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Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£720
Avg. price in US: ~$900
N. of audio channels: 5.1.2
Audio output power: ?
HDMI ARC type: eARC

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 review. Compare 109 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

7.7

Very good

7.4

Very good

9.0

Exceptional

8.1
Movies
Score components:
25.0%
10
Dolby Atmos
25.0%
8.4
N. of audio channels
20.0%
4.0
Subwoofer included
15.0%
?
Audio output power
15.0%
10
HDMI ARC type
7.3
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
4.0
HDMI pass-through frame rate
30.0%
10
HDMI ARC type
20.0%
8.4
N. of audio channels
15.0%
?
Audio output power
6.4
Music
Score components:
20.0%
?
Audio output power
20.0%
4.0
Subwoofer included
20.0%
2.5
Equalizer bands
15.0%
10
N. of supported Bluetooth codecs
15.0%
?
Wi-Fi connectivity
5.0%
?
Spotify Connect
5.0%
?
Bluetooth connectivity

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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.

Technical Specifications of soundbar Bose Smart Soundbar 900

Overall score

7.7

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the soundbar.

When it matters: When you prefer to choose a soundbar reviewed and selected by many other buyers.

Audio

7.3

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand under which the soundbar is marketed and sold.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: LOW

Bose

N. of audio channels

What it is: Shows how many separate audio channels the system is built to reproduce, such as left, center, surround, height, and subwoofer channels.

When it matters: When you are deciding between a simpler bar and a setup built for wider surround placement, clearer center dialogue, or more immersive height effects.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=5.1

Audio output power

What it is: Total continuous or peak audio output power, measured in watts.

When it matters: When you need enough headroom to fill a larger room or listen at higher volume without the system feeling strained.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >100 W

?

Max SPL

What it is: Maximum sound pressure level output, measured in dB SPL.

When it matters: When you use the soundbar in a large room, listen at high volume, or want it to stay convincing during action-heavy movies and parties.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >90 dB SPL

Min frequency

What it is: Lowest reproducible audio frequency, measured in hertz.

When it matters: When deep bass extension matters and you want to know how low the system is supposed to reach.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <50 Hz

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Formats

7.2

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Dolby Atmos

What it is: Means the soundbar can play Dolby Atmos soundtracks, which add height information on top of normal surround channels for a more three-dimensional presentation.

When it matters: When you watch a lot of movies or shows with Atmos tracks and want a more enveloping sense of space than standard surround usually provides.

Importance: MEDIUM

DTS:X

What it is: Can handle DTS:X object-based surround audio from compatible sources.

When it matters: When your library includes DTS:X content and you want the soundbar to reproduce its surround effects properly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Dolby TrueHD

What it is: Can decode Dolby TrueHD, a lossless surround format often used on Blu-ray and higher-end local media setups.

When it matters: When you play disc-based or local media and want lossless Dolby audio support.

Importance: MEDIUM

DTS-HD Master Audio

What it is: Can decode DTS-HD Master Audio, a lossless DTS format used on many Blu-ray releases.

When it matters: When your movie library includes discs or files with higher-quality DTS soundtracks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Dolby Digital Plus

What it is: Can decode Dolby Digital Plus, a higher-efficiency surround format used widely by streaming services.

When it matters: When you stream movies and shows from modern apps that commonly deliver audio in Dolby Digital Plus.

Importance: LOW

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Connectivity

6.5

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N. of HDMI inputs

What it is: Number of HDMI input ports available.

When it matters: When several consoles, streamers, or players may need to plug into the soundbar directly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

Wi-Fi connectivity

What it is: Can join a wireless network for streaming, app control, updates, and smart-platform features.

When it matters: When you want better streaming stability, direct app playback, or smart features beyond Bluetooth alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Wi-Fi version

What it is: Supported Wi-Fi version or standard (e.g., Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E).

When it matters: When your network setup uses newer Wi-Fi standards and you want better compatibility or wireless stability.

Importance: LOW

Good value: Wi-Fi 5/6

Bluetooth connectivity

What it is: Can receive audio wirelessly over Bluetooth from phones, tablets, computers, and other compatible sources.

When it matters: When you want fast casual streaming from nearby devices without relying on Wi-Fi setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

Bluetooth version

What it is: Supported Bluetooth specification version.

When it matters: When you care about newer Bluetooth efficiency, compatibility, and connection behavior with modern source devices.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5.0

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Controls

9.2

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Smartphone app

What it is: Can be configured or controlled through a dedicated mobile app.

