Close Menu
stereoguide.com
  • Home
  • Bluetooth Speakers
    • Home/Indoor
    • Mobile/Outdoor
    • Stereo Speaker Sets
    • Bluetooth Speaker Ranking
  • Headphones
    • In-Ears
    • On-Ear/Over-Ear
    • Noise-Cancelling
    • True Wireless
    • Gaming Headsets
    • Mobile headphone DACs
    • Home headphone amplifiers
    • Mobile digital audio players
    • Headphones Ranking
  • Hi-Fi
    • WIFI Onebox
    • WIFI Stereo
    • Soundbars
    • Subwoofers
    • Turntables
    • Hi-Fi Ranking
  • Car-Hi-Fi
    • Car Hi-Fi reviews
    • Car-Hi-Fi reports
    • Car Hi-Fi Ranking
  • Guides
    • News
    • Buying Guides
    • Technology
    • Acoustics
    • Streaming
  • About us
    • Our approach
    • About us
  • English
    • German
Facebook Instagram RSS YouTube TikTok
YouTube Facebook Instagram TikTok LinkedIn
stereoguide.com
  • Home
  • Bluetooth Speakers
    • Home/Indoor
    • Mobile/Outdoor
    • Stereo Speaker Sets
    • Bluetooth Speaker Ranking
  • Headphones
    • In-Ears
    • On-Ear/Over-Ear
    • Noise-Cancelling
    • True Wireless
    • Gaming Headsets
    • Mobile headphone DACs
    • Home headphone amplifiers
    • Mobile digital audio players
    • Headphones Ranking
  • Hi-Fi
    • WIFI Onebox
    • WIFI Stereo
    • Soundbars
    • Subwoofers
    • Turntables
    • Hi-Fi Ranking
  • Car-Hi-Fi
    • Car Hi-Fi reviews
    • Car-Hi-Fi reports
    • Car Hi-Fi Ranking
  • Guides
    • News
    • Buying Guides
    • Technology
    • Acoustics
    • Streaming
  • About us
    • Our approach
    • About us
  • English
    • German
stereoguide.com
Home » Hi-Fi » Soundbars » Bose Smart Soundbar 600 review
Soundbars

Bose Smart Soundbar 600 review

As cheap Dolby Atmos can be: Can that really be from Bose?
Stefan SchickedanzStefan Schickedanz20. April 2023
Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Email
JBL One App for JBL Bar 1300 review. (Photo: Stefan Schickedanz)
Bose Smart Soundbar 600 finds an inconspicuous place on a lowboard under a flatscreen. (Photo: Stefan Schickedanz)

STEREO GUIDE test verdict

87%
87%

The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is capable of Dolby Atmos. It showed many strengths in the review. Only the 3D sound fell short of expectations.

Pros
  1. balanced sound tuning with good speech intelligibility, fine highs and rich bass
  2. Controllable via app and infrared remote control and HDMI-eArc
  3. Bluetooth connectivity, subwoofer output and possibility for wireless rear speakers
Cons
  1. 3D effect of Dolby Atmos barely perceptible
  2. Bass clipping at higher listening volume makes sound seem shrill
  • Sound: Tonal balance / Transparency
    8.2
  • Sound: Bass / Dynamics
    8.1
  • Sound: Spatial imaging
    8.2
  • Ease-of-use / Connectivity
    9.5
  • Price/Performance
    9.5

As a reviewer, it is not often that Bose acts as a price breaker in an innovative segment. But in the case of soundbars with Dolby Atmos integration, that is indeed the case. While the competition in the 500-euro class is just capable of virtual Atmos and a bit of stereo base width expansion, the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is equipped with real upfiring speakers and three discrete channels in front and on both sides. But that’s not all: Buy matching rear speakers*(Bose Surround Speaker 700*) and subwoofers – Bose Bass Module 700* or Bose Bass Module 500* – and connect them wirelessly. However, the price then increases from a low 550 Euros to around three times that amount. For that, you get a JBL Bar 1300 set that is just as fully equipped, which we last tested. We therefore first test the Bose soundbar as a one-box system.

