When it comes to high-quality home audio systems, few brands command the same level of respect and recognition as Bose. Known for their cutting-edge innovation, minimalist design, and premium sound quality, Bose products are often top choices for consumers looking to upgrade their home audio experience. Among Bose’s most popular offerings in recent years are the Bose Smart Ultra and the Bose Smart Soundbar. Both devices come packed with features designed to impress audiophiles and casual listeners alike, but how do they stack up against each other? Which one offers better value for money?
Design and Build Quality
The design language of both the Bose Smart Ultra and the Smart Soundbar reflects Bose’s signature aesthetic—sleek, modern, and unobtrusive. The Smart Ultra is slightly more robust and has a more futuristic look with ambient lighting and a metal grille that adds a premium finish. On the other hand, the Smart Soundbar features a more classic appearance with clean lines and a low-profile build, making it an ideal choice for minimalists who want their audio system to blend in seamlessly with their home decor.
Both models come in standard black or white finishes, with high-quality construction that communicates durability. The layout of buttons and ports on both units is user-friendly, but the Smart Ultra edges out slightly with a more intuitive interface and advanced touch controls.
Audio Performance
Where the real difference begins to show is in the audio quality. The Bose Smart Ultra supports Dolby Atmos and spatial audio technologies, offering an immersive 3D sound experience that envelopes the listener. It’s engineered to provide room-filling, cinematic-quality sound from a single speaker, thanks to its combination of directional tweeters, up-firing drivers, and robust bass performance.
The Smart Soundbar, while not as feature-rich in the audio department, still provides exceptional quality. It delivers clean mids and highs and a resonant bass that will satisfy most users. However, it lacks some of the directional capabilities of the Smart Ultra, which makes it better suited for standard stereo experiences rather than immersive setups.
- Smart Ultra: Supports Dolby Atmos and spatial audio.
- Smart Soundbar: Offers balanced stereo with refined clarity and bass.
If audio quality is your top priority and you’re looking for depth, clarity, and spatial awareness, the Smart Ultra clearly takes the lead.
Smart Features and Connectivity
Both the Bose Smart Ultra and Smart Soundbar are part of the Bose Smart Home family and support voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. They can also be integrated seamlessly with other smart home devices and speakers via the Bose Music App.
The Smart Ultra includes some upgraded components in this department, such as:
- Enhanced voice pickup through mic-array technology.
- Multimode voice control allowing simultaneous recognition of Spotify, Alexa, and device commands.
- Built-in Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 for expanded music streaming capabilities.
The Smart Soundbar, while not far behind, doesn’t offer quite the same voice isolation technology and may occasionally falter in noisy environments. However, it does support most of the same features, making it more than sufficient for the average user who wants smart functionality without all the bells and whistles.
Ease of Use and Setup
Setting up both speakers is straightforward, especially with the help of the Bose Music App, which guides users through installation, room calibration, and firmware updates. However, the Smart Ultra goes a step further by utilizing ADAPTiQ audio room calibration, which customizes the sound according to room acoustics and layout. This results in a more dynamic and personalized listening experience.
The Smart Soundbar does feature basic calibration but lacks the same level of room adaptation, which might be noticeable in unconventional room arrangements or large open spaces.
Price and Value for Money
The Bose Smart Ultra comes with a premium price tag, usually retailing around $899 depending on the market. This makes it one of the more expensive single-unit sound systems in the Bose ecosystem. However, considering its immersive audio capabilities, smart enhancements, and premium build, many users find it worth the investment.
Meanwhile, the Smart Soundbar starts at a more accessible price point—around $599. It delivers excellent value for those who prioritize performance within a more constrained budget. While it doesn’t offer everything the Ultra does, it covers the essentials—and does so exceptionally well.
Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re someone who:
- Wants a cinematic, 360-degree audio experience
- Listens to high-definition sound content like Atmos-enabled movies or orchestral music
- Enjoys deep customization and advanced smart features
Then the Bose Smart Ultra is the clear winner for you. It justifies its premium price with advanced features and exceptional performance.
However, if you’re looking for:
- Reliable sound quality for everyday use
- A smart speaker that blends into your home
- Top-tier performance without breaking the bank
Then the Bose Smart Soundbar is your ideal choice. It offers a budget-friendly yet high-quality experience suitable for most homes.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, the Bose Smart Ultra and the Smart Soundbar are both strong contenders in the world of smart audio. Your choice between the two should be guided by how you use your sound system and how much you’re willing to invest. Both bring a unique set of strengths to the table, and neither will leave you disappointed. It all boils down to your personal preferences and audio expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do both models support HDMI eARC?
A: Yes, both the Bose Smart Ultra and Smart Soundbar support HDMI eARC, ensuring high-quality audio transmission from compatible TVs.
Q: Are these compatible with Bose Surround Speakers or Bass Modules?
A: Absolutely. Both models can be paired with Bose Bass Modules and Surround Speakers to enhance their performance in a home theater setup.
Q: Can I use Apple AirPlay with either speaker?
A: Yes, both devices support Apple AirPlay 2 out of the box for seamless streaming from Apple devices.
Q: Is there a noticeable difference in voice assistant responsiveness?
A: The Smart Ultra has a slight edge, thanks to enhanced mic-array technology, which captures voice commands more accurately in noisy environments.
Q: Are software updates frequent?
A: Bose regularly updates both speakers via the Bose Music App, improving functionality, adding features, and ensuring system security.
Whether you choose the transformative immersion of the Smart Ultra or the balanced excellence of the Smart Soundbar, one thing is clear—Bose continues to lead the way in delivering smart home audio solutions tailored to every lifestyle.