Home theater audio has evolved dramatically, and modern soundbars have become increasingly sophisticated. Gone are the days of simple stereo upgrades - today's premium soundbars offer immersive surround sound, smart features, and even AI-powered enhancements. The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar ($699) and JBL Bar 700 ($899) represent two different approaches to delivering theater-quality sound.
These two systems approach home theater audio quite differently. The Bose Smart Ultra is a sleek, single-unit solution that uses advanced digital processing and carefully positioned drivers to create virtual surround effects. Released in late 2023, it represents Bose's latest thinking in space-efficient design.
The JBL Bar 700 takes a more traditional home theater approach, providing physical surround speakers and a dedicated subwoofer. This creates a true surround sound field but requires more space and setup consideration.
Bass performance is one of the most noticeable differences between these systems. The JBL's dedicated 10-inch subwoofer delivers significantly more powerful low frequencies, reaching down to 35Hz. This makes explosive movie scenes and music tracks with deep bass much more impactful.
The Bose relies on integrated woofers, which, while well-engineered, simply can't move as much air as a dedicated subwoofer. However, Bose's bass is remarkably clean and controlled for an all-in-one unit, and it can be expanded with an optional subwoofer.
Both systems support Dolby Atmos, which adds height channels to create a more three-dimensional sound field. However, they implement it differently:
The Bose Smart Ultra uses advanced digital processing and upward-firing speakers to bounce sound off your ceiling, creating virtual height effects. Their proprietary TrueSpace technology also enhances non-Atmos content, adding artificial height cues.
The JBL Bar 700 combines Atmos processing with physical surround speakers, providing more convincing directional effects. The detachable wireless surrounds can run for about 10 hours on battery power, offering flexible placement without permanent wiring.
Both manufacturers have invested heavily in dialogue enhancement:
Bose's AI Dialogue Mode uses machine learning to identify and enhance speech frequencies dynamically. It's particularly effective during complex action scenes where dialogue might otherwise get lost.
JBL's PureVoice technology takes a different approach, using algorithmic processing to maintain dialogue clarity without requiring AI. Both systems perform well, but Bose's solution adapts more dynamically to different content types.
The Bose system is ideal for smaller spaces or cleaner aesthetics, measuring just 34.5 inches wide and requiring no additional components. Its single-unit design makes it perfect for apartments or minimalist setups.
The JBL requires more planning, needing space for the subwoofer (typically near the TV) and the surround speakers (behind your seating area). However, the wireless design and battery-powered surrounds offer good flexibility in placement.
Bose's ADAPTiQ system is particularly sophisticated, using a special headset microphone to measure room acoustics from multiple positions. It then adjusts the sound profile to compensate for room characteristics like size, furniture, and wall materials.
The JBL offers basic sound calibration but lacks the comprehensive room correction of the Bose. However, its physical speaker placement often requires less correction in the first place.
Both systems offer impressive smart capabilities:
The Bose adds some unique features like Voice4Video, which can control your TV through voice commands, and TrueSpace spatial processing for non-Atmos content.
The JBL Bar 700 at $899 includes everything needed for a complete surround sound system. For home theater enthusiasts with adequate space, this represents excellent value, especially considering the quality of the included subwoofer.
The Bose Smart Ultra at $699 might seem more affordable initially, but adding a matching subwoofer and surround speakers can push the total cost well above the JBL system. However, this modularity allows for future upgrades as budget permits.
From my experience testing both systems, the JBL delivers more impressive home theater performance out of the box, particularly with action movies and gaming. The physical surrounds and powerful subwoofer create a more convincing bubble of sound.
However, the Bose excels in dialogue clarity and room adaptation. Its AI-enhanced processing is particularly effective at maintaining clear speech while preserving surround effects. It's also remarkably capable for its size, though it can't match the JBL's bass impact.
Both systems are well-positioned for the future of home entertainment. The Bose's AI capabilities will likely improve through software updates, while the JBL's physical speaker arrangement provides a solid foundation for any audio format.
