Does it produce real Dolby Atmos height sound?

It decodes Dolby Atmos and uses TrueSpatial and PhaseGuide processing to project height and width cues around the room. The effect is simulated from the bar rather than fired from dedicated overhead speakers, so it is convincing but not identical to a ceiling install.

Do I need the rear speakers and subwoofer?

The 5.1 designation comes from the bar paired with its subwoofer and rear speakers. Without them you get a strong Atmos bar, but not discrete surround channels behind you.

What inputs and streaming does it support?

HDMI ARC and eARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Spotify Connect and Google Cast. eARC is the one to use for lossless Atmos from a compatible TV.

Which voice assistant is built in?

Amazon Alexa is built in for voice control of playback and compatible smart devices. There is no Google Assistant or Siri on board.

How does CustomTune work?

It plays calibration tones and measures how they return to the bar, then adjusts EQ and spatial processing for the room and your seating position. Rerun it if you move the bar or furniture.

Can I add it to a multiroom system?

It streams over Wi-Fi and supports AirPlay and Google Cast, so it can join those ecosystems. It is not a Sonos speaker and does not join a Sonos group.

Where can I buy the Bose Lifestyle Ultra 5.1 Channel Wireless Soundbar?

17 stores we checked sell it, including FinanceMyCart, Greentoe, Amazon, Best Buy, Bose.

Bose Lifestyle Ultra 5.1 Channel Wireless Soundbar

Q: Where is the Bose Lifestyle Ultra 5.1 Channel Wireless Soundbar cheapest?

At Greentoe, for $273.40, 22% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

Best price now

$273.40at GreentoeChecked 2 h ago

22% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 17 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Greentoe

What reviewers say

Owners of Bose's Atmos bars generally praise the wide, room-filling presentation and the automatic calibration, and describe setup through the app as quick. Complaints tend to center on the app being needed for tuning and updates, and on simulated height effects that fall short of a true overhead speaker layout.

What people mention

SoundstagePraisedListeners say PhaseGuide and TrueSpatial make the bar sound wider than its cabinet.
BassPraisedCleanBass is described as deep but still controlled when the volume goes up.
SetupMixedThe Bose app makes configuration quick, but owners dislike needing it for tuning and firmware.
Height effectsMixedAtmos overhead cues are noticed but judged less precise than ceiling or up-firing speakers.
StreamingPraisedWi-Fi, AirPlay, Spotify and Cast connections are reported to work reliably.

About the Bose Lifestyle Ultra 5.1 Channel Wireless Soundbar

The Bose Lifestyle Ultra is a 5.1 channel wireless soundbar. It supports Dolby Atmos encoding and uses TrueSpatial Technology to create multi-channel sound. Bose PhaseGuide speakers project and reflect sound to fill the room.

CleanBass Technology delivers deeper bass that stays crisp at any volume. CustomTune Technology automatically adjusts the sound to the space and the soundbar's position.

Setup starts by plugging it in, and the Bose app guides the configuration. The app also provides software updates and new features. You can control playback by touch, by app or by voice with built-in Amazon Alexa.

Channels

5.1 channel

Audio format

Dolby Atmos

Sound technology

TrueSpatial, PhaseGuide speakers, CleanBass, CustomTune

Connectivity

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Spotify, Google Cast, HDMI ARC or eARC

Voice assistant

Built-in Amazon Alexa

Controls

Touch, Bose app, voice