When it comes to improving your TV's sound, Bose offers two distinct approaches with the $899 Smart Ultra Soundbar and the $279 TV Speaker Soundbar. Let's dive into how these two options compare and help you decide which makes sense for your setup.
Today's ultra-thin TVs simply can't produce great sound - there's not enough space for proper speakers. This is where soundbars come in, ranging from basic audio enhancers to sophisticated home theater replacements. The two Bose models we're comparing represent opposite ends of this spectrum.
The Smart Ultra Soundbar, released in October 2023, showcases Bose's latest audio technology, including Dolby Atmos support and AI-powered features. Meanwhile, the TV Speaker Soundbar takes a simpler approach, focusing on clear dialogue and improved TV sound without the bells and whistles.
The Smart Ultra delivers impressive cinematic sound through its advanced speaker array. Dolby Atmos support means you'll hear sounds moving above and around you - imagine a helicopter flying overhead or rain falling from above. The soundbar's PhaseGuide technology creates virtual speakers, making it seem like sound is coming from places where there aren't actually any speakers.
The TV Speaker takes a more straightforward approach. While it significantly improves upon built-in TV speakers, it focuses on clear dialogue and basic stereo separation. There's no surround sound simulation or height channels, but it does include a dialogue enhancement mode that makes conversations easier to follow.
For music lovers, the difference is substantial. The Smart Ultra's sophisticated speaker array and processing create a wide, detailed soundstage that works well for all music genres. It supports high-quality streaming through WiFi, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect.
The TV Speaker handles music adequately through Bluetooth, but don't expect the same level of detail or room-filling sound. It's fine for background music but isn't designed as a primary music system.
The Smart Ultra offers extensive connectivity options:
The TV Speaker keeps it simple:
Having spent time with both systems, the performance difference is notable but should be considered in context. The Smart Ultra creates a convincing bubble of sound that extends well beyond the TV screen. Action scenes have impact, dialogue is clear, and music fills the room naturally.
The TV Speaker, while more basic, still represents a massive upgrade over built-in TV speakers. Dialogue is clearer, there's actual bass response, and the overall sound is more balanced. It's particularly effective in smaller rooms where its limitations are less noticeable.
The price difference between these models is significant - you could buy three TV Speakers for the cost of one Smart Ultra. But value depends on your needs:
Consider these factors when choosing between the Smart Ultra and TV Speaker:
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar represents the current state of the art in single-unit sound systems. It's an impressive piece of technology that can transform your home entertainment experience. However, the TV Speaker Soundbar shouldn't be dismissed - it's a focused product that does exactly what many people need: make their TV sound better.
Choose the Smart Ultra if you want the best possible sound, plan to use it for music, or want smart features. Go with the TV Speaker if you want a simple, effective upgrade to your TV's audio without the complexity or cost of a premium system.
Remember, the best soundbar is the one that fits your space, budget, and needs - not necessarily the one with the most features or highest price tag.
| Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos | Bose TV Speaker Soundbar |
|---|---|
| Price - Primary consideration for value assessment | |
| $899 (premium pricing) | $279 (budget-friendly) |
| Audio Channels - Determines surround sound capability | |
| 5.1.2 channels with virtual height | 2.0 channels stereo only |
| Sound Processing - Impacts overall audio quality | |
| Dolby Atmos, TrueSpace, AI-powered dialogue enhancement | Basic dialogue mode, simple bass adjustment |
| Room Calibration - Affects sound optimization | |
| ADAPTiQ automatic room calibration | None |
| Connectivity Options - Determines usage flexibility | |
| HDMI eARC, WiFi, Bluetooth, Optical | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, Optical |
| Smart Features - Enables additional functionality | |
| Voice assistants, app control, multi-room audio | None |
| Size - Consider TV and room compatibility | |
| 34.5" x 4.5" x 3.5" (larger, premium build) | 23.4" x 2.2" x 4" (compact design) |
| Audio Formats - Important for content compatibility | |
| Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, DTS | PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital |
| Subwoofer Compatibility - Affects bass performance | |
| Wireless connection to Bose subwoofers | Wired 3.5mm connection only |
| Music Streaming - Important for multi-use scenarios | |
| WiFi, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth | Bluetooth only |
| Setup Complexity - Impacts initial user experience | |
| Moderate (app setup, calibration required) | Simple (plug-and-play) |
| Best Use Case - Helps determine fit for needs | |
| Premium home theater, large rooms, multi-use | Basic TV enhancement, small-medium rooms |
The $899 Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is technically superior with Dolby Atmos and advanced features, but the $279 Bose TV Speaker offers better value for basic TV sound enhancement. Choose based on your budget and needs.
The Smart Ultra Soundbar costs $899, while the TV Speaker is priced at $279, making it $620 less expensive.
Yes, both soundbars are compatible with modern TVs. They connect via HDMI ARC or optical audio cable, though the Smart Ultra offers additional connection options.
The Smart Ultra Soundbar is significantly better for movies, offering Dolby Atmos and surround sound effects. The TV Speaker provides basic stereo sound with dialogue enhancement.
No, while the Smart Ultra's Dolby Atmos creates more immersive sound, the TV Speaker still provides clear, improved audio over built-in TV speakers.
The TV Speaker is simpler to set up with basic plug-and-play installation. The Smart Ultra requires more setup time but offers more features.
Both support Bluetooth streaming, but the Smart Ultra adds WiFi streaming, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect for better quality and flexibility.
Neither requires a subwoofer, but both are compatible with Bose subwoofers. The Smart Ultra offers wireless subwoofer connection, while the TV Speaker needs a wired connection.
The TV Speaker is ideal for small rooms due to its compact size and simpler audio output. The Smart Ultra may be overkill in small spaces.
The Smart Ultra includes built-in voice assistants (Alexa and Google Assistant), while the TV Speaker has no voice control capabilities.
The Smart Ultra works with the Bose Music app for full control. The TV Speaker only uses a basic remote with no app control.
Both offer dialogue enhancement, but the Smart Ultra's AI-powered dialogue mode is more sophisticated and effective than the TV Speaker's basic dialogue mode.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: techradar.com - bose.com - bestbuy.com - tomsguide.com - pcrichard.com - rtings.com - bose.com - boselatam.com - avsforum.com - bose.com - bestbuy.com - projectorscreen.com - forums.audioholics.com - digitaltrends.com - abt.com - crutchfield.com - staples.com - bestbuy.com - pcrichard.com - visions.ca - bose.com - assets.bose.com
