The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is an upgraded version of the Bose Smart Soundbar 700. Unlike its predecessor, it supports Dolby Atmos content, which is commonly found on both streaming platforms and Blu-rays. This premium soundbar comes with the manufacturer's PhaseGuide technology, which beams sound throughout your room for a more immersive listening experience. You can even upgrade it with a separate subwoofer and satellites as the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module.
Our Verdict
The Bose Soundbar 900 is good for mixed usage. This soundbar has a balanced sound right out of the box, with a clear reproduction of dialogue in TV shows and instruments in your favorite tunes. It does well as a standalone bar, but without a dedicated sub, it doesn't bring the deep thump and rumble in the low bass. You'll also need to add on satellites separately for a better surround sound.
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Bass and treble adjustments.
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Gets loud.
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Supports Dolby Atmos content.
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Lacks low-bass.
The Bose Soundbar 900 is good for dialogue-centric TV shows and podcasts. It reproduces voices with clarity and accuracy, and its discrete center channel improves vocal reproduction in the mix. There's even a dialogue enhancement mode to make voices more crisp. Unfortunately, it lacks an auto-volume mode, so you can't balance the volume level across different programs like with other premium bars.
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Dialogue enhancement mode.
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Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2 support.
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No auto-volume mode.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is very good for music. Its room correction feature, which Bose calls ADAPTiQ, automatically optimizes audio reproduction based on the acoustics of the room you're in. It has a balanced sound that's suitable for many different music genres. You can customize its sound using its bass and treble adjustments, but it lacks a full EQ to customize across the range. You also don't get a very extended low bass on its own, though you can add a subwoofer separately.
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Bass and treble adjustments.
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Gets loud.
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Lacks low-bass.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is satisfactory for movies. This soundbar supports many audio formats commonly found on both streaming platforms and Blu-rays, like Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos. Dialogue is clearly reproduced, though you don't get a deep rumble in the bass during action-packed scenes. The lack of satellites means you don't get the same all-around feel as with other premium bars, either.
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Bass and treble adjustments.
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Supports Dolby Atmos content.
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Lacks low-bass.
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Mediocre surrounds performance.
- 7.5 Mixed Usage
- 7.5 Dialogue/TV Shows
- 7.9 Music
- 7.3 Movies
- Updated May 10, 2024: Updated Stereo Dynamics and Stereo Frequency Response results with new methodology from TBU 1.3. Added text to Audio Latency: ARC, and Audio Latency: Optical boxes.
- Updated May 09, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench Update 1.3. If applicable, we've retested stereo sound based on the manufacturer's recommendations. Additionally, we've expanded our audio latency tests to the following boxes: Audio Latency: ARC, Audio Latency: HDMI In, and Audio Latency: Optical. You can see the full changelog here.
- Updated Jan 22, 2024: Updated the bar's channels from 5.0.2 to 5.1.2 since it has an integrated subwoofer. Updated the setup pictures in the Center Surround 5.1 and Height (Atmos) boxes to reflect the integrated subwoofer. Added more information about Phaseguide to the Stereo Frequency Response box and updated the setup picture.
- Updated Nov 15, 2023: We've added a comparison between this soundbar and the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar in Sound Enhancement Features.
- Updated Oct 12, 2023: Minor text edits for clarity. No changes in test results.
- Updated May 05, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.2. Updated the results for audio format support via ARC/eARC, HDMI In, and Optical. Added Video Passthrough to TV results as well.
- Updated Mar 08, 2023: Added cable lengths to In The Box.
- Updated Mar 06, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.1. With this update, we've added a Mounting test and added information aboutSubwoofer Output, Spotify Connect, and Microphone Mute.
- Updated Nov 30, 2022: Added market comparison with the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus to Height (Atmos).
- Updated Oct 19, 2022: Updated the text of the review for clarity. No changes in results.
- Updated Mar 10, 2022: Firmware update adds Chromecast built-in support.
- Updated Oct 12, 2021: Updated DTS Support from 'Yes' to 'No'.
- Updated Oct 08, 2021: Review published.
