When it comes to upgrading your TV's sound, there's a huge range of soundbar options available. Today, we're comparing the premium $899.95 JBL Bar 700 with the budget-friendly $179.99 Bose Solo Series 2 to help you understand which might be right for your needs.
Soundbars have come a long way from simple TV speaker replacements. Modern premium models like the JBL Bar 700 now offer complete home theater alternatives, while basic models like the Bose Solo Series 2 focus on improving TV audio clarity without complexity.
Released in 2022, the JBL Bar 700 represents the latest in soundbar technology, featuring Dolby Atmos (which creates a 3D sound field, including height effects) and detachable wireless rear speakers. The Bose, released in 2020, takes a more traditional approach with a simple single-unit design focused on clear dialogue and improved TV sound.
The JBL Bar 700 uses a 5.1 channel system, meaning it has five main speakers (three in front, two rear) plus one subwoofer. The standout feature is its detachable rear speakers - they charge when connected to the main bar but can be placed anywhere in your room for true surround sound. This flexibility is perfect for those who want surround effects for movies but prefer a cleaner look when just watching news or sports.
The included 10-inch wireless subwoofer handles the deep bass frequencies that smaller speakers can't reproduce effectively. This separation of bass duties helps the main speakers focus on mid and high frequencies, resulting in clearer overall sound.
The Bose Solo Series 2 takes a minimalist approach with a single bar containing two full-range drivers. While this means it can't create true surround effects, it excels at its primary mission: making TV dialogue clearer and providing better overall sound than built-in TV speakers. The simplified design means easier setup and fewer potential issues.
The JBL's Dolby Atmos capability creates a notably more immersive experience for movies and shows that support it. The dedicated center channel (crucial for dialogue clarity) combined with PureVoice technology helps voices cut through complex soundtracks clearly. The wireless rear speakers create genuine surround effects - you'll actually hear sounds behind you rather than simulated effects.
The Bose handles dialogue well through its dedicated enhancement mode, but lacks the spatial separation and immersion of the JBL. Without a subwoofer, explosive movie scenes lack impact, though regular TV viewing remains clear and balanced.
For music, the JBL's superior hardware shows its worth. The dedicated subwoofer provides deep bass for genres like hip-hop or electronic music, while the multi-speaker arrangement creates a wider soundstage (the perceived width of the sound) that helps replicate a live music feel. Modern connectivity options like AirPlay and Chromecast built-in make streaming convenient.
The Bose performs respectably with music, particularly vocal-focused genres, but bass-heavy tracks highlight its limitations. Bluetooth is the only wireless streaming option, which may feel restrictive for some users.
The JBL Bar 700 embraces modern connectivity with:
The Bose Solo Series 2 keeps it simple with:
In daily use, the JBL's versatility shines. The system automatically adjusts to content type - you'll get full surround for movies, clear dialogue for news, and powerful bass for music when needed. The ability to detach the rear speakers means you can easily switch between casual TV watching and movie night setups.
The $899.95 price tag reflects its premium positioning, but considering it replaces the need for a separate home theater system, the value proposition makes sense for movie enthusiasts or those wanting a high-quality audio experience.
The Bose excels at its core function - making TV sound better. Setup takes minutes, operation is intuitive, and the improvement over TV speakers is immediately noticeable. While it can't match the JBL's performance, at $179.99 it represents excellent value for those wanting better TV audio without complexity.
Consider these key factors when choosing between the JBL Bar 700 and Bose Solo Series 2:
The JBL's Dolby Atmos support and advanced connectivity ensure it will remain relevant as content continues to embrace 3D audio. The Bose, while capable, doesn't offer upgradeability or support for newer audio formats.
The JBL Bar 700 represents a significant investment but delivers a genuine home theater experience with flexibility for different use cases. Its advanced features and superior performance make it the clear choice for entertainment enthusiasts.
The Bose Solo Series 2 focuses on doing one thing well - improving TV audio simply and affordably. It's perfect for those wanting better sound without complexity or higher costs.
