound so far, it's expensive, and it's missing some features.

Big sound from a little body, Attractive glass-topped design, Backlit remote control and helpful app

Expensive for what it offers, Sound can become a little muddy at loud volumes, No LED display

Soundbars started out simple. Their mission was to provide the best sound possible from a single speaker so that folks could forget about the hassles of wiring and just enjoy their TV and music. And while that’s still true of some soundbar models, the industry has been rapidly shifting back to more speakers and less simplicity. The $800 Bose Soundbar 700 is in some ways a return to the original soundbar concept, but hiding beneath its elegant exterior are some thoroughly modern features. Is it the right audio companion for your media room? Let’s check it out. If you’re going to have to look at a soundbar from time to time, it should be the Bose Soundbar 700. I maintain that soundbars should do their utmost to disappear from sight. After all, if you wanted a speaker to be the highlight of your TV room, you’d invest in the biggest ones you could find. But let’s be real: Short of concealing a soundbar within a wall — which would defeat both its sound as well as its simplicity — you’re goi...

Enthralling surround sound; Gorgeous design; Choice of Alexa or Google Assistant; Private listening option; Smart universal remote; AirPlay 2, Chromecast Built-in;

Expensive; Some music services not supported; No HDMI inputs; Bose Music app lacks some features;

Soundbars started out simple. Their mission was to provide the best sound possible from a single speaker so that folks could forget about the hassles of wiring and just enjoy their TV and music. And while that’s still true of some soundbar models, the industry has been rapidly shifting back to more speakers and less simplicity. The $800 Bose Soundbar 700 is in some ways a return to the original soundbar concept, but hiding beneath its elegant exterior are some thoroughly modern features. Is it the right audio companion for your media room? Let’s check it out. If you’re going to have to look at a soundbar from time to time, it should be the Bose Soundbar 700. I maintain that soundbars should do their utmost to disappear from sight. After all, if you wanted a speaker to be the highlight of your TV room, you’d invest in the biggest ones you could find. But let’s be real: Short of concealing a soundbar within a wall — which would defeat both its sound as well as its simplicity — you’re goi...

Enthralling surround sound; Gorgeous design; Choice of Alexa or Google Assistant; Private listening option; Smart universal remote; AirPlay 2, Chromecast Built-in;

Expensive; Some music services not supported; No HDMI inputs; Bose Music app lacks some features;

Soundbars started out simple. Their mission was to provide the best sound possible from a single speaker so that folks could forget about the hassles of wiring and just enjoy their TV and music. And while that’s still true of some soundbar models, the industry has been rapidly shifting back to more speakers and less simplicity. The $800 Bose Soundbar 700 is in some ways a return to the original soundbar concept, but hiding beneath its elegant exterior are some thoroughly modern features. Is it the right audio companion for your media room? Let’s check it out. If you’re going to have to look at a soundbar from time to time, it should be the Bose Soundbar 700. I maintain that soundbars should do their utmost to disappear from sight. After all, if you wanted a speaker to be the highlight of your TV room, you’d invest in the biggest ones you could find. But let’s be real: Short of concealing a soundbar within a wall — which would defeat both its sound as well as its simplicity — you’re goi...

Enthralling surround sound; Gorgeous design; Choice of Alexa or Google Assistant; Private listening option; Smart universal remote; AirPlay 2, Chromecast Built-in;

Expensive; Some music services not supported; No HDMI inputs; Bose Music app lacks some features;

Soundbars started out simple. Their mission was to provide the best sound possible from a single speaker so that folks could forget about the hassles of wiring and just enjoy their TV and music. And while that’s still true of some soundbar models, the industry has been rapidly shifting back to more speakers and less simplicity. The $800 Bose Soundbar 700 is in some ways a return to the original soundbar concept, but hiding beneath its elegant exterior are some thoroughly modern features. Is it the right audio companion for your media room? Let’s check it out. If you’re going to have to look at a soundbar from time to time, it should be the Bose Soundbar 700. I maintain that soundbars should do their utmost to disappear from sight. After all, if you wanted a speaker to be the highlight of your TV room, you’d invest in the biggest ones you could find. But let’s be real: Short of concealing a soundbar within a wall — which would defeat both its sound as well as its simplicity — you’re goi...

Enthralling surround sound; Gorgeous design; Choice of Alexa or Google Assistant; Private listening option; Smart universal remote; AirPlay 2, Chromecast Built-in;

Expensive; Some music services not supported; No HDMI inputs; Bose Music app lacks some features;

Soundbars started out simple. Their mission was to provide the best sound possible from a single speaker so that folks could forget about the hassles of wiring and just enjoy their TV and music. And while that’s still true of some soundbar models, the industry has been rapidly shifting back to more speakers and less simplicity. The $800 Bose Soundbar 700 is in some ways a return to the original soundbar concept, but hiding beneath its elegant exterior are some thoroughly modern features. Is it the right audio companion for your media room? Let’s check it out. If you’re going to have to look at a soundbar from time to time, it should be the Bose Soundbar 700. I maintain that soundbars should do their utmost to disappear from sight. After all, if you wanted a speaker to be the highlight of your TV room, you’d invest in the biggest ones you could find. But let’s be real: Short of concealing a soundbar within a wall — which would defeat both its sound as well as its simplicity — you’re goi...

Enthralling surround sound; Gorgeous design; Choice of Alexa or Google Assistant; Private listening option; Smart universal remote; AirPlay 2, Chromecast Built-in;

Expensive; Some music services not supported; No HDMI inputs; Bose Music app lacks some features;

Soundbars started out simple. Their mission was to provide the best sound possible from a single speaker so that folks could forget about the hassles of wiring and just enjoy their TV and music. And while that’s still true of some soundbar models, the industry has been rapidly shifting back to more speakers and less simplicity. The $800 Bose Soundbar 700 is in some ways a return to the original soundbar concept, but hiding beneath its elegant exterior are some thoroughly modern features. Is it the right audio companion for your media room? Let’s check it out. If you’re going to have to look at a soundbar from time to time, it should be the Bose Soundbar 700. I maintain that soundbars should do their utmost to disappear from sight. After all, if you wanted a speaker to be the highlight of your TV room, you’d invest in the biggest ones you could find. But let’s be real: Short of concealing a soundbar within a wall — which would defeat both its sound as well as its simplicity — you’re goi...

Enthralling surround sound; Gorgeous design; Choice of Alexa or Google Assistant; Private listening option; Smart universal remote; AirPlay 2, Chromecast Built-in;

Expensive; Some music services not supported; No HDMI inputs; Bose Music app lacks some features;