OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 1,310 independent expert reviews and 1,704 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v2.0

Bose Smart Soundbar 300 Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£400N. of audio channels:3.0Audio output power:?HDMI ARC type:ARC

Bose Smart Soundbar 300 Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 25 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Bose Smart Soundbar 300
6.4/10

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the soundbar's quality, based on technical analyses and grades from independent expert reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best soundbars on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 78% of models
Score components

95%

6.3

Technical score

5%

7.8

Reviews score ( 12 · 13)

Reviews score 5% · 7.8 · based on 25 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
▲Better than 78% of soundbars
7.0

Value for money

Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 68% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

▲Better than 68%
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 77% of models
Score components

25%

5.7

Audio

18%

4.6

Formats

16%

6.5

Connectivity

14%

8.3

Controls

12%

5.8

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.4

Smart features

5%

6.8

Design

▲Better than 77%
7.8

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 51% of models
Grades by review (25)
12 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 7 estimated from the review. 13 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 51%
  • bose-smart-soundbar-300
  • bose-smart-soundbar-300
  • bose-smart-soundbar-300
  • bose-smart-soundbar-300
  • bose-smart-soundbar-300
  • bose-smart-soundbar-300
  • bose-smart-soundbar-300
  • bose-smart-soundbar-300
bose-smart-soundbar-300
bose-smart-soundbar-300
bose-smart-soundbar-300
bose-smart-soundbar-300
bose-smart-soundbar-300
bose-smart-soundbar-300
bose-smart-soundbar-300
bose-smart-soundbar-300
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What owners say about the Bose Smart Soundbar 300

Based on 86 owners sharing their experience in online comments

49%positive9%mixed42%negative

Owners generally praise the clear, rich sound, while app troubles, connection failures, and costly add-ons frustrate many.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say the app often cannot find the soundbar or activate after setup, even after resets, and calibration can fail with error 5.12
  • Owners say the extras feel overpriced for the sound, and the total cost is high once a bass module and rear speakers are added.8
  • Owners report units failing after roughly one to two years, with flashing or red lights, sound cutting out, or no power light.8
  • Owners say bass volume only appears in the app after unplugging and replugging, and some find the bass weak or rumbling.6
  • Owners say the remote feels cheap, and that it needs a second remote for the TV and cannot turn the soundbar on without one.5
  • Owners say HDMI ARC sometimes gives no sound from certain TVs, while an eARC port or optical cable worked for some.4
  • Owners call the sound decent but not amazing, with highs that can be excessive.4
  • Owners say they hear little difference from their TV speakers, and one calls it just a big Bluetooth speaker.4
  • Owners say the app lacks basic EQ and delay settings, and tone can only be adjusted through the app.3
  • Owners say the soundbar alone gives no enveloping or spatial sound, and some hear no surround even with added speakers.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #38 of 189 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar Bose Smart Soundbar 300

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 77% of models
Score components:

25%

5.7

Audio

18%

4.6

Formats

16%

6.5

Connectivity

14%

8.3

Controls

12%

5.8

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.4

Smart features

5%

6.8

Design

6.3
Reviews score
7.8
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 68% of models
Score components:

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

7.0
Brand name
Bose
N. of audio channels
3
This soundbar offers 3 audio channels, more than 76.6% of soundbars and equal to 3.2% of soundbars.
Audio output power
?
Max SPL
93.1 dB SPL
Market range: <75 dB SPL – >105 dB SPL
This soundbar has a max SPL of 93.1 dB SPL, higher than 46% of soundbars and equal to 5.4% of soundbars.
Min frequency
54 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 54 Hz, higher than 52.9% of soundbars and equal to 0.6% of soundbars.
Show more
Dolby Atmos
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos. 20.7% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 10.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby TrueHD. 17.6% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 10.1% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital Plus. 25% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
0
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs, fewer than 32.5% of soundbars and equal to 67.6% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 68.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5
This soundbar uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5, which is newer than that of 78.7% of soundbars and the same as that of 18.1% of soundbars.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 3.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.2
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 4.2, which is older than that of 61.6% of soundbars and the same as that of 24.9% of soundbars.
Show more
Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 65.4% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 26.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
no
This soundbar does not have control panel. 91% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
yes
This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility. 69.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
yes
This soundbar has far-field microphones. 88.3% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
HDMI version
2
This soundbar uses HDMI 2, which is newer than that of 58% of soundbars and the same as that of 15.4% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
ARC
This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 31.9% of soundbars and the same as what 46.3% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 37.4% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
none
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none, which is lower than that of 21.5% of soundbars and the same as that of 78.5% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
none fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none fps, lower than 18.2% of soundbars and equal to 81.8% of soundbars.
Show more
AirPlay
yes
This soundbar supports AirPlay. 80.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
yes
This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in. 88.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in added via firmware update.
Spotify Connect
yes
This soundbar supports Spotify Connect. 77.1% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
yes
This soundbar supports native Amazon Music. 79.3% support native Amazon Music.
Show more
Width
695 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 695 mm wide, narrower than 55.3% of soundbars.
Height
57 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 57 mm high, shorter than 86.1% of soundbars and equal to 1.6% of soundbars.
Thickness
103 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 103 mm thick, thicker than 70.1% of soundbars.
Weight
3,200 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 3,200 g, more than 75.5% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic
This soundbar uses plastic for the build material, which is different from that of 4.8% of soundbars and the same as that of 89.4% of soundbars.
Show more