- Updated Oct 06, 2021: Early access published.
- Updated Sep 29, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Sep 27, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Sep 03, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The bar comes in two different colors: 'Black' and 'White'. We tested the 'Black' variant, and you can see the label for the model we tested here. If you come across another version of this bar, please let us know in the forums, and we'll update our review.
You can also check out the review for the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module if you want to see how the bar performs with satellites and a subwoofer attached.
Compared To Other Soundbars
The Bose Soundbar 900 is a 5.1.2 setup with built-in voice assistant support. Unlike the Bose Smart Soundbar 700, it supports Dolby Atmos content. While it struggles to reproduce a thumpy low-bass, you can always upgrade it to the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module for better bass reproduction and improved surround sound.
See also our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, and the best soundbars with subwoofer.
The Sonos Arc and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 are both premium standalone setups supporting Dolby Atmos content. Their performances are similar overall. The Sonos supports DTS content, unlike the Bose, and it has a few more sound enhancement features like auto-volume mode. The Bose is better built, with more wireless playback options.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a bit better for mixed usage than the Sony HT-A7000. The Bose has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It also gets louder, albeit with more compression at max volume. However, only the Sony soundbar supports DTS content and has a Full HDMI In port.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the Sony HT-A5000. The Bose is a better-built setup with better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances. However, only the Sony has DTS support and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough.
The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The JBL comes with a dedicated sub and satellites. It has a better surrounds performance and reproduces a more extended low-bass. That said, the Bose is better built, with built-in voice assistant capabilities. You can also upgrade it with a Bose Bass Module and Surround Speakers for better performance.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the Sony HT-A9. The Bose is better built and gets louder. It also has a better center channel performance. However, the Sony soundbar has a better soundstage. Unlike the Bose, it comes with a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 and the Klipsch Cinema 1200 are two very different soundbars. The Klipsch is a 5.1.4 setup with a dedicated sub and satellites. As a result, it can reproduce a more extended low-bass right out of the box and has a better surround performance. However, the Bose is a standalone 5.1.2 setup with better build quality. Its Atmos and soundstage performances are better, too. You can also upgrade it with a dedicated sub and satellites if you want to improve its bass reproduction and its surround performance, respectively.
While the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 and the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar look similar, some differences exist. The Smart Ultra has a lower bass extension to help add a touch more thump and rumble to your audio. It also has an AI Dialogue tool to help enhance voices. However, the Smart Soundbar 900 has a less bright sound overall.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the Bose Smart Soundbar 700. The 900 has a better surrounds performance, and unlike the 700, it supports Dolby Atmos content. That said, the 700 has a better-balanced stereo frequency response.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a better Dolby Atmos soundbar than the Bose Smart Soundbar 600. The 900 is a better-built 5.1.2 setup that's larger and gets louder than the 600. Plus, it offers a better soundstage with stereo content, meaning you get a more cinematic sound that stretches all around you.
The standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is marginally better for mixed usage than the Sonos Beam (Gen 2). The Bose is a 5.1.2 setup that's bigger and can get louder. It also has a better Atmos performance and supports more wireless playback options like Bluetooth. If you want a standalone bar that takes up less space, the Sonos is still a solid choice.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The full setup has a dedicated subwoofer and satellites to improve its performance. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass than the standalone bar and has better surround and soundstage performances. That said, if you don't have a lot of space, the standalone bar is still a really good choice.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 and the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus are premium Dolby Atmos soundbars. The Bose's sound quality is superior, as it has a better soundstage that creates a more immersive listening experience. It's especially noticeable with Atmos content. However, it can't do video passthrough like the Sennheiser since it lacks an HDMI In port.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 700 with Speakers + Bass Module is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The 700 full setup has a dedicated sub, which helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. It also comes with satellites and has better soundstage and surround performances. That said, only the 900 supports Dolby Atmos content. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites for better performance.
The Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Sonos full setup has a dedicated sub that helps it reproduce a more extended low-bass. It also comes with satellites and more sound enhancement features. Its surround performance is better, too. That said, the Bose has more wireless playback options. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites for better performance.