When it matters: When you prefer changing inputs, updates, sound modes, or calibration settings from your phone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Remote control

What it is: Comes with or supports a physical handheld remote for everyday operation.

When it matters: When you want quick volume, input, and sound-mode control without opening an app.

Importance: LOW

Control panel

What it is: Design and layout of the onboard control panel.

When it matters: When you want easier everyday control.

Importance: LOW

Voice assistant compatibility

What it is: Works with one or more voice-assistant platforms such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri workflows.

When it matters: When voice control is part of how you start playback, change volume, or integrate the bar into smart-home routines.

Importance: LOW

Far-field microphones

What it is: Built-in far-field microphones for voice assistant use.

When it matters: When you want hands-free control or built-in voice features.

Importance: LOW

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HDMI & Gaming

6.8

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HDMI version

What it is: Version of the HDMI standard supported for input/output.

When it matters: When you need the HDMI link to handle newer video, gaming, or audio-return features in your setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 2.1

HDMI ARC type

What it is: Shows whether the soundbar uses ARC or eARC for TV audio over HDMI. ARC covers basic return audio, while eARC supports higher-bandwidth formats such as lossless Dolby Atmos and generally gives you more headroom for advanced TV-to-soundbar audio.

When it matters: When the TV will send sound back to the soundbar over HDMI and you care about getting the best audio formats your TV and streaming devices can pass through.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: eARC

HDMI-CEC support

What it is: Lets compatible devices share basic commands like power, volume, and input switching over HDMI.

When it matters: When you want simpler everyday use, such as controlling volume with the TV remote and having the soundbar turn on with the TV.

Importance: LOW

HDMI pass-through resolution

What it is: Maximum video resolution supported through HDMI pass-through.

When it matters: When you connect external players or consoles through the soundbar.

Importance: LOW

HDMI pass-through frame rate

What it is: Maximum frame rate supported for HDMI pass-through.

When it matters: When you connect gaming devices through the soundbar.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=120 fps

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Smart features

8.4

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AirPlay

What it is: Supports Apple AirPlay or AirPlay 2 for network-based streaming from Apple devices and apps.

When it matters: When your home setup is built around Apple devices and you want smooth wireless playback across that ecosystem.

Importance: LOW

Chromecast built-in

What it is: Includes Chromecast so audio can be cast directly from compatible apps over Wi-Fi.

When it matters: When you want quick app-based casting from Android, Chrome, or supported streaming services without Bluetooth pairing.

Importance: LOW

Spotify Connect

What it is: Can receive Spotify streams directly over the network without routing playback through your phone over Bluetooth.

When it matters: When you use Spotify often and want your phone free for calls, battery, or other apps while music keeps playing.

Importance: LOW

TIDAL Connect

What it is: Can receive TIDAL streams directly over the network without using Bluetooth from the phone as the audio path.

When it matters: When you use TIDAL regularly and want direct streaming with less dependence on your phone staying involved.

Importance: LOW

Amazon Music native support

What it is: Native integration with Amazon Music service.

When it matters: When you stream music directly from apps and ecosystems you already use.

Importance: LOW

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Design

5.3

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Width

What it is: Overall width of the soundbar.

When it matters: When you want the bar to match the TV size better or fit a narrow cabinet cleanly.

Importance: LOW

Height

What it is: Overall height of the soundbar.

When it matters: When clearance under the TV is limited and you do not want the bar covering the lower edge of the picture.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <70 mm

Thickness

What it is: The front-to-back depth of the soundbar body.

When it matters: When you need the soundbar to fit neatly on furniture, under the TV, or close to the wall without sticking out too much.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <90 mm

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the soundbar unit.

When it matters: When wall mounting, shelf strength, or how easy the bar is to move and position matters.

Importance: LOW

Build material

What it is: Material used for cabinet or body construction.

When it matters: When finish quality, cabinet feel, and how premium the bar looks in the room matter to you.

Importance: LOW

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Bose Smart Soundbar 900 vs the average soundbar

Why is Bose Smart Soundbar 900 better than the average soundbar?

