The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a 5.0.2-channel soundbar from Bose, listed at $999. The bass comes from the bar alone unless you add the optional subwoofer.
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Dedicated height channels (5.0.2) for Dolby Atmos, not only virtual processing
- ✓A dedicated centre channel for dialogue
- ✓Can add a matching wireless subwoofer later
- ✓Can grow into true surround with optional rear speakers
- ✓HDMI eARC carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV
- ✓Wi-Fi streaming with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect
- ✓Room correction tunes the sound to where it is placed
- ✓Dialogue enhancement
- ✓Voice assistant built in (Alexa)
- ✗No DTS:X, so DTS soundtracks play without their height layer
Channels and Surround Sound
The 5.0.2 badge means 5 ear-level channels (left, centre, right and 2 for width or surround), 2 height channels firing at the ceiling. It decodes Dolby Atmos. Virtual surround: TrueSpace.
Subwoofer, Rear Speakers and Mounting
A subwoofer is optional - the bar connects to one but does not come with it. Rear surround speakers are optional, so it can become a true surround system later. Wall-mountable: Yes (bracket sold separately).
Connections
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar has HDMI eARC to the TV - the connection that carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV's own apps and inputs; optical digital input; wired subwoofer output (3.5mm (Proprietary)).
Streaming, Control and Sound Modes
Wi-Fi (2.4, 5.0 GHZ), with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Pandora, SiriusXM, TuneIn; Bluetooth; voice control: Alexa built-in, Google Assistant optional; app control (Apple iOS, Android); a remote in the box. Sound features: dialogue enhancement, room correction.
Size and Which TV It Suits
The bar measures 41.19 x 2.25 x 4.25 in (W x H x D), or 1046 x 57 x 108 mm, and weighs 12.7 lbs. It is no wider than the screen of a 50-inch TV (43.6 in wide) or larger, which is where a soundbar looks in proportion. At 2.25 in tall it should clear the bottom of most TVs sitting on their own feet.
Open the soundbar size simulator to try another TV or compare two bars.
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar Specifications
| Sound |
|---|
| Channels | 5.0.2 |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| DTS:X | No |
| Drivers | Tweeters: Dome (1); Midrange: Cone (4); Woofers: Cone (4); Enclosure: Ported |
| Subwoofer | Optional |
| Rear speakers | Optional |
| Virtual surround | TrueSpace |
| Dialogue enhancement | Yes |
| Night mode | No |
| Room correction | Yes |
| Connections |
|---|
| HDMI to TV | eARC |
| HDMI inputs | 0 |
| HDMI version | 2.0b |
| Optical inputs | Yes |
| Analogue input | No |
| USB | No |
| Subwoofer output | 3.5mm (Proprietary) |
| HDMI CEC | Yes |
| Streaming and Control |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Streaming | AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Pandora, SiriusXM, TuneIn |
| Voice control | Alexa built-in, Google Assistant optional |
| App | Apple iOS, Android |
| Remote included | Yes |
| Learns TV remote | No |
| Physical |
|---|
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 41.19 x 2.25 x 4.25 in / 1046 x 57 x 108 mm |
| Weight | 12.7 lbs / 5.76 kg |
| Wall mounting | Yes (bracket sold separately) |
| Warranty | 1 Year parts, 1 Year labour |
| List price | $999 |
Power is the maker's total across all drivers and is not comparable to an amplifier's per-channel rating.