Bose Smart Soundbar 300 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Built-in Chromecast
    This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in, the average soundbar does not.
    Chromecast built-in added via firmware update.
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (3 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    3.0 vs 2.0
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This soundbar supports AirPlay, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
    Bose Music multi-room ecosystem. AirPlay 2 multi-room support.
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (3 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    3.0 vs 2.0
  • Supports wireless rear speakers
    This soundbar is compatible with wireless rear speakers, the average soundbar is not.
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, WMA vs MP3).
    AAC, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, WMA vs MP3
  • AAC support
    This soundbar supports AAC, the average soundbar does not.
  • 3 more supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (5 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    5 vs 2
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Built-in Chromecast
    This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in, the average soundbar does not.
    Chromecast built-in added via firmware update.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This soundbar supports AirPlay, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
    Bose Music multi-room ecosystem. AirPlay 2 multi-room support.
  • Native Amazon Music support
    This soundbar supports native Amazon Music, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Deezer
    This soundbar supports Deezer, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility, the average soundbar does not.
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    This soundbar supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
    Adjustment available in the brand app.
  • Night mode
    This soundbar supports night mode, the average soundbar does not.
  • 2 more microphones
    This soundbar has more microphones than the average soundbar (2 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 microphones.
    2 vs 0
  • Easier firmware updates
    This soundbar uses over-the-air, app-based, USB for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.
    over-the-air, app-based, USB vs app-based, USB
  • Far-field microphones
    This soundbar has far-field microphones, the average soundbar does not.
  • 10 mm lower height
    This soundbar is shorter than the average soundbar (57 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    57 mm vs 67 mm
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    ARC vs eARC
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (The micro-USB port is for service only, not audio playback)
  • No on-board controls
    This soundbar does not have control panel, the average soundbar does.
  • No PCM / LPCM
    This soundbar does not support PCM / LPCM support, the average soundbar does.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • 3 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (1 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    1 vs 4
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    no (The micro-USB port is for service/firmware updates only, not audio playback)
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • 4.21x more expensive
    Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£400 vs £95).
    £400 vs £95
  • 3 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (1 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    1 vs 4
  • 100 Hz lower max frequency
    This soundbar has a lower maximum frequency than the average soundbar (19,900 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average soundbar has a maximum frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    19,900 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • No PCM / LPCM
    This soundbar does not support PCM / LPCM support, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (The micro-USB port is for service only, not audio playback)
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    no (The micro-USB port is for service/firmware updates only, not audio playback)
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    ARC vs eARC
  • No on-board controls
    This soundbar does not have control panel, the average soundbar does.
  • Narrower lip-sync adjustment range
    This soundbar has a lower lip-sync adjustment range than the average soundbar (0-200 ms vs 0-300 ms). The average soundbar offers a lip-sync adjustment range of 0-300 ms.
    0-200 ms vs 0-300 ms
  • 1,200 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (3,200 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    3,200 g vs 2,000 g
  • 17 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (103 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    103 mm vs 86 mm
  • 1 years older release
    This soundbar is older than the average soundbar (2020 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    September 15, 2020
    2,020 vs 2,021

