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Bose's Smart Ultra Soundbar has dropped to $679 from its usual $999 price, marking the lowest price we've seen on this so far, according to price trackers. PCMag rated the Smart Ultra "outstanding," noting that it delivers surprisingly immersive Dolby Atmos audio without requiring extra speakers.

The Smart Ultra uses a 5.1.2-channel design with nine drivers, including two upward-firing drivers that bounce sound off the ceiling to create height effects. In practice, that means movies, TV shows, and games feel larger and more spacious than they do through most single-bar setups. Bose also includes its AdaptiQ room-calibration system, which measures your room's acoustics and adjusts the sound accordingly. The process takes a few minutes, but it helps the soundbar perform better across different spaces rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all tuning profile. The soundbar also works as a smart speaker, with Amazon Alexa built in and support for Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, and multi-room audio through the Bose app.

Its biggest compromise is bass—for a single soundbar, its low end is respectable, but it can't fully replace what a dedicated subwoofer brings to action movies, concerts, or bass-heavy music. The good news is that Bose allows you to expand the system later with compatible wireless subwoofers and surround speakers if you decide you want more impact. For anyone looking for a premium one-piece soundbar that delivers convincing Dolby Atmos effects, clear dialogue, built-in smart features, and a much larger soundstage than TV speakers can provide, the Smart Ultra remains one of the strongest standalone options available, especially at this price.