The search for a truly cinematic audio experience at home often leads consumers down a rabbit hole of complex multi-speaker setups, tangled wires, and complicated receivers. Many seek a simpler solution that doesn’t compromise on immersive sound. Bose, a brand synonymous with high-quality audio, has positioned its Smart Soundbar line as a premier choice for those who demand both performance and elegance. This review examines whether this soundbar lives up to its reputation, delivering the expansive, room-filling sound promised in a single, streamlined package.
Exceptional sound quality
Immersive surround sound with Dolby Atmos
The primary function of any soundbar is to elevate the audio experience, and this is where the Bose Smart Soundbar truly excels. Its most compelling feature is the implementation of Dolby Atmos, which creates a three-dimensional soundscape. Unlike traditional surround sound that operates on a horizontal plane, Dolby Atmos adds a height dimension, making it feel as though sound is coming from all around, including overhead. This is achieved through a combination of side-firing and upward-firing transducers that bounce sound off the walls and ceiling to create a virtual bubble of audio. When watching a compatible movie, a helicopter flying overhead or rain falling on a roof sounds remarkably realistic, pulling the viewer deeper into the action.
Clarity and dialogue enhancement
While immersive effects are thrilling, a common failing of many home theater systems is muffled or unclear dialogue. Bose has addressed this issue head-on. The soundbar features a dedicated center channel specifically tuned for vocal clarity. As a result, conversations in movies and television shows come through with exceptional crispness and detail, even during loud action sequences. You no longer need to constantly adjust the volume to hear what characters are saying. Furthermore, Bose’s proprietary TrueSpace technology intelligently analyzes non-Atmos signals, like stereo or 5.1, and upmixes them to create a similarly immersive, multi-channel sound experience, ensuring that even older content sounds more engaging.
Deep and controlled bass
For a single-unit soundbar without a separate subwoofer, the bass performance is surprisingly robust. The low-end frequencies are deep and impactful, adding satisfying weight to explosions and musical scores without becoming boomy or distorted. The bass is well-controlled and integrated seamlessly with the mid and high frequencies. For those who crave truly earth-shaking bass for an authentic theater feel, Bose offers the option to wirelessly pair the soundbar with a dedicated subwoofer from its ecosystem, such as the Bose Bass Module 700. However, for most apartments and medium-sized living rooms, the built-in bass is more than adequate.
This impressive audio performance is housed within a package that is designed to be seen as much as it is heard, complementing the aesthetic of a modern living space.
Sleek and modern design
Premium materials and build quality
From the moment you unbox the Bose Smart Soundbar, its premium construction is apparent. It eschews the common plastic shells found on many competitors in favor of more luxurious materials. The top surface is a single piece of impact-resistant tempered glass, giving it a sophisticated, high-end look that feels substantial and durable. A perforated, wraparound metal grille protects the drivers and completes the sleek, monolithic appearance. Every element feels meticulously crafted, conveying a sense of quality that justifies its position in the premium market.
Minimalist aesthetic
Bose has opted for a minimalist design that is both elegant and unobtrusive. With its slim profile, the soundbar sits discreetly below most modern televisions without blocking the screen or the infrared sensor. There are no garish logos or an excess of buttons to clutter the clean lines; the only visible controls are two subtle, capacitive touch buttons for microphone mute and action. The soundbar is available in classic black or arctic white, allowing it to blend seamlessly into various home decor styles. Its understated elegance ensures that it complements your entertainment setup rather than dominating it.
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 2.3 inches (5.81 cm) |
| Width | 41.14 inches (104.5 cm) |
| Depth | 4.21 inches (10.7 cm) |
| Weight | 12.68 lbs (5.75 kg) |
Beyond its physical appearance, the soundbar’s modern appeal is significantly enhanced by its integration of intelligent software and voice control.
Integrated smart features
Voice assistant integration
The “smart” in the Bose Smart Soundbar is not just a marketing term. It comes with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant built-in, allowing for complete hands-free control. A noise-rejecting microphone array ensures that your voice commands are heard clearly, even when music or movie audio is playing loudly. You can ask your preferred assistant to:
- Play or pause music
- Check the weather
- Set timers and alarms
- Control other smart home devices
What sets Bose apart is its exclusive Voice4Video technology. This feature expands Alexa’s capabilities to control not just the soundbar, but also your television and cable or satellite box. With a single voice command like, “Alexa, watch channel 200,” the soundbar can turn on your TV, switch to the correct input, and change the channel. This consolidates control and simplifies the user experience significantly.
Bose Music app functionality
The companion Bose Music app is the central hub for controlling and customizing the soundbar. The app provides a user-friendly interface for a wide range of functions. It is used for the initial setup, connecting the soundbar to your Wi-Fi network, and guiding you through the ADAPTiQ audio calibration process. Once set up, the app allows you to adjust audio settings like bass, treble, and center channel levels. You can also use it to group other Bose smart speakers for multi-room audio, browse and play music from integrated streaming services, and switch between sources. The app is a powerful tool that unlocks the soundbar’s full potential.
These smart capabilities are supported by a comprehensive suite of modern connectivity options, ensuring the soundbar can handle virtually any source you throw at it.
