When you hear the name Bose, it’s hard not to think of their iconic commercials featuring kitchen speakers or their legendary QuietComfort headphones. Over the years, Bose has continued to push the boundaries of audio technology, and their latest Smart Soundbar is no exception. Packed with innovative features, it aims to deliver a cinematic, immersive experience straight to your living room. From Dolby Atmos and Bose TrueSpace to AI-enhanced dialogue clarity and app-based control, this soundbar strives to be the centerpiece of your home audio setup. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and see what’s on offer.
Dolby Atmos & Bose TrueSpace
Dolby Atmos is a well-known game changer in home audio, creating a three-dimensional sound experience that mimics the immersion of a movie theater. But while the availability of Atmos-encoded content is growing, most TV shows, movies, and games still don’t support it. This is where Bose TrueSpace technology steps in. It’s an intelligent upmixing system that analyzes non-Atmos content—like 5.1 surround sound or even standard stereo—and enhances it to deliver a richer, more immersive soundstage. You’ll experience height effects, more spatial awareness, and a deeper sense of immersion, even when you’re not streaming Atmos content. This feature alone makes the soundbar a worthwhile investment for those looking for consistent, high-quality sound. Buy it here!
A.I. Dialogue Mode
One of the most frustrating aspects of modern TV audio is the constant adjustment of volume—loud action scenes followed by barely audible dialogue. Bose addresses this with its A.I. Dialogue Mode. This technology intelligently balances the audio mix, ensuring that voices remain crisp and clear while still preserving the immersive effects of background sound. Say goodbye to constantly reaching for the remote to adjust the volume. Instead, you’ll hear every word clearly, whether it’s quiet whispering or fast-paced action sequences.
One App. Total Control.
The Bose App is your central hub for control, personalization, and system updates. From the app, users can:
The app also ensures the soundbar stays up-to-date with the latest software features, offering a user-friendly, forward-thinking experience.
Personal Surround Sound: Theater-Like Immersion
For those who want a surround sound experience but don’t want to set up rear speakers, Bose’s Personal Surround Sound offers a unique solution. By pairing the Smart Soundbar with Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (sold separately), users can experience a heightened sense of spatial sound without the need for extra speakers or wires. This feature works exceptionally well for people in small living spaces, like apartments or RVs. Having tested this setup in an RV, the result was nothing short of astonishing. Creating a surround system in a space where running wires for rear speakers is impractical was previously a challenge, but this innovative feature made it feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. The sound of wind whistling around you during a storm or the crackle of a campfire becomes vividly real. Buy the Earbuds here!
Areas for Improvement
While the Bose Smart Soundbar impresses in many areas, it’s not without its quirks. Two specific issues stood out during testing:
Key Features at a Glance
Specifications
Final Thoughts
Bose’s Smart Soundbar sets a new standard for what’s possible in compact home theater audio. Its combination of Dolby Atmos, Bose TrueSpace, and A.I. Dialogue Mode provides a powerful listening experience that’s clear, balanced, and consistently immersive. The Personal Surround Sound feature is a revelation for those in small spaces or people who prefer a minimal setup without sacrificing performance. The ability to pair with Bose Ultra Open Earbuds opens up new possibilities for portable surround sound.
While it’s not without its flaws—occasional shutdowns and a lack of visual feedback—these issues are outweighed by its impressive sound quality and versatile features. The soundbar’s sleek design and compact size make it a welcome addition to any living space, and its compatibility with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast ensures seamless integration with all your favorite devices.
For those looking to elevate their home audio experience with minimal fuss, the Bose Smart Soundbar is a compelling choice. It’s an all-in-one package that fits into just about any space and ensures you’ll never miss a moment of action, dialogue, or drama. Whether you’re watching a blockbuster, playing a video game, or just streaming music, this soundbar delivers.
Ultimately, Bose’s history of audio excellence is on full display with the Smart Soundbar. It’s a product that blends advanced features, intuitive usability, and sleek design into a single device that’s well worth the investment. If you’re searching for a soundbar that can do it all, this one deserves a place at the top of your list. Buy it here!
