Bose revives Lifestyle line with $299 Ultra speaker
The new wireless speaker joins a soundbar and subwoofer as Bose brings back its Lifestyle brand after retiring the line in 2022.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
Bose is bringing the Lifestyle name back to living rooms with a new $299 wireless speaker, according to Variety.
The Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is the flagship wireless speaker in the company’s revamped Lifestyle Collection. Best Buy is selling it in Black and White Smoke, and Variety reported that the product is currently marked as a bestseller at the retailer.
The launch also includes the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar and Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer. Variety reported that the return marks Bose’s first use of the Lifestyle branding since the company retired the line in 2022.
The pitch is modular: buyers can begin with one speaker, then build out a wider setup over time. According to Variety, Best Buy is also offering an exclusive bundle pairing the soundbar and subwoofer for $1,699, which the retailer lists as a $199 discount.
What the speaker does
The Lifestyle Ultra Speaker uses three drivers, including one that fires upward. Bose says that design is meant to create a higher, more enveloping sound field using its audio processing technology, described by Variety as TrueSpace or TrueSpatial.
Bose also says its CleanBass technology is designed to produce stronger low-end sound without adding a separate subwoofer. The speaker’s size is meant for spots such as a bookshelf, kitchen counter or side table, according to Variety.
Streaming is a big part of the package. The speaker supports Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect and Bluetooth, along with a 3.5mm auxiliary input, Variety reported.
That means owners can play audio from their chosen apps rather than depending only on Bose’s own software. Alexa voice control is built in, and Bose says the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is the first third-party speaker in the U.S. to ship with Amazon’s Alexa+ assistant.
Built to expand
The speaker can be used on its own or paired with a second Lifestyle Ultra Speaker for stereo playback, according to Variety.
Owners can also add the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar and Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer later. Variety reported that the system can scale from multi-room audio to a Dolby Atmos-ready 7.1.4 home theater configuration.
The updated Bose app handles setup and lets users group speakers in different rooms, according to Variety.
The design has also been refreshed. Variety described the speaker as having softer curves, fabric-covered grilles and premium finishes.
The Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is available through Best Buy for $299, with the larger Lifestyle Ultra system available through separate speaker, soundbar and subwoofer products.
This story draws on original reporting from Variety.