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More audio channels
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 has more audio channels than the average soundbar (5.1.2 vs 2.0). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
What it is: Shows how many separate audio channels the system is built to reproduce, such as left, center, surround, height, and subwoofer channels.
When it matters: When you are deciding between a simpler bar and a setup built for wider surround placement, clearer center dialogue, or more immersive height effects.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >=5.1
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 has more audio channels than the average soundbar (5.1.2 vs 2.0). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.5.1.2 vs 2.0
Supports Dolby Atmos
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
What it is: Means the soundbar can play Dolby Atmos soundtracks, which add height information on top of normal surround channels for a more three-dimensional presentation.
When it matters: When you watch a lot of movies or shows with Atmos tracks and want a more enveloping sense of space than standard surround usually provides.
Importance: MEDIUM
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
Dedicated center channel
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
What it is: Uses a dedicated center-channel driver intended to anchor dialogue and center-screen effects more clearly.
When it matters: When dialogue clarity is important and you want voices locked more firmly to the center of the screen.
Importance: MEDIUM
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
Supports Dolby TrueHD
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC.
What it is: Can decode Dolby TrueHD, a lossless surround format often used on Blu-ray and higher-end local media setups.
When it matters: When you play disc-based or local media and want lossless Dolby audio support.
Importance: MEDIUM
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
Wi-Fi connectivity
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
What it is: Can join a wireless network for streaming, app control, updates, and smart-platform features.
When it matters: When you want better streaming stability, direct app playback, or smart features beyond Bluetooth alone.
Importance: MEDIUM
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
Built-in Chromecast
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports Chromecast built-in, the average soundbar does not.
Chromecast built-in added via firmware update.
What it is: Includes Chromecast so audio can be cast directly from compatible apps over Wi-Fi.
When it matters: When you want quick app-based casting from Android, Chrome, or supported streaming services without Bluetooth pairing.
Importance: LOW
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports Chromecast built-in, the average soundbar does not.
5 more drivers
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 has more drivers than the average soundbar (9 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
When it matters: When you want a better idea of how complex the speaker array is inside the bar itself.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=4
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 has more drivers than the average soundbar (9 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.9 vs 4
Supports Dolby Digital Plus
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
What it is: Can decode Dolby Digital Plus, a higher-efficiency surround format used widely by streaming services.
When it matters: When you stream movies and shows from modern apps that commonly deliver audio in Dolby Digital Plus.
Importance: LOW
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
More audio channels
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 has more audio channels than the average soundbar (5.1.2 vs 2.0). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
Dedicated center channel
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
5 more drivers
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 has more drivers than the average soundbar (9 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
Supports upfiring speakers
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports upfiring speakers, the average soundbar does not.
Supports wireless rear speakers
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is compatible with wireless rear speakers, the average soundbar is not.
2.2 dB SPL higher max SPL
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 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.
Supports Dolby Atmos
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
Supports Dolby TrueHD
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
Supports Dolby Digital Plus
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
Broader music format support
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, WMA vs MP3).
1 more supported Bluetooth codecs
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports more Bluetooth codecs than the average soundbar (2 vs 1). The average soundbar supports 1 Bluetooth codecs.
AAC support
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports AAC, the average soundbar does not.
3 more supported audio formats
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (5 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
Wi-Fi connectivity
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
Built-in Chromecast
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports Chromecast built-in, the average soundbar does not.
Supports AirPlay
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports AirPlay, the average soundbar does not.
Supports Spotify Connect
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
Multiroom ecosystem support
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
Native Amazon Music support
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports native Amazon Music, the average soundbar does not.
Supports Deezer
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports Deezer, the average soundbar does not.
Automatic room calibration
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports automatic room calibration, the average soundbar does not.
Companion smartphone app
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
App EQ customization
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
Supports voice assistants
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports voice assistant compatibility, the average soundbar does not.
Manual audio delay adjustment
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
2 more microphones
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 has more microphones than the average soundbar (2 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 microphones.
Easier firmware updates
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 uses over-the-air, app-based, USB for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.
Far-field microphones
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 has far-field microphones, the average soundbar does not.
9 mm lower height
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is shorter than the average soundbar (58 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.

Why is Bose Smart Soundbar 900 worse than the average soundbar?