Compatibility and connectivity
Wired connection options
Simplicity is key to the soundbar’s connectivity. The preferred method for connecting to a TV is through the single HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) port. This connection is vital for transmitting high-resolution audio formats like Dolby Atmos. It also supports CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), which allows the soundbar to be controlled with your TV’s remote, reducing clutter. For older televisions that may not have an HDMI eARC or ARC port, an optical audio input is included as a reliable alternative, though it cannot carry a Dolby Atmos signal.
Wireless streaming capabilities
The soundbar is equipped with a full suite of wireless technologies for modern music streaming. Its Wi-Fi connectivity allows for stable, high-quality audio streaming from services integrated into the Bose Music app. It also supports several popular direct streaming protocols:
- Bluetooth: For quick and easy pairing with any phone, tablet, or computer.
- Apple AirPlay 2: For seamless streaming from Apple devices and inclusion in a multi-room Apple audio setup.
- Spotify Connect: Allowing you to control playback directly from the Spotify app.
This versatility ensures you can play your favorite audio from nearly any device with minimal effort.
Ecosystem expansion
The Bose Smart Soundbar is designed to be the centerpiece of a larger wireless audio system. It can be wirelessly grouped with other Bose smart speakers and soundbars for synchronized music playback throughout the home. For those seeking a full 5.1.2 surround sound system, it can be wirelessly paired with Bose Surround Speakers 700 and a Bose Bass Module 700. This modular approach allows users to start with the soundbar and expand their system over time without running wires across the room.
With so many features and options, one might expect a complicated setup, but Bose has streamlined the process to be remarkably straightforward.
Easy installation and setup
Unboxing and physical placement
The installation process is designed for simplicity. The box contains the soundbar, a power cord, an HDMI cable, and the ADAPTiQ headset. Physical setup involves just two steps: placing the soundbar on a level surface in front of the television and connecting two cables. One cable goes to the power outlet, and the other, the included HDMI cable, connects from the soundbar’s HDMI eARC port to the corresponding port on the TV. This minimalist wiring scheme is a welcome change from the complex cable management required by traditional home theater systems.
Guided setup with the Bose Music app
Once the soundbar is powered on, the rest of the setup is handled through the Bose Music app. The app automatically detects the soundbar and provides clear, step-by-step instructions. It guides you through connecting the soundbar to your home Wi-Fi network, which is essential for enabling smart features and streaming. You will also be prompted to link your accounts for voice assistants and music services. The entire software setup process is intuitive and typically takes only a few minutes to complete.
ADAPTiQ audio calibration
A crucial step in the setup process is running the ADAPTiQ audio calibration. This proprietary Bose technology customizes the soundbar’s audio performance to the unique acoustics of your room. The process involves wearing a special headset with a built-in microphone and sitting in several of your favorite listening spots. The soundbar emits a series of test tones, and the headset’s microphone measures how they sound from each position. The system then analyzes this data to compensate for factors like room size, shape, and furnishings, ensuring the sound is optimized for your specific environment. This calibration makes a noticeable difference in the quality of the surround sound effect.
After a seamless setup, the soundbar’s day-to-day performance is what ultimately determines its value and place in the competitive audio market.
Overall performance and verdict
Performance summary
In daily use, the Bose Smart Soundbar consistently delivers an outstanding audio experience. For movies and TV shows, the combination of Dolby Atmos and TrueSpace technology creates a wide, immersive soundstage that rivals more complex systems. Dialogue remains crystal clear, and the bass provides a satisfying rumble without overpowering the mix. For music, the sound is rich, detailed, and well-balanced, filling the room with high-fidelity audio. The smart features work reliably, with voice commands being recognized accurately and the app providing stable control.
Value proposition
The Bose Smart Soundbar is undeniably a premium product with a price tag to match. It competes at the high end of the market against other Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbars. While less expensive options are available, they often lack the build quality, advanced room calibration, and sophisticated smart features found here. The value lies in its ability to deliver a powerful, all-in-one solution that combines exceptional sound, elegant design, and intelligent functionality.
| Feature | Bose Smart Soundbar 900 | Sonos Arc |
|---|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | Yes (with TrueSpace upmixing) | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Alexa and Google Assistant Built-in | Alexa and Google Assistant Built-in |
| Room Calibration | ADAPTiQ (headset-based) | Trueplay (iOS device required) |
| Key Technology | Voice4Video TV control | Sonos Multi-room Ecosystem |
| Expandability | Wireless Sub and Surrounds | Wireless Sub and Surrounds |
Final recommendation
The Bose Smart Soundbar is an excellent choice for the home entertainment enthusiast who prioritizes both performance and design. It is ideal for individuals seeking a powerful, cinematic sound experience without the clutter of a traditional multi-speaker setup. Its combination of immersive Dolby Atmos audio, crystal-clear dialogue, and deep bass makes it perfect for movie lovers. At the same time, its robust smart features and seamless music streaming capabilities will appeal to the tech-savvy user who values convenience and voice control. While the investment is significant, the quality, performance, and user experience it delivers make it a top contender in its class.
This soundbar successfully merges high-fidelity audio with intelligent design and user-friendly features. It stands as a testament to the fact that a powerful, immersive, and cinematic sound experience can indeed come from a single, elegant unit. For those looking to significantly upgrade their television’s audio with a premium, feature-rich solution, the Bose Smart Soundbar is a compelling and highly recommended option.