The best Bose soundbars of 2025
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Ryan Waniata/Business Insider
After more than a decade reviewing audio gear, I can confidently say that Bose is still one of the most dependable names in sound. From headphones and wireless speakers to home theater gear, the brand consistently delivers impressive performance — and its soundbars are no exception. The best Bose soundbars are ideal if you want to step up from your TV's built-in audio without committing to a full surround-sound system.
To help you figure out which one fits your setup, I tested every Bose soundbar currently on the market and compared their features and real-world performance. My top recommendation for most people is the Bose Smart Soundbar. It's a sleek midrange option that delivers rich, detailed audio, fits neatly on most TV stands, supports Dolby Atmos for overhead effects, and even includes built-in Amazon Alexa. If you'd prefer something smaller and more budget-friendly, the Bose TV Speaker is a fantastic alternative. It skips Atmos support, but it still offers excellent clarity at an affordable price.
Below, you'll find a full breakdown of the best Bose soundbars I've tested, plus a subwoofer recommendation if you're looking to add a little extra low-end punch to your setup.
Our top picks for the best Bose soundbars
Best overall: Bose Smart Soundbar - See at Amazon
Best high-end: Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar - See at Amazon
Best for smaller spaces: Bose TV Speaker - See at Amazon
Best add-on: Bose Bass Module 500 - See at Amazon
Best overall
The Bose Smart Soundbar isn't the most premium model the company makes, but it hits the sweet spot better than anything else in the lineup. With rich, room-filling audio, Dolby Atmos support, and a deep slate of features, it's an easy upgrade for even the best TVs.
This latest model is essentially a refreshed take on the now-discontinued Smart Soundbar 600. The hardware hasn't changed, but Bose added two meaningful software updates: AI Dialogue Mode and the ability to use Bose Ultra Open Earbuds as wireless rear speakers.
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The Smart Soundbar can handle up to 5.1.2-channel audio using a 3.0.2 driver array. That includes two upward-firing speakers that bounce sound off your ceiling for convincing overhead effects. In testing, I was impressed by how wide and immersive the soundstage felt, whether I was watching a movie or putting on music. In a midsize living room, it easily fills the space and keeps you locked into whatever you're watching. Even non-Atmos content gets a boost thanks to Bose's TrueSpace processing, which up-mixes regular audio to create extra height and depth.
AI Dialogue Mode is one of the standout additions. It uses real-time machine learning to isolate voices, keeping dialogue crystal clear even when the rest of the mix gets chaotic. Considering that clearer dialogue is one of the biggest reasons people buy a soundbar, this feature is a genuine win.
Bose also added a fun trick with its Personal Surround Sound feature. If you already own Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, you can pair them with the soundbar to act as wireless rear speakers. When I tested this while watching "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," the transition was seamless, adding rear effects without blocking the soundbar's output. It's a clever bonus for existing earbud owners, though not a must-buy feature.
Beyond TV audio via HDMI or optical connections, the Smart Soundbar is loaded with wireless options, including WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay, Google Chromecast, and Spotify Connect. And with Amazon Alexa built right in, it doubles as a full-featured smart speaker for voice control and music playback, even when your TV is off.
For more top picks from other brands, check out our guide to all the best soundbars.
Best high-end
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is the go-to pick for movie lovers who want exceptional clarity, powerful up-firing Dolby Atmos effects, and a full suite of premium features. It builds on the Smart Soundbar's foundation with a larger design and even more drivers under the hood.
This model pumps out 5.1.2-channel audio through nine integrated speakers and a dedicated center tweeter. In my testing, the performance felt deep and expansive, with a sound field that stretches well beyond the bar's physical footprint. The results are genuinely impressive and stack up nicely against other high-end Atmos soundbars like the Sonos Arc.
One of the standout upgrades over Bose's cheaper options is the inclusion of ADAPTiQ calibration. This system fine-tunes the sound to match your room, which makes a noticeable difference in tricky spaces or areas with unconventional furniture layouts. Just note that you'll need to use the included wired headset to run the calibration.