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3 fewer sound modes
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (1 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
No USB audio input
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 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
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
No USB playback support
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
No (USB port is for service only)
Older Bluetooth version
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
Narrower lip-sync adjustment range
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 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.
283 mm wider width
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is wider than the average soundbar (1,045 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
3,750 g heavier weight
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is heavier than the average soundbar (5,750 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
21 mm thicker design
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is thicker than the average soundbar (107 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
No USB audio input
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
no (The USB port is for service only, not for audio input)
What it is: Can receive audio through USB from a compatible host device instead of using only analog or HDMI inputs.
When it matters: When a computer or compatible source is easiest to connect over USB rather than through another audio output.
Importance: LOW
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
No AUX input
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
What it is: Includes a 3.5 mm analog input for connecting older devices or simple wired audio sources.
When it matters: When a TV, projector, music player, or other source still relies on analog audio output.
Importance: LOW
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
3 fewer sound modes
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (1 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
What it is: Number of selectable or predefined sound modes.
When it matters: When you switch between movies, music, news, or gaming often.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=4
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 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
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is wider than the average soundbar (1,045 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
What it is: Overall width of the soundbar.
When it matters: When you want the bar to match the TV size better or fit a narrow cabinet cleanly.
Importance: LOW
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is wider than the average soundbar (1,045 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.1045 mm vs 762 mm
No USB playback support
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
No (USB port is for service only)
What it is: Can play audio files directly from a connected USB storage device.
When it matters: When you keep music on flash drives or want simple local playback without a streaming app.
Importance: LOW
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
3,750 g heavier weight
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is heavier than the average soundbar (5,750 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
What it is: Total weight of the soundbar unit.
When it matters: When wall mounting, shelf strength, or how easy the bar is to move and position matters.
Importance: LOW
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is heavier than the average soundbar (5,750 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.5750 g vs 2000 g
Older Bluetooth version
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
What it is: Supported Bluetooth specification version.
When it matters: When you care about newer Bluetooth efficiency, compatibility, and connection behavior with modern source devices.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=5.0
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 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).
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£720 vs £95).£720 vs £95

Graphic comparison of Bose Smart Soundbar 900 and other soundbars

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

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 dislike 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

Expert reviews

cnet.com

11/11/2021

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 review: Great features, great performance

The CNET review highlights the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 as a premium, high-performance unit offering exceptional, natural dialogue and an expansive soundstage with Dolby Atmos. Its sleek design features a glass top and two upward-firing drivers, though the top is highly reflective. As a versatile, feature-rich device, it includes ADAPTiQ room calibration, Voice4Video technology, and supports AirPlay 2 and major voice assistants. CNETHowever, the soundbar comes with a high price tag and lacks deep bass without an optional, expensive subwoofer. The review also notes the absence of DTS:X support and only one HDMI input. While a strong contender, the reviewer slightly prefers the Sonos Arc for its better app experience and broader ecosystem functionality.

rtings.com

05/11/2021

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module Review - RTINGS.com Would you like to compare these results to the newer Bose Smart Ultra model or...

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module is a premium 5.1.2 system offering an immersive, balanced sound profile ideal for mixed usage, highlighted by PhaseGuide technology and effective ADAPTiQ room calibration. While delivering a wide soundstage, the system lacks a full graphic EQ for detailed customization, offering only basic treble and bass adjustments. The setup excels in movies with clear dialogue and dedicated up-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos, though it notably lacks DTS support and an auto-volume feature. Designed with a durable metal grille and a reflective glass top, the system provides extensive connectivity, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2. However, the single HDMI eARC port restricts external device connections, as there are no additional HDMI inputs.

livingetc.com

29/11/2022

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 review: an excellent adaptive soundbar

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 features a sleek, tempered glass-topped design and introduces Dolby Atmos for an enhanced, 3D cinema experience. It offers an immersive soundstage with ADAPTiQ calibration, user-friendly app control, and versatile connectivity options, including Alexa, Google Assistant, and AirPlay 2. However, the polished glass top is prone to fingerprints and screen reflections, and the, while large, the unit's status light system is difficult to interpret, notes the review. Livingetc

radiotimes.com

03/02/2022

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 review | Radio Times

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900, reviewed by Radio Times, is a premium, aesthetically striking device featuring a glass-topped design and metal grille. It delivers immersive Dolby Atmos audio with exceptional clarity and depth, further enhanced by proprietary TrueSpace technology that upmixes non-Atmos content to create a wide, 7-channel soundscape. While installation involves a somewhat awkward ADAPTiQ calibration process with a headband microphone, the resulting personalized audio tuning is considered worthwhile. The accompanying app is praised for its simplicity, offering intuitive control over music and TV inputs. Key drawbacks include the lack of DTS:X support and occasionally misplaced audio elements, along with stiff competition from the Sonos Arc, which is noted to have a slight edge in cinematic performance. Despite the high £899 price point, it is recommended for users seeking top-tier aesthetic design and powerful, room-filling sound.

