Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar, Black

2026-06-02T20:00:00

I had a little wireless connection issue with the base model 700 , even I could feel the same issue with the surround speaker 70but not remarkable as the base model. The lifestyle ultra just fixed those issues and sounds really great

Adama

Originally posted at

2026-06-02T20:00:00

The subwoofer is reasonably compact in size (it fits snugly alongside a sideboard in my relatively small living space) but very weighty. It immediately feels like a premium piece of kit, consistent with the sleekly attractive signature Bose look. A lovely, high gloss black, which aligns neatly with the soundbar I hooked it up to. It's aesthetically pleasing: understated, solid, well made. As with the soundbar, setup through the Bose app was straightforward. The whole process is very much plug-and-play. I'm not especially tech-savvy, so that simplicity is genuinely appreciated and I suspect I'm not alone in wanting genuinely high-quality sound without needing to be an avid What Hi-Fi subscriber. The real impact, though, is in the sound. The subwoofer adds an extraordinary sense of depth and bass presence across films, sport and anything remotely cinematic, when coupled with the soundbar and surround speakers. Everything feels bigger and more immersive. Even 'The Antiques Roadshow' suddenly sounds like a major broadcast event. One word of caution, however. It is very powerful in its delivery. If you live in a top-floor flat with neighbours below (like I do) it may be worth checking they're out before you properly put it through its paces!

paul12

Originally posted at

2026-06-02T20:00:00

I upgraded from the Bose Ultra Smart Soundbar and the Lifestyle Ultra is a noticeable leap forward. What's better: Soundstage & immersion: The wider design and upgraded drivers fill my living room way better. Dolby Atmos effects actually feel overhead now, not just simulated. Bass: Deeper and tighter without a separate subwoofer. Movies have real punch and music doesn't get muddy at higher volumes. Dialogue: Voices are clearer during movies/series. Plus the new voice pitch adjustment from Low to Medium to High in the Bose app is a game-changer - the Ultra Smart didn't have this, and it lets me fine-tune dialogue to my preference. Build & setup: Same easy Bose setup, but the finish feels more premium than the Ultra Smart. Blends and fits perfectly under my TV nicely. Versus Ultra Smart: If you already own the Ultra Smart, the Lifestyle Ultra is worth it if you want fuller sound, stronger Atmos, and that voice pitch control. For movies, gaming, and music it's a real game changer. Bose nailed it with this one!

1Babatee

Originally posted at

2026-06-01T20:00:00

I have had the soundbar for about a month now and having watched films, sport, regular tv and music it's time for a write up. The soundbar replaces an old 5.1 surround system and is connected to a Sony tv via HDMI through the arc port which is needed to get the most of the upfiring speakers. First off the looks, from the box it came in to the actual soundbar it looks and feels premium and weighs a tonne too. Width wise it sits nicely under a 55 inch tv, smaller TVs might look out of proportion. The soundbar was a doddle to setup via the Bose app, almost doing everything for you. There are controls on the top, some on the glass and others on an iPod style rotary dial. The glass top adds to the premium look and feel. In the app you can chose tv, Bluetooth or airplay. Also from Spotify you can connect from there which works a treat. How does it sound? In short, amazing! I used the soundbar on its own for a while then added the sub and surround speakers but this is about the soundbar. The soundbar is loud, packing a real punch with bass you can feel, if I lived in a smaller house or wasn't detached I'd not need the sub. The bass is the familiar deep warm bass that you expect from Bose speakers while speech remains crystal clear through some fancy settings in the app. Overall pros and cons.. Pros, it looks and sounds amazing. Cons, the glass top shows dust and there are a few config changes needed that have been suggested to Bose for example different modes for sport, films or streaming music. Would I recommend? Yes I would.

