The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a standalone 5.0.2 setup with a premium design. Unlike its predecessor, the Bose Smart Soundbar 700, it supports Dolby Atmos content, often found on different streaming platforms. It uses the manufacturer's PhaseGuide technology to beam sound throughout your room to create a wide, immersive soundstage, and you can even upgrade it with a separate subwoofer and satellites as the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module for a more immersive experience. Like most premium bars, there's also a room correction feature on hand to optimize audio based on your room's unique acoustics, which Bose calls ADAPTiQ.
Our Verdict
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is good for mixed usage. Thanks to its room correction feature, it can automatically optimize audio reproduction based on your space. It has a neutral sound profile suitable for many types of audio content. It supports Dolby Atmos and surround content, too. Unfortunately, it doesn't reproduce a very extended low-bass, so you don't feel the deep thump and rumble in action-packed movies or bass-heavy music. However, you can always add a sub and satellites to improve the performance.
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Bass and treble adjustments.
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Gets loud.
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Supports Dolby Atmos content.
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Lacks low-bass.
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Mediocre surrounds performance.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is good for dialogue-centric content like TV shows and podcasts. Thanks to its discrete center channel, it accurately localizes dialogue to a pinpoint location in the sound image. Its balanced mid-range reproduces voice clearly and with detail, too. There's even a dialogue enhancement mode to make voices more crisp. Unfortunately, it lacks an auto-volume mode, so you can't balance the volume level across different programs like with other premium bars.
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Dialogue enhancement mode.
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Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2 support.
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No auto-volume mode.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is good for music. Its room correction feature, which Bose calls ADAPTiQ, automatically optimizes audio reproduction based on the room you're in. It has a neutral, balanced sound profile that's suitable for many different music genres. You can customize its sound using its bass and treble adjustments, but it lacks a full EQ to customize across the range. You also don't get a very extended low-bass on its own, though you can add a subwoofer separately if you wish.
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Bass and treble adjustments.
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Gets loud.
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Lacks low-bass.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is satisfactory for movies. Its balanced mid-range reproduces dialogue clearly, but it struggles to reproduce the thumpy, rumbling low-bass in action-packed scenes. It supports Dolby Atmos content. It also uses side-firing speakers to represent objects when watching surround sound content, but this doesn't seem as immersive as a soundbar with a discrete setup. You can always add on separate rears if you want better surround sound.
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Bass and treble adjustments.
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Supports Dolby Atmos content.
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Lacks low-bass.
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Mediocre surrounds performance.
- Mixed Usage
- Dialogue/TV Shows
- Music
- Movies
- Updated May 05, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.2. Updated the results for audio format support via ARC/eARC, HDMI In, and Optical. Added Video Passthrough to TV results as well.
- Updated Mar 08, 2023: Added cable lengths to In The Box.
- Updated Mar 06, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.1. With this update, we've added a Mounting test and added information aboutSubwoofer Output, Spotify Connect, and Microphone Mute.
- Updated Nov 30, 2022: Added market comparison with the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus to Height (Atmos).
- Updated Oct 19, 2022: Updated the text of the review for clarity. No changes in results.
- Updated Mar 10, 2022: Firmware update adds Chromecast built-in support.
- Updated Oct 12, 2021: Updated DTS Support from 'Yes' to 'No'.
- Updated Oct 08, 2021: Review published.
- Updated Oct 06, 2021: Early access published.
- Updated Sep 29, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Sep 27, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Sep 03, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The bar comes in two different colors: 'Black' and 'White'. We tested the 'Black' variant, and you can see the label for the model we tested here. However, we expect both variants to perform similarly.
This review isn't valid for the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module full setup.
If you come across another version, please let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Soundbars
The Bose Soundbar 900 is a 5.0.2 setup with built-in voice assistant support. Unlike the Bose Smart Soundbar 700, it supports Dolby Atmos content. While it struggles to reproduce a thumpy low-bass, you can upgrade it to the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module.
See also our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, and the best soundbars with subwoofer.
