03 Nov
Blog

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review: Atmos Adds to the Immersion

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 close-up.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900

RRP $ 899.00

"The Smart Soundbar 900 adds Dolby Atmos for just $ 100, making it a great choice for a single speaker home theater sound system."

advantages

  • Elegant design

  • Good Dolby Atmos effects

  • Excellent music quality

  • Practical TV voice control

  • Synchronization of private headphones

disadvantage

  • Only one HDMI port

  • Simple remote control without backlight

  • Limited support for Android

When Bose launched its $ 799 Smart Soundbar 700 in the last half of 2018, it probably should have included Dolby Atmos, the highly immersive surround sound format used for both movies and music. That wasn't the case, and that gave longtime competitor Sonos the chance to jump in with its very own Dolby Atmos soundbar, the Sonos Arc, which debuted in 2020 at the same price as the non-Atmos Smart Soundbar 700.

But Bose has finally jumped on the Atmos bandwagon with its $ 899 Smart Soundbar 900. Is it worth the extra $ 100? Let's find out.

Holes in the glass

Bose smart soundbar 900.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

If you think the Smart Soundbar 900 sounds familiar, don't dream. It's a dead ringtone for the Smart Soundbar 700, right down to the classy (but slightly smudged) glass plate. The biggest difference is the matching set of racetrack-like oval holes on either end of the glass. These openings are for the additional upward-facing drivers that help the soundbar deliver the height effects that have become synonymous with Dolby Atmos.

The drivers are angled upwards so they can bounce certain sounds off your ceiling and back to your listening position. While the 900 is impressively short (2.29 inches tall) and could easily fit under most large screen TVs, don't put it there. It has to be open to get the most out of these aspiring riders.

In its black guise, the 900 pretty much disappears into the background, but if you want your soundbar to make both a visual and an audible statement, it is also available in white.

One port too little

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 ports on the back.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

You can connect the Smart Soundbar 900 to your TV with an HDMI cable or an optical cable, and Bose includes both. If you use the optical cable, you will not be able to send a Dolby Atmos signal to the soundbar even if your TV supports it. Atmos is simply too bandwidth-hungry for an optical connection – it requires the thicker HDMI cable. That's not to say that the 900 doesn't produce very visually immersive sound when used – it'll still sound great thanks to the company's TrueSpace technology – you just can't get the full Atmos experience without HDMI.

The Smart Soundbar 900 delivers beautifully clear, room-filling sound.

Speaking of HDMI: The 900 only has one HDMI port, through which it receives audio from your television and sends control instructions back to the television. For most people, this will be a bit of a nuisance as it will force you to give up one of your TV's HDMI ports and not provide you with a replacement. Depending on the number of HDMI devices you have and the number of inputs on your TV, it may even be necessary to purchase an HDMI switch.

But for the audio purists out there with older TVs, this poses another challenge. If your TV doesn't support HDMI eARC (most TVs over two years old), there is simply no way to get the highest quality audio signal that the 900 can handle, namely lossless 24-bit Dolby Atmos in Dolby TrueHD.

With other Dolby Atmos soundbars, such as the Sony HT-A7000, you can connect a Blu-ray player or streaming media device to one of the HDMI inputs on the soundbar, bypassing your TV's HDMI ARC restrictions by adding You send the sound directly to the soundbar while the video is relayed to your TV.

The Smart Soundbar 900 isn't the only Atmos soundbar with this limitation. The Sonos Arc also only has a single HDMI port.

Don't lose the remote control

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 remote control.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

While it is true that you can control all functions of the Smart Soundbar 900 via the Bose Music app (more on this in a moment), the supplied remote control should be close at hand if there are no controls integrated into the soundbar itself. The only controls that Bose installs on this smooth glass surface are for intelligent loudspeaker functions (microphone mute, action button). You need the remote control or the app for volume, mute, play / pause and other functions.

Oddly enough, Bose decided to equip the Soundbar 900 with one of its simple, non-backlit infrared remote controls, while the Soundbar 700 comes with a much fancier, backlit Bluetooth universal remote. When I asked Bose why this was the case, I was told that the Voice4Video feature (which I'll discuss below) is viewed as a replacement for most of the functions on the universal remote.

You need an app for that

In theory, you can only operate the Smart Soundbar 900 with the included remote control, but you're missing out on a lot. The Bose Music app (for iOS and Android) guides you through the setup process, including connecting the soundbar to your home's WiFi, calibrating the sound with the included AdaptIQ microphone, and setting up the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa if you want to activate the intelligent loudspeaker functions of the 900. The connection of the soundbar to Wi-Fi is a prerequisite if you want to use one of the natively supported music streaming services, Spotify Connect or Apple AirPlay 2.

In the app you will also find all the deeper settings such as adjustments for bass, treble and treble channels as well as the dialogue improvement mode. None of this can be controlled with the remote control. The app is also the only way to confirm that the soundbar is receiving and playing Dolby Atmos.

Brilliant sound

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 close-up.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Whether you're playing 5.1, Dolby Atmos or a standard 2-channel stereo mix, the Smart Soundbar 900 delivers wonderfully clear, room-filling sound. In typical Bose fashion, the sound signature tends to accentuate the mids and high frequencies out of the box. For music, there is a crisp, energetic sound to vocals, but it is also ideal for TV dialogues.

Bass is also abundant. But as mentioned above, to maximize the speaker's low-end capabilities, you'll need to dive into the Bose Music app as it's pretty tame the first time you set it up. I also recommend increasing the elevation channel settings. Even with my basement's relatively low ceiling height of 7.5 feet, I found that I needed the extra punch to get the most out of these upward-shooting height drivers.

It's not difficult to convince yourself that there are additional surround speakers in the room.

It does take some tweaking, but once you're done with the settings, the Smart Soundbar 900 creates a compelling Dolby Atmos sound dome. All of my Atmos test films like Mad Max: Fury Road, Ford V. Ferrari and Avengers: Infinity War sounded exciting. You can definitely hear the added dimension of the height channels, but like the non-Atmos Smart Soundbar 700, what catches you most is the incredible breadth of the 900's soundstage. Sit in the middle and it's not difficult to convince yourself that there are additional surround speakers in the room.

This is where the comparison of the 900 with the Sonos Arc becomes interesting. From a purely Dolby Atmos perspective, the Arc does a better job with height effects, and its significantly larger housing produces deeper, more resonant bass. But the Smart Soundbar 900 is better at creating a full surround sound experience, and it also offers better clarity, especially with dialogue.

Musically, both soundbars are convincing, but here, too, each has its strengths. The Arc produces a warmer bass response, but cannot quite keep up with the clarity of the Soundbar 900 in the upper ranges. Given the 900's wider soundstage, I think Bose has the edge, but that will likely depend on personal preference.

Streaming sounds

It's worth noting that Android users have less high-quality music streaming options since the soundbar 900 supports AirPlay 2 but not Chromecast. All streaming services natively supported in the Bose Music app (Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, TuneIn, Deezer, iHeart Radio and SiriusXM) are streamed via Wi-Fi. If these services support high-resolution or lossless audio (and you have access to that level of content), you should be getting the best possible audio quality. However, if you're using Apple Music, Tidal, YouTube Music, or one of the many services not included in the Bose Music app, you're limited to Bluetooth and using either the SBC or AAC codec.

Apple device owners have more freedom of choice. With AirPlay 2, practically any music app can stream via Wi-Fi in lossless quality of up to 16-bit / 48kHz from an iPhone to the Soundbar 900, and all grouped speakers can play along from there.

This pales in comparison to the huge range of services that Sonos supports. The Bose Music app also doesn't offer the ability to browse all of your services from a single interface or create an unlimited number of favorite playlists and stations – you're limited to just six.

"Alexa, channel 33"

Bose smart soundbar 900.Your TV or streaming device may have built-in Chromecast, but the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 does not. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

If you choose Amazon Alexa as your voice assistant, Bose offers a clever way to control your TV and cable set-top box with voice commands. It's called Voice4Video and it's configured in the Bose Music app. Once the soundbar has correctly identified your TV, cable box and local cable provider, you can turn your TV on and off and use your voice to jump to specific channels.

It's hardly anything you need, but if you want it you'll be happy to know that it works really well. I have seen only a few occasions where I had to repeat a TV-based voice command.

Multiroom audio

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 seen with Sonos Arc.Bose Smart Soundbar 900 (left) and Sonos Arc. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

One of the advantages of having a speaker connected to Wi-Fi is the ability to broadcast multi-room audio. Here you can play a different music source on each speaker, have all your speakers play the same music in perfect sync, or split your home into speaker groups, each doing their own thing.

The Smart Soundbar 900 lets you team up with other Bose wireless speakers, bluetooth speakers, and headphones to create a whole house audio solution – a very versatile range of options. These grouped speakers can play any source that the primary speaker can access, be it Bluetooth, Bose Music's built-in streaming services, AirPlay 2, or your TV's sound. However, the management of these speaker groups is not quite as flexible.

If your group only contains Bose Wi-Fi speakers, such as the Bose Home Speaker 500 or Bose Smart Soundbar 300, you can edit the group and easily add and remove speakers as you wish. However, groups containing SimpleSync Bluetooth products like the QuietComfort 45 cannot be edited – you have to end them and create a new group with the devices you want.

Bose may not offer the same level of music controls as Sonos, but the multiroom controls are excellent.

Pssst … the children are sleeping

Bose Music app.

Bose Music app.

If you have Bose Bluetooth headphones, such as the newly released QuietComfort 45 or the Noise Canceling Headphones 700, you can pair them with the Soundbar 900 using Bose's SimpleSync technology. Most soundbars offer Bluetooth to stream music from your phone to the speaker, but very few let you do it the other way around – from the soundbar to a headphone – and it's a handy feature.

Our opinion

The Bose Smart Soundbar 700 was already a great speaker for movies and music. The only thing missing was Dolby Atmos. Now that the Smart Soundbar 900 is here, adding that missing component for just $ 100 more, it's an excellent choice for a single speaker home theater sound system.

Is there a better alternative?

For this price there is really only one alternative to the Bose Smart Soundbar 900: The Sonos Arch. They are the same price and go head to head on many functions. Both give you a choice of Google or Amazon voice assistants, both connect to music streaming services, both can be used as part of a whole house wireless audio setup, and both use just a single HDMI eARC port for the TV connectivity.

With great software from Sonos, the Arc is a better choice for all-home audio and control of your music. It also creates deeper bass and slightly more noticeable Dolby Atmos height effects. But you can't plug in headphones for private listening, the high-frequency clarity isn't as good as with the Bose, it doesn't come with its own remote control, and you can't control your TV with Alexa. It is also significantly larger and bulkier than the Soundbar 900.

One more consideration: Bose gives you cheaper options for adding a subwoofer and wireless surround speakers. You can add these to the Soundbar 900 for just $ 798. It takes at least $ 1,147 to do the same with the Sonos Arc – although you can get a much higher quality speaker set from Sonos.

How long it will take?

Bose may not offer software updates for the Smart Soundbar 900 forever, but I see no reason why it shouldn't give you great performance as long as you choose to own it. Bose products come with a one-year warranty.

