Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar vs Sonos Arc Ultra
Get the Sonos Arc Ultra. Unless you cast from Google apps or already have Bose speakers — then the Lifestyle Ultra.
Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar
Smooth, easy listening and a premium build, but reviewers split on its Atmos, and the Sonos Arc Ultra does more for the same money.
Sonos Arc Ultra
The best single soundbar: crisp dialogue, surprising bass and convincing Atmos from one box. No HDMI inputs and no DTS:X.
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They cost the same, and the Arc Ultra gives deeper bass, clearer voices and more convincing Atmos. The Bose is well made and easy to use, but reviewers split on its Atmos and it plays no DTS at all.
- —You want Bose, or already have Bose speakers.
- —You use Google Cast.
- —You like a simple app and a glass-and-fabric finish.
- —You want the most cinematic sound for the money.
- —You watch films with DTS soundtracks.
- —You have, or want, other Sonos speakers.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Premium glass-and-fabric build
- +Clear dialogue
- +AirPlay and Google Cast
- −No DTS of any kind.
- −One HDMI eARC port, no HDMI inputs and no optical port.
- −No remote in the box.
- −The glass top reflects the TV picture.
- +Very clear dialogue
- +Deep bass with no separate sub
- +Wide, high Atmos from one bar
- −One HDMI eARC port and no HDMI inputs, so consoles must plug into the TV.
- −No DTS:X, only basic DTS.
- −No remote in the box, and no Google Assistant.
- −The Sonos app has had bugs since its 2024 redesign.
Ready to choose?
- Is the Bose Lifestyle Ultra worth it?
- Is the Arc Ultra worth it?
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.