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Bose unveiled its latest innovation, the Bose Smart Soundbar, in September 2024, capturing attention in the mid-range soundbar market. Priced under $500, it stands as a formidable option for anyone seeking high-quality audio.
Unlike high-end offerings like luxury soundbars or basic budget models, the Bose Smart Soundbar delivers significant audio enhancements at a competitive price point.
Following an in-depth evaluation of the Bose Smart Soundbar, the conclusion is clear: it represents a solid investment, especially if purchased at the discounted rate of $399.
Bose Smart Soundbar review: How does it sound?
Sound quality is paramount in soundbar reviews, and the Bose Smart Soundbar impresses with its deep, balanced audio, ideal for TV shows, movies, and music alike.
During testing, dialogue clarity improved significantly, negating the need for closed captions in many instances. The AI Dialogue Assist feature further elevated the clarity, particularly for action-packed films where dialogue often gets drowned out by effects.
In a recent viewing of a Formula 1 race, the sound of the engines and crowd enhanced the overall experience dramatically.
The soundbar features five transducers and a central tweeter that immerse users in sound, with up-firing transducers creating a dynamic audio experience. Movies like Dune and Mad Max: Fury Road benefitted greatly from the Dolby Atmos support.
Musically, the soundbar excels, delivering clear vocals and deep bass across various genres, maintaining audio integrity without overwhelming frequencies.
This soundbar excels in every category save one — the vibes
Bose’s branding could benefit from more creativity; the naming of the new soundbar as the “Bose Smart Soundbar” lacks distinction. While many products have unique branding, this soundbar presents a straightforward and somewhat uninspired identity.
Design-wise, while functional, the soundbar’s simplistic aesthetic may leave some users wanting more visual appeal. However, for those prioritizing sound over style, this may not be a concern.
The smart engineering of the soundbar, which accommodates angled cable placement, is a space-saving feature worth noting, measuring 2.2 x 4.1 x 27 inches to fit neatly under most TVs.
Bose Smart Soundbar connectivity: The good and the bad
Setup for the Bose Smart Soundbar is user-friendly and can be accomplished in minutes, even by those with limited technical skills. Simple HDMI connections facilitate quick operation.
However, connectivity challenges arose, particularly when attempting to connect to a portable speaker. While the initial pairing was easy, audio delays rendered the experience ineffective.
Bluetooth connectivity was also inconsistent, requiring multiple re-pairs with devices. Although this could be resolved in future updates, it presents a mild inconvenience for users.
Is the Bose Smart Soundbar worth it?
In summary, the Bose Smart Soundbar is a worthy addition to any home audio setup, despite minor connectivity issues. It offers a significant upgrade from standard TV speakers, enhanced by features like Dialogue Assist and Dolby Atmos.
While premium soundbars provide an advanced audio experience, they come with a higher price tag. The Bose Smart Soundbar strikes a balance, offering excellent value and feature integration for most users.
If available at a price point of $399, it becomes an even more appealing option in the competitive soundbar market.