Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar Vs Bose Smart 900 – Which Soundbar Should YOU Buy in (2024)

Confused between Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar and Bose Smart Find out which one suits your audio needs better. Buy your perfect soundbar now!

But before we get to the full details, here’s a quick look at the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar vs Bose Smart 900 Soundbar.

Looking to upgrade your home entertainment system with a new soundbar? In this blog post, we will compare the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar and the Bose Smart 900 to help you decide which one is the best choice for you. Get ready to make an informed decision on your next soundbar purchase.

Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar

The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a high-end soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos and Bose TrueSpace technology to create an immersive surround sound experience. It also features built-in voice assistants (Alexa and Google Assistant) for hands-free control, and ADAPTiQ audio room calibration to optimize the sound for your specific room.

Key Features

• Dolby Atmos and Bose TrueSpace technology for an immersive surround sound experience
• AI dialogue mode to automatically balance voices and sound effects for clear dialogue
• AdaptiQ audio calibration technology to optimize the sound for your room
• HDMI eARC or optical audio connection for easy setup
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless music streaming
• Compatible with Bose voice assistants and the Bose Music app for control

Pros

• Excellent sound quality with immersive surround sound and clear dialogue
• Easy to set up and use
• Works with a variety of streaming services and devices
• Can be controlled with your voice or the Bose Music app

Cons

• Expensive
• Lacks some features found on higher-end soundbars, such as rear surround speakers and a subwoofer (although a subwoofer can be purchased separately)
• May not be powerful enough for very large rooms

Overall, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a high-end soundbar that offers excellent sound quality and a variety of features. However, it is also quite expensive and may not be the best choice for very large rooms.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Dolby Atmos

This soundbar elevates your home entertainment with immersive Dolby Atmos® for a theater-like experience. Built-in voice assistants and Bose technologies bring rich sound and smart features to your living room.

Key Features

• Dolby Atmos and Bose TrueSpace technology for an immersive surround sound experience, even without dedicated ceiling speakers . Bose TrueSpace technology reflects and manipulates sound waves to create a sense of spaciousness and overhead effects.
• PhaseGuide technology to project multi-directional sound throughout your room for a wider soundstage.
• ADAPTiQ audio room calibration technology to automatically fine-tune the soundbar’s sound for the unique acoustics of your room.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless music streaming.
• Compatible with Bose voice assistants and the Bose Music app for control.
• Voice4Video™ technology allows you to control your TV, cable or satellite box with your voice using Alexa.

Pros

• Excellent sound quality with immersive surround sound and clear dialogue.
• Easy to set up and use.
• Works with a variety of streaming services and devices.
• Can be controlled with your voice or the Bose Music app.
• Stylish design that complements most TVs.

Cons

• Expensive.
• Lacks a subwoofer for deep bass, although a subwoofer can be purchased separately.
• May not be powerful enough for very large rooms.
• Only has 2.1 channels (two speakers and one subwoofer).

Overall, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a high-end soundbar that offers excellent sound quality and a variety of features. However, it is also quite expensive and may not be the best choice for very large rooms or those who want the absolute deepest bass.

Choosing the Right Soundbar: Bose Smart Ultra vs. Smart 900

Soundbars have become a popular choice for home entertainment, offering a significant audio upgrade over your TV’s built-in speakers. Bose, a leader in audio equipment, boasts two top-of-the-line soundbars: the Smart Ultra and the Smart 900. But with both offering immersive sound and smart features, how do you decide which is right for you?

Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar vs Bose Smart Soundbar 900: Key Differences

Feature	Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar	Bose Smart Soundbar 900
Price	More Expensive (Flagship Model)	More Affordable
Offers	Upto 30% OFF	Upto 35% OFF
Soundstage	Wider and more immersive with dedicated side speakers	Good soundstage, audio feels concentrated in front
Dialogue Clarity	Enhanced with AI Dialogue Mode (machine learning)	Good dialogue clarity, might struggle in complex scenes
Surround Sound	Delivers a more convincing and spacious surround sound experience	Delivers good surround sound, but less immersive than Ultra
Music	Wider soundstage benefits detailed music, especially Dolby Atmos tracks	Still excellent for music, may not showcase full potential of Atmos music
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.0	Bluetooth 4.2
Smart Features	Both have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, streaming integration, and Bose Music App control	900 was first Bose soundbar with built-in voice assistant
Voice Assistant	Both work with Alexa and Google Assistant	900 might have slightly older firmware for voice assistant features
Connections	Similar – 1 x HDMI eARC, 1 x Optical, 1 x USB, 1 x IR repeater, 1 x Data Port	Identical connection options
Room Calibration	Both have Adaptive Room Calibration technology	No significant difference in room calibration features
Design	Similar sleek design	Both have a modern and stylish design aesthetic
Bass	Both offer deep bass response	May need a separate subwoofer for the most impactful bass (both are compatible)
Overall Sound Quality	Very similar, with Ultra having a slight edge in dialogue clarity and wider soundstage	Both deliver excellent audio quality
Ideal for	Users prioritizing the most immersive and clear home theater experience	Users who want a high-fidelity soundbar with excellent value
Warranty	Bose standard warranty likely applies to both	Warranty information likely the same
	Get it now!	Get it now!