But the Bose bar has another strength in comparison: It is extraordinarily compact and flat for an Atmos soundbar with discrete immersive channels. It is less than 70 centimeters wide and just 5.5 centimeters high. It does not get more inconspicuous on a designer lowboard in front of the TV mounted on the wall.

Advertising
Bose Smart Soundbar 600, Black Bundle with Wireless Surround Speakers (Pair), Bass Module 500
Bose Smart Soundbar 600, Black Bundle with Wireless Surround Speakers (Pair), Bass Module 500
Bose Smart Soundbar 600, Black Bundle with Wireless Surround Speakers (Pair), Bass Module 500
Auf Lager
as of 13. May 2025 00:57
Amazon.com
Bose Smart Soundbar 600, Black with Wireless Surround Speakers (Pair)
Bose Smart Soundbar 600, Black with Wireless Surround Speakers (Pair)
Bose Smart Soundbar 600, Black with Wireless Surround Speakers (Pair)
898,00 €
Auf Lager
as of 13. May 2025 00:57
Amazon.com
Bose Smart Soundbar 600, Black with Bass Module 500
Bose Smart Soundbar 600, Black with Bass Module 500
Bose Smart Soundbar 600, Black with Bass Module 500
998,00 €
Auf Lager
as of 13. May 2025 00:57
Amazon.com
Bose Smart Soundbar 600 with Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth Wireless Sound Bar for TV with Build-In Microphone and Alexa Voice Control, Black
Bose Smart Soundbar 600 with Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth Wireless Sound Bar for TV with Build-In Microphone and Alexa Voice Control, Black
Bose Smart Soundbar 600 with Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth Wireless Sound Bar for TV with Build-In Microphone and Alexa Voice Control, Black
310,79 €
Auf Lager
as of 13. May 2025 00:57
Amazon.com
For links on this page, STEREO GUIDE may receive a commission from the merchant. This applies, for example, to those marked with *.

This is how the five channels of the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 work

There it is also acoustically ideal, because both to the side and upwards the individual transducers want to have some air to unfold. However, Bose also offers a wall mount* for the Smart Soundbar 600. For this use, the developers have included a special equalization in the Bose Music app, which we will talk about in more detail below. And it should definitely be activated then.

A total of five active, individually controlled transducers are hidden inside the compact bar. Two approximately oval full-range speakers radiate to the left and right sides. They are thus supposed to provide an appropriate spatial representation even with music. An additional, smaller tweeter aims right at the listener from the center of the soundbar and improves both voice intelligibility and the localization of dialogue taking place on the flat screen.

Two more full-range drivers sit on top of the cabinet, behind a demonstrative grille facing upward. They are supposed to provide the Atmos sound in indirect mode. As usual, Bose is silent about the wattage of the five integrated power amplifiers in the Soundbar 600. But such sales-promoting performance specifications are also irrelevant for normal users.

The dream of space: stereo becomes truespace

When stereo or normal surround material is played, a Bose proprietary blowup algorithm creates an Atmos-like 3D soundfield. Bose calls this Truespace, and we are particularly curious to see what it is capable of producing in terms of room imaging with stereo music in the listening test.

Two very long, winding bass reflex channels are supposed to give the Bose Soundbar 600 convincing low bass even without subwoofer support. They end at the back of the case, so we would really recommend a little distance in all directions around the bar.

Bose Smart Soundbar 600 review: The flat device on a lowboard in front of a flatscreen seen from above.
The two full-range speakers for the Atmos height channels are hidden under the grill on the top of the Bose Smart Soundbar 600. (Photo: Stefan Schickedanz)
Bose Smart Soundbar 600 review: The flat device on a lowboard in front of a flatscreen seen from behind with its connections.
The connection field on the back provides an HDMI-eARC port, but no inputs for analog audio signals. (Photo: Stefan Schickedanz)

Connections and codecs

The Bose Soundbar 600 is also surprisingly modern in terms of connectivity: It communicates with the TV via the HDMI-eARC port and decodes Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus as well as Dolby Digital streams.