expertreviews.co.uk

20/04/2022

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 review: Smart, elegant and Atmos-enabled

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a premium, Dolby Atmos-enabled, all-in-one unit featuring a sleek design with a tempered glass top and nine drivers, including upward-firing units for height effects. Key strengths include exceptional build quality, wide soundstage, and clear dialogue, though it faces limitations with restricted bass as a standalone unit and a reflective top that can cause TV glare. Performance excels in balanced, controlled audio aided by ADAPTiQ room calibration, but the sound can feel front-heavy without optional rear speakers. Connectivity is basic, featuring a single HDMI eARC port without HDMI passthrough, and the unit notably lacks support for DTS:X. Expert Reviews

whathifi.com

27/03/2022

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 review | What Hi-Fi?

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a premium, single-unit Dolby Atmos speaker featuring a sleek design with a reflective glass top, impressive PhaseGuide technology for width, and effective ADAPTiQ room calibration. While delivering a bright, crisp sound with excellent dialogue clarity, the unit is praised for its extensive connectivity options including HDMI eARC and AirPlay 2. What Hi-Fi? However, the review notes significant drawbacks, particularly regarding inconsistent TrueSpace upmixing, which can make non-Atmos content sound artificial. Furthermore, the lack of DTS:X support, the absence of an HDMI passthrough port, and a mixed performance with music are identified as notable cons. While powerful, the soundbar faces stiff competition, with What Hi-Fi? suggesting the Sonos Arc offers better overall performance at a similar price point. What Hi-Fi?

rtings.com

12/10/2023

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review - RTINGS.com

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a premium 5.1.2 standalone unit featuring PhaseGuide technology for a wide soundstage, ADAPTiQ room calibration, and Dolby Atmos support for immersive audio. While offering versatile wireless connectivity and high-quality build materials, the bar lacks a dedicated subwoofer, resulting in limited low-bass rumble, and it does not support DTS content. Measuring 41 inches with HDMI eARC, it is ideal for larger TVs, though for a full home theater experience, the addition of separate Bose modules is recommended to overcome its standalone bass limitations.

lbtechreviews.com

09/06/2022

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 – Tech Reviews - LBTechreviews

The LBTechreviews analysis highlights the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 as a premium single-unit solution that produces an impressively wide and high-dimensional soundstage, effectively utilizing PhaseGuide technology for immersive audio. Its QuietPort technology provides surprising bass, while the ADAPTiQ calibration successfully tailors the sound to specific room layouts. However, the review notes a significant drawback in that the 3D upmixing effect cannot be disabled, which can result in unnatural-sounding stereo music and, at times, recessed dialogue. Additional criticisms include the lack of DTS audio format support, which forces a downmix to PCM, and the highly reflective, fingerprint-prone glass top surface. While the unit boasts a sleek design, the review finds that adding the optional wireless subwoofer and rear speakers drives the total investment to an extremely high level. Ultimately, the review presents the soundbar as a strong, stylish, but expensive choice that excels in home cinema effects, despite limited versatility in music listening.

techhive.com

15/03/2022

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 review: A Dolby Atmos powerhouse

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a premium, stylish all-in-one speaker featuring a glass top, nine drivers, and upward-firing transducers for a wide, "judiciously tuned" Dolby Atmos audio experience. It shines with superior dialogue clarity, ADAPTiQ room calibration, and TrueSpace upmixing, offering extensive connectivity including Alexa, Google Assistant, and AirPlay 2. However, the unit lacks deep bass and cinematic impact without optional, expensive external modules, while also missing DTS support, lacking extra HDMI inputs, and suffering from a reflective surface.

test.de

10/10/2025

Summary of the review

Review: Bose Smart Soundbar 900 - Stiftung Warentest. Would you like more details on these test results or a comparison with the Smart Ultra successor...

The Samsung HW-Q60B is a 3.1-channel soundbar featuring a dedicated center channel for enhanced dialogue and a wireless subwoofer, balanced for mid-range performance. While supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, it uses virtual processing rather than dedicated up-firing drivers, serving as a "starter" option for mixed-use entertainment. Key strengths include a neutral, balanced sound profile, extensive 7-band graphic EQ customization, and a compact design, alongside practical connectivity like HDMI eARC. Limitations include restricted immersive height effects due to the lack of dedicated upward-firing drivers and a subwoofer that lacks deep, cinematic bass. Additionally, the unit lacks Wi-Fi for app-based control, necessitating manual USB firmware updates.

