TechRadar Verdict
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar has plenty going for it.
Which means it has its work cut out.
First impressions and second impressions too, for that matter are very good, though.
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is hiding an upfiring driver behind here.
In performance terms, it generally makes a good impression too.
Physical connectivity is kept in a couple of little recesses on the rear of the cabinet.
Wireless connectivity is covered off by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0.
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar’s build quality and finish is impressive.
Sound format support extends to Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus.
For example, its impressively detailed from the top of the frequency range to the bottom.
The Bose communicates freely where dialogue is concerned, and voices are distinct and explicit as a result.
Some of the soundbar’s connections
TrueSpace has its limits, and it seems that stereo music is among them.
Bose has decided the way to do that is to top the Smart Ultra Soundbar with tempered glass.
And up to a point, its a sound strategy.
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar’s rear-firing bass reflex port aims to help make up for its lack of real subwoofer.
Build quality is well up to par, and the standard of fit and finish is appropriately impressive.
And first things first: it puts you in charge of the Adaptiq automatic room calibration system.
You read that right.
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar’s reflectivity isn’t ideal…
Its where you might set upAmazonAlexa voice control which proves sharp-earned and reliable.
The Smart Ultra can also be used withGoogleAssistant, provided theres an appropriate speaker on a common connection.
Theres a little remote control handset too, if you prefer.
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar’s remote control is nicely tactile.
There are a grand total of two physical controls on the soundbar itself, both capacitive touch-surfaces.
One switches the integrated mics on or off, while the other is a multifunction action control.
Should I buy the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar?
Your delighted correspondent mid-calibration.
Who wants their soundbar to reflect the light of their TV?
Heres our fullSonos Arc review.
Read our in-depthSennheiser Ambeo Plus reviewfor more.
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is the right width to match TVs of 48 inches and up.
