Bose’s new audio gear: a closer look at the Lifestyle Ultra lineup
Thu May 07 2026
Bose just rolled out three new audio devices under the Lifestyle Ultra banner, aiming to compete with top players like Sonos and Apple’s HomePod. The collection includes a compact speaker ($299), a soundbar with a built-in subwoofer ($1, 099), and a standalone woofer ($899). All three hit stores on May 15, but you can order them now. Unlike Apple’s approach, Bose lets these gadgets work alone or together, creating a flexible setup for any room.
The smallest device, the Ultra Speaker, packs three drivers—two front-facing and one up-firing—to spread sound evenly. It supports AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and even Alexa, so it fits smoothly into most smart homes. A unique bass port and CleanBass tech promise deep sound without distortion, even at high volumes. You can pair two speakers for stereo sound or mix them with other AirPlay 2 devices for whole-home audio. It comes in three colors, including a pricier driftwood option with a white oak base.
The soundbar is the real showstopper—a major redesign after more than a decade. It crams in nine drivers, including a dedicated tweeter for clearer dialogue and two special PhaseGuide drivers to widen the soundstage. Without extra speakers, it delivers a 5. 0. 2 Dolby Atmos setup. AI-powered tools like TrueSpatial and SpeechClarity tweak audio to match your room, while a smartphone-based calibration system fine-tunes the sound automatically. Its sleek glass top and touch controls give it a premium look, perfect for living rooms.
The woofer rounds out the system, pushing deep bass with a 10. 5-inch driver and the same CleanBass tech. Pair it with the soundbar and two rear speakers, and you get a full 7. 1. 4 home theater experience—all wirelessly. For those who don’t need the full setup, the soundbar and woofer alone make a solid 5. 1. 2 system. Its $899 price matches Sonos’ Sub 4, setting up a direct battle between the two brands.
For Apple users, the big selling point is AirPlay 2 support across all three devices. While the HomePod 2 is a strong choice within Apple’s ecosystem, Bose’s lineup offers more flexibility. You can mix and match speakers from different brands, avoiding a locked-in setup. It’s a smart move for anyone who wants high-end audio without giving up their existing gear.