Remember: The best choice depends entirely on your specific needs and environment. Don't feel pressured to buy more features than you'll use - both products excel in their intended roles.
| JBL Bar 700 Dolby Atmos 5.1 | Bose Solo Series 2 |
|---|---|
| Audio Channels - Determines surround capability and immersion | |
| 5.1 channels with true surround | 2.0 stereo channels only |
| Total Power Output - Impacts maximum volume and room size suitability | |
| 620W total (plenty for large rooms) | Not specified (~100W estimated, suited for small-medium rooms) |
| Subwoofer - Critical for deep bass in movies and music | |
| 10-inch wireless subwoofer included | No subwoofer, limited bass response |
| Surround Sound - Affects movie immersion and gaming experience | |
| Dolby Atmos with detachable wireless rear speakers | Virtual surround only, no rear speakers |
| Connectivity Options - Determines flexibility and future compatibility | |
| HDMI eARC, Optical, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Chromecast | Optical and Bluetooth 4.0 only |
| Smart Features - Impacts ease of use and streaming options | |
| Voice assistant support, automatic room calibration, app control | Basic remote control only |
| Size and Installation - Consider your available space | |
| Main bar: 34.8" x 2.2" x 4.7", plus subwoofer and rear speakers | Compact single unit: 21.6" x 2.8" x 3.4" |
| Price - Value proposition relative to features | |
| $899.95 (premium features justify cost) | $179.99 (excellent value for basic needs) |
| Dialogue Enhancement - Important for clear speech in TV/movies | |
| PureVoice technology with dedicated center channel | Basic dialogue mode |
| Music Streaming - Affects convenience for music playback | |
| Multiple options including Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Chromecast | Bluetooth only |
| HDR Support - Future proofing for video passthrough | |
| HDR10, Dolby Vision pass-through | No video passthrough |
| Battery Life - Impacts wireless speaker usability | |
| 10 hours for detachable rear speakers | No battery-powered components |
The $899.95 JBL Bar 700 is significantly better for movies due to its Dolby Atmos support, dedicated subwoofer, and true surround sound speakers. The $179.99 Bose Solo Series 2 is more suited for basic TV viewing.
There's a substantial price difference - the JBL Bar 700 costs $899.95 while the Bose Solo Series 2 is $179.99. The price difference reflects their different capabilities and target users.
Yes, both the JBL Bar 700 and Bose Solo Series 2 will work with any modern TV. The JBL offers more connection options including HDMI eARC, while the Bose uses basic optical connection.
The Bose Solo Series 2 is ideal for small rooms due to its compact size and simpler setup. The JBL Bar 700 might be overkill for very small spaces, though it can be adjusted to suit any room size.
The JBL Bar 700 includes a wireless subwoofer for powerful bass. The Bose Solo Series 2 doesn't include or support an external subwoofer, which limits its bass performance.
Both can stream via Bluetooth, but the JBL Bar 700 offers additional options like Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and Chromecast. The Bose Solo Series 2 is limited to Bluetooth only.
The Bose Solo Series 2 is easier to set up with simple plug-and-play installation. The JBL Bar 700 requires more setup time but offers auto-calibration for optimal sound.
Only the JBL Bar 700 supports Dolby Atmos for immersive 3D sound. The Bose Solo Series 2 doesn't support Dolby Atmos or other advanced audio formats.
Both work well for sports, but the JBL Bar 700 provides more immersive sound for crowd noise and commentary. The Bose Solo Series 2 still offers clear dialogue and improved TV sound.
Yes, both the JBL Bar 700 and Bose Solo Series 2 can be wall mounted. Both include mounting hardware in the box.
Both offer dialogue enhancement, but the JBL Bar 700 has superior dialogue clarity thanks to its dedicated center channel and PureVoice technology. The Bose Solo Series 2 provides basic dialogue enhancement.
For the best home theater experience, surround speakers make a big difference. The JBL Bar 700 includes detachable wireless surround speakers, while the Bose Solo Series 2 doesn't support surround sound.
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: crutchfield.com - harmanaudio.com - target.com - jbl.com - walmart.com - dell.com - jbl.com.pdf) - rtings.com - bose.com - bose.com - assets.bose.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - pistonheads.com - costco.com - googlenestcommunity.com - youtube.com - discussions.apple.com