Should you buy it?

Yes, unless you already own other Sonos products. In this case the Arc is the more logical choice.

Editor's recommendations



06 Oct
Blog

Bose QuietComfort 45 Review: More (And Less) Of A Good Thing

Man wears Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.

Bose QuietComfort 45

RRP $ 329.00

"The most popular headphones from Bose have a larger battery, but leave out some functions."

advantages

  • Super comfortable

  • Very good noise cancellation

  • Very good sound quality

  • Can be connected to multiple devices

disadvantage

  • No wear detection

  • No EQ settings

When Bose launched its $ 379 Noise Canceling Headphones 700 (NC 700), many wondered if the company had abandoned its time-honored QuietComfort 35 II (QC 35 II) design, which was by the time the NC 700 was released Flagship cans with active noise cancellation.

It turned out those fears were unfounded when Bose unveiled its $ 329 QuietComfort 45 (QC 45) earlier this year. But the QC 45 isn't your typical upgrade. Bose definitely made improvements, but also removed some features.

Has Bose removed too much? Let's check them out.

What's in the box?

Bose QuietComfort 45 noise canceling headphones with case and accessories.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Bose continues to do a good job with the packaging – the QC 45 box will be very easy to recycle on site thanks to its sleek but sleek cardboard box. The only exception are the foam inserts, with which the headphones cannot be moved during transport. Inside you will find the QC 45, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, a 2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable, and a zippered carrying case. Once again, Bose has chosen not to include its $ 9 airplane adapter, an odd choice given the loyalty of the QuietComfort line among air travelers.

draft

Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

With the QC 45, Bose focused on evolution, not revolution. Because if you want something completely different, that's what the NC 700 is for. Aside from a few minor changes, the QC 45 is indistinguishable from the QC 35 II – you get the same fold-flat hinges and lightweight but sturdy construction – even the physical controls are identical, including the slide switch for power / bluetooth and playback Controls on the right earcup and the action button on the left.

The biggest change concerns the materials. Gone are the suede-like Alcantara material from the inside of the headband, instead the same synthetic leather has been used that Bose uses for its ear pads. The synthetic leather probably wears better than the Alcantara, but it also slides a little more on the head. This is an important consideration if you typically carry full size cans in the gym.

The ear cushions take the perfectly comfortable middle ground between firm and soft.

The ear pads have also been redesigned. They're just as comfortable, but Bose has swapped out the wrinkled pillows on the QC 35 II for a silky-soft set that is more like the pillows on the NC 700. While this has the effect of making the QC 45 look more like the competition from Sony and JBL, I applaud the move as I've never been a fan of the wrinkled look.

Bose has also gone for a slightly more conservative finish on the plastic, which is now almost matte, as it has lost some of the satin sheen of the older model. Even the logos of the ear cups have been highlighted more discreetly, with a discreet silver finish replacing the raised metallic lettering.

For some people, simply switching from MicroUSB to USB-C charging (which Bose should have used on the QC 35 II) is enough to consider the QC 45.

Comfort, controls and connections

Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The QuietComfort line of headphones has always been one of the most comfortable over-ears you can buy, and the QC 45 continues that tradition. The ear cushions take that perfectly comfortable midway between firm and soft, while the size and shape of the ear cups make these cans the few that don't put any pressure on my ears. They're comfortable even with glasses on.

The headband exerts just enough clamping force to hold everything where it is needed. It also prevents the tape from creating a pressure point on your head. Oddly enough, the QC 45 is actually a bit heavier than the QC 35 II – 8.5 ounces versus 8.3 ounces – but you would never know. I still think the NC 700s are more comfortable overall (although they're a hair heavier at 8.9 ounces), but the difference is marginal.

I still can't understand why Bose designs its cans to sit flat against your collarbones with the ear pads facing up rather than down (like Sony does) which is much more convenient.

Wireless stability and range are excellent both indoors and outdoors.

There's not much to say about the controls – they are exactly what you need, and they work really well. The three buttons on the right earcup let you control calls, playback, volume and skip tracks, while the action button on the left lets you toggle between Active Noise Canceling (ANC) and transparency mode.

But there are two big differences between the QC 45 and the QC 35 II: First, the action button is no longer configurable to work with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. In fact, Bose has completely abandoned these two voice AIs, leaving you with everything built into your phone. If you want the extra power from Amazon or Google, you have to go for the NC 700.

And there are no longer multiple ANC levels. You only get the two modes – ANC and Transparency (more on that later).

I'm torn at the slider power button. On the one hand, you never switch it on accidentally, which is easily possible with the NC 700. On the other hand, you always run the risk of using a mechanical slide switch for a function that is as strained as electricity when it wears out, which probably explains why there are several guides on the internet that show you how to fix a broken power switch Replace QC 35.

The sound is really pleasant and suits all genres except the most bass-heavy genres.

The only thing missing is wear detection – the headphones' ability to tell when they're on your head. The Tour One from JBL has this function, as does the WH-1000XM4 from Sony. Even some very affordable noise-canceling models like that Wyze headphones got it. But Bose hasn't yet given its buyers the option to automatically pause music when they take off their headphones.

Connecting the QC 45 is a breeze, whether in Android or iOS, and it's even easier to use the Bluetooth multipoint capability to connect a second device such as a computer at the same time. Just slide the power button a little further and wait for the message that you are ready to pair with a second device. Wireless stability and range are excellent both indoors and outdoors. Do you have a Bose soundbar or wireless speaker? The QC 45's SimpleSync feature allows you to easily connect them to these other devices.

All current Bose headphone products, such as the NC 700, QuietComfort Earbuds, Bose Sport Earbuds and the new QC 45 use the Bose Music App instead of the Bose Connect App. The Music app gives you the same ability to update firmware, adjust settings, and view important information like remaining battery life, but it's not as full. You will no longer be able to access Bose's Music Share feature, which allows two compatible Bose headsets to share a single stream of audio from a phone, and there will be no “Find My Product” option. These features may not matter to you, but it's still strange that they go away.

Sound quality

Man wears Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

After spending time with many Bose products – speakers, soundbars, headphones, and earbuds – I believe there is a “Bose sound”. At its core, it's a nice balance of frequencies – not quite the "flat" or neutral sound that some audiophiles crave, but close. The bass is never missing in the formula, but neither does it trample its way through the songs like an elephant in combat boots. And at the top end there is that extra boost of energy, a brightness that fluctuates on the verge of sharpness but never makes you flinch. In short, the Bose sound is really enjoyable and suits all genres except the most bass heavy. And the QC 45 embodies the Bose sound.

This is great news if you like the sound of it, but if you don't, the company doesn't understand you very much. There's no way to customize the QC 45's EQ in the Bose Music Companion app, which you can do with the NC 700 and the company's wireless speakers.

Noise cancellation and transparency

Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Bose fans already know how good the company's noise-canceling technology is. This is why so many of them bought previous QuietComfort models. The QC 45 does not set a new standard for ANC, but improves your usability, which is arguably more important. You still get the same pleasant silence as the cans filter out unwanted noise, but now you can toggle between full ANC and full transparency (called by Bose Aware mode) almost instantly using the action button on the left earcup.

Neither ANC nor transparency are quite as good as what you get with the Bose NC 700, and the QC 45 lacks the clever bells and whistles of Sony's WH-1000XM4 like speech recognition (which can automatically activate transparency mode when you start talking) . but that doesn't stop them from being a great range of noise-canceling cans.

Call quality

Compared to the QC35 II, the QC 45 should enable superior voice calls thanks to the integrated fourth microphone. That may be true, but they're still not as good as the NC 700 for phone calls.

External noise is effectively canceled, but the algorithm Bose uses to do this can sometimes interfere with your voice, especially when that external noise becomes particularly loud. When it's quieter, your callers will hear you with perfect clarity. However, whether in quiet or noisy environments, the QC 45 will make it sound like you're two or three feet from the microphone, which is unusual. This doesn't affect clarity, but it does tend to take away the low frequencies from your voice that add warmth and resonance.

If calls are a big factor, choose the NC 700 or JBL Tour One instead, which offer the best call quality of any full-size headphone I've tested.

Battery life

Bose headphones have never broken records in battery life, but the QC 45 outperforms both the QC 35 II and the newer NC 700 with 24 hours of continuous use (versus 20 hours). A very good quick charge will give you three hours more if you charge the headphones for 15 minutes.

The remaining battery life is announced when you turn it on, which is especially important if you are about to make a long Zoom call and are unsure whether the battery will last. You can also keep an eye on the battery using the Bose Music app.

Our opinion

The Bose QuietComfort 45 uses a proven formula and makes some much-needed improvements like longer battery life, USB-C charging, and easier / faster control of ANC modes, but some people might be missing the features that Bose left out.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're not stressed about having a MicroUSB charging cable on hand and want to be able to access the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa through your headphones, you can save a few bucks and still get a great set of ANC headphones with the $ 299 QuietComfort 35 II.

If call quality is high on your list, then you should check out the very good ones JBL Tour One. They're not quite as convenient as the QC 45 and don't work as well with ANC, but they do offer hands-free access to voice assistants. They also have better battery life.

If you can afford it Bose noise canceling headphones 700 have many of the same features that the QC 45 left out, such as voice assistants, variable ANC, EQ controls, and great call quality.

How long will they last?

Bose products are very well built and the QuietComfort 45 is no exception. These cans should be used for many years, and even if the ear pads are worn out, you can easily purchase a replacement set. Since they lack any official water resistance rating, avoid getting them wet. Bose backs its powered products like the QC 45 with a one-year warranty.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. The QC 45s are a worthy, albeit small, upgrade to the legendary QuietComfort headphones from Bose, which make them even better travel and music companions.

Editor's recommendations



02 Jan
Blog

Bose TV Speaker Review: Elegant And Effortless TV Enhancer

Bose TV speakers

"The Bose TV speaker is a little expensive for what you get. It's the easiest way to get great TV audio."

  • Small, elegant design

  • Very easy to set up and use

  • Impressive bass for its size

  • Effective dialogue mode

  • Optional subwoofer

  • A bit expensive

  • Cannot be paired with Bose headphones

  • No HDMI inputs

Soundbars are a fantastic way to give yourself much better TV audio without the hassle of running cables or having multiple speakers. But there are also different levels of complexity in the soundbar world. Some come with wireless subwoofers, others with additional surround speakers, and many try to double or triple as smart speakers and Wi-Fi music systems. But what if you just want your TV to sound better with the least amount of hardware and expense? Bose's answer is: $ 250 Bose TV speakers.

What's in the box?

The Bose TV speaker is packaged with two small foam cradles, but the rest is lightly made from recycled cardboard. You will receive a power cord, a slim remote control with pre-installed button cell battery, an optical cable and a quick guide. Although the TV speaker has an HDMI ARC input and an additional analog input, Bose strangely does not include HDMI or analog cables.

design

Bose TV speakersSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

While the Bose TV speaker lacks many of the features found in the company's high-end smartbar soundbars (300, 500, and 700), its design and design means it is firmly in the same family as these more expensive speakers. The flat, perforated metal grille and the completely smooth surface give it a sophisticated, first-class atmosphere. The matte black plastic shell is non-intrusive, which means all of your attention is focused on the sound, not the speaker as it should be.