The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 are both versatile standalone soundbars. Thanks to its sub, which is integrated into the bar, the Sennheiser reproduces a more extended low-bass. It also has more sound enhancement features like a graphic EQ and presets, though this may not be worth the value for some users. The Bose is also better built, with built-in voice assistant support. It also has a better soundstage.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a better standalone bar than the Bose TV Speaker. The 900 is a premium 5.1.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content and has better soundstage, center, and surround performances. Also, it gets louder than the TV Speaker. If you're low on space, the TV Speaker's more compact design is a better fit. It's still a fair choice for listening to vocal-centric audio like TV shows.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better for mixed usage than the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage. The Bose is a 5.1.2 setup that's better built with built-in voice assistant support. It also has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. The Bang & Olufsen can reproduce a slightly more extended low-bass. It also has a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization, unlike the Bose.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the Devialet Dione for most uses. The Bose is a 5.1.2 setup that doesn't reproduce as much low-bass as the Devialet, but since you can add on a separate sub as well as rear speakers, it's more flexible overall. Also, the Bose has better soundstage and surrounds performances, as well as more enhancement features to help you customize its sound. There are also built-in voice assistant capabilities, which the Devialet lacks.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the Sonos Beam. It's better built and has a better surround performance. Unlike the Sonos soundbar, it also supports Dolby Atmos content. The Sonos is still a solid choice for dialogue-centric content like TV shows. It also has a more compact design, which some users may prefer.
The Sony HT-A7000 with Speakers + Bass Module and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 are both premium setups with versatile overall performances. The Sony's full setup comes with a subwoofer and satellites. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass and has a better surrounds performance. Also, there are two Full HDMI In ports for high-quality passthrough. That said, the standalone Bose takes up less space. It has better Atmos and soundstage performances and gets louder with less compression at max volume. You can upgrade it with a sub and satellites down the line if you want.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the Bose Soundbar 500. The 900 is a 5.1.2 setup that's better built. Unlike the 500, it supports Dolby Atmos content. It also gets louder, and it has better soundstage and surround performances.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the Bose Smart Soundbar 300. The 900 is a 5.1.2 setup that's better built. It has better soundstage and surround performances, and unlike the 300, it supports Dolby Atmos content.
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 are both premium standalone setups, but the Bose is better overall. It has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. Also, there are more sound enhancement features on hand. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites down the line, unlike the B&W.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround. The Bose is a better-built 5.1.2 setup with Dolby Atmos support, and has better soundstage, center, and surround performances. Unlike the JBL, it also has built-in voice assistant support. While the JBL's dedicated sub helps it to reproduce a more extended low-bass than the Bose, you can always upgrade the Bose with a separate sub down the line.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the LG S90QY. The Bose is a standalone bar; however, it has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It can't reproduce as much low-bass as the LG, which comes with a dedicated sub, but you can always add one on if you want to improve bass reproduction. The LG has some additional sound enhancement features, like EQ presets, but Bose's out-of-the-box sound is impressive without any tweaks.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the Sony HT-G700. The Bose is a better-built 5.1.2 setup with a standalone design. It has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It also gets louder with less compression at max volume. Unfortunately, it doesn't have DTS support like the Sony soundbar.
The standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the Harman/Kardon Enchant 1300. The Bose is better built. Unlike the Harman/Kardon, it supports Dolby Atmos content and offers built-in voice assistant capabilities. That said, only the Harman/Kardon has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. It also has a few more sound enhancement features, like EQ presets.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Klipsch Cinema 800 or the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Klipsch is a 3.1 setup that comes with a dedicated subwoofer. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass, and unlike the Bose, it has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. The 5.1.2 Bose is better built with better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It also has built-in voice assistant capabilities, and you can even upgrade it with a sub and satellites.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 or the Samsung HW-Q600A. The Bose is a standalone 5.1.2 setup that's better built. It has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. You can even upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you want. However, if you want a bar with a dedicated sub included, the Samsung soundbar is a better choice. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass than the Bose.
