Smart soundbars are transforming the home theater experience by delivering immersive audio, intuitive smart features, and seamless connectivity. The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar and the Sonos Arc Ultra Premium Smart Soundbar are two top contenders engineered for movie buffs and music lovers alike.
In this side-by-side comparison, we’ll examine critical factors including price & value, audio quality, smart features, connectivity, design & build, multi-room & expandability, microphone & voice control, and software updates. Keep reading to discover which soundbar offers the ultimate cinematic experience for your home.
Price & Value
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar:
Priced at $899.00, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar justifies its cost with cutting-edge features like Dolby Atmos®, Bose TrueSpace technology, and ADAPTiQ audio room calibration. It also offers A.I. Dialogue Mode for ultra-clear vocals. The package includes essential accessories such as an HDMI™ eARC cable, optical cable, ADAPTiQ headset, remote control, power cord, and quick start guide—everything needed for an immersive home theater setup.
Sonos Arc Ultra:
At $999, the Sonos Arc Ultra delivers breakthrough Sound Motion™ technology for an expansive soundstage, combined with Dolby Atmos 9.1.4 spatial audio. It features advanced Speech Enhancement and Trueplay™ tuning for optimal dialogue clarity and room adaptation. The package includes a power cable, HDMI® eARC cable, quickstart guide, and warranty documentation. While it comes at a premium, its advanced processing and connectivity options deliver exceptional long-term value.
Design & Build
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar:
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar features an elegant, minimalist design crafted with premium materials—combining glass, metal, and plastic. With dimensions of 2.29″ H x 41.14″ W x 4.21″ D and a weight of 12.68 lb, it’s designed to blend seamlessly into your living room. Available in Arctic White and Black, its refined look complements modern home décor.
Sonos Arc Ultra:
The Sonos Arc Ultra boasts a curved, low-profile design with a matte finish, available in Black and White. Measuring 2.95″ H x 46.38″ W x 4.35″ D and weighing 13.01 lb, it offers versatile placement options for wall-mounting or tabletop use, ensuring it fits elegantly into any home theater setup.
Audio Quality
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar:
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar delivers cinematic audio through its Dolby Atmos® and Bose TrueSpace technology. It houses nine total speakers (including a center tweeter and two upward-firing drivers) that work together to produce clear dialogue and enveloping surround sound. Its 4-inch high-excursion woofer generates deep, impactful bass, while the five horn-loaded tweeters—each equipped with a neodymium magnet—ensure crisp high frequencies. Additionally, ADAPTiQ audio room calibration dynamically adjusts the sound to your room, and A.I. Dialogue Mode enhances vocal clarity during intense movie scenes or dialogue-heavy programs. For music streaming, this balance ensures every instrument and vocal detail is faithfully reproduced.
Sonos Arc Ultra:
Engineered for an expansive soundstage, the Sonos Arc Ultra utilizes 15 Class-D digital amplifiers to power its advanced driver configuration. It features two woofers for powerful, deep bass and six midwoofers that deliver clear, detailed mids. The Arc Ultra also boasts seven silk-dome tweeters—with two upward-firing to produce overhead sound effects—and a specialized four-motor dual-membrane woofer for exceptional low-end performance. With Trueplay™ tuning that adapts the sound to your room and Speech Enhancement for crystal-clear dialogue, it offers a multi-dimensional audio experience that excels in both movie and music settings.
Smart Features & Ecosystem Compatibility
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar:
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is designed for seamless integration into your smart home. It offers voice control through Alexa, and you can also manage it via its dedicated remote and the Bose app. Its compatibility with Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect allows you to stream audio from various devices. Unique features such as A.I. Dialogue Mode and Personal Surround Sound (when paired with Bose Ultra Open Earbuds) ensure that dialogue remains clear and immersive audio is delivered precisely. The system’s integration with Bose’s ecosystem via SimpleSync enhances multi-room audio and user control.
