Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker Review: A Compact Smart Speaker That Aims High

The following analysis draws from a CNET product review written by David Carnoy. As a commentary piece, the review reflects the author’s personal testing and opinions rather than an independent news report.

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The Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker retails for $299 and supports Wi-Fi, Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth (wired), Alexa, and a 3.5 mm auxiliary input. It measures 7.3 × 4.8 × 6.6 inches, weighs 3.7 lb, and uses Bose’s “direct reflecting” height driver. The speaker can function as a standalone unit, a rear-channel Atmos speaker when paired with the Ultra Soundbar, or part of a stereo pair. “*I initially set up the Ultra as a standalone speaker on my Wi-Fi network and later added a second Ultra to create a stereo pair*.” Setup occurs through the Bose iOS/Android app, though the author notes a 10-minute software update per unit.

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In direct listening, the Ultra delivers “big” sound for its size, with tight, punchy bass and a clear midrange. Compared to the Sonos Era 100 ($189), the Bose offers a slightly wider and taller soundstage, while the Era 100 provides a warmer tone and stronger bass. “*The Bose has a slightly wider and taller soundstage (thanks to the height driver), even though the Era 100 has two angled, side-firing tweeters to create a more expansive “stereo” soundstage.*” Against the higher-priced Sonos Era 300 ($479), the Bose falls short in volume and bass depth but remains competitive for small-room use.

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Pros include attractive design, multi-ecosystem compatibility, and solid stereo separation when two units are used. Cons are the lack of backward compatibility with earlier Bose Wi-Fi speakers, no native high-resolution 24-bit/192 kHz support, and a higher price than the Era 100. “*Alas, the new Lifestyle Ultra speakers are not backward-compatible with the company's earlier Wi-Fi speakers, but the shift toward a more open ecosystem is the right move…*”

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The review concludes that the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is a “step up” from prior Bose Wi-Fi models, offering refined audio and smart-speaker convenience. For small living rooms, a pair at roughly $530 delivers true stereo at a price comparable to two Sonos Era 100 units, making it an appealing, though not market-dominant, alternative. “*The Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is clearly a step up from earlier Bose Wi-Fi speakers… offering richer, more refined sound with punchy, well-defined bass.*”

CNET