Additionally, there is an optical digital input for streamers, CD players and older TVs. However, the Bose soundbar does not have an analog input. The two jack sockets are reserved for an external infrared command receiver and as a subwoofer connection.

After all, the Soundbar 600 can be easily connected via WLAN into the home network and understands all major wireless streaming protocols: Besides Airplay 2 and Spotify Connect, as well as Google Chromecast and Bluetooth 4.2. Amazon Alexa can be used for voice control with the Bose Bar, as long as you have a corresponding account and link it to the home theater speaker in the Bose app.

Alexa relies on Bose’s own array of multiple microphones to improve speech intelligibility. The Bose Voice4Video function can even be used to control the most important basic functions of the connected TV or set-top box via voice commands. The use of Google Assistant is also possible, but only when a corresponding smart Google device is integrated in the network.

Bose Smart Soundbar 600 review: Screenshot of the Bose Music App.
With the Bose Music App, the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 can be integrated into multi-room systems. (Photo: Raphael Vogt)
Bose Smart Soundbar 600 review: Screenshot of the sound settings in the Bose Music app.
Sound settings in the Bose Music app. (Photo: Raphael Vogt)
Bose Smart Soundbar 600 review: The standard infrared remote control in use.
The included infrared remote control proved to be more practical than the Bose Music app for frequently used functions like volume control. (Photo: Stefan Schickedanz)

Remote control or app?

Bose also grants the user freedom of choice in terms of control. An infrared remote control is included with the soundbar. It can only be used to control the basic functions such as volume, mute and source selection. However, it absolutely does its job as a replacement for the app or the HDMI ARC control with the remote control of the connected flat-screen TV.

In Bluetooth operation, the small credit card remote can even provide simple playback control of the wirelessly connected audio source. However, the most important functions can also be set on the touch surfaces on the soundbar itself. It is a pity that the small LEDs for visual feedback cannot be seen from many angles. And even if you catch a glimpse from the front in the direct top view, question marks remain without an instruction manual, what the TV speaker wants to tell you with that?

Practical app for easy customization of the soundbar

Bose has cleverly integrated the user manual directly into the corresponding app. We already know the free Bose Music app for iOS and Android from various other products, but it can only be used after registering with the manufacturer. It seems interesting mainly because of its grouping feature called SimpleSync. With it, you can quite easily integrate the Soundbar 600 with Bluetooth speakers from Bose into a kind of simple multi-room environment. However, all grouped Bluetooth speakers then play the same music synchronously, as with PartyBoost from JBL or the stack function from Marshall. If you expect real multi-room audio with different music in different rooms, you have to set up and control different listening zones via WLAN with the Music App.

The app plays a central role in the Smart Soundbar 600 right from the start: It does not make a sound without initial setup via the app. The app also provides useful functions for acoustic adaptation to the respective application. In addition to the already mentioned wall EQ function for wall mounting and near-wall placement, there are also bass and treble controls. The latter should not be confused with the “Height Channel” control. This is because it adjusts the level of the upward-facing effect speakers of the Height channels of Dolby Atmos. As for time delays between picture and sound, there is a lip-sync function here.

This is how much Atmos the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 does

If you equate Atmos with atmosphere, then the Bose bar does a good job. Even the initial check with a voice switching back and forth between the individual channels showed: A wide soundstage that goes a good bit beyond the limitations of the almost 70 cm wide soundbar on each side succeeds very convincingly. But we can’t report a tangible height difference in the reproduction any more than we can report a rear localization of the surround channels.

Who is more likely to reach the limit? The neighbor and the soundbar?