Sonos Arc Ultra:
The Sonos Arc Ultra offers extensive smart integration through the Sonos app, supporting Sonos Voice Control, Amazon Alexa, and Apple AirPlay 2. Its Trueplay™ Room Tuning automatically optimizes the sound based on your room’s acoustics. This soundbar easily joins a multi-room system, allowing synchronized playback with other Sonos speakers, and expands with additional devices like the Sonos Sub and Era 300 rear speakers. These features make the Arc Ultra a versatile hub for home theater setups, providing both intuitive control and seamless system expansion.
Comparison Chart
Connectivity & Compatibility
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar:
Connectivity is versatile with Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi. The soundbar comes with an HDMI™ eARC cable and optical cable for high-quality TV audio transmission. It supports streaming via Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect, ensuring compatibility with various devices and platforms.
Sonos Arc Ultra:
The Sonos Arc Ultra supports WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and features HDMI® eARC for seamless integration with your TV. Its USB-C port enables connectivity via adapters (sold separately) for line-in or Ethernet connections. Additionally, it supports Apple AirPlay 2 for multi-device streaming and integrates effortlessly into a Sonos multi-room system.
Multi-Room & Stereo Pairing
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar:
The Bose soundbar supports multi-room audio and stereo pairing via SimpleSync, allowing synchronized playback with other Bose products. It also offers Personal Surround Sound when paired with Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, providing an immersive audio experience tailored to your viewing preferences.
Sonos Arc Ultra:
Designed for expansion, the Sonos Arc Ultra can be paired with other Sonos speakers—such as the Sonos Sub and Era 300 rear speakers—to create a full Dolby Atmos surround sound system. It also supports private listening with Sonos Ace headphones, making it a versatile option for diverse home theater configurations.
Microphone & Voice Control
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar:
Equipped with an integrated mic array and advanced noise reduction, the Bose soundbar enables accurate voice control via Alexa. A dedicated remote further enhances control, ensuring precise command recognition even in noisy environments.
Sonos Arc Ultra:
The Sonos Arc Ultra features a far-field microphone array with beamforming and echo cancellation, ensuring excellent voice recognition. A physical mic switch offers added privacy, allowing users to disable voice capture when necessary.
Software & Updates
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar:
Bose provides regular software updates through the Bose app, ensuring that features like ADAPTiQ calibration remain current. These updates optimize audio performance based on room characteristics and keep the soundbar compatible with evolving smart home technologies.
Sonos Arc Ultra:
The Sonos Arc Ultra benefits from frequent firmware updates via the Sonos app. These updates improve performance, add new features, and allow for customizable EQ adjustments through Trueplay™ tuning, ensuring the system stays fresh and adaptable.
Pros & Cons
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
Pros:
Pros:
✔ Immersive audio with Dolby Atmos® and Bose TrueSpace for a cinematic experience
✔ A.I. Dialogue Mode and ADAPTiQ calibration for ultra-clear vocals
✔ Multiple control options via voice, remote, & app
✔ Versatile connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, & Spotify Connect
Cons:
✖ Higher price may be steep for some buyers
✖ Requires additional accessories for full surround sound expansion
✖ Fewer ecosystem options compared to multi-brand solutions
Sonos Arc Ultra
Pros:
✔ 15 Class-D amplifiers and advanced driver configuration deliver expansive 9.1.4 spatial audio
✔ Speech Enhancement and Trueplay™ tuning for optimal dialogue clarity and room adaptation
✔ Supports multiple voice assistants and integrates with a broad multi-room system
✔ Versatile connectivity with WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI eARC, & USB-C (with adapters)
Cons:
✖ Premium price may not suit every budget
✖ Larger dimensions and weight could limit placement in smaller spaces
✖ Additional adapters required for line-in or Ethernet connectivity
Final Verdict—Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar and the Sonos Arc Ultra deliver premium home theater performance, but they cater to slightly different needs.
- The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is an excellent option if you value ultra-clear dialogue and precise room calibration. With its A.I. Dialogue Mode and ADAPTiQ audio calibration, it ensures that dialogue is crystal clear even during action-packed scenes. Its elegant, minimalist design and comprehensive connectivity options make it perfect for those seeking a refined, cinematic experience without the need for extensive system expansion.