heimkinoraum.de

20/12/2022

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 vs. Sennheiser Ambeo Plus - The Dolby Atmos Soundbar Comparison Test

The Heimkinoraum review compares the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 and Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus, highlighting different approaches to premium Dolby Atmos performance. The Sennheiser is noted for its superior hardware, including three HDMI ports and DTS:X support, while the Bose offers a more simplified, sleek aesthetic with a focus on dialogue clarity. Sound-wise, the Sennheiser delivers a more expansive, powerful 7.1.4-channel experience with better bass, whereas the Bose focuses on a balanced profile and an easier, app-driven setup process. Key pros for the Bose include superior dialogue and ease of use, against its lack of DTS:X support. Conversely, the Sennheiser boasts broader compatibility and immersive sound but comes at a higher cost. For more details, visit Heimkinoraum.

heise.de

21/12/2021

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review: Great Atmos Sound for Home Cinema and Streaming

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 serves as a premium successor to the 700 model, introducing dedicated up-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos and a sleek design featuring a metal grille and polished glass top. It features ADAPTiQ room calibration to enhance soundstage immersion, and TrueSpace technology to upmix non-Atmos content, resulting in excellent dialogue clarity and strong, immersive audio. Despite the high price, limitations include a lack of DTS:X support, a confusing LED status light, and a reflective glass top that can cause distracting screen glare. For more details, visit Pocket-lint.

chip.de

21/12/2022

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review - CHIP

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a premium, high-quality audio system featuring a sleek design with a metal grille and polished glass top, delivering a wide soundstage through nine drivers, including upward-firing transducers for immersive Dolby Atmos. Key pros include excellent dialogue clarity, the effective ADAPTiQ room calibration system, and comprehensive wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2. However, the unit lacks support for the DTS:X audio format and relies on a simple status LED rather than a display, necessitating use of the Bose Music App. Additionally, the soundbar is high-priced, often requires a separate bass module for optimal low-end performance, and its reflective top can cause screen glare.

hifi.de

04/10/2021

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review: A Masterful First Step into Dolby Atmos

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a premium, stylish all-in-one unit featuring a glass top, metal grille, and effective ADAPTiQ room calibration for Dolby Atmos immersion. It delivers a wide, high soundstage with clear dialogue and surprisingly strong bass for its size, utilizing PhaseGuide and TrueSpace technology to upmix non-Atmos content effectively. However, the forced 3D spatial effect can make music sound overly reverberant, it lacks DTS support, and the glass top is prone to reflections and fingerprints. What Hi-Fi?

computerbild.de

04/11/2021

Summary of the review

Bose Soundbar 900 Review: Premium Surround Sound from Bose

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 serves as a premium, aesthetically pleasing entry into Dolby Atmos, featuring a high-quality metal grille and a tempered glass top, enhanced by specialized ADAPTiQ room calibration. Its audio performance is defined by clear dialogue and a wide, immersive soundstage produced by its nine-driver array, which includes upward-firing transducers for height effects. However, as a standalone unit, it lacks deep bass, necessitating a separate subwoofer for a complete cinematic experience, and it lacks support for DTS:X content. Connectivity is limited, with only one HDMI eARC port and no HDMI passthrough, and some users have experienced persistent Wi-Fi or TV connectivity issues.

on-mag.fr

01/01/2022

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900: Review, Features, and Price

The On-mag.fr review describes the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 as a premium, aesthetically pleasing unit with a tempered glass top and metal grille that brings effective Dolby Atmos support to the Bose ecosystem. It highlights the proprietary ADAPTiQ calibration system for optimizing sound to specific room acoustics and praises the exceptionally wide and tall soundstage created by its drivers. While offering great vocal clarity, the soundbar’s bass performance is noted as limited for intense action, often requiring a separate subwoofer, and it lacks DTS:X support along with featuring only a single HDMI eARC port.

maisonadam.ca

19/10/2021

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review: Expert Analysis

The Maison Adam review hails the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 as a premium, aesthetically pleasing, all-in-one upgrade over the 700 model, featuring nine drivers and upward-firing transducers for a wide, high-fidelity soundstage, particularly with Dolby Atmos. Key pros include the immersive TrueSpace technology for non-Atmos content, effective ADAPTiQ room calibration, and an intuitive Bose Music app for management. However, the analysis notes that, while surprisingly capable, the bass can feel limited without an external module, the glass top creates distracting light reflections, and the unit lacks DTS:X support, resulting in a high total investment for a full,, premium surround system.

