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;

The Bose Soundbar 700 certainly feels like a high-end product with a super finish and some excellent features. If you want one or both of the main smart assistants this soundbar has you covered, and the ADAPTiQ audio calibration ensures the sonic performance is often impressive.

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

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;

The Bose Soundbar 700 simply isn't quite up to scratch. Frankly, it feels like an overpriced smart speaker with an HDMI connection, rather than a soundbar with voice assistant features built-in. Mind you, the same could be said about the Sonos Playbar.

ADAPTiQ audio calibration; Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant; Excellent app integration

Fails to deliver an engaging sound; Doesn't support Dolby Atmos or DTX:S; Oversized remote control

Bose’s Soundbar 700 might replace your smart speaker, but it’s no substitute for a properly cinematic audio system

ADAPTiQ audio calibration; Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant; Excellent app integration;

Fails to deliver an engaging sound; Doesn’t support Dolby Atmos or DTX:S; Oversized remote control;

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

Great sound and aesthetics; Easy to use with the apps

Initial set up was quite difficult; Finally got the right link from Bose India website; The link that came with the app was not functional

Super easy setup with one page instruction which is very visual. Bose Music app is easy to use. Downloading software update took me about 5 mins but could depend on internet speed. Beautiful design and love the remote control as well.