At just over 23 inches wide and hair over 2 inches wide, it easily fits in front of 32-inch TVs without blocking the bottom of the screen, which is an occasional problem with its predecessor, the Bose Solo 5 TV sound system.

If you'd like, you can mount the TV speaker using the same $ 40 wall mount kit that Bose sells for its other soundbars.

Setup and connections

Bose TV speaker connectionsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The beauty of a soundbar that is as simple as the Bose TV speaker is that it is as easy to set up as possible. Connect the speaker to your TV using the optical cable provided or your own HDMI or analog cable and plug the speaker's power cord into the wall. Congratulations you are done.

The TV speaker automatically detects which of these three connections you want to use, so you don't have to select the correct input. But you're not limited to using just one either. You can connect separate audio devices to all three if you want. The catch is that the TV speaker defaults to using the first one it detects as active. So if you want to play TV audio from HDMI ARC and switch to a CD player via the optical connection, you must first turn off your TV and then click play on the CD.

HDMI ARC is a good option, especially if your TV doesn't have an optical port, but the lack of an HDMI input means you are giving up valuable HDMI input on your TV just for the speaker. Since the TV speaker doesn't support any of the high bandwidth audio formats enabled by HDMI ARC (like Dolby Atmos), it might be better to use the optical connection if you can.

There is a dedicated subwoofer output that can be used to connect one Bose Bass Module 500 or 700 via an optional $ 10 cable.

You also get bluetooth. This can be used as a wireless connection for streaming music from a phone, tablet or computer. However, you can also connect the TV speaker as a companion device to a Bose smart speaker or soundbar using the Bose Music app.

Speaking of bluetooth, I wish Bose only had the ability to pair a set of Bose wireless headphones like you can with the company's smart soundbars. Given that the TV speaker is in many bedrooms, this would have been an excellent addition to home TV.

user friendliness

Bose TV speaker remote controlSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

If you just want to hear your TV through the Bose TV speaker, there is next to nothing to do, especially if you're using HDMI ARC. This connection allows your TV remote control to send volume and mute commands to the speaker. This is all you need for basic operation. As a bonus for Roku TV owners, the TV speaker is Roku TV ready. This means that all of the speaker's functions can be controlled through on-screen menus and your Roku remote.

There are no physical controls at all in the soundbar – just two LED indicators in the front left corner indicate when the speaker is being turned on, muted, or using Bluetooth.

The included remote is not illuminated, but the main volume and mute buttons are easy to spot in the dark thanks to their layout and recessed design. With the remote control you can activate bluetooth mode, switch the speaker to dialogue enhancement mode and adjust the amount of bass, all of which are effortlessly possible.

The Bose TV speaker is as simple as a soundbar, which is exactly what some buyers want.

Sound quality

Bose TV speakersSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Consistent with the TV speaker's focus on simplicity, you don't get any audio extras – no Dolby Digital, no Dolby Atmos, no DTS: X – heck, there isn't even a virtualized surround mode that pretty much every $ 100 Soundbar offers these days.

What you get is excellent 2-channel stereo sound that makes watching TV far more enjoyable. Bose has always been able to make small speakers produce big sound, and the TV speaker is no exception. There is no built-in subwoofer and yet the soundbar creates a lot of low-end – especially if you use the bass adjustment to the maximum.

The two angled full-range drivers convey a sense of breadth and depth that sometimes surprised me with its realism. At the price, it would have been nice if Bose had given us the ability to control other aspects of the EQ like highs and mids, but given the balance of the speaker that is out of the box, I doubt I would mess around with them myself when i had her.

Dialog mode does exactly what you'd expect, enhancing the upper registers where voices live while emphasizing the other soundtrack material.

Unlike some other dialog adjustments I've tried that can result in a harsh, brittle sound, the Bose TV speaker simply delivers cleaner, more understandable speech.

Bose TV speakersSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The TV speaker can definitely get loud enough to fill large rooms with sound – with virtually no distortion – but its sweet spot is smaller rooms like bedrooms or dens. In these rooms, the loudspeaker really shines and offers a much wider and deeper soundstage than a standard TV without having to rely on pure energy when working.

Can you use the Bose TV speaker for music too? Absolutely. Streaming sources like Tidal, Spotify, and YouTube Music over Bluetooth sounded very good, although unlike Bose's Soundbar 700, which is used to reveal hidden details in my favorite songs, the TV speaker simply offers decent stereo sound through a single speaker. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Our opinion

While the Bose TV speaker can be significantly more expensive than larger, bolder soundbars with more features, it's the perfect TV companion for those who are short on space, patient, and high-quality sound.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're looking for a simple TV speaker this is it Bose Solo 5 TV sound system is still available and is often offered for less than $ 200 off-peak. It is bulkier than the TV speaker, does not have HDMI ARC and does not have a special tweeter to improve dialogue.

If you want a soundbar with a similarly small footprint and more features, the $ 400 Bose Smart Soundbar 300 or $ 400 Sonos Beam are great options with voice assistants, Apple AirPlay 2, and smartphone apps that let you do a variety of EQ – and other settings.

How long it will take?

Bose products are of excellent build quality. I assume the Bose TV speaker will last as long as you need it, especially because of its simple design and features. However, Bose only provides a one-year manufacturer's warranty.

Should you buy it?

Yes. While expensive for what it is, the Bose TV speaker is a premium and easy-to-use TV audio add-on that will make your movies and shows sound as good as they look.

Editor's recommendations




14 Nov
Blog

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Review: Best ANC Buds

Bose quiet comfort earbuds

Bose QuietComfort ear buds

"The best noise-canceling buds we tested with remarkable sound quality."

  • Best noise canceling buds

  • Excellent call quality

  • Exciting audio quality

  • Solid battery life

  • Secure fit

  • No multipoint connection

  • A bit bulky

I kind of doubt Dr. Amar Bose could have foreseen that the active noise-canceling technology he developed in the 1970s would one day be found in what was then considered magical, glorified earplugs. But here we are. The Bose QuietComfort earbuds are here, and they're muscular, a bit bulky, and fashionable late for the party. Besides, I really like her.

Competitors have been releasing ANC earphones since 2018, and over the past year, companies like Sony, Jabra, Sennheiser, 1More, and many others have offered some excellent options. I suppose the reason we had to wait so long to see Bose's answer is because the real Bose way it wasn't going to hit the market with real wireless ANC buds until it was convinced that they were the best.

The good news is that the $ 280 Bose QuietComfort earbuds are excellent in many ways. The bad news is: they are not for everyone. Read on to find out if Bose Buds are a good fit for you.

What's in the box

The Bose QuietComfort earbuds are integrated into the charging case along with a short USB-C charging cable, small and large pairs of earbuds and product literature. Easy.

Bose quiet comfort earbuds in your handsRiley Young / Digital Trends

Structure and battery life

The charging case is large, bulky and not easy to put in the pocket. One would hope the larger case would result in more charging capacity, but the case only offers 12 hours of extra charge as opposed to, for example, the 18 hours that the AirPods Pro case offers. The battery life of the case is indicated by five LEDs on the front of the case. I should also point out that the case also supports Qi wireless charging.

As is the case, the buds are also quite large. Bose claims they'll work for an average of 6 hours, but I've found that I usually get 7 hours or just a little more per charge, which isn't bad considering the buds' ANC is at its highest level and at a reasonably loud volume is for playing music and movies. I love it when products exceed their specifications.

The build quality of both the case and the buds is top notch, if a bit bulky. Besides being bulky, I found it a little difficult to open. The case has a rectangular button that's placed flush enough that a simple press of your thumb won't open it for me. Instead, I have to use my fingernail to push it in enough to open.

Connection and range

After opening, the case reveals a Bluetooth pairing button between the individual buds. If the earphones are not yet paired with a device, they are removed from the case in pairing mode. If the buds have previously been paired with a device, pressing the button will put them into pairing mode. The QC earbuds always try to connect to the last paired device first.

Bose quiet comfort earbuds in handRiley Young / Digital Trends

This would be a good time to mention that the QuietComfort earbuds don't support multipoint connection. That means you can't connect to two devices at the same time and seamlessly switch between them. Although the Buds store up to seven devices in their device list, you must unpair one device in order to pair it with another.

In terms of connection stability and range, I've found the QC earbuds to work very well. With a clear line of sight outdoors, I was approximately 60 feet from a Samsung Galaxy S9 + before it was disconnected. Inside I was about 25 feet away and had started turning a corner before the signal went off. I have never had a signal dropout problem while my phone was put in my pants or jacket pocket.

Fit and comfort

While fit and comfort are subject to the user's ear, I can confidently say that given their size, these buds take a bit of getting used to. When compared to the Jabra Elite 85T or even the Jabra Elite 75T, you'll notice the Bose's larger bud size, although my sensitivity has decreased over time and I think the same applies to others who have medium to large ears.

The QC earbuds not only feel big on the outside, the tips on the inside also make their presence known. Even the medium-sized tips, which almost always work just right for me, felt a little big. Again, over time I got used to the feeling, but that initial feeling can be worrying. Part of this is due to the wide, oval shape of the earbud, and part of that is due to the safety fin attached to the tip and not removable.

Bose quiet comfort earbuds earplugs in handRiley Young / Digital Trends

The non-removable fin may seem strange at first, but when I think back to how clunky optional safety fins have been to me in the past, I think I prefer it, even if it is a more complicated process to put the earbuds in yours Ears in.

I also appreciate that the earbuds are so balanced that I've never had pain or fatigue in the ear canal. I can't say that about most true wireless earbuds.

Overall and with the advantage of extended use at this point, I would rate the Bose QuietComfort earbuds with 8 out of 10 points on the comfort scale. Bulky, safe, but convenient in the long run. It fits what I'm about. I was lucky, but I'm not sure if these buds are suitable for everyone, especially those with dainty ears where aesthetics can also be an issue.

Touch controls and app

I won't dig deep into this section as I honestly almost never use the app and my use of touch controls is limited. All I need to do is adjust the noise canceling levels, play / pause music and take calls. With the touch sensors on each earbud, I can do all of that.

Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds ApplicationEvil

You can customize the touch controls to some extent using the Bose Connect app, which also lets you rename the buds and check the battery level at a glance. That's about all you need the app to do.

Noise canceling quality

Simply put, the Bose QuietComfort earbuds offer the best noise cancellation I've experienced from a true wireless earbud. I haven't made any meaningful comparison of the bud noise cancellation to the Bose NC 700 headphones, but the tests I was able to run showed that the buds block out a wide variety of sounds just as effectively as the flagship noise canceling on Bose rifles . The earplug's solid seal is of great help, but the ANC processing is second to none.

The best noise cancellation I've experienced with a real wireless earbud.

Compared to the AirPods Pro, which have no problem in the noise canceling department themselves, they can't stand up to the Bose QC earbuds. The Bose blocks far more high-frequency noise, which means that it is more effective at blocking road noises such as cars passing by, the hum of air conditioning, and even children screeching. When music is playing, you only hear the music.

