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Sony HT-G700 vs Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 (2023): Which Soundbar Should You Buy?

If you’re in the market for a soundbar to enhance your home entertainment system, you may be considering the Sony HT-G700 or the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3. Both soundbars offer a sleek design and the ability to improve the audio quality of your television or home entertainment system. However, the Sony HT-G700 focuses on convenience and affordability with its built-in Bluetooth technology and accessible price point, while the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 prioritizes sound quality and high-end features.

In this Sony HT-G700 and Bowers and Wilkins Panorama 3 review and comparison, we’ll compare the two to help you determine which one is the best fit for your needs and budget.

Sony HT-G700 vs Bowers And Wilkins Panorama 3 Comparison Chart

ModelSony HT-G700 SoundbarBowers and Wilkins Panorama 3 Soundbar
 
PriceCheck Price Check Price
Dimensions2.5 x 38.5 x 4.6 inches (bar)
7.7 lbs
15.2 x 7.6 x 16 inches (sub)
16.5 lbs
2.5 x 46.6 x 5.5 inches
14.3 lbs
Channels3.13.1.2
Output400W400W
SubwooferYesSeparate purchase
PortsHDMI in
Optical in
HDMI out (eARC)
USB-A (service)
HDMI out (eARC)
Optical in
Ethernet
USB-C (service)

Design

The Sony HT-G700 soundbar is more compact, but the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 has a more premium and high-end build.

sony ht-g700 vs bowers & wilkins panorama 3 design
Included with the Sony HT-G700 (left) is a wireless subwoofer, while with the B&W Panorama 3 (right), a subwoofer is an additional purchase.

The Sony HT-G700 has a sleek and modern design, with a compact and low-profile form factor that fits nicely under most TVs. It has a clean, all-black aesthetic with a simple and straightforward layout of buttons on the top panel.

The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 has a more premium and sophisticated design, with a minimalist and elegant look. It has an unusual shape that blends well with most living rooms and a high-end matte black finish that adds to its sophistication. It also features subtle branding elements, adding to its premium look.

In terms of build quality, both the Sony HT-G700 and the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 are solid and well-made. That said, the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 has a more premium feel due to its higher-end materials and construction.

Features

The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 has more advanced features that can enhance the overall listening experience.

sony ht-g700 vs bowers & wilkins panorama 3 features
Both soundbars have easy to access control panels at the top, and they also come with remote controllers.

Some of the key features of the Sony HT-G700 that enhance its usability include compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice control, as well as Bluetooth connectivity for easy wireless streaming from mobile devices. It also has a dedicated subwoofer output for those who want to add additional bass to the sound.

Meanwhile, the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 has advanced audio processing technologies, including room correction and advanced equalization algorithms, which help to optimize sound quality based on the listener’s room and listening preferences. It also has three built-in speakers and a built-in subwoofer for a full-range sound, without the need for additional components, that said, adding a dedicated sub will further enhance the low end. Additionally, it has a user-friendly control panel for easy operation.

In terms of connectivity, both the Sony HT-G700 and the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 have Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming. Also, both of them have HDMI eARC inputs for a more versatile connection with your TV or other components.

The Sony HT-G700 has a few smart features such as voice control and a dedicated subwoofer output, while the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 has advanced audio processing technologies and a full-range sound system with room correction capabilities.

Performance

Even though it lacks a dedicated sub, the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 provides a fuller and more immersive sound than the Sony HT-G700.

sony ht-g700 vs bowers & wilkins panorama 3 performance
Both the Sony HT-G700 (left) and Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 (right) support Dolby Atmos and various virtual surround sound formats.

When comparing the sound quality of the Sony HT-G700 and Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 in detail, the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 stands out with its advanced acoustic technology and full-range sound system. This soundbar delivers powerful, well-balanced, and detailed audio that immerses the listener in movies, music, and games. With room correction technology, the sound quality of the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 can also be optimized for the listener’s room, ensuring that the audio is always of the highest quality. And this is without a dedicated subwoofer. Adding a subwoofer will improve the low end even more.

The Sony HT-G700 also provides good sound quality with clear and well-balanced audio and a good bass response. However, it may not offer the same level of premium sound quality as the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3. The Sony HT-G700 is suitable for casual listening and provides an enjoyable audio experience for movies and music.

In conclusion, while both the Sony HT-G700 and Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 deliver good sound quality, the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 provides a more immersive audio experience with its advanced sound technologies and full-range sound system. Even without a dedicated subwoofer, it can produce enough low end to enhance the viewing experience.

Verdict

The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is the better overall soundbar, which is not a surprise as it is the more expensive unit.

Sony HT-G700

Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3

The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is considered the better option due to its advanced sound technologies and premium audio experience. It has a full-range sound system, advanced acoustic technology, and room correction capabilities, which result in rich and dynamic audio that provides an immersive experience for movies, music, and games. Additionally, it has a more robust and stylish design, making it a better option for those looking to get a soundbar that also complements their home decor.

On the other hand, the Sony HT-G700 provides good sound quality with clear and well-balanced audio and good bass response. It’s suitable for casual listening, but may not offer the same level of premium sound quality as the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3. It’s a good budget friendly option if you want something that’s a clear step-up from your TV’s speakers.

FAQs

๐Ÿ“Œ Is it worth buying a Dolby Atmos soundbar?

Dolby Atmos allows you to enjoy 3D audio. Whether it’s worth buying one depends on your individual preferences and budget, but many people find that Dolby Atmos is worth it for better immersion.

๐Ÿ“Œ Is the Sony HT-G700 worth it?

It is a mid-range Dolby Atmos soundbar that offers good sound quality and a range of features, including compatibility with Sony’s 360 Reality Audio technology. Whether it’s worth it or not will depend on your needs and preferences, but we say that it’s a good upgrade over your TV speakers and a worthwhile purchase.

๐Ÿ“Œ What year is Sony HT-G700 model released?

The Sony HT-G700 is a 2020 model soundbar.

๐Ÿ“Œ Does the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 ever turn off?

It enters power saving mode after 20 minutes of inactivity, so you don’t have to turn it off. Although, you can turn it off manually if you want to.

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Carlo Salvador

Senior Editor at Compare Before Buying. Writer and researcher passionate about fitness, gaming and music.