The Bose Smart Ultra boasts the latest innovation: Dolby Atmos compatibility. This technology creates a truly three-dimensional soundscape, placing sound effects not just around you, but also above. Imagine the thrill of feeling raindrops fall from the ceiling during a movie scene! The Smart 900 utilizes Bose’s own TrueSpace technology, delivering a spacious and enveloping sound experience without relying on overhead speakers.

Choosing the right soundbar depends on your priorities. If you crave the cutting-edge experience of Dolby Atmos and prioritize the most immersive audio possible, the Smart Ultra might be the perfect fit. However, if you’re looking for a fantastic soundbar with a more traditional setup and a potentially slightly lower price point, the Smart 900 is a compelling option. Both soundbars offer smart features like voice assistant compatibility and multi-room audio, making them versatile hubs for your home entertainment system. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to consider your budget and desired level of audio immersion.

Design and Build Quality

Design and Build Quality of Bose Soundbars

When it comes to design, both the Bose Smart Ultra and Smart 900 exude a minimalist elegance that complements modern home entertainment setups. Their low-profile design (under 60mm tall) ensures they won’t block your TV screen, even when placed directly in front. Both come in black or white finishes, allowing you to seamlessly match your existing décor.

The key difference lies in the materials used. The Smart Ultra boasts a premium glass top that adds a touch of sophistication. However, this surface can be prone to fingerprints and smudges. The Smart 900 opts for a more traditional full-metal grille, offering a slightly more rugged feel and potentially minimizing dust or fingerprint visibility.

Construction quality is top-notch on both soundbars. Bose utilizes high-quality materials throughout, ensuring a solid and durable build. Both are heavy enough (around 5.8kg) to feel substantial and resist vibrations at high volumes. While the aesthetics are a matter of personal preference, the build quality assures you’re getting a premium product with either option.

It’s worth noting that neither soundbar comes with a dedicated subwoofer included. While both offer powerful built-in woofers for bass, those seeking earth-shattering low frequencies might want to consider adding a separate subwoofer later.

Audio Performance

Bose Smart Ultra vs. Smart 900

When it comes to audio performance, both Bose soundbars deliver impressive results, but with some key distinctions. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which soundbar reigns supreme for your ears.

Clarity and Dialogue: The Smart Ultra boasts a slight edge in dialogue clarity thanks to its AI Dialogue Mode. This innovative feature uses machine learning to identify voices and separate them from background noise. This ensures you catch every word, even in complex scenes with overlapping dialogue or action sequences. While the Smart 900 delivers clear dialogue as well, the Ultra’s AI processing provides a touch more focus and nuance.

Bass: Both soundbars pack a punch in the low-end department. Their built-in woofers produce deep, rich bass that enhances movies and music. However, the Smart Ultra might have a slight advantage for bass purists. Its larger cabinet size allows for a bit more air movement, potentially resulting in slightly deeper and fuller bass response.

Overall Audio Experience: Here’s where the Dolby Atmos technology of the Smart Ultra truly shines. Atmos creates a truly immersive soundscape, bouncing sound effects off the ceiling to create a sense of height. This adds a layer of realism and excitement to your movies and shows. The Smart 900, while lacking Atmos, utilizes Bose’s TrueSpace technology to create a wide and spacious soundstage. This delivers a fantastic listening experience, especially for music, but it doesn’t quite match the three-dimensionality of Atmos.

Choosing the better soundbar for audio comes down to your priorities. If crystal-clear dialogue and the ultimate surround sound experience with Dolby Atmos are paramount, then the Smart Ultra is the clear winner. However, if you prioritize a powerful, well-rounded sound without necessarily needing Atmos and appreciate a potentially slightly lower price point, the Smart 900 remains a fantastic option.

Connectivity and Compatibility

Connectivity and Compatibility of Bose Soundbars

When it comes to connecting to your devices, both the Bose Smart Ultra and Smart 900 offer a versatile array of options. Both feature HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) for high-quality audio transmission from your TV, including Dolby Atmos support on the Ultra. They also boast optical connections for compatibility with older TVs or devices without HDMI.

For wireless connectivity, both soundbars support Bluetooth for easy music streaming from your phone or tablet. Additionally, they offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to integrate them into your smart home ecosystem and control them with voice assistants like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Setting up either soundbar is a breeze. Both come with an intuitive remote control and a Bose Music app that guides you through the connection process.