I don't know when I'll get on a plane again, but when I do I look forward to putting Bose's Buds on the ultimate noise-canceling test.

Audio quality

I'm not going to get around the bush here: I love the way the Bose QuietComfort earbuds sound. Not because they have an absolutely accurate sound signature, but because they have a fun and engaging sound profile.

Make no mistake, the QC earphones offer a generous dose of detail, lightning-fast transient response and a punchy bass that can be started and stopped in a jiffy – all hallmarks of high-quality headphones and the stuff that audiophiles stumble upon. But Bose designed the sound in the QC earbuds to provide a deep, punchy, and rich bass that's just pushed up enough in the mix to be more than accurate, but only to the extent that it is satisfies those who like a little more deep down.

Bose quiet comfort earbudsRiley Young / Digital Trends

Mid-frequencies stay transparent even with a slight bass boost, while the top end delivers just enough sheen and shine for the highs to sing.

I may have spent too much time listening to both sets of Cory Wong's The Syncopate & Motivate Tour and enjoying every minute of every hour. The interaction between the kick drum of the drummer and the syncopated rhythms of the bassist was a punchy and melodic pleasure for the ears. Wong's insanely tight articulation paired with the iconic guitar tone came through as clear as a bell, with just the right amount of room noise to give an impression of the venue. Meanwhile, the band's horn section was reproduced with remarkably accurate overtones, giving the band all the zeal that a professional trumpeter (that's me) can expect from a live recording.

It's fair to say I really, really enjoy the sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort earbuds.

Are there any better sounding buds? I have an affinity with the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 and they sound really great. But I have to say between the two, I'd probably buy the Bose for anything they do better than the Momentum 2.

Yes, I think it's fair to say I really, really enjoy the sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort earbuds.

Call quality

With such great sound quality, is call quality so important? I would argue these days. I can see these buds being used to get through days at the end of work from home, switching between listening to music, talking on the phone, and zooming in on meetings. Good news folks: you can enjoy all three without ever removing your earbuds.

The call quality of the QC earbuds is excellent. Your voice will always come through clear and with little digital robotic sound created by the compression of audio signals. In addition, noise in the vicinity of callers is suppressed remarkably well, including wind noise.

But perhaps the most important aspect of solid call quality is that you can hear yourself speak without hearing outside noise. Again, Bose manages this trick better than any other competing earphone or headphone I've tested so far.

Our opinion

As bulky as the Bose QuietComfort earbuds are, they are top notch true wireless earbuds. Their noise cancellation is the best among the earbuds we tested, the audio quality is exciting and deeply satisfying, and the call quality is the best we've had outside of Bose's own full-sized headphones. If you can put up with the slightly larger buds and plump case, the QC earphones will reward you well.

Is there a better alternative?

You won't find better noise cancellation anywhere else, but I'll say the Jabra Elite 85T are extremely competitive headphones at a lower price, with effective noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, good call quality, and solid battery performance. The Elite 85T are also smaller. So when it comes to bud size and budget, they are a great alternative.

How long do they take?

My experience with Bose headphone products makes me believe the QC earbuds will continue to exist in the future. I think the only limiting factor here is the battery, which ultimately dies and makes the buds unusable, but this goes for almost every true wireless earbud out there.

Should you buy it?

Yes. With the best of noise-canceling technology, great call quality and extremely entertaining sound, the Bose QuietComfort earbuds are both a joy and practical.

Editor's recommendations




29 Oct
Blog

Bose Smart Soundbar 300 review: Sonos Beam-beater

Bose Smart Soundbar 300

"Packed with features and great sound, it's an investment you won't regret."

  • Expansive and rich sound

  • Either Alexa or Google Assistant

  • Elegant, minimalist design

  • Listen to private headphones

  • AirPlay 2

  • Expensive for a small soundbar

  • Some music services are not supported

  • No Chromecast option for Android

Bose has gradually expanded its portfolio of smart soundbars and its $ 400 Smart soundbar 300 is the newest addition. It's the smallest and most affordable product in the range, but it has most of the features of its more expensive siblings, the Soundbar 500 for $ 550 and the Soundbar 700 for $ 800.

It might be the perfect choice for those with smaller rooms (or just smaller budgets). Is it right for you Let's try it out.

What's in the box?

In a mostly recyclable box (with some foam inserts that you may need to throw away), you get the Smart Soundbar 300, a power cable, an optical cable, a remote control and a quick start guide.

design

Bose Smart Soundbar 300Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Bose's soundbar design philosophy is one that I fully support: these speakers should be heard, not seen. The Smart Soundbar 300 is almost invisible with its completely matt black housing and its extremely flat shape.

It will look like home when I'm in front of virtually every television I can think of.

At just 2.25 inches tall and 27.5 inches wide, it won't block the bottom of your screen and (depending on the design of your TV) you might even be able to place it under the screen between your legs.

But it's also elegant. With clean lines, a button-free exterior, and a wraparound metal grille, it will look like home sitting in front of virtually every television I can think of. The $ 400 Sonos Beam – Bose's closest competitor – is a bit narrower, but also a bit bigger.

In the upper left corner, a small multi-colored LED light strip gives you visual feedback on the status of the speaker. Two white bars indicate a break, a single blue bar indicates Bluetooth and a small red point means mute. It would be cool if Bose used it to display the volume, but unfortunately not that lucky.

If you'd like to mount it on the wall, an optional bracket is available for $ 40.

The connection ports, which include an HDMI-ARC, an optical input, an Ethernet port, an infrared expansion port and a subwoofer output, are located on the rear. We'll discuss how these can be used in a moment.

Setup and connections

Bose Smart Soundbar 300Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

As with the Soundbar 500 and 700, the Smart Soundbar 300 is not just a TV speaker, it's also a wireless smart speaker that can be added to other Bose wireless speakers for a whole house audio solution. For this reason, the Bose Music app is required to set up (and use the non-TV features) (free on iOS and Android). Today, most people likely have a phone or tablet that can run the app. If you don't, consider one of the many soundbar systems that aren't based on Wi-Fi or app control.

The music app makes setup effortless. In a few minutes the soundbar will be connected to your wireless network and you can configure the soundbar 300 with either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, or just skip this step (you can always change it later if you change your mind).

The advantage of connecting the speaker to your TV using the supplied optical cable is that you don't use any of your HDMI connections, which depending on the TV set can be scarce. Since the Soundbar 300 is not compatible with advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS: X (which require HDMI ARC), an optical connection is really all you need.

Usually, using an optical connection means missing out on the HDMI enabled TV control features. Thanks to the infrared heater of the Soundbar 300, you can still use Alexa or Google Assistant to operate TV functions without HDMI. This is a neat trick that the Sonos Beam can't.

Oddly enough, Bose recommends using an HDMI cable, which is more reliable than using infrared. It's not included in the box, however, as most people already have an extra HDMI cable, while optical cables tend to be harder to come by.

The bass connector for wiring a subwoofer is proprietary, so it cannot be used with another company's subwoofer. However, if you're not a fan of cables, it makes more sense to upgrade the low-end of the Soundbar 300 to include Bose wireless subwoofers, which cost $ 400 Bass module 500and the $ 700 Bass module 700. If you want to create a more immersive surround sound atmosphere, the soundbar is compatible with the $ 299 wireless device too Bose surround speakers or $ 500 Bose surround speaker 700.

Streaming music from the Bose Music app over WiFi provides the best sound quality for Android users, but it's not a great music management app (more on this below). Instead, Apple users will be happiest with AirPlay 2, which gives every app on your phone or tablet a direct Wi-Fi connection to the speaker. Spotify subscribers can use the Spotify Connect feature to connect to the speaker from any Spotify app. There is also bluetooth on board which will be the best option for Android users.

Speaking of Bluetooth: The Soundbar 300 has the same Bose SimpleSync technology as the more expensive Soundbar 500 and 700. With SimpleSync you can pair a set of Bose Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth speaker with the soundbar and control the volume for the two devices independently of each other . It may work with third party headphones – I tried one set Bowers and Wilkins PX5 Headphones and it worked, if a little out of sync. However, your mileage may vary: The Sony WH-1000XM4 was not recognized by the soundbar.

Sound quality

Bose Smart Soundbar 300Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

If you're looking for room-filling sound, look no further. The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 delivers the goods, whether it's bigger, better sound for movies and TV shows, or just listening to your favorite music.

By default, the speaker's EQ is comfortably neutral and has a good frequency balance that works well with a wide variety of music genres and TV content. Given that soundbars are usually the tool of choice for those looking for a simple home theater upgrade, it's a good thing that you can dramatically increase the bass response using the Music app.

Don't get me wrong, the Soundbar 300 can't deliver the kind of bone-jarring bass a dedicated subwoofer can, but in a smaller space, like a bedroom, it has more than enough oomph to bring even the biggest blockbusters to life .

Not that it has to be confined to a small room – the soundbar can get very loud and does so without distortion.

The result is an impressive feeling that the Sonos Beam cannot quite keep up with.

For voice-heavy music or TV dialogues, the soundbar offers flawless, clear playback. Higher frequencies work freely and have both structure and airiness – an unusual combination, even with more expensive speakers.

I was particularly impressed by the sound stage width of the Soundbar 300. The angled full-range drivers impressively reflect the sound from your side walls in the direction of the display / listening zone and create an impressive feeling that the Sonos Beam cannot quite keep up with. The beam feels warmer and has more resonance when it comes to string instruments like bass or cello, but it's also a more reserved sound. The soundbar 300's dispersion pattern feels much more open.

Dialog enhancement mode is essentially a one-click EQ adjustment that brings higher frequencies to the fore and forces other bands to fade into the background. It's not a substitute for something as specific as the Zvox AV157 TV speaker, but it does go a long way in making cloudy speech easier to spot.

Multiroom audio and music sources

Bose Smart Soundbar 300 and Sonos Beam "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/bose-smart-soundbar-300-00012- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAABose Smart Soundbar 300 (front) and Sonos Beam Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Bose Smart Soundbar 300 and Sonos Beam "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/bose-smart-soundbar-300-00014- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAABose Smart Soundbar 300 (right) and Sonos Beam Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Bose Smart Soundbar 300 and Sonos Beam "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/bose-smart-soundbar-300-00013- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAABose Smart Soundbar 300 (right) and Sonos Beam Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Bose Music app provides an easy way to manage multiple Bose wireless speakers in your home, including the ability to group them for shared or separate playback. It's not perfect – you can't pair stereo speakers or use them as surround to upgrade a soundbar like the 300 – but for most people it provides very good control.

However, this control does not extend very far into streaming music. The app supports a decent selection of music services including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and SiriusXM. However, there is no consistency. Some services are searchable, others are not, and each has its own interface. There is no way to create playlists with the app. You are therefore dependent on the tools of each service. You can save playlists, albums, and songs as presets, but the app only gives you six presets to work with.

Not only is the Sonos system better, it's orders of magnitude better, with universal search, unlimited favorites, multi-source playlists, and support for every streaming service under the sun.

remote control

Bose Smart Soundbar 300 remote controlSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Smart Soundbar 300 comes with a small and simple infrared remote control. It covers the basics: volume, mute, play / pause, power, and source selection (music, TV, bluetooth). The rubberized surface and the curved back make it easy to hold and use.

