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 Ultra Soundbar Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£880N. of audio channels:5.1.2Audio output power:?HDMI ARC type:eARC

Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 49 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
7.5/10

Overall score

Score
7.5/ 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 90% of models
Score components

95%

7.5

Technical score

5%

8.2

Reviews score ( 25 · 24)

Reviews score 5% · 8.2 · based on 49 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 90% 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%

7.5

Overall score

30%

5.9

Price

▲Better than 68%
7.5

Technical score

Technical score
7.5/ 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%

7.0

Formats

16%

7.9

Connectivity

14%

8.5

Controls

12%

6.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.4

Smart features

5%

5.5

Design

▲Better than 89%
8.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.2/ 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 71% of models
Grades by review (49)
25 reviews: 25 with a printed score, 0 estimated from the review. 24 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 71%
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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 Ultra Soundbar

Based on 109 owners sharing their experience in online comments

46%positive6%mixed48%negative

Owners praise the clear, cinematic sound and bass, but many report unreliable connections, firmware updates, and weak surround effects.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say the bar often loses TV sound, needs unplugging, or will not connect to Samsung or Fire TV, and Bluetooth drops at about 20 feet.12
  • Owners find voices tinny with hissing S sounds and the sound flat out of the box, and some say AI mode made it sound like a tin can.11
  • Owners report weak bass, bass that drops after calibration, crackling or popping from the module, and distortion when the bar disconnects.8
  • Owners say the bar stops playing after standby or TV power-off and often needs unplugging from the wall and plugging back in.7
  • Updates are not automatic and can hang at installing for hours or days, and a failed update left one bar unusable and needing service.7
  • Owners say the Bose app sometimes fails to find or recognise the bar, stops working after an update, or shows the bar as unavailable.6
  • Owners say the rear speakers are very quiet and sound weak next to the bar, and the upward-firing height effects feel lacking.6
  • Some owners report the bar failed within a week to two months, showing no light or response, and had to be replaced.5
  • Owners say the remote feels cheap and one stopped pairing even after new batteries, so some use the app or TV remote instead.4
  • Owners say the full setup with the bass module and rear speakers is costly, though some find discounts bring the cost down.4

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

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of soundbar Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar

Technical score
Technical score
7.5/ 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%

7.0

Formats

16%

7.9

Connectivity

14%

8.5

Controls

12%

6.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.4

Smart features

5%

5.5

Design

7.5
Reviews score
8.2
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%

7.5

Overall score

30%

5.9

Price

7.0
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
?
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
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 1 HDMI inputs, more than 68.1% of soundbars and equal to 27.1% 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
5
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 5, which is newer than that of 38.9% of soundbars and the same as that of 47.6% 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
2.1
This soundbar uses HDMI 2.1, which is newer than that of 91.5% of soundbars and the same as that of 8.5% 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.
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
5,800 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 5,800 g, more than 92% 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 Ultra Soundbar 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
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 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.
  • 5 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (9 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    9 vs 4
  • 2.11x more popular
    Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is more popular than the average soundbar (9.05 vs 4.3).
    9.05 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • 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.
  • 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. Chromecast built-in multi-room support.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 2 years newer release
    This soundbar is newer than the average soundbar (2023 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    September 21, 2023
    2,023 vs 2,021
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (The USB-C port is for service/updates only, not audio playback)
  • No on-board controls
    This soundbar does not have control panel, 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
  • 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 Type C port is for service only)
  • 3,800 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (5,800 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    5,800 g vs 2,000 g
  • 9.26x more expensive
    Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is more expensive than the average soundbar (£880 vs £95).
    £880 vs £95
  • 9.26x more expensive
    Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is more expensive than the average soundbar (£880 vs £95).
    £880 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
  • 1 fewer supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports fewer audio formats than the average soundbar (1 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    1 vs 2
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (The USB-C port is for service/updates 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 (USB Type C port is for service only)
  • No on-board controls
    This soundbar does not have control panel, the average soundbar does.
  • 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
  • 3,800 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (5,800 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    5,800 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