Rob2083

Originally posted at

2026-06-01T20:00:00

Since this product arrived, I have been extremely impressed with many elements, including the packaging quality/unboxing experience, product aesthetic, build quality, and most importantly, the overall sound quality. Although I initially set up the Soundbar by itself, it has a great depth of sound, working well as a standalone unit for the TV. Connecting it via the HDMI eARC input was very simple, and the Bose app allows me to fine tune the sound settings depending on what I am using the TV for (sport/films/music/everyday/etc...). There are however a few features, mainly linked to the Bose app, which could be improved. Firstly, when initially setting up the product through the app, I experienced some technical errors when the latest updates were completing - this is a minor point though as the product has been error free since the set up was completed. Also, within the app, all sound adjustments need to be made manually. It would be great to have customisable presets (like with some other Bose products) that could be quickly switched between. Improving the functionality of the Soundbar with the app would make this a 5-star review.

olimbet123

Originally posted at

2026-05-31T20:00:00

Bought this to replace my SoundTouch 300. No tune in to listen to radio stations. Tries to make you subscribe to a bunch of other nonsense. No optical output and my tv fairly new tv doesn't have HDMI arc. So in all a lot of money for lesser use and services. Recommend sticking with whatever Bose you already have. Still considering returning the the soundbar and subwoofer.

Babstock709

Originally posted at

2026-05-31T20:00:00

Brilliant sound and great appearance. Bose products top class.

John

Originally posted at

2026-05-30T20:00:00

Since receiving the product I have been continuously blown away by its ability to hold its own, the sound from just having the soundbar in use alone packs a mighty punch in terms of sound quality and depth, in regards to setting it up straight from the box I would say it takes around 5 minutes at most! It's so easy! I honestly never thought such an all round high quality system would be so user friendly, 10/10 would recommend to absolutely everyone!

WainS

Originally posted at

2026-05-30T20:00:00

I bought the full lifestyle theatre edition Bose sound system 2 weeks ago. I haven't been able to use the full version because there are no stands available to purchase so I'm not able to use the surround sound speakers so I'm not really happy. And to be honest there is not much duo between the 900 ultra soundbar and this new version. Just another way of making money.