The only unusual aspect of this remote control is the ability to use the music app to synchronize the power button function with your TV and / or cable box. When you do this, pressing the power button turns the soundbar and these two other devices on and off.

Voice assistants

Bose Smart Soundbar 300Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

With the Soundbar 300 you can choose Alexa or Google Assistant as your voice. A.I. You can change your mind at any time, but just like a Sonos smart speaker, you can't do both at the same time.

Regardless of which A.I. If you choose, the soundbar's microphones are great at picking up the wake-up words and commands.

The feature you choose determines which features you can use. Here you will find an overview of the advantages of the individual systems. One important consideration for those who want to use their music to control their music: the service you want to control must be supported by the Bose Music app as well as the voice assistant you choose. Otherwise it won't work.

Bose Smart Soundbar 300 appAlthough the Google Assistant works well with YouTube Music, you won't be able to bring up YouTube Music tracks on the soundbar 300 (or currently with Bose smart speakers).

Regardless of which A.I. If you choose, the soundbar's microphones are also great at picking up wake-up words and commands from across the room – no shouting required. A tap on the microphone button gives you complete privacy. I especially like the fact that the LED light strip responds to let you know your wake word has been heard. The Sonos Beam can also confirm wake-up words, but instead uses an audio chirp, which I find more intrusive.

Those who set up Alexa in the soundbar can use Bose's Voice4Video technology, which extends the control and control of Alexa to your TV and cable box – even if those devices are not directly compatible with Alexa. Once configured, you can ask Alexa to turn on the TV and even switch to a specific channel.

I found this feature to be a bit successful. Basic commands like “Alexa, turn on the TV” worked fine, but channel changes were found to be more inconsistent. When I asked Alexa to switch to channel 33, I sometimes saw "333" on the screen. At other times the channel request would be correct, but the channel change itself was not performed. And sometimes it just worked.

It is possible that these glitches are related to my particular TV and cable box combination. However, since I was using HDMI rather than optical, I would have expected more consistency.

Our opinion

The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is an excellent choice for music and movies in small to medium-sized rooms with an expansive sound and some really innovative additional features.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're looking to build a whole house audio system, the $ 400 Sonos Beam is a better choice. It sounds great and its software platform remains the best in the business for those who want complete control over their music and speakers.

However, if you're really looking for a soundbar that can drastically improve the audio performance of your TV for movies and shows, and do an equally good job with your favorite music, the Bose Smart Soundbar 300 sounds better in my opinion.

How long it will take?

The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 comes with a one-year warranty. Bose has an excellent reputation for making quality products, and I trust the Soundbar 300 will last as long as you need it to be.

Should you buy it?

Yes. While the Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is expensive compared to many other TV speakers, its sound quality, customization, additional features, voice control, and expandability make it an investment you won't regret.

Editor's recommendations




28 Oct
Blog

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Review: Lost In Translation

bose quietcomfort 35 ii gaming review boseqc35iigaming1

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Play

"Bose is a noob in gaming audio, and it shows."

  • Pleasant, balanced sound

  • Light and comfortable

  • Excellent active noise cancellation

  • Lack of virtual surround sound

  • Lacks audio punch in action games

  • Not wireless when gaming

  • Bad value

I have four headphones. That may sound silly, but I suspect you're not far behind me. Here is my list:

  • Wireless PC gaming headset
  • Sony PlayStation 4 wireless headset
  • Wireless earbuds
  • Wired headphones

I blame this absurd situation with the clutter of audio compatibility that can be found on different devices. My PC gaming headset works great for my PC, but not well with the PlayStation 4, and not at all with something that lacks USB-A. My Sony PS4 headset is only useful for the PS4. My wireless earbuds technically connect to anything I own. However, due to their short battery life, I am reserving them for use with my phone. And my wired headphones, now 12 years old, are still the best choices for music, but they require a 3.5mm headphone jack and are too big to be used from the comfort of a desk.

Obviously, my life would be less cluttered with just one device to get it all done. Enter the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming. Based on the popular QC 35 II wireless noise-canceling headphones, the gaming model has a wired microphone for lag-free PC games. They connect to everything I own and can even connect two devices at the same time.

At $ 330, however, the promise of all-round connectivity doesn't come cheap. Can QC 35 II Gaming keep its promise?

Audio quality

Crystal clear audio is the main goal of this headset. It is a conversion of a wireless headset that is usually aimed at audiophiles. So I was expecting an excellent experience.

I'll start with the bad news. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming begins its life as wireless headphones, so they lack the taste in sound that I expect from a wireless gaming headset. They're balanced and crystal clear, but lack surround sound virtualization, a feature that is now combined with games like butter on toast.

Matthew S. Smith / Digital Trends

Simply put, the QC 35 II Gaming is not trying to take your socks off. They're great for Final Fantasy XIV, where the game's amazing soundtrack can take center stage, or Microsoft Flight Simulator, where clear sound makes air traffic control chatter easier to hear and modest bass rewinding an airplane engine drone.

However, in Call of Duty: Warzone, the lack of punch was so noticeable that at first I thought my audio settings were wrong. It wasn't you. The QC 35 II Gaming can't keep up with the impressive virtual surround sound of headsets like the Logitech G733 or the SteelSeries Arctis 7.

The tradeoff for this is the great audio quality everywhere else, which is important. Modern gaming headsets are big bucks, but usually have a muddy sound that strips away details and nuances.

Matthew S. Smith / Digital Trends

Switching from a Logitech G733 to the QC 35 II is a day versus night difference – and I really enjoy the G733. The headset from Logitech is flawless in almost every situation. But put them against Bose on my Spotify Rewind playlist, and Bose will train the Logitech.

Your opinion on the sound of the QC 35 II Gaming depends on what you are playing. If all you want to do is gamble and play games that make adequate use of virtual surround mode, a dedicated gaming headset is better for you. If you're looking to listen to a wide variety of media or play games that have great soundtracks and audio design above volume, the Bose QC 35 II might make sense.

Microphone performance

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II games are defined by an additional microphone that is connected to the audio jack on the headset. The microphone is then connected to a puck using a 3.5mm audio jack. And this puck, which also functions as a volume control, is then connected to your PC via USB.

Confused? Here's the real head scratcher. The QC 35 II Gaming already has a built-in microphone. So why another corded microphone?

The answer to that question – which hardcore gamers have already guessed – is lag. Bluetooth is not a perfect solution for gaming due to latency. It is not ideal to hear an opponent's rifle 200 milliseconds after firing. Because of this, wireless gaming headsets come with proprietary wireless dongles instead of using Bluetooth. However, the QC 35 II Gaming already has Bluetooth, so Bose taps on a wired microphone that is also used to connect the headphones.

Matthew S. Smith / Digital Trends

It's not a good solution. At $ 330, the QC 35 II Gaming is at the high end of wireless gaming headsets. They're not actually wireless when playing games, however. More precisely, the QC 35 II Gaming are wireless Bluetooth headphones that can be converted into a wired gaming headset.

The company makes this clear in its marketing out of fairness to Bose. The QC 35 II Gaming is designed as a gaming headset that also has a "wireless lifestyle mode". Bose doesn't lead anyone astray. However, that doesn't make the wired microphone any less annoying.

At least the wired microphone is excellent. I compared it back to back to the Logitech G733, the Logitech G533, and the Razer Kraken. The QC 35 II Gaming was the clear winner. All four headsets are sufficient, but the QC 35 II Gaming has a clean, crisp quality that is a step above the norm.

Comfort and design

Alright. I've been banging on this evil for a while now – and rightly so. It's a cumbersome attempt to turn a great pair of wireless headphones into a gaming headset, and it doesn't quite work. The Bose QC 35 II Gaming, however, remains at its core the Bose QC 35 II. You can read our Bose QC 35 II review to get the expert perspective of our A / V editor, but I'll summarize the benefits.

The QC 35 II Gaming are compact, foldable for mobility and come with a travel bag. They are light and comfortable to wear. The ear cups, while still an over-ear design, are smaller than most gaming headsets and breathe well. The processing quality is excellent. The phone app that manages wireless connections (the QC 35 II Gaming can connect to two Bluetooth sources at the same time) is simple, but works well enough.

Matthew S. Smith / Digital Trends

It is in the so-called "lifestyle mode" that these advantages are most important to the gaming version, and this is not an unattractive pitch. You can use the QC 35 II Gaming at home with a gaming rig, listen to music on your phone while doing housework, or take them for a walk around the neighborhood.

You can now buy gaming headsets with lag-free wireless connectivity and built-in bluetooth like the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless. Just like the QC 35 II Gaming, these headsets can also serve as all-in-one audio devices. However, they're bigger, heavier, often don't work as well with mobile devices, and usually have a retractable (rather than detachable) microphone.

Don't forget the QC 35 II Gaming's active noise cancellation either. It's effective, eliminating most repetitive sounds, and making everything else much less loud. This is less useful for gaming than it is for traveling. Bose is the master of ANC and the ANC quality of the QC 35 II Gaming is superior to any gaming headset or wireless headphones I have used.

Battery life

The battery life of the QC 35 II Gaming underlines the cumbersome conversion of the headset. Bose claims up to 40 hours in wired game mode and up to 20 hours in wireless lifestyle mode.

That's right. Battery life is limited in wired mode. Forty hours is a long, long time. I usually don't play more than two hours a day, so the QC 35 II would theoretically last three weeks and I've never compromised its endurance while wiring it. On the other hand, gamblers who gamble a lot will eat through a fee in two or three days.

Bose quotes 20 hours of wireless battery life. They seem close to that number. The QC 35 II QC gaming headphones are so comfortable that I wore them more than usual. That's a good sign, although I charged it once every two to three days – more often than the less comfortable Logitech G533, which is my usual daily driver. Still, I can't knock on Bose for wanting to wear the QC 35 II Gaming.

Additional functions

The QC 35 II Gaming has a customizable button that can be used to control ANC. It can also call Alexa or Google Assistant. This is an important function for the QC 35 II wireless headphones, but irrelevant for a gaming headset. This can be useful when using the QC 35 II Gaming as wireless headphones. The built-in microphone is preferable to telephoning from anywhere in the room.

As already mentioned, the QC 35 II Gaming comes with a volume puck. Inclusion is a wise decision by Bose as it will ease the annoyance of using cables. Without the puck, you'd have to plug the headset directly into your desktop's 3.5mm audio, and that would be a chore. Adjusting the volume by rotating the puck is also more convenient than using the headphones' volume buttons.

However, wire length was still a problem. A short 3-foot 3.5mm audio cable connects the microphone to the puck. It's barely long enough for the job. I usually run the audio cable from my wired headphones on the side of my desk so it doesn't get caught on my keyboard or the HOTAS (Hands on Throttle-and-Stick) I use for Microsoft Flight Simulator. However, this is not possible here.