The Sonos Arc and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 are both premium standalone setups that support Dolby Atmos content. Their performances are similar overall. The Sonos supports DTS content, unlike the Bose, and it has a few more sound enhancement features like auto-volume mode. The Bose is better built, with more wireless playback options.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a bit better for mixed usage than the Sony HT-A7000. The Bose has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It also gets louder, albeit with more compression at max volume. However, only the Sony soundbar supports DTS content and has a Full HDMI In port.
The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The JBL comes with a dedicated sub and satellites. It has a better surrounds performance and reproduces a more extended low-bass. That said, the Bose is better built, with built-in voice assistant capabilities. You can also upgrade it with a Bose Bass Module and Surround Speakers for better performance.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the Sony HT-A5000. The Bose is a better-built setup with better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances. However, only the Sony has DTS support and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the Sonos Beam. It's better built, and it has a better surrounds performance. Unlike the Sonos soundbar, it also supports Dolby Atmos content. The Sonos is still a solid choice for dialogue-centric content like TV shows. It also has a more compact design, which some users may prefer.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 and the Klipsch Cinema 1200 are two very different soundbars. The Klipsch is a 5.1.4 setup with a dedicated sub and satellites. As a result, it can reproduce a more extended low-bass right out of the box and has a better surround performance. However, the Bose is a standalone 5.0.2 setup with better build quality. Its Atmos and soundstage performances are better, too. You can also upgrade it with a dedicated sub and satellites if you want to improve its bass reproduction and its surround performance, respectively.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the Sony HT-A9. The Bose is better built and gets louder. It also has a better center channel performance. However, the Sony soundbar has a better soundstage. Unlike the Bose, it comes with a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a better standalone bar than the Bose TV Speaker. The 900 is a premium 5.0.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content and has better soundstage, center, and surround performances. Also, it gets louder than the TV Speaker. If you're low on space, the TV Speaker's more compact design is a better fit. It's still a fair choice for listening to vocal-centric audio like TV shows.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a bit better than the Bose Smart Soundbar 700. The 900 has a better surrounds performance, and unlike the 700, it supports Dolby Atmos content. That said, the 700 has a better-balanced stereo frequency response.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a better Dolby Atmos soundbar than the Bose Smart Soundbar 600. The 900 is a better-built 5.0.2 setup that's larger and gets louder than the 600. Plus, it offers a better soundstage with stereo content, meaning you get a more cinematic sound that stretches all around you.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 and the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus are premium Dolby Atmos soundbars. The Bose's sound quality is superior, as it has a better soundstage that creates a more immersive listening experience. It's especially noticeable with Atmos content. However, it can't do video passthrough like the Sennheiser since it lacks an HDMI In port.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The full setup has a dedicated subwoofer and satellites to improve its performance. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass than the standalone bar and has better surround and soundstage performances. That said, if you don't have a lot of space, the standalone bar is still a really good choice.
The Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Sonos full setup has a dedicated sub that helps it reproduce a more extended low-bass. It also comes with satellites and more sound enhancement features. Its surround performance is better, too. That said, the Bose has more wireless playback options. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites for better performance.
The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 are both versatile standalone soundbars. Thanks to its sub, which is integrated into the bar, the Sennheiser reproduces a more extended low-bass. It also has more sound enhancement features like a graphic EQ and presets, though this may not be worth the value for some users. The Bose is also better built, with built-in voice assistant support. It also has a better soundstage.
The standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is marginally better for mixed usage than the Sonos Beam (Gen 2). The Bose is a 5.0.2 setup that's bigger and can get louder. It also has a better Atmos performance, and it supports more wireless playback options like Bluetooth. If you want a standalone bar that takes up less space, the Sonos is still a solid choice.
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 and the Bose Smart Soundbar are both premium standalone setups, but the Bose is better overall. It has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. Also, there are more sound enhancement features on hand. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites down the line, unlike the B&W.