The Samsung HW-Q800A is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Samsung soundbar has a dedicated sub that helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. It comes with more sound enhancement features like a graphic EQ. Unlike the Bose, it has DTS support and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. The Bose is better built with better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites for better performance.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer the Vizio M Series M512a-H6 or the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Vizio comes with a sub and satellites, and unlike the Bose, it even has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. However, the Bose is better built with a better Atmos performance. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you prefer, giving you an even more immersive sound.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the Denon Home Sound Bar 550. The Bose is a better-built setup with better soundstage, center, and surround performances. It gets louder with less compression at max volume, too. That said, it doesn't support DTS content like the Denon.
The Sony HT-ST5000 is a bit better for mixed usage than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Sony is a 7.1.2 setup with a dedicated sub that reproduces a more extended low-bass. Unlike the Bose, it has DTS support and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. The 5.1.2 Bose has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites for better performance.
The Vizio Elevate is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900 for most uses. The Vizio is a 5.1.4 setup with a dedicated sub and satellites. It has better surround performance and more sound enhancement features like EQ presets. Unlike the Bose, it has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. However, the 5.1.2 Bose has a better build quality and built-in voice assistant capabilities. It offers a very impressive performance for a standalone bar, and you can even upgrade it with a sub and satellites.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer the Klipsch Cinema 600 or the Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Bose is better built and more suited for watching movies. It has better soundstage and surround performances, and unlike the Klipsch, it supports Atmos content. It also has built-in voice assistant support, and you can upgrade it with a sub and satellites. However, the Klipsch soundbar's sub helps to reproduce a more extended low-bass, and it's still a solid choice for dialogue-centric content like TV shows.
The standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a bit better for mixed usage than the Sony HT-Z9F. The Bose is better built and has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. The Sony has DTS support and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough, unlike the Bose.
The LG SP9YA is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The LG has a dedicated sub, which helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. It has more sound enhancement features, too. Unlike the Bose, it has DTS support and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. The Bose is better built with better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites for better performance.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a better standalone option than the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar. The Bose is a better-built 5.0.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content and has better soundstage and surround performances. Also, it comes with HDMI connections, unlike the Bowers & Wilkins.
The Samsung HW-Q80R is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Samsung is a 5.1.2 setup with a dedicated subwoofer that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It gets louder with less compression at max volume and comes with a graphic EQ and presets. That said, the better-built Bose has better soundstage and surround performances. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you prefer.
The standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam. The Bose is a 5.1.2 setup that's better built. It also has better soundstage and Atmos performances. You can even upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you want. However, only the JBL comes with a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough.
The Samsung HW-Q900A is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Samsung is a 7.1.2 setup with a dedicated sub that helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. It offers more sound enhancement features, and it gets louder. Unlike the Bose, it supports DTS content and has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. That said, the Bose is better built with a better soundstage. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites for better performance.
The Samsung HW-Q900T and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 are both very premium setups, so depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. The Samsung is a 7.1.2 setup with a dedicated subwoofer that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It gets louder with a bit less compression at max volume. However, the standalone Bose is better built and has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you want.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch or the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Bose offers impressive performance for a standalone bar, and it's better built with a better soundstage. It also has a better-balanced sound profile out-of-the-box, which some users may prefer. However, the Nakamichi is suitable for users with a lot of space in their setup. It comes with four satellites and two subs and has better surround and Atmos performances.
The Samsung HW-Q90R and the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900 both perform well. The Samsung is a 7.1.4 setup that comes with a subwoofer and satellites. It gets louder, and it can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It also has a better surrounds performance. Unlike the Bose, it comes with a graphic EQ and presets as well as a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. That said, the Bose is better built and performs well for a standalone bar. It has a better soundstage, and it also comes with room correction. You can even upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you want.
The LG SN11RG is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The LG has a dedicated sub and satellites included and can reproduce a more extended low-bass. There are some more sound enhancement features, like EQ presets, as well as a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. However, if you want a standalone bar, the Bose is a solid choice. It's better built with a better soundstage, and you can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites sold separately.