lesnumeriques.com

09/03/2022

Summary of the review

Bose Soundbar 900 Review: A complete soundbar that's light on the fundamentals

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900, reviewed by Les Numériques, is a premium device featuring Dolby Atmos support via upward-firing drivers and a sleek design with a tempered glass top. While the design is elegant, it is prone to fingerprints, and the unit lacks a display, relying instead on a simple LED indicator. Performance highlights include excellent spatialization, strong vocal clarity, and effective ADAPTiQ room calibration, along with robust connectivity via HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, and voice assistants. However, the soundbar lacks DTS support, limiting its appeal to some home cinema users. While standalone bass is good, it lacks the deep rumble required for action movies, often necessitating the purchase of an optional, expensive Bose Bass Module.

clubic.com

07/03/2022

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review: Dynamic and Immersive Atmos at a Premium Price

Clubic's review of the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 highlights a premium, compact design featuring a high-end metal grille and reflective glass top, though this surface can be distracting. The device delivers an immersive Dolby Atmos experience with effective up-firing transducers and specialized ADAPTiQ room calibration, but it lacks DTS support. While boasting excellent app integration and voice assistant capabilities, the soundbar is limited by a high price, a lack of physical HDMI inputs, and a lack of a clear display.

frandroid.com

20/05/2022

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review: Stunning Surround Sound

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a premium, Dolby Atmos-enabled device featuring a sleek glass top, wrap-around metal grille, and nine speakers including upward-firing drivers for immersive 3D audio. It excels in vocal clarity, wide soundstaging, and room-optimized performance via ADAPTiQ calibration, though it lacks deep bass without a separate subwoofer and its virtual surround can sound artificial. Pros include broad connectivity (Alexa, Assistant, AirPlay 2) and private headphone pairing, while cons include a lack of DTS support and a highly reflective top surface.

leclaireur.fnac.com

09/02/2022

Summary of the review

Soundbar Showdown: Bose Soundbar 900 vs. Sonos Arc

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 features a compact, premium glass-top design, offering versatile connectivity with Bluetooth and a physical remote, though it lacks DTS support. Conversely, the Sonos Arc provides superior cinematic immersion via 11 drivers, featuring native Dolby Atmos and DTS support, but lacks Bluetooth. Ultimately, the Bose excels in connectivity and design, whereas the Sonos Arc is preferred for its wider, more immersive soundstage.

sitegeek.fr

03/03/2022

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review: The Dolby Atmos Soundbar Test

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a 5.0.2-channel flagship featuring nine drivers, including upward-firing transducers for Dolby Atmos, to create an immersive, wide soundstage. It optimizes audio via ADAPTiQ calibration and features a premium design with a metal grille and reflective glass top. Key advantages include excellent vocal clarity, a specialized dialogue mode, and impressive, distortion-free bass via "QuietPort" technology despite lacking a separate subwoofer. Connectivity is robust with HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, and smart assistant integration, while performance is further customizable through the Bose app. What Hi-Fi? Drawbacks include the lack of DTS:X support and the omission of an extra HDMI input for source devices. Furthermore, the virtual processing can feel artificial for music, and the overall value decreases significantly when adding the necessary optional subwoofer and surround speakers.

cnetfrance.fr

09/12/2021

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review: Serious Strengths for Home Cinema

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900, reviewed by CNET France, is a high-end, stylish, and premium-built device featuring Dolby Atmos with upward-firing drivers. A significant pro is its wide soundstage and excellent vocal clarity, which elevates cinematic performance. Notable cons include the high price point, lack of a dedicated subwoofer for deep bass, and potential reflections from its polished glass top. The soundbar includes advanced features such as ADAPTiQ room calibration and built-in voice assistants, though it lacks support for DTS:X content and includes only one HDMI port. While offering a superior experience over the Soundbar 700, it faces stiff competition from the Sonos Arc, which provides better 3D immersion, according to the review. Overall, the unit is highly recommended for users seeking an aesthetically pleasing, all-in-one, and smart-enabled, high-fidelity audio solution for their home entertainment system. For more details, visit CNET France.

on-mag.fr

08/04/2022

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review: Immersive Atmos and Great Features at a Price