The Sony HT-A7000 with Speakers + Bass Module and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 are both premium setups with versatile overall performances. The Sony's full setup comes with a subwoofer and satellites. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass and has a better surrounds performance. Also, there are two Full HDMI In ports for high-quality passthrough. That said, the standalone Bose takes up less space. It has better Atmos and soundstage performances and gets louder with less compression at max volume. You can upgrade it with a sub and satellites down the line if you want.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 700 with Speakers + Bass Module is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The 700 full setup has a dedicated sub, which helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. It also comes with satellites and has better soundstage and surround performances. That said, only the 900 supports Dolby Atmos content. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites for better performance.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the Bose Smart Soundbar 300. The 900 is a 5.0.2 setup that's better built. It has better soundstage and surround performances, and unlike the 300, it supports Dolby Atmos content.
The Samsung HW-Q900A is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Samsung is a 7.1.2 setup with a dedicated sub that helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. It offers more sound enhancement features, and it gets louder. Unlike the Bose, it supports DTS content and has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. That said, the Bose is better built with a better soundstage. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites for better performance.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better for mixed usage than the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage. The Bose is a 5.0.2 setup that's better built with built-in voice assistant support. It also has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. The Bang & Olufsen can reproduce a slightly more extended low-bass. It also has a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization, unlike the Bose.
The Samsung HW-Q800A is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Samsung soundbar has a dedicated sub that helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. It comes with more sound enhancement features like a graphic EQ. Unlike the Bose, it has DTS support and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. The Bose is better built with better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites for better performance.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the Denon Home Sound Bar 550. The Bose is a better-built setup with better soundstage, center, and surround performances. It gets louder with less compression at max volume, too. That said, it doesn't support DTS content like the Denon.
The standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the Harman/Kardon Enchant 1300. The Bose is better built. Unlike the Harman/Kardon, it supports Dolby Atmos content and offers built-in voice assistant capabilities. That said, only the Harman/Kardon has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. It also has a few more sound enhancement features, like EQ presets.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Klipsch Cinema 800 or the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Klipsch is a 3.1 setup that comes with a dedicated subwoofer. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass, and unlike the Bose, it has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. The 5.0.2 Bose is better built with better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It also has built-in voice assistant capabilities, and you can even upgrade it with a sub and satellites.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the Bose Soundbar 500. The 900 is a 7.1.4 setup that's better built. Unlike the 500, it supports Dolby Atmos content. It also gets louder, and it has better soundstage and surround performances.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the Devialet Dione for most uses. The Bose is a 5.0.2 setup that doesn't reproduce as much low-bass as the Devialet, but since you can add on a separate sub as well as rear speakers, it's more flexible overall. Also, the Bose has better soundstage and surrounds performances, as well as more enhancement features to help you customize its sound. There are also built-in voice assistant capabilities, which the Devialet lacks.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround. The Bose is a better-built 5.0.2 setup with Dolby Atmos support, and has better soundstage, center, and surround performances. Unlike the JBL, it also has built-in voice assistant support. While the JBL's dedicated sub helps it to reproduce a more extended low-bass than the Bose, you can always upgrade the Bose with a separate sub down the line.
The standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a bit better for mixed usage than the Sony HT-Z9F. The Bose is better built and has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. The Sony has DTS support and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough, unlike the Bose.
The standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam. The Bose is a 5.0.2 setup that's better built. It also has better soundstage and Atmos performances. You can even upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you want. However, only the JBL comes with a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough.
The LG SN9YG is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The LG comes with a dedicated sub and reproduces a more extended low-bass. Unlike the Bose, it has DTS support and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. There are also more sound enhancement features, such as EQ presets. The Bose is better built with better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. You can also upgrade it with a dedicated sub and satellites for better performance.
