Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar vs Sonos Beam Ultra

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar compared with Beam Ultra
BoseLifestyle Ultra SoundbarSonosBeam Ultra
Overview
ReleasedMay 2026September 2026
Sound
TypeSoundbarSoundbar
Channels5.1.27.1.2
Dolby AtmosYesYes
DriversSix full-range drivers (two up-firing, four front-facing), a centre tweeter and two PhaseGuide drivers; CleanBass with a QuietPort openingFive tweeters (one forward-firing centre, two side-firing horn-loaded and two upward-firing directional horn tweeters); four low-profile woofers
Amplifiers–Nine Class-D digital amplifiers
Audio formatsDolby Atmos; TrueSpatial processing for other contentStereo PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and Atmos over Dolby Digital Plus; Dolby TrueHD, Atmos over TrueHD and multichannel PCM require eARC. Maker lists DTS Digital Surround with a note that this does not indicate a licensed decoder; no DTS:X (What Hi-Fi and TechRadar)
Room tuningCustomTune room calibration (formerly ADAPTiQ) with an iOS or Android phone; SpeechClarity AI dialogue enhancement; EQ, surround and height levels in the Bose appTrueplay room calibration compatible with iOS and Android; four levels of AI Speech Enhancement, Night Sound, adjustable bass/treble/loudness and simulated overhead sound for obstructed top placement
Connections
Wi-FiYesYes
BluetoothYesYes
AirPlayYesYes
HDMI eARCYesYes
Voice assistantsAlexaSonos Voice Control
Wi-Fi–Wi-Fi 6; 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax on 2.4 or 5 GHz
BluetoothBluetooth 5.3 and Bluetooth Low EnergyBluetooth 5.3 audio streaming
PortsHDMI eARC (ARC also supported)HDMI eARC/ARC; USB-C supports line-in with Sonos Line-In Adapter or line-in and Ethernet with Sonos Combo Adapter; adapters sold separately. Optical adapter sold separately
StreamingApple AirPlay 2; Google Cast; Spotify Connect; BluetoothSonos app services, Spotify and TIDAL direct control, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth and Dolby Atmos Music
Multi-roomGroups through AirPlay or the Google Home app; add the Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer (wireless or wired) or a Bass Module 700 (wired) and two Lifestyle Ultra Speakers for 7.1.4Sonos multi-room playback; optional compatible subwoofer and rear surrounds, including pairs of Sonos Play or Move 2; TV Audio Swap to compatible Sonos headphones
AppBose app; works with a compatible TV remoteSonos app; Wi-Fi internet connection and mains power required
Design
Weight6.5 kg2.88 kg (better)
ControlsTouch buttons on topCapacitive playback, volume, voice and grouping controls; Bluetooth pairing button; physical microphone-power switch; compatible TV remote control
Microphones–Far-field array with beamforming and multichannel echo cancellation for voice control, Trueplay and portable-surround setup
MountingBose Soundbar Wall Bracket sold separatelyFurniture placement or optional Beam Ultra Wall Mount; maker lists M5 × 0.8 mm thread pitch, L6.5 mm
Size2.648 × 43.283 × 4.922 in (H × W × D); 14.330 lb65 mm high, 750 mm wide, 105 mm deep
ColoursBlack, White SmokeBlack, White
In the boxLifestyle Ultra Soundbar, power cable, HDMI cable, quick start guideBeam Ultra, 2 m power cable, 1.5 m HDMI cable, setup and warranty documentation

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