The Samsung HW-Q850A and the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900 are very different setups. The Samsung is a 7.1.2 setup with a dedicated sub and satellites. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass and has a better surrounds performance. Some users may prefer the Bose's standalone design, which you can also upgrade with a separate sub and satellites down the line. The Bose is better built and has better center and soundstage performances.
The LG SP11RA is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The LG comes with a dedicated sub and reproduces a more extended low-bass. Unlike the Bose, it has satellites, DTS support, and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. There are also more sound enhancement features like EQ presets. That said, the Bose is better built with a better soundstage. You can also upgrade it with a dedicated sub and satellites for better performance.
The LG SN9YG is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The LG comes with a dedicated sub and reproduces a more extended low-bass. Unlike the Bose, it has DTS support and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. There are also more sound enhancement features, such as EQ presets. The Bose is better built with better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. You can also upgrade it with a dedicated sub and satellites for better performance.
The LG SN10YG is better than the Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The LG is a 5.1.2 setup with a dedicated sub included. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass and has more sound enhancement features like EQ presets. Unlike the Bose, it has DTS support and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. The 5.1.2 Bose is better built with better soundstage and surround performances. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites sold separately.
Video
Test Results
The bar has a sleek, simple design. It has a glass plate on top of the bar, giving it a more premium look. Metal grilles cover the front and the up-firing speakers on the top.
There's an integrated subwoofer. If you want more bass in the mix, you can always add on a sub separately.
This setup is compatible with Bose Surround Speakers, which you can purchase separately.
This wide soundbar doesn't fit between the legs of a 55-inch TV. That said, it isn't very tall, so it won't block your TV screen unless your TV sits flush on the table.
You can mount the soundbar to your wall, though you'll have to purchase the brackets separately.
The bar has excellent build quality. It's made of high-quality plastic with metal grilles on the sides of the bar to help protect the drivers inside. You can even find rubber feet on the bottom of the bar to help hold it in place. There's also a glass plate on top, giving it a premium feel.
- Manuals
- ADAPTIQ headset (cable length: 23 ft / 7m)
- Remote
- Batteries (2x AAA)
- Power cable (4.9 ft /1.5m)
- HDMI cable (4.9 ft /1.5m)
- Optical cable (4.9 ft /1.5m)
The Bose Soundbar 900 has a satisfactory stereo frequency response. Thanks to its room correction feature, which Bose calls ADAPTiQ, you can optimize its audio reproduction based on your room's unique acoustic characteristics. With this feature on, the bar has a pretty balanced sound profile, especially in the mids, where most vocals and lead instruments reproduce. You get a little extra punch in the bass range to help bring bass-heavy music to life. Overall, it's suitable for listening to many different types of audio content, with clear dialogue in TV shows and movies as well as detailed voices and instruments in your favorite music. That said, your seat doesn't shake in action-packed scenes—as with most standalone bars, it lacks an extended low bass but delivers extra boom to compensate. You can always take a look at the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module if you want more thump and rumble in the mix, though.
Similar to the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, this setup has features like Phaseguide that are designed to play stereo content through more than usual channels for a more immersive sound. You notice audio playing from the center channel as well as the left and right stereo channels. This results in a wider and more dimensional sound.
If you prefer a more balanced sound profile with stereo content, we recommend using this soundbar with its default settings.
Its stereo soundstage is great. Its soundstage is perceived to be very wide, and sound seems to reach the room's side walls. However, this can sound a bit unnatural and overdone. Its focus is mediocre, so instruments in the mix seem to come from a more general area rather than a pinpoint location in the space around you. For a setup with a better soundstage, see the Sony HT-A9.
It has great stereo dynamics. This soundbar gets loud enough to fill up a large room or a crowded party. However, there's a bit of compression when you push it to max volume, meaning you notice a bit of pumping artifacts when you crank up the volume.
This 5.1.2 soundbar has a discrete center channel to improve vocal reproduction in the mix. The frequency response on this channel is fairly balanced, too, especially in the mids, where most dialogue is reproduced. As a result, it's easy to follow along with conversations on screen.