The choice ultimately depends on your space, budget, and priorities. The Bose Smart Ultra offers sophisticated processing in a compact package, while the JBL Bar 700 delivers more traditional home theater performance with modern conveniences.
Remember that both manufacturers have strong track records for reliability and support, so either choice should provide years of enjoyable service. Consider your room size, listening habits, and whether you prefer the simplicity of a single unit or the impact of a complete surround system when making your final decision.
| Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar | JBL Bar 700 |
|---|---|
| Price - Base system cost before any additions | |
| $699 standalone soundbar | $899 complete system with sub and surrounds |
| System Configuration - Determines overall sound capabilities | |
| 5.1.2 virtual channels, single unit design | 5.1 physical channels with detachable surrounds |
| Bass Performance - Critical for movie impact and music depth | |
| Integrated woofers, 40Hz lower limit | 10" wireless subwoofer, 35Hz lower limit |
| Surround Sound Implementation - Affects immersion | |
| Virtual processing with upward-firing drivers | True surround via wireless rear speakers |
| Power Output - Indicates maximum volume capability | |
| Not specified by manufacturer | 620W total system power |
| Room Calibration - Helps optimize sound for your space | |
| Advanced ADAPTiQ with microphone headset | Basic sound calibration |
| Dialog Enhancement - Key for clear speech in movies | |
| AI-powered Dialogue Mode with machine learning | PureVoice technology algorithm based |
| Smart Features - Adds streaming and control options | |
| Alexa built-in, AirPlay 2, Voice4Video control | Alexa compatible, AirPlay 2, Chromecast |
| Expandability - Future upgrade potential | |
| Can add wireless sub and surrounds later | Complete system, no expansion needed |
| Physical Size - Consider your space | |
| 34.5" x 4.5" x 3.5" soundbar only | 34.8" soundbar + 12" x 17.3" sub + surrounds |
| Warranty Coverage - Protection for investment | |
| 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
The JBL Bar 700 typically offers better movie performance due to its dedicated subwoofer and true surround speakers. However, the Bose Smart Ultra provides excellent virtual surround and may be sufficient for smaller rooms.
The JBL Bar 700 delivers notably stronger bass with its 10-inch wireless subwoofer. The Bose Smart Ultra has good integrated bass but can't match the depth and power of a dedicated subwoofer.
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar offers simpler setup with its single-unit design. The JBL Bar 700 requires positioning multiple speakers but uses wireless connections to minimize complexity.
Yes, if you want a complete surround sound system. The JBL Bar 700 at $899 includes everything needed, while the Bose Smart Ultra at $699 would cost more to match with optional surrounds and subwoofer.
The Bose Smart Ultra is ideal for small spaces due to its compact, single-unit design. The JBL Bar 700 requires more room for its subwoofer and surround speakers.
Both excel at dialogue, but the Bose Smart Ultra has an edge with its AI-powered dialogue enhancement. The JBL Bar 700 uses PureVoice technology which is also very effective.
The Bose Smart Ultra can be expanded with optional wireless surrounds and subwoofer. The JBL Bar 700 comes complete with no expansion options needed.
The JBL Bar 700 typically offers fuller music playback due to its subwoofer, while the Bose Smart Ultra provides excellent clarity but less bass impact.
Yes, both support Dolby Atmos, but implement it differently. The Bose Smart Ultra uses virtual processing, while the JBL Bar 700 combines virtual height with physical surround speakers.
Both offer similar smart features including WiFi streaming and voice assistant compatibility, but the Bose Smart Ultra adds unique features like Voice4Video TV control.
The JBL Bar 700 typically offers better gaming performance with its true surround speakers and powerful subwoofer for explosive effects. The Bose Smart Ultra provides good virtual surround but less impact.
The Bose Smart Ultra offers superior room correction with its ADAPTiQ system. The JBL Bar 700 has basic calibration but relies more on physical speaker placement.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: techradar.com - bose.com - bestbuy.com - tomsguide.com - pcrichard.com - rtings.com - bose.com - boselatam.com - avsforum.com - bose.com - crutchfield.com - harmanaudio.com - target.com - jbl.com - walmart.com - dell.com - jbl.com.pdf)