The LG SP9YA is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The LG has a dedicated sub, which helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. It has more sound enhancement features, too. Unlike the Bose, it has DTS support and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. The Bose is better built with better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites for better performance.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer the Vizio M Series M512a-H6 or the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Vizio comes with a sub and satellites, and unlike the Bose, it even has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. It also offers a better surrounds performance. However, the Bose is better built with a better Atmos performance. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you prefer.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the LG S90QY. The Bose is a standalone bar; however, it has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It can't reproduce as much low-bass as the LG, which comes with a dedicated sub, but you can always add one on if you want to improve bass reproduction. The LG has some additional sound enhancement features, like EQ presets, but Bose's out-of-the-box sound is impressive without any tweaks.
The Samsung HW-Q80R is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Samsung is a 5.1.2 setup with a dedicated subwoofer that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It gets louder with less compression at max volume and comes with a graphic EQ and presets. That said, the better-built Bose has better soundstage and surround performances. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you prefer.
The Vizio Elevate is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900 for most uses. The Vizio is a 5.1.4 setup with a dedicated sub and satellites. It has a better surrounds performance and comes with some more sound enhancement features like EQ presets. It has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough, unlike the Bose. However, the 5.0.2 Bose is better built with built-in voice assistant capabilities. It offers very impressive performance for a standalone bar, and you can even upgrade it with a sub and satellites.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 or the Samsung HW-Q600A. The Bose is a standalone 5.0.2 setup that's better built. It has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. You can even upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you want. However, if you want a bar with a dedicated sub included, the Samsung soundbar is a better choice. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass than the Bose.
The Sony HT-ST5000 is a bit better for mixed usage than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Sony is a 7.1.2 setup with a dedicated sub that reproduces a more extended low-bass. Unlike the Bose, it has DTS support and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. The 5.0.2 Bose has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites for better performance.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer the Klipsch Cinema 600 or the Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Bose is better built and more suited for watching movies. It has better soundstage and surround performances, and unlike the Klipsch, it supports Atmos content. It also has built-in voice assistant support, and you can upgrade it with a sub and satellites. However, the Klipsch soundbar's sub helps to reproduce a more extended low-bass, and it's still a solid choice for dialogue-centric content like TV shows.
The LG SN10YG is better than the Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The LG is a 5.1.2 setup with a dedicated sub included. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass and has more sound enhancement features like EQ presets. Unlike the Bose, it has DTS support and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. The 5.0.2 Bose is better built with better soundstage and surround performances. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites sold separately.
The Samsung HW-Q90R and the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900 both perform well. The Samsung is a 7.1.4 setup that comes with a subwoofer and satellites. It gets louder, and it can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It also has a better surrounds performance. Unlike the Bose, it comes with a graphic EQ and presets as well as a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. That said, the Bose is better built and performs well for a standalone bar. It has a better soundstage, and it also comes with room correction. You can even upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you want.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a better standalone option than the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar. The Bose is a better-built 5.0.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content and has better soundstage and surround performances. Also, it comes with HDMI connections, unlike the Bowers & Wilkins.
The LG SP11RA is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The LG comes with a dedicated sub and reproduces a more extended low-bass. Unlike the Bose, it has satellites, DTS support, and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. There are also more sound enhancement features like EQ presets. That said, the Bose is better built with a better soundstage. You can also upgrade it with a dedicated sub and satellites for better performance.
The Samsung HW-Q950A is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Samsung is an 11.1.4 setup with a dedicated sub and satellites. It gets louder, and it reproduces a more extended low-bass. It also has a better surrounds performance. Unlike the Bose, it has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough as well as a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization. That said, the 5.0.2 Bose is better built with a better soundstage. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites for better performance.
The Samsung HW-Q850A and the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900 are very different setups. The Samsung is a 7.1.2 setup with a dedicated sub and satellites. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass and has a better surrounds performance. Some users may prefer the Bose's standalone design, which you can also upgrade with a separate sub and satellites down the line. The Bose is better built and has better center and soundstage performances.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer the Samsung HW-Q700A or the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Samsung is a 3.1 setup with a dedicated sub that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It has some more sound enhancement features, like a graphic EQ, and supports DTS content. However, the 5.0.2 Bose is better built with better soundstage and surround performances. It can get louder, and you can upgrade it with a sub and satellites, sold separately.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch or the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Bose offers impressive performance for a standalone bar, and it's better built with a better soundstage. It also has a better-balanced sound profile out-of-the-box, which some users may prefer. However, the Nakamichi is suitable for users with a lot of space in their setup. It comes with four satellites and two subs and has better surround and Atmos performances.