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
PC HUB
≈ estimated
12/11/2025
Review · sound, smart features and connections
Verdict
Bose Smart Soundbar 300 offers good value, with compact, clear sound and smart features, though bass is limited.
9.0
The French Glow
≈ estimated
16/11/2022
Hands-on review · sound tests and bedroom use
Verdict
Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is a very good soundbar, well suited to a bedroom or small living room.
9.0
Gamerment
≈ estimated
23/01/2021
Hands-on review · gaming, movie and music tests
Verdict
Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is a strong choice for small spaces such as an RV, with loud sound and good bass for its size.
8.0
all things tech
≈ estimated
12/01/2021
Hands-on review · sound tests, setup and smart features
Verdict
Bose Smart Soundbar 300 delivers good sound and build quality, best suited to a second room, bedroom or office rather than large living rooms.
9.0
GYMCADDY
≈ estimated
05/11/2020
Hands-on review · sound, features and app
Verdict
Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is a clear step up from TV speakers, and its extra features make it a strong pick.
Shop video
Not graded
Shop video
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
reviewed.com
≈ estimated
20/08/2021
Hands-on test · Compact smart soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is a compact bar with clean sound and voice control, but it has little bass and suits people already in the Bose system.
6.8
rtings.com
✓ explicit
04/12/2023
Lab test · 3.0 soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 suits stereo TV, music and dialogue, but it lacks low bass and Dolby Atmos support.
6.0
consumerreports.org
≈ estimated
N/A
Lab test · Voice-controlled bar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 gives decent sound and satisfying volume in a medium-sized room, but its bass is subdued and its treble can sizzle.
7.9
gadgetguy.com.au
✓ explicit
30/03/2021
Lab test · Entry-level stereo bar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is a compact stereo bar that lifts TV dialogue in small rooms, but skips Dolby Atmos and deep bass.
8.0
techpickstream.com
≈ estimated
17/03/2024
Long-term test · Smart soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 suits news, dramas and smart-home use, but lacks Dolby Atmos and any HDMI link to the TV.
8.0
hifi.de
≈ estimated
10/06/2022
Practical test · Compact smart soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is a compact bar with full, self-adjusting sound, though its upper mids are weaker and real surround needs extra speakers.
6.4
chip.de
✓ explicit
31/01/2022
Lab test · Compact 2.0 soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is a full-sounding 2.0 bar with Alexa and Google built in, but its surround is subtle and it has few analog inputs.
7.0
on-mag.fr
✓ explicit
03/03/2021
Hands-on test · Connected 2.0 soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is well connected with clear dialogue, but its bass is weak and it fills a bedroom better than a living room.
7.0
vonguru.fr
≈ estimated
21/02/2022
Hands-on test · Compact soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is a compact bar whose dialogue stays clear even at low volume, but its bass falls short, even with the EQ maxed out.
9.0
hablandodemanzanas.com
≈ estimated
04/03/2021
Hands-on review · Entry-level soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is a compact, well-built bar with good sound for TV, films and games, and it works well with Alexa and Apple devices.
7.9
pixeltv.it
✓ explicit
2021
Review · Compact 3.0 bar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is a compact, balanced bar for everyday use, with clear dialogue, but its bass and surround are weak.
7.0
hifinewsitalia.com
≈ estimated
26/03/2021
Hands-on review · Dialogue and streaming
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is a one-piece bar with the clearest dialogue in its class, but music sounds thin and narrow.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bose Smart Soundbar 300

  • Dialogue clarity is exceptional, often described as crisp and clear, particularly helpful for users with hearing difficulties.
  • Compact and sleek design with a low profile that fits easily under most TVs without blocking the screen.
  • Impressive wide soundstage for its small size, using side-firing drivers to fill the room.
  • Extensive wireless connectivity options including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect.
  • Built-in voice assistants (Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant) offer robust hands-free control, including TV commands via Voice4Video.
  • Simple and straightforward setup process, especially through the Bose Music app.

What customers don't like about Bose Smart Soundbar 300

  • Lacks deep low-bass performance as a standalone unit; many users recommend adding a separate (and expensive) bass module for full effect.
  • No support for immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS, downmixing multi-channel content to stereo.
  • Physical remote feels cheap/slippery to some users, and there are no physical volume or playback buttons on the bar itself.
  • Inconsistent connectivity and app performance reported by some users, including occasional difficulty with initial setup.
  • Lack of essential accessories in the box, specifically an HDMI cable and wall-mounting brackets which must be purchased separately.
  • No HDMI In port, meaning it cannot serve as a hub for other devices or support 4K passthrough.

Verdict

The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is a compact 3.0-channel system measuring 69.5 cm wide and just 5.6 cm tall, featuring four full-range drivers and a central dome tweeter for enhanced vocal clarity. It offers versatile connectivity through HDMI ARC, optical input, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect, with built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free control. Main pros include its sleek, low-profile design that fits under most TVs, excellent dialogue reproduction via a dedicated center channel, and the ability to expand into a full 5.1 system with optional Bose bass modules and surround speakers. However, it lacks support for immersive Dolby Atmos or DTS:X formats, has limited native deep bass performance, and does not include an HDMI cable in the box.

Compare Bose Smart Soundbar 300 with other soundbars

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Bose Smart Soundbar 300 and other soundbars

No results found