9.0
SoundGear Hub
≈ estimated
23/05/2026
Long-form review · daily use, setup and comparison
Verdict
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is refined and excellent for everyday use and dialogue, though not the most cinematic option.
9.0
SXM Audio Picks
≈ estimated
09/02/2026
Hands-on review · everyday use and sound tests
Verdict
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a very good everyday soundbar, though bass and height effects need extras.
8.0
Vinnel TV
≈ estimated
23/12/2024
Unboxing and setup · app setup, calibration and audio demo
Verdict
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is worth considering, especially for smaller TVs, though it lacks power.
9.5
Daniel Warner
≈ estimated
12/06/2024
Hands-on review · unboxing, sound and app tests
Verdict
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar delivers excellent TV sound, among the best the creator has tried; recommended if you can afford it.
8.0
GYMCADDY
≈ estimated
18/01/2024
Hands-on review · sound, bass and upgrade advice
Verdict
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a solid pick for large rooms without a subwoofer, but skip it if you own the 900.
9.0
Best Choice Review
≈ estimated
29/10/2023
Feature walkthrough · sound, gaming, movies and music
Verdict
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a strong upgrade for anyone looking to improve their home audio.
7.0
Andrew Robinson
≈ estimated
29/10/2023
Hands-on review · comparison with rival bars
Verdict
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar offers impressive dialogue and wide sound in a compact bar, though it is more noticeable in a bedroom.
9.0
Wanna Buy It
≈ estimated
18/10/2023
Hands-on review · sound, bass and app tests
Verdict
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar has strong bass and clear sound, making it a top pick for movies and sports.
8.0
NeverEnoughTech
≈ estimated
11/10/2023
Hands-on review · soundbar and full system tests
Verdict
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is high quality and among the best in its mid-range class, though it is only a small upgrade overall.
7.0
Golf Sky
≈ estimated
19/08/2025
Comparison review · Bose vs Sonos Arc Ultra
Verdict
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a good choice for clear dialogue and connectivity, but not for immersion.
9.0
innerchie
≈ estimated
10/02/2025
First look · unboxing, setup and first listen
Verdict
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar delivers strong sound with a convincing sense of height, making it a worthwhile upgrade.
7.0
Gamerment
≈ estimated
10/11/2024
Unboxing and sound test · first impressions
Verdict
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is very loud, but its bass and sound spread feel limited in this setup.
More graded video reviews (1)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.3
rtings.com
✓ explicit
15/11/2023
Lab test · Music and movies
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a decent all-rounder, with wide sound and clear dialogue, but its treble is bright and its bass and surround effects are light.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
09/11/2023
Hands-on review · All-in-one bar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a compact, well-built all-in-one bar with wide, detailed sound, but its bass lacks weight and its Atmos height is limited.
6.0
whathifi.com
✓ explicit
29/01/2024
Test-room review · Dolby Atmos bar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is solidly built with wide sound and a responsive app, but its cramped midrange and weak loud passages leave it trailing the Sonos Arc.
9.0
homesandgardens.com
✓ explicit
26/10/2025
Hands-on test · Movies and music
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a balanced bar for films and music, but setup is slow and the treble can sound sharp.
8.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
03/04/2024
Hands-on review · One-box Atmos
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar gives a wide, punchy Atmos sound from a single box, suiting a living room without a subwoofer, though audio sometimes drops out.
9.0
pocket-lint.com
✓ explicit
20/10/2023
Long-form review · Stylish flagship
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a stylish, well-calibrated Atmos bar for people who want one box, though its glass top reflects the TV.
7.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
20/10/2023
Expert review · Sound and controls
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a tidy, consistent one-box bar for widescreen sound and easy control, though it's light on height and low-end punch.
9.6
impulsegamer.com
✓ explicit
07/02/2024
Home test · Movies, music, games
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a solid all-round bar for movies, music and games, with clear dialogue and overhead sound, though bass is a little light.
8.0
galaxus.de
✓ explicit
13/03/2025
Product test · Stand-alone bar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a capable all-in-one bar with a low, discreet design and helpful dialogue mode, though it can't send HDMI video through to the TV.
9.0
me.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
10/10/2023
Test-track review · One-piece surround
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a solid one-piece surround bar with built-in Alexa and wide sound, but its bass is limited without a separate subwoofer.
8.0
t3.com
✓ explicit
28/10/2023
Atmos test · Compact flagship
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar delivers natural, detailed sound in a well-built box, but its bass lacks punch and its height effects are mild.
8.0
stuff.tv
✓ explicit
13/12/2023
Hands-on review · Build and sound
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a well-built, detailed bar with wide sound and easy controls, but it needs more bass weight and height.
9.0
au.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
05/12/2023
Expert review · Surround bar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a big-sounding one-piece bar with built-in Alexa and AirPlay, though its bass is limited without a subwoofer.
8.0
tomsguide.com
✓ explicit
14/11/2023
Hands-on review · Dolby Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a slim, balanced bar for films and TV, but its AI dialogue mode can sound harsh and it powers on at random.
8.6
stereo.de
✓ explicit
24/01/2025
Hands-on test · 3D audio
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar offers full, warm sound and good 3D effects, but it narrowly trails the Sonos Arc Ultra and cannot decode DTS:X.
7.5
audiovision.de
✓ explicit
29/06/2024
Listening test · Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar delivers punchy music and clear speech, but it barely creates side, rear or overhead surround, so Atmos feels limited.
9.3
homeandsmart.de
✓ explicit
11/11/2024
Hands-on test · Movies and TV
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar suits movie fans, with clear dialogue and convincing Atmos sound, though its headset room calibration is a bit cumbersome.
8.3
hifi.de
✓ explicit
27/09/2023
Hands-on test · All-in-one soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is an elegant bar with a wide stage and 3D Atmos sound, but its bass can feel heavy and voices sound slightly unnatural.
9.3
homeandsmart.de
✓ explicit
11/11/2024
Hands-on test · Premium TV soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar suits movie fans who want clear dialogue and strong 3D sound, though its calibration is awkward and it has no DTS:X.
8.0
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
06/12/2023
Hands-on review · Smart soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is an easy-to-use bar with balanced stereo sound, but its Atmos effects barely register and its bass lacks precision.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar

  • Excellent dialogue clarity, further enhanced by the specialized AI Dialogue Mode
  • Wide and immersive soundstage with precise spatial audio imaging for a single-unit bar
  • Premium build quality featuring a sleek glass top and metal grille design
  • Extensive wireless connectivity options including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect
  • Effective ADAPTiQ room calibration system for optimizing sound to specific room acoustics

What customers don't like about Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar

  • Lack of deep, thumpy bass without an optional external Bose subwoofer
  • Treble can occasionally sound overly bright or 'piercing,' especially at higher volumes
  • Reported HDMI-CEC handshake and connectivity issues with some TV brands like Samsung and LG
  • Reflective glass top can be distracting and is a magnet for fingerprints and smudges
  • Absence of an HDMI Input port for connecting external devices directly through the bar

Verdict

The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a premium 5.1.2-channel flagship system featuring nine drivers, including two upward-firing dipole speakers and a dedicated center tweeter to deliver immersive Dolby Atmos and TrueSpace spatial audio. Measuring 104.5 cm wide and 5.8 cm tall, this sleek unit incorporates a tempered glass top and provides versatile connectivity via HDMI eARC, optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast. Its standout characteristics include an AI Dialogue Mode for enhanced vocal clarity and ADAPTiQ room calibration for tailored acoustics. Main pros include its expansive soundstage, robust build quality, and seamless integration with Alexa and Google Assistant; however, it lacks DTS:X support and an additional HDMI input, and it may require an optional external subwoofer for deep low-end bass performance.

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