Twisted

Originally posted at

2026-05-29T20:00:00

Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar Review Rating: 4.5/5 About Me I'm 47, married, work full-time and spend most of my leisure time enjoying science-fiction films, action movies, gaming on PS5 and listening to music. I'm also a technology enthusiast, so I tend to notice both the strengths and weaknesses of products fairly quickly. I deliberately used the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar on its own for five days before adding any additional speakers, allowing me to properly assess it as a standalone product. First Impressions The first thing that struck me was the build quality. The Smart Ultra has a reassuring weight and feels every bit like a premium product. It looks elegant, feels substantial and immediately gives the impression of quality engineering. In fact, it was noticeably heavier than the Sonos soundbar it replaced. The difference was significant enough that I had to change my existing wall mounting arrangement, as the Sonos mounts were not suitable for the additional weight of the Bose. That may sound like a small detail, but it reinforced the impression that this is a serious piece of hardware rather than a lightweight lifestyle product. The high-gloss top surface also looks excellent and gives the soundbar a premium appearance. It is one of the first things visitors notice when they see it. However, I do wonder how it will look after several years of ownership. Like any polished surface, it may prove susceptible to fine scratches from everyday use, particularly in family homes where little hands, remote controls, toys or other objects occasionally find their way onto furniture and electronics. This isn't a criticism of the current finish, which looks fantastic, but it is something I will be interested to monitor over the longer term. Once mounted, the soundbar felt solid and secure, and its physical presence matched its premium positioning. Sound Quality The Smart Ultra impressed immediately. Dialogue clarity is one of its strongest attributes. Whether watching films, television dramas or live broadcasts, voices remained clear, natural and easy to understand. Music performance was equally impressive. During testing I listened to a wide range of material including: * Blade Runner 2049 - 2049 * Vangelis - Rachel's Song * Kevin Kiner - Burying the Dead * Hans Zimmer - No Time For Caution * Armin van Buuren - Another You * Genesis - Follow You Follow Me The soundbar delivered impressive detail, excellent clarity and a surprisingly expansive soundstage for a single unit. Particularly with cinematic music and orchestral material, there was a convincing sense of width and atmosphere that exceeded my expectations. Tracks such as Rachel's Song and 2049 demonstrated how well the soundbar handled space, texture and ambience, while No Time For Caution showcased its ability to scale as the music built in intensity. TV and Gaming One standout test was David Attenborough's Royal Albert Hall performance. Attenborough's narration sounded exceptionally natural, while orchestral sections and a live harp performance demonstrated excellent detail and clarity. Gaming on PS5 was equally impressive. Playing The Division 2, environmental sounds became more noticeable, weapon effects carried greater impact and the overall presentation felt more immersive than my previous setup. The soundbar handled both gaming and television with confidence and never felt overwhelmed. Areas for Improvement The only area where I felt the soundbar was slightly limited was bass authority. The bass performance is good, but the rest of the soundbar is so capable that it leaves you wanting more low-end weight. Rather than being a criticism, it felt more like the soundbar was hinting at what could be achieved when paired with a dedicated Bass Module. I also experienced some software frustrations during testing, including: * AirPlay disappearing temporarily * Occasional app discovery issues * HDMI ARC compatibility quirks with my older Samsung television To Bose's credit, support took the feedback seriously and actively investigated the issues. One unexpected observation was that volume control through the Bose app felt smoother and more precise than using the iPhone's hardware volume buttons. Final Verdict The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is an outstanding standalone soundbar. It delivers exceptional dialogue clarity, impressive musical detail, a surprisingly expansive soundstage and strong gaming performance. While there are still some software refinements Bose could make, the hardware itself is superb. The strongest compliment I can give it is that after five days of use, I was left wanting more-not because it was lacking, but because it convinced me there was even more performance available when paired with the Bass Module and surrounds. Pros * Exceptional dialogue clarity * Premium build quality * Substantial and well-engineered * Excellent detail and clarity * Impressive music performance * Large soundstage for a single soundbar * Strong gaming performance Cons * AirPlay reliability issues during testing * Occasional app discovery problems * HDMI ARC quirks with older televisions * Bass is good, but leaves you wanting the Bass Module Would I recommend it? Absolutely. As a standalone soundbar, the Smart Ultra is one of the most impressive products I've used. It performs equally well with films, gaming and music, and delivers a genuinely premium experience.