If you're already invested in the Bose ecosystem, the Ultra Soundbar has another perk: support for private listening with compatible Bose headphones and earbuds. You can group them with the bar for late-night viewing without disturbing anyone. And, like the Smart Soundbar, this model includes Bose's AI Dialogue Mode, which boosts voice clarity if you struggle to hear dialogue over music and effects.
For music, the Ultra supports WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect, giving you plenty of wireless ways to stream. Amazon Alexa is built in as well, so the soundbar doubles as a smart speaker for voice commands. And unlike Bose's other models, which only come in black, the Ultra is also available in white — a nice touch for anyone who wants their home theater setup to match their décor.
Best for smaller spaces
The Bose TV Speaker is the brand's most compact and affordable soundbar. It's under two feet in length and just over two inches tall, making it the best Bose soundbar for smaller spaces, such as an apartment. Despite knowing its dimensions ahead of time, I was still surprised at how compact the unit appeared in person.
Though it delivers less rumble and a lower max volume than Bose's larger models, don't let the TV Speaker's small size deceive you. This compact two-channel soundbar is still capable of producing compelling audio via three speaker drivers.
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Although the TV Speaker doesn't have the same bass level or dynamic range as other Bose soundbars, it still delivers a significant upgrade to the speakers built into my Samsung smart TV. During testing, the dialogue was clearer, and the overall sound was more evenly balanced. The TV Speaker compares favorably to the Sonos Ray, a similar option that earned a spot in our guide to the best budget soundbars. The TV Speaker is a good alternative to the Ray for people who prefer the Bose brand.
That said, this isn't the best Bose soundbar to pick if you crave advanced features and big sound for larger spaces. There's no Dolby Atmos support or WiFI connectivity, for instance. However, it does support Bluetooth, so you can use it to play music from your phone. However, please note that while the TV Speaker supports connecting to a display via HDMI ARC, it doesn't come with an HDMI cable included in the box. It comes with an optical cable instead. Check out our guide to the best HDMI cables for a reliable option.
Best add-on
Bose offers several add-ons for its soundbars, including subwoofers and rear surround speakers. These products can all meaningfully enhance your audio experience, but I recommend starting with the Bose Bass Module 500 if you're looking for an initial upgrade.
This wireless subwoofer offers a significant improvement in deep low-frequency performance, making movies rumble and adding depth to music. The Bass Module 500 is compatible with all of the best Bose soundbars. Even if you're short on space, the subwoofer connects wirelessly, allowing it to be placed anywhere in the room (although it does require a power outlet for connection).
Bose also sells a larger Bass Module 700, which offers extra oomph and power, but the more modest 500 unit is no slouch. It greatly enhances the low-end impact of movies when paired with Bose's smaller TV Speaker and Smart Soundbar, and it even adds a noticeable amount of bass to the larger Ultra Soundbar.
If you're craving a bit more kick from your Bose soundbar system, this is a worthwhile upgrade to consider.
How we test Bose soundbars
Ryan Waniata/Business Insider
To evaluate the best Bose soundbars, I conducted hands-on tests with each of the brand's current models to gauge their performance individually and in relation to one another. When considering which Bose soundbar works best for different types of people, I focused on audio quality, physical size, connectivity, advanced software features, ease of use, and overall value for the money.
I used each soundbar in different environments, ranging from a bedroom at night to a living room during the day, to gauge its performance in various settings. I also utilized a variety of streaming video services to evaluate audio performance while watching the latest blockbusters and classic hits. For models that support Dolby Atmos, I tested content with that format. I also streamed various songs from a wide range of music genres to gauge how the speakers performed for music lovers.
Where possible, I used different connection methods, but in most instances, I stuck with HDMI to achieve the best-quality audio signal. Similarly, when streaming music, I tested as many connection methods as possible and evaluated the soundbars using the options that offer the highest quality, such as WiFi, when supported.
Bose soundbar FAQs
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Can you mount a Bose soundbar to the wall?
