The Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar keeps the system to one enclosure if that is how you buy it. That suits a living room without a natural place for a subwoofer. It is also the right configuration for judging what the bar can do on its own. Low-latency TV audio is its more persuasive strength than the promise of deep theatrical rumble.
In depth
Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar review
Published · Updated
Best forSomeone who wants a standalone TV soundbar, especially for sources where delayed audio is distracting.
At a glance
- Channel configuration
- 5.1.2
- Included system
- Standalone soundbar
- Immersive audio
- Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital family
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC / ARC
Pros
- Very low eARC delay on the independently tested standalone bar. 1
- Optional matching speakers and a subwoofer provide a later expansion path.
Cons
Dialogue & Audio Sync
- HDMI eARC
- Adjustable speech enhancement
- Standalone test
RTINGS found unusually low eARC latency on its standalone unit. That is worth considering for a console or TV setup where a visible impact should coincide with the sound. It found that stronger speech enhancement could make voices overly forceful. Try a familiar conversation at the normal volume before deciding how much enhancement to keep. 1
Bass
- 5.1.2-channel bar
- Separate subwoofer optional
A dialogue scene does not reveal the same limitation as a deep bass sweep. RTINGS found less of the lowest movie rumble without a subwoofer. If floor space is tight, the single bar may be a perfectly sensible stopping point. If deep effects are central to movie nights, compare its price with the matching sub included. 1
Accessory Compatibility
- Lifestyle Ultra Speakers & Subwoofer optional
- Bass Module 700: wired only
The name Lifestyle Ultra matters when checking accessories. An older Bass Module 700 can connect to this bar by wire only. Do not plan a wireless sub location based on how that module worked with a previous Bose system. Confirm the exact products on the expansion list before ordering extra speakers.
TV Connections & Streaming
- HDMI ARC/eARC
- No optical input
- AirPlay, Google Cast & Spotify Connect
Check the back of an older television before buying. The Bose needs HDMI ARC or eARC and has no optical TV input. There is no spare HDMI source socket either, so consoles and disc players go into the television. For music, Wi-Fi supports AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Spotify Connect. Bluetooth is available for a guest who wants to play directly from a phone.
Placement & Room Calibration
- 4 in clearance when wall-mounted
- CustomTune via phone
- Optional wall bracket
Two upward-firing channels help produce the height effect from Dolby Atmos tracks. If you mount the bar below the screen, Bose calls for at least four inches between them and sells the bracket separately. Run CustomTune from the app using the phone microphone after installation. Day-to-day volume goes through the TV remote, since a dedicated Bose remote is not included.
Alternatives
If you want stronger bass while keeping the room to a single enclosure, compare the Sonos Arc Ultra. RTINGS found its bass more consistent and its sound less compressed when played loudly. The Bose gives you a three-band equalizer and more channel-level adjustment. Decide whether you would use those controls before adding the price and floor space of a separate subwoofer. 1
Verdict
The Bose is well suited to a straightforward eARC installation where sound must stay with the action. Buy it for that single-bar performance. Plan the subwoofer and its connection separately if a convincing low-end impact is essential.
About this review
This is a research-based review. The Fasit has not physically tested this sound system.
Sources & Research
1 reference
Independent sources cited in this article.
- RTINGSBose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar Review (opens in a new tab)https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/reviews/bose/lifestyle-ultra-soundbar
US retail family; recorded shortlist offer is an exact selected child