Upgrading your TV's audio can dramatically enhance your viewing experience, and Bose offers a range of soundbars to suit various needs and budgets. This comprehensive review examines four key Bose soundbar models in 2024: the Smart Soundbar 900, the compact TV Speaker, the flagship Smart Soundbar Ultra, and the Bass Module 500 subwoofer. We delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each, considering factors like sound quality, features, connectivity, and price to help you determine the best fit for your home theater setup.From the budget-friendly TV Speaker ideal for smaller spaces to the premium Dolby Atmos experience of the Smart Soundbar Ultra, this review provides detailed comparisons to guide your decision. We explore key features such as AI dialogue enhancement, room calibration, and wireless subwoofer integration, offering a clear picture of what each model offers. Whether you prioritize immersive surround sound, compact design, or a powerful bass response, this guide will help you choose the perfect Bose soundbar to elevate your entertainment.
Pros And Cons
- Best option for movie lovers
- Robust upfiring Dolby Atmos performance
- Full suite of features
- More drivers and larger footprint than Smart Soundbar
- Deep and expansive sound with a wide sound field
- Adaptive EQ calibration adjusts sound to the room
- Supports private listening with Bose headphones and earbuds
- AI dialogue mode
- Multiple wireless connection options (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect)
- Amazon Alexa built-in
- Available in white and black
- Balances cost and performance
- Offers rich sound
- Extensive features
- Dolby Atmos support
- AI dialogue mode enhances vocals
- Can use Bose Ultra open earbuds as wireless rear speakers
- Multiple wireless connection options (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect)
- Bose mobile app for music control
- Amazon Alexa built-in
- Using Bose Ultra open earbuds as rear speakers may not be worth the extra cost or hassle for all users
- Compact and affordable
- Good for smaller spaces
- Produces compelling stereo audio
- Clearer dialogue and more evenly balanced sound compared to built-in TV speakers
- Comparable to Sonos Ray
- Less rumble and lower top volume than larger Bose models
- No Dolby Atmos support
- No dedicated mobile app or Wi-Fi connectivity
- Doesn't include HDMI cable
- Wireless subwoofer
- Enhances low-frequency performance
- Compatible with all Bose soundbars
- Can be placed anywhere in the room (needs power outlet)
- Greatly enhances bass for movies and music
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Bose Smart Soundbar 900
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 offers a compelling balance of cost and performance. It delivers rich sound, a wide range of features, and Dolby Atmos support, all at a mid-range price point. This makes it a fantastic upgrade for many TVs, significantly enhancing their audio capabilities.
A notable feature is the AI dialogue mode, which uses machine learning to enhance vocal clarity. This is particularly beneficial for viewers who struggle to hear dialogue over background noise. The inclusion of Bose's TrueSpace processing creates a height effect even with non-Dolby Atmos content.
A unique feature is the ability to pair Bose Ultra Open Earbuds as wireless rear speakers, adding another dimension to the surround sound experience. However, this may not be necessary for all users and might not justify the added cost of purchasing the earbuds separately. Connectivity options are abundant, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect.
Bose TV Speaker
The Bose TV Speaker is the most compact and affordable soundbar in Bose's lineup. Its small size makes it ideal for smaller spaces such as apartments. Despite its diminutive stature, it produces surprisingly good stereo audio with clear dialogue and balanced sound.
While it lacks the bass and volume of Bose's larger models, it still offers a significant upgrade over most built-in TV speakers. It's a strong competitor to similar budget soundbars, particularly the Sonos Ray, offering a comparable listening experience.
This model lacks Dolby Atmos support, a dedicated app, and Wi-Fi connectivity, but it does offer Bluetooth for wireless music streaming. Note that it includes an optical cable, not an HDMI cable, for connection to your TV.
Bose Smart Soundbar Ultra
The Bose Smart Soundbar Ultra is Bose's top-of-the-line model, delivering a powerful Dolby Atmos experience. Its larger size and increased driver count result in a wide, expansive soundstage with immersive audio.
The standout feature is the AdaptiQ room calibration, which automatically adjusts the sound profile to optimize audio based on your room's acoustics. The soundbar offers all the features of the Smart Soundbar 900, including AI dialogue mode and various wireless connectivity options.
It also supports private listening with Bose headphones and earbuds, perfect for late-night movie watching without disturbing others. Available in both black and white, this model caters to a wider range of design preferences.
Bose Bass Module 500
The Bose Bass Module 500 is a wireless subwoofer designed to enhance the low-frequency performance of any Bose soundbar. It significantly improves the bass response, adding depth and impact to movies and music.
Compatible with all Bose soundbars, it connects wirelessly for easy placement. While a larger Bass Module 700 exists, the 500 offers excellent performance at a more affordable price. It enhances the overall audio experience, making it a worthwhile addition for those seeking improved bass.
The 500 significantly upgrades the bass response, particularly noticeable on smaller soundbars like the TV Speaker and Smart Soundbar 900. Even the larger Smart Soundbar Ultra benefits from the added low-end power.
Conclusion
The best Bose soundbar for you depends on your budget and needs. The Smart Soundbar 900 offers a great balance of features and performance at a mid-range price. The TV Speaker is perfect for smaller spaces on a budget, but lacks advanced features. The Smart Soundbar Ultra is the top choice for those seeking a premium Dolby Atmos experience and room calibration.
The Bass Module 500 is a recommended addition to any of these soundbars for improved bass. While the Ultra offers the most advanced features, the other models present compelling alternatives depending on your preferences and priorities. Consider your listening environment and desired features carefully to make the best selection.
Ultimately, all four offer significant audio improvements over built-in TV speakers. Bose provides high-quality sound across its range, but each model caters to different needs and budgets.