Comparing both soundbars, the Arc Ultra is larger and measures 117.8 cm in width and 7.5 cm in height, while the Smart Ultra is more compact at 104.5 cm wide and 5.8 cm tall, which may suit setups with limited space. In terms of audio performance, the Sonos Arc Ultra features a 9.1.4 channel configuration with a newly designed ‘Sound Motion’ woofer, aiming to deliver a more immersive Dolby Atmos experience.
The Bose Smart Ultra, with its 5.1.2 setup, utilizes Bose’s PhaseGuide technology to create a spacious soundstage and incorporates AI Dialogue Mode to enhance speech clarity. Connectivity-wise, both soundbars offer HDMI eARC and Wi-Fi capabilities; however, the Arc Ultra includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, providing more advanced wireless options compared to the Smart Ultra’s Bluetooth 5.0. Additionally, the Arc Ultra supports Trueplay tuning for both iOS and Android devices, whereas the Smart Ultra employs Bose’s ADAPTiQ calibration system.
Specs Comparison
The Arc Ultra’s larger size accommodates a 9.1.4 channel configuration with 14 drivers, including seven tweeters, six midrange drivers, and a ‘Sound Motion’ woofer, aiming to deliver a more immersive Dolby Atmos experience. On the other hand, the Bose Smart Ultra employs a 5.1.2 setup with nine drivers, utilizing Bose’s PhaseGuide technology to create a spacious soundstage and incorporating AI Dialogue Mode for enhanced speech clarity.
In terms of connectivity, both soundbars offer HDMI eARC and Wi-Fi capabilities. The Arc Ultra supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, providing advanced wireless options, while the Smart Ultra includes Bluetooth 5.0. Both devices support voice assistants; the Arc Ultra integrates with Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, whereas the Smart Ultra offers built-in Alexa and compatibility with Google Assistant. Additionally, the Arc Ultra supports Trueplay tuning for both iOS and Android devices, allowing for room calibration, while the Smart Ultra employs Bose’s ADAPTiQ calibration system.
Table Comparison
| Feature | Sonos Arc Ultra | Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar |
| Audio Channels | 9.1.4 | 5.1.2 |
| Amplifiers | 15 Class-D digital amplifiers | Not specified |
| Drivers | 14 drivers: 7 tweeters, 6 midrange drivers, 1 built-in subwoofer | 9 drivers: 2 up-firing dipole transducers, 4 racetrack drivers, 1 center tweeter, 2 PhaseGuide tweeters |
| Power Output | Not specified | Not specified |
| Frequency Response | Enhanced bass with double the output at 50Hz compared to previous models | Not specified |
| Connectivity | HDMI eARC 2.1, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, Apple AirPlay 2 | HDMI eARC, Optical input, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.0, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control | Amazon Alexa built-in, Works with Google Assistant |
| Sound Calibration | Trueplay tuning (available for iOS and Android devices) | ADAPTiQ audio calibration system |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 117.8 x 7.5 x 11.06 cm | 104.5 x 5.8 x 10.7 cm |
| Weight | 5.9 kg | 5.8 kg |
| Power Consumption (Idle) | 4.6 Watts | Not specified |
Sound Comparison
The Sonos Arc Ultra and the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar gave me two very different audio experiences when I watched Dune 2 and Top Gun: Maverick. The Arc Ultra uses a 9.1.4 setup with 14 drivers, including a built-in subwoofer, and I felt that this wider channel layout helped the audio wrap around me more completely. During the desert sequences in Dune 2, the low-end rumble had more weight and the layered sound effects felt richer [especially with sandstorms and off-screen movements]. Dialogue remained clear even when the soundtrack got intense and the overall spatial depth felt precise without being overly processed, especially when watching Paul Atreides’s iconic speech to the fremen in Dune 2.
Switching to the Bose Smart Ultra, I noticed some subtle differences in how it handled the same material. The Bose uses a 5.1.2 configuration with its own spatial tricks like PhaseGuide and AI Dialogue Mode. During Top Gun: Maverick, the soundstage felt narrower but focused. Dialogue was really sharp—even at lower volumes—and jets flying across the screen still had a sense of movement though the height channels felt less convincing compared to the Arc Ultra. The bass response was solid but not as immersive as what I heard from the Sonos. I didn’t feel the same floor vibration during action-heavy moments and the atmosphere wasn’t quite as detailed in quiet scenes.
When I compared both with the lights off and volume up, I kept leaning toward the Arc Ultra for the fuller, more dimensional presentation. I think that has a lot to do with its driver count and that dedicated low-end channel built right into the bar. The Bose delivered clean and reliable audio that worked well for casual viewing or dialogue-heavy content but personally I would go with the Arc Ultra for movies. It just gave me a better sense of space and scale which made everything feel a little more cinematic in my living room.
Design Comparison
The Sonos Arc Ultra has a minimalist design with a seamless, cylindrical shape that spans approximately 117.8 cm in width, 7.5 cm in height, and 11.1 cm in depth, weighing around 5.9 kg. Its exterior is enveloped in a matte finish with a perforated grille that wraps around the entire body, giving it a sleek and unobtrusive appearance. The touch-sensitive controls are subtly integrated on an upward-facing panel at the rear, maintaining the clean lines of the design. I found that this positioning of controls, while aesthetically pleasing, required a slight reach when the soundbar was placed under the TV. The build feels solid and durable, reflecting Sonos’s commitment to quality materials and construction.
In contrast, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is slightly more sleek and compact, measuring about 104.5 cm in width, 5.8 cm in height, and 10.7 cm in depth, with a weight of approximately 5.8 kg. The combination of a tempered glass top and a metal grille on the front gives it a premium look and feel. However, I noticed that the glass surface is prone to fingerprints, which required regular cleaning to maintain its pristine appearance. The touch controls are conveniently located on the top panel, providing easy access for adjustments. The overall build quality is excellent, with tight seams and a sturdy construction that exudes durability.
In my setup, the Sonos Arc Ultra’s larger dimensions made it more prominent beneath the TV, which could be a consideration for those with limited space. The Bose Smart Ultra’s more compact size allowed it to fit more discreetly into my entertainment area. Both soundbars exhibit high-quality craftsmanship, but the choice between them may come down to personal preference regarding design aesthetics and the specific spatial constraints of one’s living room.
The Verdict?
I think the Sonos Arc Ultra offers a more immersive and well-rounded experience—especially when it comes to watching movies or playing spatial audio content. The 9.1.4 channel setup with 14 drivers [including a built-in subwoofer] gave me a fuller soundstage and stronger low-end response, which really brought action-heavy films like Dune to life. The clarity in dialogue and the sense of depth during quieter scenes also felt a bit more refined, especially with the broader driver layout and Trueplay tuning [which I appreciated as an Android user]. In comparison, the Bose Smart Ultra’s 5.1.2 setup was still solid and had good focus on dialogue with AI Dialogue Mode, but the spatial effects weren’t quite as convincing, and the bass didn’t carry the same weight.
Design-wise, both are well-built and look great in a modern setup, though I preferred the Sonos Arc Ultra’s matte finish over the glass top on the Bose, which showed fingerprints easily. The Bose is more compact, which might be helpful for tighter spaces, but personally I would go with the Arc Ultra for its overall performance and more forward-thinking connectivity [like Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6]. At this price point I would say that theSonos Arc Ultra delivers more value for what you get in return. It just gave me a more immersive and enjoyable experience in my living room especially for home theater setups.