Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar vs Bose Lifestyle 650

The Smart Ultra is the safer buy for most people today: a single bar with Dolby Atmos, A.I. Dialogue, a built-in subwoofer, Wi-Fi and voice control, and no separate receiver or rear speakers to place. The Lifestyle 650 is a true 5.1 system with a wireless subwoofer, four satellites, ADAPTiQ room calibration and 650 W, so it delivers real surround and deeper bass. Reviewers praise the 650's movie sound and style but report reliability problems and weak music and console performance, and it is now sold mainly used. Choose the Ultra for a clean, current setup; choose the 650 only if you want discrete surround and accept the risk of an older used system.

• Choose the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar if you want one bar with Dolby Atmos, clear dialogue, streaming and voice control, with no receiver or rear speakers to wire.
• Choose the Bose Lifestyle 650 if you want true 5.1 surround with a wireless subwoofer and rear satellites for movies and have room for the extra speakers.