The Bose TV Speaker, Smart Soundbar, and Smart Ultra Soundbar are all compatible with the Bose Soundbar Wall Bracket. The bracket typically costs around $39 and is ideal for setups where your TV stand doesn't have room for a soundbar. Mounting also helps create a cleaner, more streamlined look beneath your TV.
Do Bose soundbars include remotes?
Yes, all of Bose's current soundbar models include a dedicated remote control. This makes them easy to operate, without relying on a mobile app or your TV's remote.
Can you connect a subwoofer to a Bose soundbar?
All the best Bose soundbars in this guide are compatible with the Bose Bass Module 500 and Bass Module 700. These subwoofers can connect wirelessly, letting you place them wherever they sound best (as long as they're near a power outlet). You can also use a wired connection if you prefer.
If you'd rather buy a soundbar that already includes a subwoofer, check out our guide to the best soundbars with subwoofers.
Can you pair rear satellite speakers to a Bose soundbar?
The Bose Smart Soundbar and Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar both support wireless pairing with the Bose Surround Speakers or Bose Surround Speakers 700. However, you must purchase those rear satellite speakers separately.
For complete setups that include both front and rear speakers in the box, check out our guide to the best surround sound systems.
Do Bose soundbars support Dolby Atmos?
The Bose Smart Soundbar and Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar both support Dolby Atmos immersive audio. Dolby Atmos is a surround sound format that uses object-based mixing to spread audio effects in all directions, including above your head. Bose's soundbars use up-firing speaker drivers to bounce audio off the ceiling and back down to your ears.
You can learn more in our Dolby Atmos guide and our roundup of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars.
Can Bose soundbars play DTS audio?
The Bose soundbars in this guide do not support DTS. Instead, they support Dolby and PCM audio formats. This shouldn't be an issue for most people, as Dolby is the most commonly used format on streaming services and live TV providers.
However, some Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray discs have DTS audio mixes. To hear those tracks on a Bose soundbar, you'll need to change your Blu-ray player output settings to PCM.
What other audio devices does Bose sell?
In addition to soundbars, Bose also sells wireless speakers and headphones. The brand makes some of our favorite over-ear and earbud-style headphones, including the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, as well as some of our favorite Bluetooth speakers, like the Bose Portable Smart Speaker.
For more details, check out our Bose product reviews and our separate headphone and speaker guides:
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) review
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) review
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) review
- Best Bluetooth speakers
- Best Bose headphones
- Best headphones
- Best over-ear headphones
- Best wireless earbuds
- Best noise-canceling earbuds
- Best AirPods alternatives
When will Bose release new soundbar models?
It's not yet clear when Bose will release a new soundbar model. The company's latest soundbar, the Bose Smart Soundbar, hit stores in 2024, but it was more of a product refresh of the older Smart Soundbar 600 than a completely new model. Meanwhile, the Bose TV Speaker was released in 2020, and the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar was released in 2023.
Is Bose better than Sonos?
The best Sonos soundbars compare well to Bose's top offerings as both lineups offer similar features and capabilities. However, we do give a slight edge to certain options over others.
For those who want premium Dolby Atmos performance, the Sonos Arc Ultra is a more robust device than the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, thanks to Sonos' beefier built-in woofer system.
However, the midrange Bose Smart Soundbar has a big edge over the competing Sonos Beam. Bose's device features up-firing audio drivers to provide Dolby Atmos height effects, whereas Sonos relies solely on audio processing, which is less effective.
On the low end, the budget-friendly Bose TV Speaker and Sonos Ray are extremely similar, with only small differences. We appreciate that the Bose TV Speaker has an HDMI port, which the Ray lacks. On the other hand, the Sonos Ray supports WiFi, while the Bose TV Speaker only has Bluetooth connectivity.
You can put together a wireless multi-room audio system with speakers from either brand, but you can't mix and match them. Sonos speakers are only compatible with other Sonos devices, and Bose speakers are only compatible with other Bose models. As such, we suggest picking one brand and sticking with it.
Contributer : Business Insider https://ift.tt/9e2ny8N
Reviewed by mimisabreena
on
Friday, December 05, 2025
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