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 900 Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£720N. of audio channels:5.1.2Audio output power:?HDMI ARC type:eARC

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 46 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900
7.4/10

Overall score

Score
7.4/ 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 89% of models
Score components

95%

7.3

Technical score

5%

8.4

Reviews score ( 28 · 18)

Reviews score 5% · 8.4 · based on 46 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 89% of soundbars
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 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 77% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

6.7

Price

▲Better than 77%
7.3

Technical score

Technical score
7.3/ 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 89% of models
Score components

25%

7.2

Audio

18%

7.2

Formats

16%

6.5

Connectivity

14%

9.2

Controls

12%

6.8

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.4

Smart features

5%

5.3

Design

▲Better than 89%
8.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.4/ 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
▲ Better than 81% of models
Grades by review (46)
28 reviews: 22 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 18 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.
▲Better than 81%
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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 900

Based on 192 owners sharing their experience in online comments

39%positive9%mixed52%negative

Owners praise the clear, powerful sound and immersive setups, but frequent connection and playback problems make the experience frustrating.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say HDMI and eARC audio often drops or fails to connect, especially after switching sources or waking the TV, and fixes are hit or miss.27
  • Owners say the sound cuts out at random times and the bar needs unplugging or resetting to get audio back, sometimes weekly.21
  • Owners say the bar often disconnects from Wi-Fi or the app, and setup can fail or keep dropping the connection.16
  • Owners say Dolby Atmos often does not play, with the app showing only 5.1 or Dolby Digital Plus even when the TV shows Atmos.14
  • Owners say the bar and its accessories are expensive, and the rear speakers are seen as small and not worth the price.12
  • Owners say the small remote is frustrating, with source changes often failing and some remotes not responding at all.8
  • Owners say the sound feels weak or underwhelming, with volume lower than expected and some finding it no better than their TV.8
  • Owners say AdaptIQ calibration can reduce bass and volume, and some find the sound better with it turned off.7
  • Owners say the bar alone lacks bass and feels thin for music, and many say a subwoofer is needed for a full sound.6
  • Owners say the upward-firing Atmos height effect is barely noticeable, and some hear little or no height sound from the top speakers.6

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

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Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #20 of 189 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar Bose Smart Soundbar 900

Technical score
Technical score
7.3/ 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 89% of models
Score components:

25%

7.2

Audio

18%

7.2

Formats

16%

6.5

Connectivity

14%

9.2

Controls

12%

6.8

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.4

Smart features

5%

5.3

Design

7.3
Reviews score
8.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 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 77% of models
Score components:

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

6.7

Price

7.2
Brand name
Bose
N. of audio channels
5.1.2
This soundbar offers 5.1.2 audio channels, more than 93.1% of soundbars and equal to 2.1% of soundbars.
Audio output power
?
Max SPL
95.3 dB SPL
Market range: <75 dB SPL – >105 dB SPL
This soundbar has a max SPL of 95.3 dB SPL, higher than 56.8% of soundbars.
Min frequency
50 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 50 Hz, lower than 51.2% of soundbars and equal to 13.4% of soundbars.
Show more
Dolby Atmos
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos. 79.8% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 10.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD. 83% of soundbars include this feature.
Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 10.1% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus. 75.5% 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
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 9.6% 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
eARC
This soundbar uses HDMI eARC, which is newer than that of 73.9% of soundbars and the same as that of 17% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
eARC
This soundbar has eARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 78.7% of soundbars and the same as what 21.3% 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.
Available via the Bose Music app.
Show more
Width
1,045 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 1,045 mm wide, wider than 88.8% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Height
58 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 58 mm high, shorter than 82.4% of soundbars and equal to 3.2% of soundbars.
Thickness
107 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 107 mm thick, thicker than 74.3% of soundbars and equal to 2.1% of soundbars.
Weight
5,750 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 5,750 g, more than 91.5% 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.
Glass top panel.
Show more

