Bose Smart Ultra Review

Summary / TL;DR

The Bose Smart Ultra soundbar combines sleek design with advanced technology, offering premium audio quality and numerous smart features. Its minimalist design and durable build make it a stylish addition to any home entertainment setup. The soundbar delivers rich, immersive sound with Dolby Atmos support and PhaseGuide technology, though it may not fully match a complete home theater system.

Smart features include built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, along with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Chromecast compatibility. While setup is generally straightforward, the initial configuration of smart services can be tedious. The soundbar connects easily to most TVs via HDMI ARC or optical inputs, though some users may encounter minor ARC/CEC compatibility issues.

Included accessories like a remote control, HDMI and optical cables, and a wall mount kit enhance user convenience. Despite its higher price point, the Bose Smart Ultra offers excellent audio performance and smart home integration, making it a strong option for those seeking a high-quality soundbar.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or JBL Partybox Ultimate.

Introduction

If you're in the market for a top-notch soundbar that combines sleek design with cutting-edge tech, then you might wanna stick around for this review. We're diving into the Bose Smart Ultra, a soundbar that's making waves for all the right reasons. Bose has long been a trusted name in audio, and with this model, they're aiming to up the ante in home entertainment. What's the best part? The Bose Smart Ultra doesn't just pump out premium sound; it's also packed with smart features that can simplify your life. But, hold up—no product is perfect. We'll also touch on any quirks or downsides you should know about. Ready to see if this soundbar is worth your hard-earned cash? Keep reading!

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Design and Build Quality

The Bose Smart Ultra soundbar sports a sleek, minimalist design that blends seamlessly with most modern home entertainment setups. Its low-profile structure ensures it doesn't obstruct your TV screen, which is a real bonus. The soundbar is encased in a durable, matte-black finish that resists fingerprints and smudges, maintaining its clean look with minimal effort.

In terms of build quality, the Smart Ultra is pretty solid. It feels robust and well-constructed, which is what you'd expect from a high-end brand like Bose. The front grille is made from a high-quality metal mesh that not only looks premium but also protects the internal components. However, it can be a bit of a dust magnet, so you might find yourself giving it a wipe-down now and then.

On the back, you'll find all the necessary ports neatly arranged, including HDMI ARC, optical, and a USB port for firmware updates. These are recessed into the body to keep the cables tidy and out of sight. This thoughtful design element ensures your setup looks as clean as possible from every angle.

The buttons on the top of the soundbar are touch-sensitive, which adds to the modern aesthetic. They’re responsive but can be somewhat hard to locate without looking directly at them. This might be a slight inconvenience if you prefer tactile buttons, especially in a dimly lit room.

Overall, the design and build quality of the Bose Smart Ultra are top-notch. It combines functionality with style, although a few minor design quirks could be potential areas for improvement. If you're after a soundbar that not only sounds great but also looks the part, this one deserves a spot on your shopping list.

What's in the Box

So, you just got your hands on the Bose Smart Ultra soundbar. Let's see what's inside the box. Opening it up, you'll find the soundbar itself prominently displayed. It's sleek and ready to be the centerpiece of your entertainment setup.

Included Accessories

• Remote Control: A compact remote with all the necessary buttons to control your soundbar. It's intuitive and easy to use.
• Power Cable: Essential for getting your soundbar up and running. The cable is decently long, so you shouldn't have issues reaching your power outlet.
• HDMI Cable: A high-quality HDMI cable is provided to connect the soundbar to your TV. This is a nice touch since not all soundbars come with one.
• Optical Cable: For those who prefer using an optical connection, Bose has got you covered.
• Wall Mount Kit: If you want to mount your soundbar on the wall, there's a mounting kit included. This is perfect for keeping things tidy and saving space.
• Quick Start Guide: A straightforward guide to help you get set up quickly. It's clear and easy to follow, so you won't be scratching your head.