After all, the sound detached very well from the inconspicuous black casing of the TV sound system in the first run-through with music recordings in stereo. Tonally, the Smart Soundbar 600 follows the line of the house: Voices sounded full-bodied and clearly articulated, the trebles blended in harmoniously and unspectacularly. The bass was impressive for the size of the speaker – at least at room volume. However, anyone who overdoes it by turning up the volume, which is likely to lead to problems with the neighbors in normal residential buildings, will upset this well-dosed balance. The DSP chip inside the Smart Soundbar then limits the bass until drums only make a “pop” instead of a “thump”. The whole sound balance then tips into the aggressive with pointed voice reproduction.

Of course, a large, albeit acoustically optimized listening room like the one at the esteemed LowBeats colleague Raphael Vogt certainly represents the worst case for a bar like the Bose in terms of size – and at the same time the best case in terms of freedom to turn it up at will. If you stay within the limits of what is possible for normal people in normal living rooms, you might be amazed especially by the volume and the bass response. The subtlety and resolution of the overtones, such as those of cymbals, also need not hide for the moderate price of the Soundbar 600. So especially rock music with acoustic drums was really fun, especially since the punch of the bass drum was right.

Movie Fun for the Living Room

You will certainly reach the limits of the compact Bose sound system faster in movie playback. Those who like it bloodcurdling might already consider the costs of a subwoofer extension during the title sequence of the new Top Gun rehash, which is underpinned with fat synthesizer basses. However, the Bose solution does a good job of enhancing a flat-screen sound at room volume.

The unconventional concept with a central tweeter and the broadband drivers radiating to the sides, however, leads to a peculiarity, which, apart from sensitive reviewer’s ears, might not be noticed by all users: Dialogues in the center of the screen – i.e. from the center – sound more direct, sharper focused and better locatable than the diffuse sound cloud around it.

The Bose also fails to locate phantom sound sources from above or behind the seats when playing movies and music tracks in Dolby Atmos. The impression with the channel test disc held out by colleague Vogt is thus confirmed in practice, as expected. However, the multitude of channels and Bose’s tricky surround sound algorithms at least manage to conceal the comparably small dimensions of the soundbar case. The fact that the Smart Soundbar 600 doesn’t grant much transparency due to the automatic selection of sound formats and that attentive listeners can sometimes catch it pumping in the dynamics is collateral damage that such a concept brings with it.

Test conclusion and alternatives to the Bose Smart Soundbar 600

In the illustrious circle of smart soundbars with voice control and Dolby Atmos playback, Bose launches a real special offer with the 600. The advantages are considerable simplicity of use despite the inherently complex functions and the variety of formats. The surcharge to the popular Bose Solo 5 TV sound system is worth it for any reasonably ambitious user, if only because of the much larger connection and expansion options. As with the Sonos Beam 2 in the same price range, you should not expect too much from the Atmos support. Whether 2D or 3D sound makes practically no difference in the spacious but diffuse imaging. In this respect, you should not be put off by the fact that the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 does not support the DTS:X format.

Specifications Bose Smart Soundbar 600

  • Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: 500 $
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 69.5 x 5.6 x 10.4 cm
  • Weight: 3.1 kg
  • Features: HDMI-eARC, Dolby Atmos with discrete treble speakers, Chromecast, Alexa Built-in, supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus formats.
  • More at www.bose.com
  • JBL Bar 1300 review with Dolby Atmos
  • Bose Home Speaker 500 review
  • Bose Portable Smart Speaker review
  • Bose Home Speaker 300 review
  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review
AirPlay Amazon Alexa App Control Black Bluetooth Bose Chromecast Dolby Atmos HDMI eARC Microphone
Stefan Schickedanz, STEREO GUIDE
Stefan Schickedanz
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • X (Twitter)
  • LinkedIn

The founder and editor in chief of STEREO GUIDE has been testing for over three decades as a hi-fi expert for print and online magazines such as AUDIO, stereoplay, LowBeats or FAZ Kaufkompass. In addition to cultivated music playback, he likes fast cars - including classic cars - with rich sound. He also reports regularly on this topic, not least on this platform.