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (5.1.2 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    5.1.2 vs 2.0
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
    Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC.
  • 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.
  • 5 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (9 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    9 vs 4
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • 2.23x more popular
    Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is more popular than the average soundbar (9.54 vs 4.3).
    9.54 vs 4.29
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (5.1.2 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    5.1.2 vs 2.0
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • 5 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (9 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    9 vs 4
  • Supports upfiring speakers
    This soundbar supports upfiring speakers, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports wireless rear speakers
    This soundbar is compatible with wireless rear speakers, the average soundbar is not.
  • 2.2 dB SPL higher max SPL
    This soundbar has a higher max SPL than the average soundbar (95.3 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL). The average soundbar reaches 93.1 dB SPL max SPL.
    95.3 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
    Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does 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
  • 1 more supported Bluetooth codecs
    This soundbar supports more Bluetooth codecs than the average soundbar (2 vs 1). The average soundbar supports 1 Bluetooth codecs.
    sbc, aac
    2 vs 1
  • 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.
  • Native Amazon Music support
    This soundbar supports native Amazon Music, the average soundbar does not.
    Available via the Bose Music app.
  • Supports Deezer
    This soundbar supports Deezer, the average soundbar does not.
  • Automatic room calibration
    This soundbar supports automatic room calibration, 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.
  • 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.
  • 9 mm lower height
    This soundbar is shorter than the average soundbar (58 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    58 mm vs 67 mm
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (The USB port is for service only, not for audio input)
  • 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
  • 283 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,045 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    1,045 mm vs 762 mm
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    No (USB port is for service only)
  • 3,750 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (5,750 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    5,750 g vs 2,000 g
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • 7.58x more expensive
    Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£720 vs £95).
    £720 vs £95
  • 7.58x more expensive
    Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£720 vs £95).
    £720 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
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (The USB port is for service only, not for audio input)
  • 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 (USB port is for service only)
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • 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
  • 283 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,045 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    1,045 mm vs 762 mm
  • 3,750 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (5,750 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    5,750 g vs 2,000 g
  • 21 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (107 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    107 mm vs 86 mm

Video reviews

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

8.0
Tech Gadgets Finder
≈ estimated
16/11/2024
Long-term use · comparison with the Ultra
Verdict
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 has good sound and design and still makes sense on deep discount, but the TV connection issues are frustrating.
9.0
Wanna Buy It
≈ estimated
31/01/2023
Hands-on review · sound, dialogue and volume tests
Verdict
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 sounds very good with a useful dialogue boost, though it is overkill for small rooms.
9.5
The French Glow
≈ estimated
27/10/2022
Hands-on review · music, film and game tests
Verdict
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is the best soundbar the reviewer has tried at this price, with cinematic sound for films, music and games.
9.0
Drive Discover Gear
≈ estimated
06/07/2022
Hands-on review · sound, setup and app use
Verdict
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 sounds very good and is worth buying, though its auto-muting of the TV over HDMI ARC is annoying.
9.0
NeverEnoughTech
≈ estimated
21/03/2022
Hands-on review · sound, ports and feature tests
Verdict
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is not a big leap over the 700, but it is a good buy for sound quality rather than surround effects.
9.0
GYMCADDY
≈ estimated
14/01/2022
Full review · sound, app and pairing tests
Verdict
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a worthwhile upgrade from the 300, especially with a bass module.
6.0
Jonah Matthes
≈ estimated
31/12/2021
Hands-on review · sound, build and app tests
Verdict
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is excellent on its own, but not worth its full list price.
8.0
RTINGS Home Theater
≈ estimated
12/11/2021
Test bench review · sound, design and connectivity
Verdict
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a strong standalone bar for a minimal setup, but it is priced at a premium and weak on thumpy bass.
8.0
Tech With KG
≈ estimated
07/10/2021
Unboxing and review · bass, dialogue and audio samples
Verdict
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 has punchy bass and capable sound, but it is expensive and can get muddy in busy scenes.
9.0
Visual Line Ltd
≈ estimated
18/12/2023
Short overview · design, setup and sound
Verdict
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 combines a premium design with excellent sound.
9.5
hxos plus
≈ estimated
09/04/2022
Unboxing · a closer look at drivers and design
Verdict
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is an excellent soundbar overall, loud and clear with Dolby Atmos content.
9.0
YugaTech
≈ estimated
07/03/2022
Hands-on review · sound, design and music tests
Verdict
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 offers clear vocals and a premium look, though its bass is weak; it is a strong pick for most people.
More graded video reviews (1)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.5
rtings.com
✓ explicit
12/10/2023
Lab test · Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 keeps dialogue and music clear and supports Atmos, but it lacks low bass and its surround feels mediocre.
8.0
whathifi.com
✓ explicit
27/03/2022
Test-room review · Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 sounds wide and clear with Atmos, but its processed tone and missing DTS support hold it back.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
20/04/2022
Hands-on test · Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a stylish one-piece bar with convincing Atmos height sound, but its bass is limited and rear surround needs add-on speakers.
9.0
radiotimes.com
✓ explicit
03/02/2022
Hands-on test · Rival comparison
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a stylish bar with a wide, balanced sound for films and music, though the Sonos Arc edges it out on cinematic sound.
9.0
livingetc.com
✓ explicit
29/11/2022
Hands-on test · Calibrated surround
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 suits anyone who wants a sleek bar with convincing Atmos sound and a simple app, if you have room for its size.
8.2
rtings.com
✓ explicit
05/11/2021
Lab test · Full 5.1.2 setup
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with satellite speakers and Bass Module suits movies, TV and music with a wide, neutral sound, but it has no equalizer for fine tuning.
8.0
cnet.com
✓ explicit
11/11/2021
Hands-on review · Sonos comparison
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is well built with excellent sound, best for people already in the Bose system, as its app is harder to use than Sonos's.
8.0
lbtechreviews.com
≈ estimated
09/06/2022
Listening test · Atmos soundstage
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 gives the biggest soundstage without rear speakers, but its surround effect can't be switched off, which suits films more than stereo music.
7.0
tomsguide.com
✓ explicit
03/08/2022
Hands-on review · Movies and music
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is slim and feature-packed, but its film bass is weak and it sounds less good than the Sonos Arc.
8.0
soundguys.com
≈ estimated
21/04/2025
Hands-on review · Dolby Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a tidy all-in-one for movies with real Atmos height effects, but music sounds better on dedicated speakers.
8.0
reviewed.com
≈ estimated
12/11/2021
Hands-on review · Minimalist Atmos bar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a slim, stylish Atmos bar for minimalist setups, but its bass feels light and it struggles to surround you fully.
8.3
gadgetreview.com
✓ explicit
20/12/2023
Lab test · Set with subwoofer
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with speakers and a subwoofer is a sturdy set with a wide sound stage and loud volume, but has no display and no EQ.
8.3
hifi.de
✓ explicit
04/10/2021
Listening test · Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a sleek, wide-sounding Atmos bar that adds overhead effects to films, but its music bass can overpower the mix.
9.0
chip.de
✓ explicit
21/12/2022
Test-center review · Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 plays very loud with clear surround and stereo sound, but without a subwoofer its bass stays average.
9.0
heise.de
✓ explicit
21/12/2021
Hands-on test · Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 has strong music sound and easy setup, though Atmos music streaming is still limited and it lacks DTS.
8.4
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
04/11/2021
Hands-on review · Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 sounds warm, clear and roomy with Atmos, but its spongy remote and few ports hurt everyday use.
8.5
hifipicks.com
✓ explicit
13/01/2025
Expert review · Smart soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 suits people who want rich, detailed sound and built-in voice assistants in a sleek design, though wall mounting needs a separate kit.
9.0
frandroid.com
✓ explicit
20/05/2022
Hands-on test · Room calibration
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a sleek bar that creates convincing surround without rear speakers after room calibration, but it has no DTS support.
8.0
clubic.com
✓ explicit
07/03/2022
Hands-on test · Simple setup
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is simple to set up and use, with precise Atmos effects and dynamic sound, but limited connections and no DTS hold it back.
6.0
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
09/03/2022
Hands-on test · Connected features
Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a neat bar with wide stereo and easy setup, but its surround and Atmos effects are barely there and connections are basic.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bose Smart Soundbar 900