One thing you might notice missing is an Ethernet cable. If you rely on wired internet for stable connectivity, you'll need to provide your own. This oversight is a bit of a bummer but not a deal-breaker.

Overall, the box contents are well thought out and should cover most of your needs. Bose has clearly paid attention to the little details that make a big difference in the user experience.

Audio Performance

The Bose Smart Ultra delivers sound that can seriously transform your living room into a mini-theater. This soundbar packs a punch with its Dolby Atmos support, which creates a rich, 3D soundscape. Imagine watching a movie and feeling like the action is happening all around you—it's that immersive.

The bass is deep and powerful, but not so overwhelming that it drowns out the mids and highs. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear, which is awesome for binge-watching your favorite shows or listening to podcasts. No more straining to catch what the characters are saying.

Surround Sound Experience

The surround sound effect is where it really shines. Bose uses something called PhaseGuide technology to bounce sound off your walls, giving you that enveloping feeling. It’s a bit like magic, turning a simple soundbar into a multi-dimensional audio experience.

However, if you're a true audiophile, you might find that the Bose Smart Ultra doesn't quite match a full home theater system with separate speakers for every channel. It's close, but not perfect. But let's be real, most people will be more than happy with the quality it delivers.

Volume and Sound Customization

One minor gripe is that the volume levels can sometimes be a bit inconsistent. You might find yourself adjusting the volume more often than you'd like. Thankfully, the soundbar comes with an acoustic calibration feature that adapts the sound based on your room's acoustics. This helps a lot in balancing the audio output.

Overall, the Bose Smart Ultra nails it in the audio department, offering a superb combination of power, clarity, and immersive sound. Whether you're into movies, music, or gaming, this soundbar has got you covered.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Alright, let's talk about the smart features and connectivity of this soundbar. This is where things get really interesting. First off, it comes with built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can literally just talk to it and control your music, ask questions, or even control other smart home devices. It's like having your own personal assistant embedded right into your soundbar.

Next up, the soundbar supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. This means you can stream music directly from your phone or any other Bluetooth-enabled device. Wanna stream your playlists from Spotify or Apple Music? No problem. The Wi-Fi connectivity also ensures that you get a more stable connection without the hassle of wires.

It also boasts Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility. So if you're an Apple user, you'll find it super easy to stream audio from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. It even has Chromecast built-in, making it a breeze to cast audio from any compatible app directly to the soundbar.

However, there's a small caveat. While it’s loaded with smart features, setting up these services can be a bit tedious for some users. You have to go through an initial setup process that involves logging into multiple accounts and configuring settings in the app. It’s not terribly difficult, but it’s something worth noting.

On the upside, the soundbar includes HDMI ARC and optical inputs, ensuring it can connect seamlessly to most TVs. The HDMI ARC port allows for easy control with your TV remote—one less remote to keep track of!

Overall, the smart features and connectivity options make this soundbar super versatile. Sure, the initial setup might take a bit of your time, but once it’s up and running, you’ll appreciate the convenience and advanced features it offers.

Ease of Setup and Use

Setting up the Bose Smart Ultra is a breeze, even if you're not tech-savvy. Straight out of the box, the instructions are clear and straightforward. You'll find a quick start guide that walks you through the initial setup step-by-step. They even have an accompanying app that makes the process even smoother. It's sort of like having a digital assistant holding your hand through the whole thing.

Let's talk about the physical setup first. The soundbar connects to your TV using an HDMI cable, specifically an HDMI ARC port. If your TV doesn't support ARC, no worries! You can still use the optical audio cable that’s included. The cables are all color-coded, so connecting everything is almost foolproof.

Once you're connected, the app takes over. Available on both iOS and Android, the app guides you through the rest of the setup. You'll be able to connect the soundbar to your Wi-Fi network, which is essential for using its smart features. The app also allows you to fine-tune sound settings to your liking, offering a level of customization that's pretty neat.