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900, reviewed by ON-mag, is a high-end standalone unit marking the brand's first venture into Dolby Atmos, delivering a wide, immersive soundstage with effective vertical effects. It features advanced ADAPTiQ room calibration for personalized audio optimization and boasts a luxurious, modern design with a polished glass top. On-Mag highlights the soundbar's neutral, precise sound signature that excels in both music and movies, complemented by excellent connectivity via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast. The build quality is premium, featuring a robust metal grille. However, the review points to a high price point and the absence of a dedicated subwoofer, which leads to limited impact in deep bass frequencies, notes ON-mag. Additionally, the lack of DTS:X support and the reflective top surface, which can be distracting during TV viewing, are highlighted as drawbacks.

hablandodemanzanas.com

22/06/2022

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review & Opinion (Best Soundbar of 2022)

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a premium, all-in-one system featuring upward-firing dipole transducers for immersive Dolby Atmos performance and ADAPTiQ room calibration. Its design boasts a sleek, tempered glass top, while offering extensive connectivity including HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, and Bose SimpleSync for system expansion. Key drawbacks include a high price point, a reflective glass top that causes glare, lack of support for DTS:X, and the absence of an HDMI passthrough port. Additionally, while excellent on its own, it requires additional, costly subwoofers for true deep bass, and some users have experienced connectivity issues with the Bose Music app.

revistaonoff.es

01/07/2022

Summary of the review

Review: Bose Smart Soundbar 900 - On Off Magazine

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a premium, aesthetically pleasing, all-in-one flagship featuring upward-firing drivers for immersive Dolby Atmos, supported by "TrueSpace" processing for upscaling. Its key pros include effective ADAPTiQ room calibration, crystal-clear dialogue, and robust smart home integration via Alexa and Google Assistant. The unit offers a wide 3D soundstage, though the glass top can reflect the TV screen. On the performance side, the soundbar produces surprisingly deep bass, yet it lacks support for DTS:X content, a notable con for some users. The Voice4Video technology adds significant value by controlling connected components via voice, and connectivity options are extensive, covering Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2. While excellent alone, a true "shattering" cinema experience requires purchasing additional, costly bass modules and rear speakers. Other cons include the relatively short 1.4-meter power cable and a Bose Music App interface that some find less intuitive than competing systems. The unit is a top-tier choice for high-quality, single-unit sound.

qualescegliere.it

28/04/2026

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a premium, low-profile soundbar featuring a glass top and metal grille, designed to bring Dolby Atmos to the Bose ecosystem using nine drivers, including up-firing transducers. It delivers an expansive soundstage with strong vertical effects and crisp dialogue, though the 3D processing can sometimes feel artificial and bass is limited without an optional sub. Key features include HDMI eARC, voice assistants, and ADAPTiQ calibration, but it lacks DTS support and additional HDMI inputs.

dday.it

27/06/2022

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review: So Much More Than Just a Soundbar

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a premium, Dolby Atmos-enabled device featuring nine drivers, including upward-firing transducers for an expansive soundstage. Its design incorporates a sleek metal grille and a reflective tempered glass top, while ADAPTiQ technology allows for specialized room calibration. The unit supports extensive streaming options, including AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, along with voice assistant integration. Performance highlights include exceptional vocal clarity and effective wide-sound processing for both music and movies via Bose TrueSpace technology. The device offers versatility through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Bose SimpleSync for pairing with other speakers. Key drawbacks noted in the review include the lack of DTS:X support and only one HDMI connection, along with potential glare from the tempered glass top. Furthermore, while the standalone soundbar delivers quality audio, it requires additional, costly subwoofers for deep bass performance. What Hi-Fi?

consumentenbond.nl

Undated

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 - Test, Reviews & Prices

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a premium, Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar featuring nine drivers, including upward-firing transducers for immersive 3D sound, complemented by ADAPTiQ room calibration for personalized audio. Its design includes a sleek glass top, while connectivity options include Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth, and voice assistants, alongside SimpleSync for Bose headphones. While offering clear dialogue and robust performance for its size, limitations include a lack of DTS:X support, a single HDMI eARC port without passthrough, and a reflective surface that can cause glare. Detailed analysis and testing can be found at Expert Reviews.

fwd.nl

14/05/2022

Summary of the review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 – More Refined Than Expected

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a premium, compact, and aesthetically refined flagship, featuring a glass top and metal grille that excels at Dolby Atmos. Performance-wise, it delivers bold, bright sound with excellent vocal clarity, enhanced by proprietary PhaseGuide technology and ADAPTiQ room calibration, although the setup process is unconventional. While offering a wide soundstage, the soundbar lacks deep bass as a standalone unit and lacks DTS:X support, and its reflective top can cause glare. For more details, visit FWD.

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