The features on hand are very impressive, including one unique one that unfortunately requires an extra purchase.
In a smaller setup, it almost completely masks it.
Just as important, this soundbar is stacked with features.
The Bose Smart Soundbar comes with everything you need to quickly get up and running (earbuds cost extra)
dialogue mode, Alexa and Chromecast support, plus a whole lot more.
Unfortunately, those are sold separately.
Just be willing to shell out some extra cash and be aware of its shortcomings.
Power and mic control buttons are located on the soundbar’s top surface
We reported around the time of release that theBose Ultra Open Earbuds can work as rear speakersfor this soundbar.
The Bose Smart Soundbar andBose Ultra Open Earbudsare available in the US, UK, and Australia.
This feature requires you to purchase Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, however, and theyre not exactly cheap.
The Bose Smart soundbar features two upward-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos height effects
I particularly liked this feature for gaming.
The app, which is easy to navigate and use, has plenty of other features on tap.
Of course, there are some basic EQ tweaks.
The Bose Smart Soundbar’s main connections are HDMI eARC and optical digital audio, along with a line output for a subwoofer
The difference is noticeable.
(Its like listening to mono audio on a stereo set of speakers.)
Its supposed to automatically adjust dialogue for claritys sake.
The Smart Soundbar’s control app gives you access to a wide range of EQ settings
Its not perfectly executed, but still is done well.
Lastly, the Bose Smart Soundbar has Alexa support as well as both Chromecast built-in and AirPlay.
You have to remember that these types of audio devices exist mostly for conveniences sake.
Using the Smart Soundbar’s Personal Surround Sound feature requires the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (not included)
With that in mind, lets discuss its audio limitations.
First up is the bass.
While I could turn up the bass level in the app, the low-range boost affects the mid-range frequencies.
The Bose Smart Soundbar and Ultra Open Earbuds
But here, all that information is very muted if not gone.
The other parts of the frequency range fare better.
The mid-range is not quite rich and full, but it is well-balanced.
The Nakamichi Dragon with its two subs in my home.
I generally didnt need the A.I.
dialogue mode, for instance, as the dialogue was consistently intelligible.
It also helped that I could boost the center channel level in the app to help with that.
The high-end is nice and crisp on the Smart Soundbar.
This soundbar’s soundstage is inherently limited by its form factor.
Theres a grill on the top of the unit as well where the two upward-firing transducers are.
Most of the physical controls are available through the remote.
While I did miss it, I didnt miss it all that much.
Put some AAA batteries into the remote (unfortunately not included) and youre good to go.
There are a few more steps if you want to get the full experience.
The Bose Smart Soundbar is made to pair seamlessly withRokuTVs.
dialogue mode, and app support.
Amazons system is lacking features and doesnt have voice assistant support not even Alexa.
It costs a little less for something that gets you 80% of the way there.
Should I buy the Bose Smart Soundbar?
Youre looking for great sound in a single soundbarThis soundbar has the typical Bose audio quality one expects.
While a bit light in the bass, it has good clarity and dynamics.
On top of that, it can upscale non-Dolby Atmos tracks into faux spatial audio.
If you want a full surround sound experience, especially with guests, look elsewhere.
Youre on a budgetFor a single soundbar, youre paying quite a premium here.
There are decent soundbars, albeit with less features and lower-quality sound, at a fraction of the price.
It also has an alphanumeric front panel LED display and costs less than Bose’s soundbar.
I watched movies, shows, gamed and listened to music with it.
I tested all the various features, especially the Personal Surround Sound feature to see what it could do.
After having tested the Bose Smart Soundbar, it still surprises me all that this soundbar has to offer.