There isn’t a significant difference in terms of ease of use. Both remotes are well-designed and offer easy access to volume, playback controls, and sound modes. The Bose Music app provides additional features like sound customization and multi-room audio management, allowing you to connect compatible Bose speakers and create a seamless home audio system.

Ultimately, when it comes to connectivity and compatibility, both soundbars excel. They offer a range of options to connect to your various devices, and the setup process is straightforward. The decision might come down to whether the additional features of the Bose Music app, like multi-room audio management, hold more value for you.

Smart Features and Controls

Smart Features and Controls of Bose Soundbars

The Bose Smart Ultra and Smart 900 aren’t just about powerful audio; they boast impressive smart features too. Both offer voice control compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing you to control playback, adjust volume, or even switch sound modes with just your voice. This adds a layer of convenience, especially when your hands are full or you’re relaxing on the couch.

Both soundbars integrate seamlessly with the Bose Music app. This app allows you to easily set up the soundbar, manage connected devices, and access various sound settings. You can adjust the equalizer to personalize the sound experience, control multi-room audio if you have compatible Bose speakers, and even download software updates. The app interface is user-friendly with clear menus and helpful guidance.

While both offer similar smart features, the Bose Smart Ultra might have a slight edge. Its Bose Music app integration unlocks the soundbar’s AI Dialogue Mode, allowing you to further fine-tune voice clarity. Additionally, the app can analyze your room acoustics with ADAPTiQ audio calibration technology, automatically optimizing the sound for your specific space.

Ultimately, the user interface and control options are quite similar on both soundbars. Both offer intuitive remotes and the Bose Music app provides a convenient way to manage settings and access advanced features. However, if the ability to personalize dialogue clarity and optimize sound for your room with ADAPTiQ is important to you, the Smart Ultra might be the more compelling option.

Price and Value

Price and Value of Bose Soundbars

The Bose Smart Ultra and Smart 900 represent different tiers in Bose’s soundbar lineup, reflected in their pricing. The Smart Ultra sits as the company’s flagship model, carrying a price tag around $899. The Smart 900, while still a premium offering, comes in at a more affordable $599.

So, which soundbar offers the better value proposition? It depends on what features matter most to you.

Value for Cutting-Edge Audio: If you crave the most immersive audio experience possible and prioritize the latest technology like Dolby Atmos, then the Smart Ultra justifies its higher price tag. The three-dimensional soundscape it creates is unmatched by the Smart 900, and its AI Dialogue Mode provides unparalleled clarity for dialogue-heavy content.

Value for Excellent Sound at a Price: The Smart 900 represents excellent value for those seeking a top-tier soundbar experience without needing the absolute cutting edge. While lacking Dolby Atmos, it still delivers a spacious and detailed soundstage with powerful bass. Additionally, its slightly lower price point might be more appealing if budget is a major consideration.

Additional Considerations: It’s important to factor in your existing setup. If you already own a subwoofer, the lack of one included with either soundbar might be less of a concern. However, if you crave earth-shaking bass, adding a separate subwoofer will add to the overall cost.

Ultimately, both soundbars offer excellent value in their respective categories. The Smart Ultra reigns supreme for those seeking the absolute best in audio technology and immersive sound. The Smart 900 shines for those who prioritize excellent sound quality at a more accessible price point. By considering your budget and desired listening experience, you can choose the soundbar that delivers the most value for you.

Choosing Your Perfect Sound: Bose Smart Ultra vs. Smart 900 – The Final Verdict

Both the Bose Smart Ultra and Smart 900 are excellent soundbars, but they cater to slightly different needs. Here’s a quick recap of the key differences:

Immersive Audio: The Smart Ultra boasts Dolby Atmos for a truly three-dimensional sound experience, while the Smart 900 utilizes Bose’s TrueSpace technology for a spacious soundstage.

Dialogue Clarity: The Smart Ultra has a slight edge with its AI Dialogue Mode that enhances voice clarity.

Build Quality: Both are well-built, with the Ultra featuring a premium glass top and the Smart 900 offering a more traditional metal grille.

Price: The Smart Ultra carries a higher price tag due to its advanced features.

Recommendation:

For the Ultimate Audiophile: If you crave the most immersive audio experience possible with cutting-edge features like Dolby Atmos and AI Dialogue Mode, and budget isn’t a major concern, then the Bose Smart Ultra is the clear winner.

For Excellent Sound at a Price: If you prioritize fantastic sound quality, powerful bass, and a spacious soundstage, and are comfortable sacrificing Dolby Atmos for a more traditional setup, then the Smart 900 offers exceptional value at a lower price point.

Additional Considerations: Think about your existing setup. Do you already own a subwoofer, or is earth-shaking bass a priority? Consider how you’ll be using the soundbar – is dialogue clarity crucial for your favorite shows? Ultimately, the best soundbar depends on your budget and desired listening experience. By understanding the strengths of each Bose offering, you can choose the soundbar that elevates your home entertainment to the next level.