Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker: Stereo Pair Offers Superior Sound

Bose is introducing its latest multiroom wireless audio system with the new Lifestyle Collection, featuring the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker. This new line aims to compete with established players like Sonos by adopting a more open ecosystem. Unlike previous Bose multiroom offerings that relied heavily on a proprietary app, the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker and its accompanying soundbar and subwoofer integrate with Google Cast and Apple AirPlay. This allows them to seamlessly connect with other compatible wireless speakers already in a user's home.

The Lifestyle Ultra Speaker itself, priced at $299, measures 7.3 by 4.8 by 6.6 inches and weighs 3.7 pounds. It incorporates Bose's signature "direct reflecting" technology with a height driver, designed to add sonic presence. While it functions as a standalone unit, this driver can act as an Atmos channel when the speaker is paired with the Ultra Soundbar as a rear channel. The speaker also supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, though it requires a constant power connection, ruling out portable use. A 3.5mm auxiliary input is also included, enabling connection to wired audio sources like turntables.

Enhanced Audio Through Stereo Pairing

During testing, the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker performed well as a single unit, capable of filling smaller rooms with sound. However, Bose strongly recommends purchasing a stereo pair, and the reviewer found this to be a significant upgrade. A pair of Lifestyle Ultra Speakers offers a noticeably more impressive audio experience, with a richer soundstage and better separation. When bought as a stereo set, consumers also benefit from a $70 discount, making the pair a more attractive proposition.

Setup for the Lifestyle Ultra system is managed through the Bose app, available for both iOS and Android. The process was described as straightforward, with initial prompts guiding users to specify whether the speaker would function as a standalone unit, part of a stereo pair, or as rear-channel speakers. The only notable delay encountered was a software update that took approximately 10 minutes per speaker. Once configured, the speakers were tested in various room sizes, with placement about 1 to 3 feet from walls proving optimal for sound quality.

The Lifestyle Ultra Speaker includes onboard playback controls, including pause/play and volume buttons, along with a microphone mute switch. However, most users are likely to control playback via smartphone apps, such as Spotify, which supports Spotify Connect, or through voice commands via Amazon Alexa. The reviewer noted that while phone volume buttons can trigger an on-screen slider, direct volume control through the phone's native buttons was not supported, a minor inconvenience compared to the overall user experience.

In terms of audio performance, the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker draws comparisons to the Sonos Era 100. The Bose unit offers tighter, punchier bass with greater definition compared to the Era 100's warmer, heavier bass response. The Lifestyle Ultra Speaker also boasts a slightly wider and taller soundstage, attributed to its height driver. While both speakers allow for EQ adjustments via their respective apps, the Bose unit supports up to 24bit/48kHz CD-quality audio, downsampling higher rates. This is a step up from older Bose Wi-Fi speakers, providing refined sound that is pleasant across various music genres.

When compared to the more expensive Sonos Era 300, the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker stands out as a compelling option, especially when purchased as a stereo pair. While the Era 300 offers superior standalone performance with deeper bass and higher volume, two Lifestyle Ultra Speakers provide excellent stereo separation at a competitive price point. This makes the Bose pair a strong contender for small to medium living rooms seeking immersive audio without the premium cost of higher-end models.

The Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker represents a significant advancement in Bose's Wi-Fi speaker offerings, delivering richer sound and more refined bass. While dedicated wired bookshelf speakers might offer comparable audio fidelity, they lack the smart features and multiroom capabilities of the Lifestyle Ultra. The integration with Google Cast and Apple AirPlay, alongside voice assistant support, positions the Bose speaker as an attractive alternative in the competitive smart speaker market. For users seeking a high-quality, compact wireless speaker, the recommendation remains to invest in a stereo pair for the most impactful listening experience.