The new Bose Lifestyle Ultra smart speaker offers unexpectedly full sound for its compact footprint, but reviewers say you’ll get the most bang for your buck by buying two. Designed to sit alongside the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar and Ultra Subwoofer, the single-channel Lifestyle Ultra is intended for flexible use in multiroom setups and as part of stereo configurations.
What it is and how it fits
Priced at $299 for a single speaker, the Lifestyle Ultra is part of Bose’s broader Lifestyle Collection that also includes a $1,099 soundbar and an $899 subwoofer. Unlike some previous Bose Wi‑Fi products, the new model relies on open streaming standards: it supports Google Cast, Apple AirPlay and Bluetooth, and comes with built‑in Amazon Alexa voice support and touch controls on the unit. That approach lets it mingle with other Cast‑capable speakers rather than being tied to a proprietary app ecosystem.
Design and performance highlights
The speaker is compact — measuring approximately 7.3 by 4.8 by 6.6 inches and weighing about 3.7 pounds — yet it delivers sound that reviewers describe as larger than its size suggests. Bose positions it as a bookshelf or small-room wireless speaker that can be used alone, paired as a stereo set, or assigned as rear channels when combined with the Lifestyle soundbar.
- Connectivity: Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth
- Voice assistant: Amazon Alexa enabled
- Controls: Physical touch controls on the speaker
- Use cases: Standalone, stereo pair, or rear speakers with the soundbar
Trade-offs and buying advice
There are a few caveats. The Lifestyle Ultra range is not backward compatible with older Bose Wi‑Fi speakers, and at launch it does not natively support high‑resolution 24‑bit/192kHz audio. The single speaker costs more than some direct rivals — notably Sonos’s Era 100 — but Bose offers a modest incentive for those who purchase a pair: a $70 discount when buying a stereo set.
Reviewers conclude that while the Lifestyle Ultra is a solid, attractively designed compact speaker with excellent sound for its size, it is markedly more impressive as a stereo pair. If you want a single, versatile speaker for a small space and value ease of integration with other Cast or AirPlay devices, it’s a good option. If your priority is the widest possible soundstage and stereo imaging, plan to buy two.
| Model | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Lifestyle Ultra Speaker | $299 |
| Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar | $1,099 |
| Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer | $899 |
For shoppers weighing Bose against competitors, the key considerations are ecosystem and priorities: the Lifestyle Ultra embraces open streaming standards rather than a closed app, but lacks compatibility with older Bose Wi‑Fi hardware. Price and high‑res support may sway audiophiles toward other options, while buyers after compact design, Alexa support and flexible multiroom use will find the Ultra compelling — especially in stereo.