Our opinion

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming are great wireless headphones that are built into a disappointing gaming headset. They look great, sound great, and have an excellent ANC. The wired implementation of gaming connectivity isn't ideal, however, and it's difficult to balance that with the $ 330 price tag.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, Sennheiser GSP 670 and HyperX Cloud Flight S are examples of great gaming headsets that can connect via WiFi or Bluetooth. If all you want is a gaming headset, solid entries like the Logitech G733 start at $ 130.

The Bose QC 35 II Gaming beat them as everyday headphones. But when you buy a gaming headset, gaming is a priority. Other gaming headsets are easier to use, support wireless gaming, and have 7.1 virtual surround sound.

How long it will take?

The QC 35 II Gaming are exceptionally well built and personally I have never broken a headset or headphones (despite washing my AirPods). Accidents aside, you can assume that the QC 35 II Gaming will last as long as the battery life lasts. Heavy users might want a new pair in three years, but I think most owners will be in use for at least five years.

Should you buy it?

No. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are great wireless headphones, but disappointing as a gaming headset. Gamers should stick to headsets that are designed from the ground up for gaming.

Editor's recommendations




04 Jul
Blog

Bose Soundbar 700 Review: Sleek Design Meets Top-Notch Sound

Bose Soundbar 700

"Bose gives this soundbar an excellent appearance, excellent sound and numerous functions."

  • Fascinating surround sound

  • Beautiful design

  • Choice of Alexa or Google Assistant

  • Private listening option

  • Intelligent universal remote control

  • AirPlay 2

  • Not the best value

  • Some music services are not supported

  • No Chromecast option for Android

  • No HDMI inputs

Sound bars just started. Their mission was to deliver the best possible sound through a single speaker so people could forget about wiring problems and just enjoy their TV and music. While this still applies to some soundbar models, the industry has quickly shifted back to more speakers and less simplicity.

The $ 800 Bose Soundbar 700 is in some ways a return to the original soundbar concept, but some of its sleek exterior hides some thoroughly modern features.

Is it the right audio companion for your media room? Let's try it out.

design

Bose Soundbar 700Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

If you need to watch a soundbar from time to time, it should be the Bose Soundbar 700.

I claim that soundbars should do their utmost to get out of sight. If you want a speaker to be the highlight of your TV room, invest in the biggest ones you can find.

But let's face it: if you don't hide a soundbar in a wall – which would affect both sound and simplicity – you'll see it. So if you need to watch a soundbar from time to time, it should be the Bose Soundbar 700.

With its sleek lines, perfectly smooth glass top, and amazingly small and flat stature, the Soundbar 700 is one of those rare technologies that can improve your decor instead of compromising it. Available in black or white, you can choose whether it fits seamlessly into the background or makes a statement. Aesthetically speaking, it's quite an orator.

With a width of 38.5 inches and a height of only 2.25 inches, it is narrow and short enough to fit between the legs of almost all televisions that are at least 50 inches tall and slide directly underneath. If you want to mount it on the wall, an optional (and remarkably affordable) bracket is available for $ 40.

You won't find a single physical button anywhere on the Soundbar 700. The glass plate has a single touch-sensitive area near the front left corner to mute the built-in microphone. However, I recommend using it sparingly – as beautiful as the glass is, it is also a fingerprint magnet. Good thing Bose contains a microfiber cleaning cloth.

The only flat note in an otherwise stunning design is the included universal remote, a bulky, rubberized stone that doesn't match the sleek, minimalist lines of the Soundbar 700. More on that later.

configuration

Bose Soundbar 700Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Although it's a soundbar, the Soundbar 700 is also a powerful wireless smart speaker. Therefore, the setup process is led by Bose's music app (free for iOS and Android). It's tempting to assume that virtually everyone has a phone or tablet that can run the music app. However, if you're one of the few who doesn't have one, or you're considering buying the Soundbar 700 for a friend or relative who doesn't have one, you might not be making the right choice.

As long as you have a compatible device, setting up the speaker is easy thanks to the intuitive Bose app, which guides you through the process with easy-to-follow steps and lots of helpful feedback.

Part of this setup is to tune the Soundbar 700 to the acoustics of your room using the included Adaptiq microphone, a wired plastic headband that you wear like headphones. All you have to do is choose your five favorite places to watch TV and the app does the rest. It's not as elegant a solution as Sonos' TruePlay system, which uses the microphone of an iOS device to get the same result achieve. However, it does have the advantage of being compatible with all smart devices.

You'll also be quickly guided through the process of adding your home theater devices to the universal remote control, and you can choose between Alexa and Google Assistant if you want to use the speaker's voice control features. I strongly recommend that you do this.

links

Bose Soundbar 700 Bose Soundbar 700

The Soundbar 700 can be connected to your TV via HDMI ARC or an optical cable. Since the speaker is limited to Dolby Digital and DTS audio signals, the choice of sound quality does not offer an advantage when choosing a speaker. However, the universal remote control is more effective when you use HDMI ARC because it can send some commands to connected devices via the CEC protocol (one way to send commands via HDMI).

As long as all your devices can be controlled via infrared (IR), I think an optical connection makes more sense. Why should you forego a valuable HDMI connection on your TV, especially since the Soundbar 700 has no HDMI inputs to compensate for this loss?

The HDMI ARC and the optical connections on the back of the bar also include Ethernet (as a more robust option for Wi-Fi) and several dedicated connections for the Adaptiq microphone, a wired bass module (subwoofer) and an optional IR repeater and one for "data" (we're still not quite sure what it does).

You can use it as a Bluetooth source for wireless headphones for private listening – it works fine.

Unfortunately, the connector for cabling a subwoofer is a proprietary Bose connector, so there is no way to use it with a subwoofer from another company. Even stranger, although it is possible to connect a wired Bose subwoofer to the Soundbar 700, both subwoofers sold by Bose (the $ 400 bass module 500 and the $ 700 bass module 700) connect wirelessly to the soundbar.

Wi-Fi is the best choice to stream music to the soundbar. However, it also supports the AirPlay 2 streaming protocol from Apple and Bluetooth. If you are an Android user, this may be your best bet. We'll discuss this a little later.

Speaking of Bluetooth: The Soundbar 700 has a nice function: You can use it with the SimpleSync technology from Bose as a Bluetooth source for wireless headphones for private listening. It works with any Bluetooth speaker, but you can better sync with the on-screen dialog if you're using one of the Bose headphones. The volume of each Bluetooth device can be controlled independently. I tried Bowers and Wilkins PX7 headphones and it worked perfectly – it even stopped my Netflix video when I pressed the play / pause button on the headphones.

Sound quality

Bose Soundbar 700Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Bose Soundbar 700 sounds great and, unlike several other soundbars we tested, handles TV soundtrack audio and music streaming equally well.

Behind the grille are a number of midrange tweeters and a tweeter, which provide most of the direct sound you hear, including a very clear dialogue. However, Bose's PhaseGuide arrays are on the sides of the bar. These cleverly shaped tunnels project sound onto the sides of the soundbar and give the impression that there are invisible speakers above your television and even a few to the side – if your viewing area has walls on both sides.

In short, it triggers the magic trick that we all consciously or subconsciously expect from a soundbar, and that means we get impressive home theater sound without all the cables and speakers.

One limitation that needs to be mentioned – especially since the Soundbar 700 is a significant investment – is Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. These object-based surround formats are the latest and greatest. When a compatible soundbar is combined with a Dolby Atmos or DTS: X soundtrack, the results can be exciting and include sounds that feel like they fully match the on-screen action. The Soundbar 700 is not one of these speakers. It's still great at what it does, but it can't make you future-proof if you think these new technologies are something you want to explore someday.

If you are not yet familiar with soundbars as a whole, I should make one thing clear: as good as the Soundbar 700 provides a feeling of depth and breadth, it alone does not create such a deep feeling of low-end bass for a complete home theater system. Because of its small proportions, there is no way.

I was ready to fall in love with his music less, but it went against my expectations.

That doesn't mean there is no bass – it actually does an admirable job – it just can't compete with systems that come with their own subwoofer.

As mentioned earlier, you can add an optional Bose bass module, but this increases the price.

It can't shake the furniture with low-end bass, but boy can this thing get loud. I would bet that the Soundbar 700 cannot fill any space in your house, even if your home is in palatial proportions.

Dialogue playback is another outstanding element of this speaker. It is clear and easy to separate from background noise – even before you use the available dialog enhancement mode. If for some reason you find it insufficient, you can only increase the volume of the center channel in the Bose Music app and make adjustments for treble, bass and synchronization / delay if necessary.

At $ 800, I had fully expected the Soundbar 700 to be a powerful TV speaker, but I was also less willing to get excited about their music. But it exceeded my expectations very much. Thoroughly modern studio mixes like Beck's Hyperspace album benefit most from the bar's ability to project sound in space, but older tracks like The Who & # 39; s classic Pinball Wizard also get new life from the depths of the Soundbar 700.

On a whim and because the Tidal app advertised it, I tried Buju Banton's The Upside Down 2020 Experience. I couldn't have chosen a better track to find out what the Soundbar 700 can do with the right material. Banton's voice comes through as if he were on stage in front of you, while his background singers, strings and occasional saxophone spread outwards and envelop you in a rich mix of tones. "It all comes from this one speaker?" my son asked. Yes yes it is.

The Soundbar 700 only stumbled once when it heard Hans Zimmer's deeply bass-laden Time from the Inception soundtrack – the cabinet vibrated very slightly.

Multiroom audio

The Bose Soundbar 700 is part of a family of wireless speakers that can be controlled using the Bose Music app. This includes products like the Bose Home Speaker 500 and the Portable Home Speaker. In Sonos' multiroom steps, you can group these speakers to play the same music or stream something different for everyone.

But when it comes to pure multiroom smarts, Bose still has some catching up to do if he wants to do something other than follow.

For example, Sonos lets you pair any matching Sonos speaker – from the Ikea Symfonisk bookshelf speakers for $ 100 to the Sonos Five for $ 499 – as a surround set for the Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos soundbar for $ 800 – Use dollars. If you want to do the same with the Soundbar 700, you'll need to buy a special set of Bose wireless surround speakers.

You also can't turn two Bose speakers into a stereo pair, although this is much less relevant when dealing with soundbars.

Music sources

While the Bose Music app is friendly and user-friendly, it does offer some features that I would like to see, such as universal search, support for other music services, and the ability to stream music from a personal library on the network.

You can choose between Spotify Premium and Free, Apple Music, TuneIn, Pandora, SiriusXM, Amazon Music, Deezer and iHeartRadio within the app or use any audio app on your phone or tablet and stream directly to the Soundbar 700 2 or via AirPlay Bluetooth. The disadvantage of these options is that controls and content reside on a single device, and other people at home cannot edit or continue listening to the playlist if the person with the source device leaves the house.

You are also limited to just six favorites (which Bose calls presets). Regardless of whether it's a favorite radio station, podcast, or playlist, you need to choose wisely.

Universal remote control

Bose Soundbar 700 universal remote controlSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

It's big, bulky, and I'm not a fan of the rubberized surface that covers all the buttons, but I have to admit that the Bose Soundbar Universal Remote is well thought out as long as you only need to control a maximum of three devices (except the soundbar itself).

