Upon its initial release last autumn, the Bose Smart Soundbar did not fare particularly well with critics, who pointed out that the enhancements were minimal given its elevated price point. However, with a current discount of $100, it’s time to reevaluate who might benefit from this soundbar. Now available for $399 (down from $499), this represents its lowest price yet, according to various price-monitoring services.

The Bose Smart Soundbar is positioned as an upgrade over the Bose Smart Soundbar 600, which previously set a high benchmark for soundbar quality. While Bose introduced this iteration with modern features, esteemed reviews, notably from PCMag, have indicated that the hardware remains relatively unchanged, casting doubt on the price hike. For those with the previous model, this new offering may not warrant an upgrade, even at the discounted price. Nonetheless, it is worth considering for anyone in search of a high-end soundbar that doesn’t necessarily rely on a separate subwoofer for a robust bass experience.

Premium soundbars like this one inherently produce bass without needing an external subwoofer; however, it’s essential to note that dedicated subwoofers still offer superior bass performance. This feature makes the soundbar suitable for smaller environments such as cozy bedrooms or compact apartments. Additionally, options for connection to external subwoofers and rear speakers are available. If you also possess the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, they can synchronize with the soundbar, acting as rear satellite speakers to construct a quasi-surround sound experience tailored for individual listening.

As suggested by the term “smart,” this soundbar features Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling users to stream media directly via AirPlay or Chromecast as long as they are connected to the same network. Furthermore, it doubles as a smart speaker with integrated Alexa capabilities. One of the standout features is its impressive instrument separation, complemented by the AI Dialogue Mode which enhances dialogue clarity. However, for those who can stretch their budget a bit further, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 holds the title of the top standalone soundbar currently available.