The LG SN11RG is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The LG has a dedicated sub and satellites included and can reproduce a more extended low-bass. There are some more sound enhancement features, like EQ presets, as well as a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. However, if you want a standalone bar, the Bose is a solid choice. It's better built with a better soundstage, and you can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites sold separately.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is better than the Sony HT-G700. The Bose is a better-built 5.0.2 setup with a standalone design. It has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It also gets louder with less compression at max volume. Unfortunately, it doesn't have DTS support like the Sony soundbar.
The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup with a dedicated sub and satellites. It reproduces a more extended low-bass, and it gets louder. Also, it has a better surrounds performance. Unlike the Bose, it has DTS support and a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough, as well as a graphic EQ. That said, the Bose is better built with a better soundstage. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites for better performance.
The Samsung HW-Q900T and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 are both very premium setups, so depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. The Samsung is a 7.1.2 setup with a dedicated subwoofer that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It gets louder with a bit less compression at max volume. However, the standalone Bose is better built and has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you want.
Video
Test Results
The bar has a sleek, simple design. It has a glass plate on top of the bar, giving it a more premium look. Metal grilles cover the front and the up-firing speakers on the top.
This setup is compatible with Bose Surround Speakers, which you can purchase separately.
This wide soundbar doesn't fit between the legs of a 55" TV. That said, it isn't very tall, so it won't block your TV screen unless your TV sits flush on the table.
The bar has excellent build quality. It's made of high-quality plastic with metal grilles on the sides of the bar to help protect the drivers inside. You can even find rubber feet on the bottom of the bar to help hold it in place. There's also a glass plate on top, which gives it a very premium feel.
- Manuals
- ADAPTIQ headset (cable length: 23 ft / 7m)
- Remote
- Batteries (2x AAA)
- Power cable (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
- HDMI cable (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
- Optical cable (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
The Bose Soundbar 900 has a satisfactory stereo frequency response. Thanks to its room correction feature, which Bose calls ADAPTiQ, you can optimize its audio reproduction based on your room's unique acoustic characteristics. With this feature on, the bar has a pretty balanced sound profile, especially in the mids, where most vocals and lead instruments reproduce. You get a little extra punch in the bass range to help bring bass-heavy music to life. Overall, it's suitable for listening to many different types of audio content, with clear dialogue in TV shows and movies as well as detailed voices and instruments in your favorite music. That said, your seat doesn't shake in action-packed scenes—as with most standalone bars, it lacks an extended low-bass. You can always add on the separate subwoofer to get more bass.
If you prefer a more balanced sound profile, we recommend using this soundbar with its default settings.
Its stereo soundstage is great. Its soundstage is perceived to be very wide, and sound seems to reach the room's side walls. However, this can sound a bit unnatural and overdone. Unfortunately, its focus is mediocre, so instruments in the mix seem to come from a more general area rather than a pinpoint location in the space around you. For a setup with a better soundstage, see the Sony HT-A9.
It has very good stereo dynamics. This soundbar gets loud enough to fill up a large room or a crowded party. However, there's some compression when you push it to max volume, meaning you notice some pumping artifacts when you crank up the volume.
The Bose Soundbar 900 has a satisfactory stereo THD performance. At a normal listening volume, it falls within good limits, meaning audio reproduction is clean and pure. However, there's a jump in THD when you push the bar to max volume, especially in the mid-range. It's not very noticeable with real-life content, though, so it's not an issue unless you're an astute audiophile.