The idea behind the dark rubber layer is that it intentionally hides the many buttons under its surface. Once you've programmed it for your devices – which is easy and possible via the Bose Music app – only the buttons that correspond to the device you want to operate are selectively illuminated.

Pressing these illuminated buttons first sends a Bluetooth command to the Soundbar 700, which in turn forwards the command to the device in question via IR or HDMI-CEC (if you use HDMI between the Soundbar and your TV).

The main advantage of this arrangement is that the remote control and the soundbar are always perfectly synchronized. Even if you select TV mode on the universal remote and then switch the soundbar to AirPlay 2 or Bluetooth mode using the Bose Music app, the remote will automatically show this status change.

Good as it is, it's not perfect.

Three devices (two if you don't count your TV, which is pretty mandatory) may not be enough for some people.

I wish I could control how long the buttons light up. It always seemed like the lights went out as I decided what to do and I had to shake the remote again.

The soundbar, remote control, or TV screen does not show where the volume is relative to the minimum and maximum settings. If you want this level of detail, you need to consult the Bose Music app.

You can use the remote control to adjust the volume of the soundbar during an activity. However, you cannot access settings such as EQ or dialog enhancement.

For reasons known only to Bose, there are no buttons to access the six music presets that you program in the Bose Music app.

Overall, however, it worked very well except for one mistake – I couldn't get the remote to speak to my cable box. My LG TV and Apple TV 4K were no problem at all. I attributed the bug in the cable box to poor IR connectivity and didn't have enough time to try to fix it.

Voice assistants

Bose Soundbar 700Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Soundbars that are compatible with voice assistants are being used more and more, but few offer you the choice of which assistant you want to use. With the Soundbar 700, you can choose Alexa or Google Assistant and change your mind at any time (you just can't do both at the same time).

One of the best aspects of a smart speaker that really rocks is the ability to summon your favorite music by simply asking for it. But be warned: although Google Assistant and Alexa can take control of a variety of music services, you cannot use these voice assistants to control if the service you want to control is not available in the Bose Music app. Google Play Music (now mostly switched to YouTube Music), Apple Music and Tidal are examples of services that none of the Soundbar 700 wizards can control.

Bose uses a small multi-colored LED light strip on its smart speakers to give you visual feedback on what condition it is in. Two white bars indicate a pause, a single blue bar indicates Bluetooth and a small red dot means muting. However, the strip is also animated to inform you that a voice command has been heard. This is a great feature.

What I can't understand is why Bose is not using it to indicate volume – something I should consider for a future firmware update.

Voice commands were easy to hear even with some fairly loud sounds, and the response times were very good when I tested them with Google Assistant.

Our opinion

$ 800 may be a lot of money for a soundbar that isn't compatible with Dolby Atmos, but the Bose Soundbar 700 proves that the investment is a great combination of sound quality, great design, and a host of useful features, including yours, still worth choosing the language assistant.

Is there a better alternative?

The direct competitor of the Soundbar 700 is the excellent Sonos Arc for $ 800, a larger Dolby Atmos soundbar that also offers a choice of voice assistants and offers the best support for multiroom and music services in the industry. If you want to be future-proof for object-based surround sound, this is a good choice.

We believe that the Soundbar 700 treats TV and music audio better with the same accuracy (the Arc tends to prefer TV audio) and has several features that the Arc lacks, e.g. B. a universal remote control, Bluetooth and the possibility to connect a wireless headphones for private listening.

How long it will take?

The Bose Soundbar 700 comes with a one-year warranty. This is fairly standard for this type of product, but Bose has an excellent reputation for producing quality products and the Soundbar 700 should have a very long lifespan. You may want to replace it in the future, but you are unlikely to need to replace it.

Should you buy it

Yes. The Bose Soundbar 700 is a fantastic solution with a speaker for simple but exciting home theater sound. With optional subwoofer and surround speaker modules, it can grow with your needs as long as those requirements don't include Dolby Atmos.

Editor's recommendations




02 Jul
Blog

Bose Home Speaker 500 Review: Smart, Stylish, Surround Sound

Bose Home Speaker 500

"Rich, expansive sound helps this intelligent speaker deliver a virtuoso performance."

  • Expansive stereo sound

  • Slim, attractive design

  • Choice of Alexa or Google Assistant

  • Easy to use controls

  • Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and line-in options

  • AirPlay 2

  • Expensive

  • Some music services are not supported

  • A little cumbersome multiroom control

  • No Chromecast option for Android

In the early days of the smart speaker revolution, finding a speaker that sounded both smart and great was a challenge. Fortunately, those days are long gone. With products from Sonos, Marshall, Apple and Amazon, you can now have and eat your cake. However, before deciding on a new wireless smart speaker from one of these companies, you should consider the $ 300 Bose Home Speaker 500.

With a fascinating mix of sleek design, expansive sound and a choice of digital assistants, it could be just the smart audio device that your home was missing.

But is it right for you? Let's take a look.

design

Bose Home Speaker 500Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Bose Home Speaker 500 is available in triple black or a sophisticated two-tone silver and white tone and is deceptively large. With an elliptical shape that is much wider than it is deep, its base is small enough to easily find a seat on a countertop, bookcase, or coat. At just 4.75 pounds, it's also surprisingly light for its size.

Nothing breaks the smooth aluminum and plastic contours of the speaker – even the included AUX input is barely noticeable and is located on the back near the floor. My triple black test device looked great no matter where I placed it.

There are people who are tempted to hide their speakers (even the good looking ones) where they can be heard but not seen. However, this would be a mistake with the Home Speaker 500. Not only would this make using the thoughtful design more difficult touch controls that adorn the top, but also prevent you from seeing the front-facing color screen.

Not that you have to see or touch it (it's not a touchscreen), but it just looks so damn cool that it would be a shame not to place it where it can be appreciated.

But I can't help thinking that Bose missed an opportunity here. When you are listening to music, the 3-inch screen shows the album art for the currently playing track, along with the artist and the track name. If the speaker is inactive, you can choose a dial or nothing at all, but that's all it does. I can think of several ways to use this screen: weather forecasts, news feeds, or just a selection of softly animated screensavers.

Given that the home speaker 500 can also be used as a smart speaker, it would be super cool to see the screen as a secondary display for voice commands, e.g. If you said, "Alexa, what's the weather like?" and the screen showed you the current weather along with Alexa’s spoken response.

But I digress. Those who want to hear the same artists, playlists, or radio stations regularly will appreciate the six special preset buttons on the Home Speaker 500. You assign them in the Bose Music app and they can be assigned to almost any music source supported by the app.

configuration

Sonos has always been my benchmark for quick and easy setups, but Bose is under a second. With the Bose Music app, I configured the Home Speaker 500 for my home WiFi, connected it to my Google account for access to the Google Assistant, and streamed music in less than five minutes.

The Bose Music app is simple and mostly very intuitive to use, with great instructions and feedback at every step.

links

Bose Home Speaker 500Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Some wireless home speakers like Sonos only offer Wi-Fi, but the Bose Home Speaker 500 lets you make three connections: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the aforementioned line-in input. With the exception of a USB port for accessing disk-based files, you can't ask for more.

However, Bose has chosen not to include an Ethernet jack, which you may miss if your Wi-Fi network is stained in some places. Sonos contains them except for one of its speakers, but I suspect that very few of its customers use them – I certainly never needed that.

Wi-Fi with its higher bandwidth than Bluetooth should be your preferred connection method, but it gets a little difficult here.

With Wi-Fi, you can set up and control the Home Speaker 500 through the Bose Music app. This also includes streaming music from Spotify Premium and Free, Apple Music, TuneIn, Pandora, SiriusXM, Amazon Music, Deezer and iHeartRadio. It's a good selection, but not nearly as extensive as Sonos'. For example, tide and YouTube music are not included. There is also no way to stream from a personal music collection on your home network.

If you're an Apple device owner, AirPlay 2 can make up for this shortcoming, so you can stream virtually any audio source from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the Home Speaker 500. If you're an Android user who lacks the music app, Bluetooth is your only replacement option.

Chromecast for audio may be a future Wi-Fi path for Android owners, but the Home Speaker 500 does not yet support it. When it appears, it appears as a subset of the Google Assistant, so for those who prefer Alexa – or no assistant at all – it still gets stuck with Bluetooth.

Sound quality

Bose Home Speaker 500Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Bose makes a pretty big claim for the Home Speaker 500: "The widest sound of all intelligent speakers." I put it side by side with the $ 200 Amazon Echo Studio, which has a very similar internal driver layout and both products are designed to deliver impressive sound. The Home Speaker 500 performed admirably and delivered a slightly wider sound stage than the Echo Studio despite the weaker bass response.

How expansive the sound becomes depends in part on the placement. In an ideal world, you would give her plenty of room to breathe, away from the walls and preferably not stowed in a bookcase.

Broadest or not, I think you'll love how this speaker sounds. Bose has positioned the internal drivers so that sound waves are distributed in a kind of crooked 360-degree field. By that I mean the best seat in the house is right in front of the speaker, but you can still enjoy about 80% of its full quality from almost anywhere else.

I learned to appreciate this effect when I reviewed Bose's excellent portable home speaker, which produces an almost perfectly circular sound field.

What is impressive is that you not only get real room-filling audio, but also a fairly decent stereo separation – not an easy task for such a small speaker.

You can set both bass and treble in the app. However, if your taste isn't really going in either direction, the factory EQ offers a nice balance between the two.

If there's a weakness, it's in the midrange definition – a challenging area for even the best little speakers. This is particularly noticeable when playing genres such as classical or jazz – instruments that live in the middle frequencies, such as cellos and some woodwinds, can be flattened somewhat. Overall, the Home Speaker 500 is a pleasure to hear, regardless of whether it provides the setting for an intimate dinner or a rough get-together.

The Home Speaker 500 also offers impressive volume levels. Max get this thing out and be ready for many knocks on the door of irritated neighbors.

Multiroom audio

Bose Home Speaker 500Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

One of the advantages of buying a wireless speaker at home is that different music can be played in each room, or the same music (or a combination thereof) can be played in all rooms. The Home Speaker 500 can be easily grouped with other Bose home speakers such as the Home Speaker 300 or the Bose Soundbar 500 using the Bose Music app.

However, using multiroom requires a bit of planning. Since you can also create speaker groups with AirPlay 2, you need to decide whether you want to stream from a music service in the Bose Music app – in which case you would manage your speaker groups there – or from another app on your phone or tablet – in in this case you would manage the groups using the AirPlay 2 interface.

The two systems don't play well together. Groups created in the Bose Music app don't like trying to change them with AirPlay 2, or vice versa.

There's also no way to create stereo pairs with two Bose speakers. If multiroom audio is top priority, you're probably more satisfied with Sonos.

However, Bose has a trick up its sleeve that I haven't found in any wireless speaker system, including Sonos. Bose calls it Simplesync and allows you to group any Bluetooth audio device, from a portable speaker to a wireless headphone, with the Home Speaker 500. In this sense, according to Bose, this function works best with the company's own Bluetooth speakers and headphones. This audio is more precisely synchronized.

