Bose Smart Soundbar 300 Review
Getting the best speaker to go with your TV is almost a requirement because the sound system that comes with the TV is almost always disappointing.
What most TV makers forget is that a stunning display needs a great sound system as well. Otherwise, watching a movie or playing a video game will have you constantly adjusting the sound and bass.
So why rely on weak speakers when you can opt for a great soundbar to go with your home entertainment system? Connecting them to other devices is also much easier, and you can alternate between using the soundbar for the TV or your laptop or mobile.
This review is for the Bose Smart Soundbar 300, the latest addition to Bose’s entertainment range. We will be checking out the features, design, build quality, and see how it holds up.
Where to Buy?
| Seller | Price |
|---|---|
| Amazon | Check Price |
Design and Build
Out of the box, the device looks beautiful. You would usually expect a sound system to be huge and clunky, but Bose has prioritized size and design with the Soundbar 300. Fitted with 2 class D amps and a frequency crossover amp, this device can deliver sound that is unexpected from a device of this size.
The speaker measures around 2.25 inches tall and 27.5 inches wide, which is compact and discreet. And when we say discreet, we mean you can fit this under any TV, and it won’t look out of place.
If you want to mount it on the wall, that is also possible with an additional wall bracket that can be bought with it. Carrying it is also no big deal since the speaker weighs about 7 pounds (less than 2 kilograms).
Design-wise, the Soundbar 300 goes for a minimalist look, with a flat top with no physical buttons, instead utilizing two touch-sensitive buttons (we’ll talk about this later in the review).
The speaker is made out of plastic and metal, but the build quality is superb. A metal grille covers the front and sides of the speaker, complimenting the design and protecting it from dust and bugs.
Setting up the Speaker
If you think setting up this speaker is going to be a hassle, fret not. The Bose Soundbar 300 has a straightforward installation method. You can simply plug it into your Display device via an optical cable (which is provided in the box) or an HDMI cable.
If you want to connect the speaker to your phone, simply download the Bose Soundapp and connect the Soundbar 300 to your wi-fi. From there, connecting devices is a breeze.
The Sound
The most important feature of any speaker, the sound, is the first thing we’re going to talk about. And it is fantastic. Bose maintains their high standard of quality music and volume with the Soundbar 300, and here’s why.
The device has multiple built-in drivers, and comparing it to the audio system of the TV is a one-sided battle. The device performs stunningly.
The soundbar is powerful enough to completely fill small to medium-sized rooms with sound without sacrificing clarity. Even if the device is a 2.0 speaker, you will be satisfied with the quality of sound.
Where vocals are important, this device has unparalleled results. The clarity in dialogue is notable when you’re watching a sports event or a movie where you can’t miss what the person just said. The NFL has this device as its official soundbar, and you can clearly hear the announcers over the general commotion of the stadium.
The EQ presets on the device are great and provide a balanced sound that isn’t too bassy and is generally compatible with a wide range of music and TV content. You can also adjust the bass and treble with the Bose Soundapp, which is a nice little feature not usually found in soundbars.
The only thing worth noting is the bass. Although the device delivers pretty good bass, it isn’t extreme. If you want a bass that shakes the whole room, get a Bose subwoofer with it, and you’ll see the difference. However, for smaller rooms, there’s no need to upgrade.
Sound wise; you’ll feel as if you’re right there in the thick of things, whether it’s a football match or an action movie. The clarity in dialogue, compiled with the loud but clear sound, is a winning combination.
Accessibility
The Bose Soundbar 300 has a variety of connection ports on the back, allowing for easy access.
There is a power port and an optical port, which you can use to connect to your TV. An HDMI port is also available for computers or older TVs.
The speaker’s front has two discreet lights on the top left corner, which lets you see whether the device is in setup mode, recovery mode, or absence of an internet connection. The other light shows whether the voice assistant is running or not.
The two touch buttons located on the top of the speaker allow you to turn the microphone on and off and activate the voice assistant. You can also use the voice assistant button to stop alarms or timers.
The Bose Soundapp allows you to connect the speakers with other Bose wireless speakers as well. Keep in mind that the device doesn’t come with a dedicated sub-woofer. You can buy one from Bose’s line of subwoofers to make it a complete surround sound system. We’d recommend getting a Bass Module 500 or a Bass Module 700.
You can also connect the device to select Bose headphones for when you want to have an isolated listening experience. Considering this device’s size, it’ll go great in your bedroom, and the features it has really make the soundbar outshine the competition.
Connecting the speaker with Voice assistants is also extremely easy. The device is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and the best part is that you can control the TV’s functions with voice control as well. This is because Bose’s Voice4Video technology lets the device control some TV functions as well.
The mic reception on the soundbar is excellent. You can give commands from across the room without any issue, even if the speaker is playing at a loud volume.
App Compatibility
The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 offers a variety of compatible music apps. Users can enjoy music from Apple Music, Deezer, Pandora, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and SiriusXM.
The user experience might not be fluid, though. You have to use each app’s own interface if you want to make playlists, and you can only save six presets of playlists and albums on the device.
The Remote Control
The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 comes with a slim and handy remote, which lets you control the device to some extent. You can control power, change the volume, play & pause music, and select the source. You can toggle between music, TV, and Bluetooth.
The rubberized material of the remote makes it easy to handle and use.
A great feature of the remote is that you can pair the power control with that of the TV and a cable box, which allows you to turn all three devices on/off together.
Price
The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is the most affordable of the Soundbar rage and offers almost all the features in the more expensive Soundbar 500 and Soundbar 700.
Sure, you get more customization options with more expensive products, like the Sonos Arc, but that’s the point. They’re expensive. In comparison, the Bose Soundbar 300 is very affordable.
That being said, it is a premium-priced product. But the value for money is great, and you can check the price on Amazon or Bose’s official website.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Beautiful and minimalist design
- Very compact
- Not that expensive compared to competitors
- Sound is exceptional
- Easy connectivity with devices
- Can be paired with Bose wireless speakers
Cons
- No Support for Dolby Atmos
- Can’t connect all 3rd party headphones
- Bass isn’t house shaking
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the Bose Smart Soundbar 300 will satisfy you with great value for money. The difference in sound quality is notable from the moment you plug it in, and the connectivity features it offers are extremely convenient.
Connect it with your phone when you want to stream your music, or connect it with other speakers if you want to listen to music throughout the house. The Bose SimpleSync feature is also great for when you want to listen to music and not disturb anyone else. Plus, the ability to control TV functions is an added bonus.
Although the device doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, you don’t really need it to. This is more than enough for bedrooms, and pairing it with a subwoofer will make this device unstoppable. With a great price tag and a sleek design, you won’t be disappointed with this purchase.