What if you run into a hiccup? Bose has you covered with excellent customer support. Their website offers troubleshooting guides, and you can even chat with a support agent if needed. It's not common to hit a snag, but it's comforting to know help is just a click away.

The only minor gripe here is that the initial software update can take a little while. Make sure you have a good internet connection and some patience. It's a one-time thing, but it can be slightly annoying if you're eager to start using your new soundbar.

In summary, whether you're a tech enthusiast or a complete novice, setting up the Bose Smart Ultra is a hassle-free experience. The combination of clear instructions, an intuitive app, and solid support means you’ll be enjoying high-quality sound in no time.

Compatibility and Integration

The Bose Smart Ultra is pretty versatile when it comes to compatibility and integration. Whether you've got a TV, gaming console, or a smart home setup, chances are, this soundbar will fit right in. Firstly, it's got HDMI ARC and eARC ports, which means you can connect it to most modern TVs with a single cable. This simplifies setup and ensures you get the best possible audio quality. Additionally, it supports optical audio input for older TVs that might not have HDMI ports. But what about your other devices? Well, the soundbar also boasts Bluetooth capability, so you can stream music directly from your phone or tablet. Plus, there's Wi-Fi, which means you can integrate it with your home network. If you’re into smart home automation, you’ll be happy to know it works seamlessly with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows you to control the soundbar using just your voice, which is super convenient when you’re too lazy to get off the couch. For those who are heavy into streaming, the Bose Smart Ultra supports several services directly, such as Spotify and Apple Music. This makes it really easy to play your favorite songs without needing an extra device.

One downside is that it doesn’t have a dedicated subwoofer out port, so if you're looking to add more oomph to your bass, you might be a bit limited. Also, while it works great with most devices, some users have reported minor issues with ARC/CEC compatibility, which means you might need to dive into your TV's settings to get everything just right. In summary, the Bose Smart Ultra covers most of your connection needs and integrates well into different setups, albeit with a few minor hiccups. Whether you're a tech novice or a smart home enthusiast, you'll find it quite accommodating.

Price and Value

When evaluating the price and value of the Bose Smart Ultra, it's essential to consider what you're getting for your money. This soundbar is definitely positioned on the higher end of the price spectrum, and it’s crucial to determine if the features and performance justify the cost.

On the plus side, you're paying for premium audio quality that Bose is well-known for. The sound clarity, coupled with powerful bass, creates an immersive experience that's hard to beat. It also packs in a bunch of smart features, from voice assistants to seamless connectivity options. Not to mention, the sleek and stylish design makes it a great addition to any home theater setup.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Some might find the price tag a bit steep, especially if they don't plan to utilize all the smart functionalities. If you’re someone who just wants a soundbar for better audio and doesn’t care much about smart features like voice control, you might feel like you’re paying for bells and whistles you don’t need.

For those who value top-notch sound and modern smart home integration, the Bose Smart Ultra offers great value. But if your needs are more basic, you might want to explore more budget-friendly alternatives that still deliver solid audio performance.

Video by: Bose Product Support

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bose Smart Ultra soundbar is an impressive piece of audio tech that offers a lot of features for its price. Its sleek design and solid build quality make it a stylish addition to any home entertainment setup. The audio performance is top-notch, delivering rich, immersive sound that can fill a room. Smart features like voice control and easy connectivity options make it a breeze to use, even for those who aren't tech-savvy. Setting it up is straightforward, and its compatibility with various devices means you won't struggle to integrate it with your existing setup. However, it's not without its flaws.

The price point might be a bit steep for some, and while it offers a lot, there are cheaper alternatives out there that might suit those on a tighter budget. Additionally, while the smart features are great, they can sometimes be a bit hit or miss depending on your home network setup. Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality soundbar with excellent audio performance and useful smart features, the Bose Smart Ultra is a strong contender. It might not be the cheapest option out there, but you do get a lot of bang for your buck.

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications