Bose Lifestyle Ultra smart speaker beats Sonos Era 100 in key areas

Bose recently launched the Lifestyle Ultra family, which includes a soundbar, subwoofer, and smart speaker. The smart speaker, priced at $449, is designed for whole-home audio and smart home integration. It supports Wi-Fi streaming, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Google Cast, and Alexa, and can be paired in stereo. Unlike the Sonos Era 100, the Bose Lifestyle Ultra offers a three-speaker configuration (two front-facing and one upfiring) and uses Bose's proprietary TrueSpatial technology for spatial audio rather than standard Dolby Atmos. During a week-long test, the speaker impressed with its loud, clear sound and modern design, though it requires a constant power source and is not portable.

The Bose Lifestyle Ultra is the smartest speaker in Bose's current catalog, positioning itself as a versatile option for users who want an open ecosystem. It undercuts Sonos' closed system by supporting both Android and iOS casting natively. However, its $50-$100+ premium over competitors like the Sonos Era 100 and Amazon Echo Studio may give some buyers pause. While TrueSpatial adds depth, it didn't feel as immersive as dedicated Atmos height channels. Overall, the speaker is a strong contender for those prioritizing sound quality and multi-platform compatibility over cost.