RobMac

Originally posted at

2026-05-29T20:00:00

I've had the luck to be able to test the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar over the last few weeks and have certainly had my eyes opened to the way in which Bose approach audio development and consumer product design. The starting point was receipt of the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar. As unboxing goes this was so simple. Noi complicated flaps or bundles of tape to hack through, just well thoughts out and designed packaging. A simple, effective and somewhat enjoyable rip strip to undo the inner box and there you have it. Box open, product front and centre. Seeing the unit resting in it's box, you could appreciate the thought on how best to protect and secure it. It's like Bose had answered all potential packaging issues with a flick of a wrist. First impressions, Black material wrapping around the soundbar with a gorgeous glass top panel. A little understated, but intriguing. As this device doesn't come with a remote control, I felt a little bemused, however, the controls set within the glass panel give a more than necessary flexibility with volume managed by + and - touch panels and the ability to swish around the circular element to perform the same volume function. Touch controls were again understated and very functional, a minimalist design with maximum effect. The Soundbar was very simple to setup using the eARC connection to my wall mounted TV. I set the soundbar in the centre of my low level cabinet beneath my flat screen, it needed to be flush with the front of the cabinet to ensure best audio and making sure that the upward firing speakers were not blocked in any way. It's not going to show it's best if situated on a shelf under another directly above. Give it space, let it shine. Ok, all plugged in and ready to go, following the app in setup was a doddle, connections to WIFI and Bluetooth were both straight forward and I was ready to test. I was thinking about using the Custom setup but held back for the sub-woofer and surround items to arrive first. So, it was test time and I used Spotify connect to give a very eclectic playlist a try. Ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous, Pink Floyd's, Wish you were here, to The Birdy Song, it was relentless. I was actually amazed, 9 speakers throwing the most pin sharp and immaculate audio I have heard. I'm an "Old Skool" DJ from the 80's and so I have an ear. WOW, I have to say I was impressed. Quality of the audio is not just impressive, it's an event in itself. When you have not heard a Bose unit before, you are immediately taken to another level of audio appreciation. Although the App could use some finesse in regard to some set EQ settings for various music, the manual control for the bar is effective and noticeable without going to extreme settings. I would love to see some refined pre-sets using that audio engineering experience of Bose engineers. It would allow a more "on-the-fly" feeling with slightly more reactivity than needing to pop into the app EQ and modify, although in itself, this is not difficult, so, maybe this is just my wish list rather than a necessity, after all, the audio as I have mentioned has no comparison to anything that I have heard before. I would have liked to see a little more connectivity such as a fibre connection to give more diversity, however, as you will see, Bose has nailed it with regard to system integration. For such a highly technical product within it's space, Bose has certainly shown that getting a system setup efficiently can be performed as if by magic, quickly and quietly whilst holding back the "Surprise" until the first stream of audio is received. A final note in relation to the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar, Speakers and Sub as a group audio system. It is without a doubt, for me, an absolute audio solution. With Dolby Atmos, Bose CleanBass technology, Bose Truespace and the custom room setup app settings, Bose have delivered a most impressive system.

ASH67

Originally posted at

2026-05-29T20:00:00

As someone who has enjoyed Bose products for over 20 years, this new soundbar certainly did not disappoint. From the moment the box arrived I was impressed at the quality of the packaging, ease of extraction and the fact that there was no plastic. It's a small point but I was mightily impressed by the pull strip that required two fingers which popped everything open! The set up could not have been simpler using the Bose app and the sound was awesome. I particularly love the sleek look of the black glass top to the soundbar and it complements my new tv perfectly on top of our mantlepiece. All in all, an excellent product and highly recommended.

Spilly G.

Originally posted at

2026-05-28T20:00:00

I bought this soundbar a bout 2 weeks go with the 2 rear speakers and sound amazing the new design is beautiful and I'm using the 700 subwoofer perfect combination I'm a fan of Bose for many years I still have the 301 speakers: The only issue is connecting the soundbar to the WiFi I have to split my WiFi in two it took me a while that the only I hope Bose fix this issue..

Enrique

Originally posted at

2026-05-22T20:00:00

I love this new design. I like that the volume control is a clockwise or counterclockwise method (previous sound bars you had to go left or right on some place on the bar, but I was always missing it). This was the easiest to configure out of my setup?.just connect to wifi and the rest will take care of itself. The demo option for the system is AMAZING. I wish they had 3 different demo options, but mostly for selfish reasons.

sharona

Originally posted at

2026-05-22T20:00:00

This soundbar offers impressive sound quality for all types of audio experiences. Options for enhanced clarity of dialogue, deep bass, and immersive surround effects. Set up was straightforward with the Bose app and the product has a sleek design. One thing I wish was incorporated were preset EQ settings, however, in the app you are able to customize your audio settings and tailor your set up specifically to the physical area the soundbar is set up in. Overall it offers excellent performance for anyone looking to upgrade their listening experience.

Noelle

Originally posted at

2026-05-15T20:00:00

The Lifestyle Ultra is replacing my soundbar 600, it's got everything I liked about that bar but more of it. The sound is richer, the bass deeper and the surround more realistic. I have a small family room and no good space for rear speakers so really need a bar that creates a good surround effect on its own. I've compared this bar to others and Bose wins hands down on surround and Atmos effects. The only limitation with the 600 I felt it did not reproduce rock music like a traditional tower speaker. The Lifestyle Ultra still falls short somewhat in that regard but closes the gap enough to bring a smile to my face.