  • Immersive Dolby Atmos performance with a wide, tall soundstage that fills large rooms
  • Crystal clear dialogue reproduction, especially when using the dedicated dialogue enhancement mode
  • Premium build quality featuring a sleek design with a tempered glass top and metal grille
  • Effective ADAPTiQ room calibration that optimizes sound based on specific room acoustics
  • Strong wireless connectivity options including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast (via update)
  • Integrated voice assistants (Alexa and Google Assistant) with Voice4Video for hands-free TV control

What customers don't like about Bose Smart Soundbar 900

  • Limited low-end bass performance unless paired with an expensive optional Bose bass module
  • Frequent connectivity and 'handshake' issues with certain TVs, often requiring a hard power reset
  • Highly reflective glass top can cause distracting glares from the TV screen in dark rooms
  • Lack of support for DTS:X content, which may affect users with extensive physical media collections
  • Requires a mandatory Bose account and app for initial setup and full functionality
  • The remote control lacks backlighting, making it difficult to use in dimly lit home cinemas

Verdict

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a premium 5.0.2 channel system featuring nine speakers, including two custom-engineered upward-firing dipole transducers, designed to deliver immersive Dolby Atmos and PhaseGuide spatial audio. Measuring 104 cm long and just 5.8 cm high, this sleek unit combines a wraparound metal grille with a polished tempered glass top and offers robust connectivity via HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, Apple AirPlay 2, and Chromecast. Its primary advantages include exceptional dialogue clarity through a dedicated centre tweeter, ADAPTiQ room calibration for tailored acoustics, and built-in Alexa and Google Assistant with Voice4Video technology for expanded TV control. However, notable drawbacks include a lack of support for DTS:X formats, limited deep bass response without an optional external subwoofer, and potential visual distractions from reflections on its glass surface.

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