It has an excellent center channel performance. Thanks to its 5.0.2 setup, it has a discrete center channel to more accurately localize dialogue to a pinpoint location in the sound image, improving the overall vocal clarity. This channel's frequency response is very even, too, especially in the mids, where most voices reproduce. As a result, you don't have any trouble following the action on your screen.
The Bose Soundbar 900 has a mediocre surround performance. It doesn't have discrete surround speakers, so it uses side-firing and up-firing drivers in the bar itself to ricochet sound around your room. It attempts to simulate sound effects in the space around you, but it doesn't perform as well as a discrete setup would. Audio tends to be focused in the space in front of you rather than stretching all around you. However, you can buy separate satellites if you want to improve its surround sound, which is handy.
Unlike the Bose Smart Soundbar 700, this bar supports Dolby Atmos content. It has two up-firing drivers built into the bar that bounce sound off the ceiling and back down toward you to create the illusion of height. It isn't quite as immersive-sounding as the discrete localization provided by home theater setups, but it's a similar setup to other Dolby Atmos soundbars. Overall, sound effects are clear and detailed, and there's a little extra rumble due to the bass-heavy sound profile on these channels.
Subjectively, the bar can reproduce a wide soundstage that makes it seem like the action on screen is happening around you. Cars seem to race past you in chase scenes, and drones feel like they're flying from overhead, replicating more height than with other standalone Atmos setups like the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus. That said, the bar's performance isn't quite as accurate as the full setup with speakers and a subwoofer— you can tell that the bar tries to achieve spatial wideness and height, but it's a bit exaggerated. Still, compared to other standalone bars, it offers a really impressive sound.
The Bose Soundbar 900 has a few sound enhancement features. You don't get an EQ, so you can only customize it with its included bass and treble adjustments. On the upside, there's a room correction feature called ADAPTiQ, which adjusts the bar's audio based on the unique layout of your living room.
The Bose Soundbar 900 has a limited selection of physical inputs. There's an ARC port, meaning you can connect it to your TV. Also, you can find an 'ADAPTiQ' port for the headset included so you can listen in while calibrating the bar to your room's unique acoustics. However, it lacks a Full HDMI In port, so you can't use it as a hub between different devices.
The Bose Soundbar 900 has amazing audio format support via ARC. It supports common surround sound formats like Dolby Digital, which you can usually find on streaming platforms. Also, it supports object-based and lossless formats like Atmos and Dolby TrueHD. If you want a bar that supports DTS content, check out the Sony HT-A5000.
For a soundbar with a Full HDMI In port, check out the Sony HT-A7000.
It also supports Dolby Digital via Optical, commonly found on lots of different streaming platforms. Unfortunately, the bar downmixes DTS content into 2.0 PCM.
It has a great latency performance. It has fairly low latency via ARC and Optical, so the audio you hear is in sync with the video you see on the screen. As a result, it's a great choice for watching movies, sports, and video games, among others. Certain apps and TVs compensate for latency differently, though, so your real-world experience can vary.
The bar has incredible wireless playback support. You can wirelessly stream audio to the bar from your mobile devices over various connections, including Chromecast built-in, which was added with a firmware update in March of 2022. The manufacturer also says that it supports Spotify Connect.
The bar has a strip of light that flashes different patterns and colors depending on the settings you adjust. If you turn up the volume, it lights up at the right and fades to the left, and if you turn down the volume, it does the opposite. While the display isn't very intuitive, you can learn the different patterns using the manual.
On top of the bar, there are two touch-sensitive buttons. You can use the 'Microphone Off' button to disable voice assistants, and the 'Action' button lets you manually activate voice assistants and silence alarms and timers. The 'Action' button doesn't activate the voice assistant while the microphone is off.
The remote is pretty simple and lets you control some functions like volume and change the input. However, you have to use the Bose Music app to access some of its additional features, like if you want to connect the bar to other compatible speakers in your house.
There's built-in voice assistant support, and you can even mute the microphone if you don't want them to listen to you. According to the manufacturer, its Voice4Video technology lets you use Alexa to control your TV, cable, or satellite box with your voice.