Bose Takes on Sonos with New Lifestyle Ultra Speaker and Sound System

The $299 Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is now available in black or white from Amazon and Best Buy, while a limited-edition beige build can be found exclusively at Bose’s online storefront for $349. This smart speaker boasts a front-firing woofer and tweeter, as well as an up-firing driver that sets it apart from competitors like Sonos’ Era 100. It supports multiple streaming services, including Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and Google Cast, allowing users to stream audio with seamless compatibility across devices. The Lifestyle Ultra Speaker’s ability to group itself with compatible non-Bose speakers via AirPlay and Google Cast is a notable feature, making it easy to create multi-room audio experiences. Additionally, this speaker supports Amazon’s Alexa Plus, marking a significant step forward for the brand in terms of smart home integration. For home theater enthusiasts, Bose has introduced the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar, which features Dolby Atmos support and is now available from various retailers. While initial impressions suggest that dialogue comes through clearly, the soundstage feels wide and immersive – albeit with some limitations in terms of bass response. Fortunately, the $899 Ultra Subwoofer can help address this issue by filling out the missing bass frequencies and delivering a more balanced overall sound when paired with the soundbar.