Related Posts

Sharp presents the new Sharp Q soundbars with Dolby Atmos

Bars under the picture for better sound

Sharp presents the new Sharp Q soundbars with Dolby Atmos

Harman Kardon Enchant series presented at the CES

Soundbars with sound and sustainability claims

Harman Kardon Enchant series presented at the CES

Sonos Arc Ultra with Sonos Sub 4 review

Two of a kind

Sonos Arc Ultra with Sonos Sub 4 review

Review: Amazon Fire TV soundbar with HDMI ARC and Bluetooth

That's what we call a bar-gain

Review: Amazon Fire TV soundbar with HDMI ARC and Bluetooth

Advertisement
Werbebanner Audio Reference Velodyne
Most viewed Articles

Edifier M60 review: desktop speaker with Bluetooth

Small wonder: tiny sound sensation for the desk

Edifier M60 review: desktop speaker with Bluetooth

Despite their tiny size, the Edifier M60s offer a great sound. However, one small flaw prevents them from being used as a hi-fi system.

The best Bluetooth speakers for outdoors

Outdoor sound for camping, hiking, beach or party

The best Bluetooth speakers for outdoors

Waterproof, shockproof, loud: What makes outdoor boxes stand out? In the test, we found the best outdoor Bluetooth speakers from 35 to 450 euros.

Klipsch The One Plus review

Retro speaker with PC connection

Klipsch The One Plus review

The Klipsch The One Plus is aimed at the small, select circle of retro Bluetooth speakers. It is technically at the forefront with a USB socket for PCs.

Harman Kardon Luna review

Counterpart to the JBL Flip 6 in fine twine

Harman Kardon Luna review

The Harman Kardon Luna is a successful combination of stylish design and outstanding sound quality. It is a JBL Flip in elegant.

JBL PartyBox Stage 320: Review of the 240-watt Bluetooth speaker

Bluetooth with bass guarantee

JBL PartyBox Stage 320: Review of the 240-watt Bluetooth speaker

The JBL PartyBox Stage 320 comes with upgrades such as a rechargeable battery and Auracast for wireless speaker chains. In the review, it offered plenty of bass.

Qobuz Playlists by STEREO GUIDE
Latest Articles

Econik unveils reference box ELEVEN at High End 2025

Attack on the upper class

Econik unveils reference box ELEVEN at High End 2025

Volvo EX90 review with Bowers & Wilkins and Dolby Atmos

Spacious wonder with up to seven seats and Dolby Atmos 3D sound

Volvo EX90 review with Bowers & Wilkins and Dolby Atmos

Edifier D32 review

Classic design meets modern hi-res sound

Edifier D32 review

STEREO GUIDE HIGH END 2025 Reference Playlist

Listening comparisons with our selected test tracks

STEREO GUIDE HIGH END 2025 Reference Playlist

The best Bluetooth speakers for outdoors

Outdoor sound for camping, hiking, beach or party

The best Bluetooth speakers for outdoors

STEREO GUIDE – The Hi-Fi Magazine
STEREO GUIDE – The Hi-Fi Magazine

Here on STEREO GUIDE – the online hi-fi-magazine – you will find profound and independent coverage on bluetooth speakers, headphones, home-hifi gear and in-car entertainment reviewed by experienced journalists. Our authors have one thing in common: expertise and a lot of listening experience both in terms of live concerts and state-of-the-art audio systems.

  • Home
  • Data protection
  • Imprint
© 2025 Stereo Guide

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Manage cookie consent
We use cookies to optimize our website and service.
Functional Always active
Technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the lawful purpose of enabling the use of a particular service expressly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a message over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access used solely for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, the voluntary consent of your Internet service provider, or additional records from third parties, the information stored or accessed for this purpose alone generally cannot be used to identify you.
Marketing
Technical storage or access is necessary to create user profiles, to send advertisements, or to track the user on a website or across multiple websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
Settings
{title} {title} {title}