Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker Review: A Pair Is the Way to Go

Key Points:

• Bose's new Lifestyle Collection, including the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker, shifts from a proprietary app to using Google Cast and Apple AirPlay, allowing integration with other compatible wireless speakers and promoting a more open ecosystem.
• The Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is a compact, Alexa-enabled bookshelf speaker that performs best as a stereo pair, offering punchy, well-defined bass and a wider soundstage, though it lacks native support for Hi-Res 24-bit/192kHz audio.
• Setup via the Bose app is straightforward, with options for multiroom, stereo pairing, or rear-channel use, but software updates can be time-consuming; playback control is mainly through apps like Spotify or voice commands rather than direct phone volume buttons.
• Compared to the Sonos Era 100, the Bose Ultra sounds slightly better with tighter bass and a more expansive soundstage, though the higher-end Sonos Era 300 outperforms it in volume and bass for larger rooms; Bose's competitive edge lies in its open streaming protocols and attractive design.
• While Bose's Lifestyle Ultra offers improved sound over previous Bose Wi-Fi speakers and smart features, its limited initial lineup contrasts with Sonos's broader range, making it a compelling but somewhat pricier alternative, especially when purchased as a stereo pair.