Bose’s new speaker faces off with Sonos – but not how you might think

In a market where most smart speakers have already claimed loyal fans, Bose’s Lifestyle Ultra lineup dares to be different. Instead of trapping users in a single walled garden, Bose embraces openness—letting you connect via phone, tablet, or laptop with ease. Need Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, or Alexa? You’re covered. While the price tag runs $50 to $100 more than rivals, Bose makes a case for itself with superior sound and unmatched flexibility.

Sound That Fills the Room—With a Little Extra

The design is sleek, modern, and built for performance. Inside, you’ll find three speakers: two firing forward for direct audio, and one angled upward to widen the soundstage—though it’s no substitute for a full surround-sound rig. Crank it up, and the bass thumps hard, while highs stay crisp. Tweak the settings in Bose’s app, and even at max volume, the sound smooths out beautifully—rivaling the warmth and balance of the Sonos Era 100.

The Ultimate Flexibility Champion

What truly sets this speaker apart is its ecosystem-agnostic design. Bose has always resisted forcing users into one system, and that philosophy shines here. Need to sync with a Sonos speaker in another room? The app handles it. Want to plug in an old-school turntable? A 3.5mm jack has you covered. Pair two of these, and you’ve got a mini stereo setup—or even rear channels for your TV.

The Only Downside? Voice Control Isn’t All-Inclusive

Right now, Alexa is the only voice assistant supported in the U.S. If you’re deep in the Google Assistant or Siri ecosystem, that’s a limitation. Cheaper options like the Sonos Era 100 or a basic HomePod exist, but they often come with trade-offs—locked ecosystems, fewer connection choices, or weaker sound adaptability.

The Verdict? Worth the Premium for the Right User

For those tired of battling incompatible systems, Bose’s open approach might just be the solution. The extra cost? A small price for freedom.