- In contrast, the Sonos Arc Ultra excels in delivering an expansive, multi-dimensional audio experience. Featuring 15 Class-D amplifiers, a sophisticated driver array with 7 silk-dome tweeters and 6 midwoofers, and a specialized dual-membrane woofer, the Arc Ultra creates an immersive 9.1.4 spatial soundstage that is ideal for larger rooms and home theater setups. Its advanced Speech Enhancement and Trueplay™ tuning allow for customizable sound that adapts to your room, making it the superior choice if you desire a flexible, high-performance system that can expand with additional Sonos speakers.
Ultimately, your decision will depend on your audio priorities, ecosystem integration, and room setup. If you prefer clear, precise dialogue with a comprehensive package at a competitive price, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is an excellent choice. However, if you’re after an expansive, room-filling sound experience with advanced spatial audio and multi-room expandability, the Sonos Arc Ultra will deliver a more immersive, future-proof home theater solution.ur ecosystem loyalty, audio preferences, and room setup when making your decision.
FAQs
What are the key audio differences between the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar and the Sonos Arc Ultra?
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar delivers immersive Dolby Atmos® sound with Bose TrueSpace, A.I. Dialogue Mode, and ADAPTiQ calibration for optimized room acoustics, while the Sonos Arc Ultra uses 15 Class-D amplifiers, an advanced driver configuration (7 tweeters, 6 midwoofers, dual-membrane woofer), and Trueplay™ tuning for a 9.1.4 spatial audio experience.
Can the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar be expanded for full surround sound, and how does that compare with the Sonos Arc Ultra?
es, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar supports multi-room grouping and pairs with Bose Ultra Open Earbuds for Personal Surround Sound, while the Sonos Arc Ultra is designed to expand with additional Sonos speakers (like the Sonos Sub and Era 300 rear speakers) to create a comprehensive Dolby Atmos surround sound system.
What connectivity options are available on the Sonos Arc Ultra?
The Sonos Arc Ultra offers WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI eARC, and USB-C connectivity (with adapters sold separately), along with Apple AirPlay 2 support for versatile streaming.
Does the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar support Dolby Atmos?
Yes, it supports Dolby Atmos® along with Bose TrueSpace technology for a fully immersive cinematic experience.
Can the Sonos Arc Ultra connect directly to a TV?
Yes, the Sonos Arc Ultra features HDMI eARC connectivity, allowing direct integration with your TV for high-quality audio transmission.
How do I control the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar compared to the Sonos Arc Ultra?
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar offers multiple control options via voice (Alexa), remote, and the Bose app, while the Sonos Arc Ultra can be controlled using a TV remote, the Sonos app, capacitive touch controls, Sonos Voice Control, and Amazon Alexa.
Which soundbar offers better dialogue clarity: the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar or the Sonos Arc Ultra?
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar features A.I. Dialogue Mode and ADAPTiQ calibration for ultra-clear vocals, while the Sonos Arc Ultra employs Speech Enhancement and Trueplay™ tuning to ensure dialogue remains crisp and intelligible.
How do the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar and the Sonos Arc Ultra integrate with smart home ecosystems?
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar integrates with Alexa, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect, making it ideal for users in the Amazon or Apple ecosystems. The Sonos Arc Ultra works with Sonos Voice Control, Amazon Alexa, and Apple AirPlay 2, allowing for seamless integration into a multi-room system managed through the Sonos app.
What are the size and weight differences between the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar and the Sonos Arc Ultra?
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar measures approximately 2.29″ H x 41.14″ W x 4.21″ D and weighs 12.68 lb, whereas the Sonos Arc Ultra measures 2.95″ H x 46.38″ W x 4.35″ D and weighs 13.01 lb. These differences may affect placement and installation in your home.
Joyce Elizabeth
Joyce is a writer who loves creating content that connects and inspires. With a background in psychology, she enjoys understanding what drives people and crafting stories that make complex choices feel simple. When she’s not writing, you can find her trying out new coffee spots, getting lost in a good book, or planning her next adventure.
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