The Bose Soundbar 900 has a mediocre surround performance, which is expected for a standalone bar. It doesn't have discrete surround speakers, so it uses side-firing and up-firing drivers in the bar itself to ricochet sound around your room. It attempts to simulate sound effects in the space around you, but it doesn't perform as well as a discrete setup would. Audio tends to be focused in the space in front of you rather than stretching all around you. However, you can check out the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module if you want an improved surround sound experience.
Unlike the Bose Smart Soundbar 700, this bar supports Dolby Atmos content. It has two up-firing drivers built into the bar that bounce sound off the ceiling and back down toward you to create the illusion of height. It isn't quite as immersive-sounding as the discrete localization provided by home theater setups, but it's a similar setup to other Dolby Atmos soundbars. Overall, sound effects are clear and detailed, and there's a little extra rumble due to the bass-heavy sound profile on these channels.
Subjectively, the bar can reproduce a wide soundstage that makes it seem like the action on screen is happening around you. Cars seem to race past you in chase scenes, and drones feel like they're flying from overhead, replicating more height than with other standalone Atmos setups like the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus. That said, the bar's subjective performance isn't quite as accurate as the full setup with speakers and a subwoofer—you can tell that the bar tries to achieve spatial wideness and height, but it's a bit exaggerated. Still, compared to other standalone bars, it offers a really impressive sound.
The Bose Soundbar 900 has a few sound enhancement features. You don't get an EQ, so you can only customize it with its included bass and treble adjustments. On the upside, like the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, there's a room correction feature called ADAPTiQ, which adjusts the bar's audio based on the unique layout of your living room.
You can connect the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 to your TV using its Optical or HDMI ports. The 'ADAPTiQ' port is for the headset included so you can listen in while calibrating the bar to your room's unique acoustics. However, it lacks a Full HDMI In port, so you can't use it as a hub between different devices.
The Bose Soundbar 900 has amazing audio format support via ARC. It supports common surround sound formats like Dolby Digital, which you can usually find on streaming platforms. Also, it supports object-based and lossless formats like Atmos and Dolby TrueHD. If you want a bar that supports DTS content, check out the Sony HT-A5000.
For a soundbar with a Full HDMI In port, check out the Sony HT-A7000.
It also supports Dolby Digital via Optical, commonly found on lots of different streaming platforms. Unfortunately, the bar downmixes DTS content into 2.0 PCM.
It has fairly low latency via ARC, so the audio you hear is in sync with the video you see on the screen. As a result, it's a great choice for watching movies, sports, and video games, among others. Certain apps and TVs compensate for latency differently, though.
A bit more latency is present via Optical than with an ARC connection. As a result, you may notice your audio and visuals are slightly out of sync. Luckily, you can use the companion app to manually adjust for delay. Some apps and TVs also compensate for latency differently as well.
Without a Full HDMI In port, you can't use the bar for video passthrough to your TV.
The bar has incredible wireless playback support. You can wirelessly stream audio to the bar from your mobile devices over various connections, including Chromecast built-in, which was added with a firmware update in March, 2022.
The bar has a strip of light that flashes different patterns and colors depending on the settings you adjust. If you turn up the volume, it lights up to the right and fades to the left, and if you turn down the volume, it does the opposite. While the display isn't very intuitive, you can learn the different patterns using the manual.
On top of the bar, there are two touch-sensitive buttons. You can use the 'Microphone Off' button to disable voice assistants, and the 'Action' button lets you manually activate voice assistants and silence alarms and timers. The 'Action' button doesn't activate the voice assistant while the microphone is off.
The remote is pretty simple and lets you control some functions like volume and change the input. However, you have to use the Bose Music app to access some of its additional features, like if you want to connect the bar to other compatible speakers in your house.
There's built-in voice assistant support, and you can even mute the microphone if you don't want them to listen to you. According to the manufacturer, its Voice4Video technology lets you use Alexa to control your TV, cable, or satellite box with your voice.