DanP

Originally posted at

2026-05-15T20:00:00

I've been using this sound bar for almost 3 weeks now and it does not disappoint. I have it in the white color. Not only is it Aesthetically Beautiful with its rounded edges?But it sounds Amazing. I have it set up in In my living room and have been watching movies and listening to music during casual get togethers. Like everything Bose, the sound is consistent and Clear. A straight forward set up with all its features linked to the Bose app. If you're looking for sound quality while still being a beautiful part of the decor, this is where you need to start.

TheSquarequeen

Originally posted at

2026-05-14T20:00:00

The soundbar is the centerpiece of the system, and overall I have been very impressed with it. I use it for a mix of gaming, anime, sitcoms, action movies, sci-fi movies, and regular TV, and it has made everything feel much more immersive than a standard TV speaker setup. The biggest strength is the clarity and size of the sound. Dialogue comes through clearly, effects have good separation, and the soundstage feels much wider than I expected from a front speaker. For movies and shows, it makes the room feel more like a theater instead of just a living room. I especially noticed this with action and sci-fi content, where background effects, music, and directional audio feel more detailed and layered. Even with media I have watched before, I started noticing small sound details I had never picked up on. The design also feels premium. It looks clean and modern, and it fits well into a home theater setup without looking bulky or distracting. My main constructive feedback is more about the app than the speaker itself. The soundbar performs extremely well, but I would like to see more convenience features in the app, such as easier sound presets, saved EQ profiles, and quicker ways to adjust settings for different content like movies, games, music, and late-night viewing. Overall, the soundbar delivers excellent sound quality, strong dialogue clarity, and a premium home theater experience. It is a very strong foundation for the full system.

jennybean73

Originally posted at

2026-05-14T20:00:00

The soundbar replaced our existing soundbar the Bose CineMate. When hooking it up to our existing TV we realized that the TV did not have an HDMI/ARC. Therefore, we went and purchased a new TV to ensure we were able to hook the soundbar up properly. Once we had the TV the connections were easily made and the soundbar was up and running. The Bose app made it very easy to connect the soundbar with the base system and rear speakers. We found the sound quality was more succinct than the previous Bose soundbar. We have been Bose users for over 25 years starting with the Wave radio. We currently have numerous other products and have always been satisfied with the product. It is the only product we will buy when it comes to the best sound.

Auld17

Originally posted at

2026-05-13T20:00:00

This Soundbar has been an incredible upgrade over our near 10 year old SoundTouch 300. While maintaining the sleek look we've come to love from Bose products, the rounded edges and mesh fabric finishes immediately gave a retro vibe. It also has a weight to it that makes it feel both premium and gives me confidence that it'll remain put. Unboxing and installation was a breeze. There were some hiccups during the set up in the app and 45 minutes felt like a lot for update time; however, I appreciated the app keeping me informed along the way. We haven't had a Soundbar before with speakers that point up to bounce off of the ceiling and immediately noticed how the sound felt more immersive that any theater system we had owned before. When paired with the Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer and Lifestyle Ultra Speakers, we almost couldn't believe how good it all sounded together. Video games? I heard things I had never heard before. Movies? Incredible. TV? The SpeechClarity adjustments in the app worked great and was well worth enabling for some older shows that might not be mixed for surround sound. Having had the SoundTouch 300 for so long I will say I do miss the universal remote that comes packed in. We've had to adjust some of our long-lived standard practices to control our TV, Apple TV, volume, etc. with our TV remote instead. Not a deal breaker in the slightest, just going to be a different experience from user to user. Overall, this is a great product. Feels premium. Slotted into our set up well enough. And feels like an enormous upgrade from our old SoundBar 300.

jneuman13

Originally posted at

2026-05-12T20:00:00

Very impressed with the overall engineering and thought that went into the product. It is solid and sounds amazing. Installation and setup was very easy.

LB

Originally posted at