It's true. I tried Simplesync with a JBL Flip 5 speaker that I had on hand, and while setup was a breeze, there was a fraction of a second latency between the two speakers. I wouldn't rely on doing multiroom audio, but it's a pretty handy option.

Voice assistants

Bose has followed Sonos' role model in its smart speaker strategy, and that's an excellent decision. As with Sonos, with Bose you can choose between Alexa and Google Assistant for the Home Speaker 500 instead of selling two different versions of the speaker as with other home audio companies.

I chose Google Assistant for this review because I have more compatible products at home. However, setting up Home Speaker 500 with Alexa is just as easy. Bose really nailed the smart speaker experience. Voice commands are easily recognized, even in fairly noisy environments and up to 15 feet away, without you having to actually raise your voice. If privacy is an issue, a special microphone mute button guarantees an A.I.-free environment.

The response times are also very good. I have found no difference between the Home Speaker 500 and my Google Nest mini in terms of response times.

I particularly liked that the bright white LED strip over the color screen immediately gave visual feedback that my commands had been heard. Most smart speakers have a similar visual cue. However, if they are only visible from the top (e.g. Sonos smart speakers or Google's Home and Nest minis), you won't be able to see them that easily from a room.

There is one limitation when you choose the Bose Home Speaker 500 as your smart speaker, and that is compatibility with music services. Although Google Assistant and Alexa can take control of a variety of music services, you cannot use these voice assistants if the Home Speaker 500 does not support a particular service (see Connections above). Google Play Music (now mainly switched to YouTube Music), Apple Music and Tidal are examples of services that none of the Home Speaker 500 wizards can control.

Our opinion

At its new lower price of $ 300, the Bose Home Speaker 500 costs the same as the Apple HomePod and Google Home Max, two very good smart speakers. But with Bluetooth, line-in, a full color display and a choice of voice assistants, it offers more value than these two products and also sounds amazing.

Is there a better alternative?

For $ 200, the Sonos One delivers great sound and supports almost every streaming service on the planet. It doesn't have the ultra-wide stereo sound stage, Bluetooth, AUX input, or chic color screen of the Home Speaker 500, but it has the best multiroom audio system we've ever used. It's still our top rated smart speaker for a reason.

If you're on board with Bose and want to take over the smart speaker experience but prefer to pay a little less, the $ 200 Bose Home Speaker 300 loses the color screen and wide stereo sound, but retains all other functions.

How long it will take?

Bose builds great products that usually last a long time. It only applies to the Home Speaker 500 with a one-year warranty, although this is standard for similar products from other companies.

Should you buy it

Yes. The Bose Home Speaker 500 combines beautiful design with flexibility of the voice assistant and an expansive stereo sound, which is characterized by its slim body. The color screen is also a nice touch. Android users should be aware of the lack of Chromecast as a Wi-Fi streaming option, but Apple users should be more than happy with AirPlay 2 as a Bluetooth alternative.

Editor's recommendations




03 Mar
Blog

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 Review | Built for business

Headphones with Bose Noise Canceling 700

"The new Noise Canceling Headphones 700 from Bose offer an unbelievable demand for business class pleasure."

  • Excellent noise cancellation

  • Very convenient

  • Remarkable speech intelligibility for calls and voice assistants

  • Connect to multiple devices at the same time.

  • USB-C offers convenient quick charging

  • Boost to Lower Treble is tough

  • Requires the Bose Music app to control many functions

This review was last updated on February 19th, 2019 by Nick Woodard, employee of Digital Trends.

Since Sony defeated Bose in its own game with its WH-1000XM3, I've been looking forward to an update of the Bose QC 35 II. Now it has arrived.

With the Noise Canceling Headphones 700 (hereinafter referred to as "Bose 700”) Announced, Bose played better speech intelligibility for phone calls and interactions with voice assistants like Alexa from Amazon and Google Assistant. The company made no mention of changes in sound quality, but it turned out to be updated as well, and even a quick look reveals a new physical design. However, it's not immediately apparent that Bose's new Bose Music app offers additional touch controls and features.

As it turns out, there is something new about the Bose 700. But are they a smart buy for $ 400, especially when the award-winning QC 35 II is still available for at least $ 50 less? We dug deep to find out who wanted the Bose 700 and who could stick to the tried and tested QC 35 II or other items like the popular Sony 1000XM3.

Out of the box

You can immediately see that Bose has made some design changes. The Bose 700 case is much flatter than most of the competition, which makes it easier to slide the case into airline seat bags for in-flight storage.

The slim form factor is thanks to a somewhat wider housing, in which the headphones can be simply flipped in and out by simply turning the ear cups – no complex folding technique required. There is a hidden compartment in the protective cover, which is closed with a magnetic flap. Lift the flap and you will find a headphone cable and a short USB-C charging cable. Bose has digthe increasingly unnecessary airline adapter for this iteration.

The Bose 700 takes a different design approach, which is characterized in particular by the way the ear cups are attached to the headband. Instead of continuing the yoke-like bracket that allowed earlier models to swivel and tilt generously, the 700 are attached directly to the inner band of the headband on the outside of the ear cup. There is less adjustment potential, but I've found that this doesn't pose a problem for my head size or shape – the Bose 700 feels great to me.

The comfort factor seems to be a kind of debate among the reviewers. I've seen others claim that the Bose 700 isn't as light or comfortable as the Bose QC 35 II, but by numbers they're actually 2 ounces lighter (8.9 to 10.9 ounces). You put onYou also don't need a scale to feel lighter. Take a pair with each hand and you can feel the difference.

You don't need a scale to feel lighter.

The weight difference is less pronounced when worn, but comfort has always been heavily dependent on the weight distribution. If the right balance of clamping force meets a sufficiently wide and well-padded headband, a slightly heavier headphone can actually feel more comfortable than a slightly lighter option. As I mentioned before, the 700 are indeed lighter and in my opinion offer the perfect weight distribution. The headband is a bit muddy – if not covered with luxurious fabric – and the ear cups have a slightly larger circumference, which means that the clamping force is well placed around the ears and not on them.

Of course this is only a description of my Experience. Different head sizes and shapes as well as different ear sizes play a role in the feeling of the headphones. So my suggestion is that you try the headphones yourself and see if they feel like an improvement in comfort or a step backwards.

Features and other extras

Along with changes to the physical design, Bose integrated new controls for the 700. The controls for play / pause, title advance / rewind and volume are managed via a touchpad on the right ear cup. Only three physical buttons are found. With a button on the left you can adjust the intensity of the noise suppression at levels 0, 5 and 10. You can also turn off noise cancellation while pausing the music. Two buttons on the right offer controls for pairing power / Bluetooth and calling the voice assistant of your choice, including Alexa, Google Assistant and even Cortana on Windows computers.

Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 reviewJulian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

Then there's the new Bose Music app. I usually don't care about companion apps because they rarely add value to the experience. In this case, however, I recommend anyone who buys the Bose 700 to download the app that is available for iOS and Android, The Bose Music app allows users to pair the headphones with their phone (which is possible without the app), rename their headphones as they wish (the names suggested by Bose are hilarious. Thunder Flash, anyone?) And detailed control over them Exercise effectiveness of 0-10 noise reduction and paired device management.

The app also lets you manage all of your music services from one place, and save preferred playlists as convenient presets for one-touch access. If you own other connected Bose products, you can use this app to manage music playback through sound bars and wireless speakers individually or in groups.

There is no better headset for answering calls.

Like the Bose QC 35 II and Bose Frames Alto, The Bose 700 work with Bose AR, an interesting audio-based version of augmented reality. If you're using certain AR-enabled apps and an iOS device with location data enabled, users can enjoy experiences like advanced instructions in the Walc app. Instead of asking you to turn right in 0.2 miles, you may be asked to turn right on the walgreens. Or if you're looking for an amusing adventure on your way to work or home, try Komrad AR, a game that turns you into a secret agent standing in the way of an evil computer striving for global dominance. It sounds a bit tricky, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to trying Bose AR.

Finally, a word about battery performance. With fast charge, the Bose 700 can play for 2 to 2.5 hours on a 15-minute charge. The total playing time with noise cancellation activated is approximately 20 hours. Without activated noise cancellation, this number increases to 40.

Noise Reduction Performance

As you'd expect, the Bose 700 are excellent noise cancelers. However, what you may not expect is that the noise canceling effectiveness may differ slightly from that of the QC 35 II. What I noticed is that the 700 seems to suppress more static high-frequency noise than previous models. I can see this works well for air travel as it picks up more hiss you hear from an aircraft's ventilation system.

However, I also noticed that more center frequencies went through than I am used to with Bose noise canceling headphones. I haven't had a chance to test the 700 on a flight yet – I had to use a noise machine and real sounds for this review – but I'm getting on a plane soon and will update this review accordingly. Right now I'm ready to say that the 700 will improve the already impressive noise cancellation technology for air travel, but for everyday use in the office or when commuting on a bus or train, I would prefer the QC 35 II.

S.quality

I honestly didn't expect the changes Bose had made here. The 700 have a very significant boost in the upper middle and lower treble range, which makes them sound very detailed with more relaxed tracks, but if you get a few cymbals or brass players going, they become a little aggressive – some even say hard. I want to point out that the 700 feels more spacious and sophisticated when it comes to audio placement – watching movies with these headphones is a blast – but the audiophile in me can't ignore that the 700 isn't nearly as good for everyday use sounds good as Sony WH-1000XM3 or Bose QC 35 II.

After all, I suspect that the Bose 700 will sound great on a flight. The forward-looking presentation in the high-end area helps to avoid noises that the cans cannot suppress and gives clarity to the dialogue in films, instruments and vocals in music. The more I listen to these headphones, the more I am convinced that they have been optimized for air traffic.

Voice / call quality

Simply put, there is no better headphone to take calls or interact with digital voice assistants. Bose microphone technology makes a remarkable contribution to suppressing background noise to provide clean, clear, and very good-sounding voice quality to those on the other end of the call. In fact, there's a good chance the Bose 700 will sound better than your phone's built-in microphone.

For anyone who answers a lot of calls on their phone, this single feature should be convincing enough to require a purchase.

warranty information

Bose offers a standard 1-year warranty on the Noise Canceling Headphones 700. However, this can vary depending on the product and region. Visit this page to learn more about Bose's warranty on a product and regional basis.

Our opinion

Is there a better alternative?

For audiophiles who need the best possible sound in noisy environments, I prefer the Sony WH-1000XM3. Overall, they offer superior audio quality. The 700 is the way to go for the most effective noise cancellation while flying and for anyone who appreciates headphones for phone calls and works with voice assistants beyond all other considerations.

The Bose QC 35 II are still a good choice and are now sometimes available for less than $ 300. That's a lot, although the Bose 700 upgrades are worth paying extra if you make it.

How long it will take?

Time will tell, but the Bose 700 seems to be built just as well as all of the company's earlier headphones. So far, they have held up well under my stress tests, which leads me to believe that these headphones last as long as the battery.

Should you buy it

Yes. If you're an entrepreneur who takes a lot of calls with headphones turned on and / or travels a lot by plane, be sure to buy the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 – they're worth the $ 50 upgrade.

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