The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is a compact yet powerful soundbar designed for those who want immersive, room-filling audio without the footprint of a full speaker system. With support for Dolby Atmos and Bose’s proprietary TrueSpace technology, it delivers a wide, multidimensional soundstage that rivals much larger and more expensive setups.
Sleek Design With a Cinematic Punch
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At just over two feet wide, the Soundbar 600 fits effortlessly under most TVs. Its minimalist black design with a perforated grille complements modern living rooms without drawing attention to itself. But don’t let the small size fool you—this speaker brings the thunder. It’s equipped with upward-firing transducers, which allow Atmos content to shine with genuine height effects, creating the illusion of sound coming from above.
The integration of a dedicated center channel enhances dialogue clarity, while Bose TrueSpace intelligently upmixes non-Atmos content to still feel immersive. Whether you’re watching an action-packed blockbuster or a quiet drama, the Soundbar 600 adapts and performs admirably.
New Firmware = Smarter Features
As of firmware v9.0.11 (released September 2024), the Soundbar 600 gained two notable upgrades:
- AI Dialogue Mode: Automatically enhances vocal frequencies during dialogue-heavy scenes, reducing the need to adjust volume between action and conversation.
- Personal Surround: When paired with Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, you can activate a private spatial audio mode—great for late-night viewing or immersive solo sessions.
These features were previously only available in Bose’s premium soundbar models, making this update a major win for current owners.
Smart Connectivity and Ecosystem Integration
The Soundbar 600 supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Google Chromecast, ensuring broad compatibility with your devices. It’s also voice assistant–ready with support for Google Assistant and Alexa, and works seamlessly with other Bose products for multi-room audio and expansion with wireless subwoofers or rear speakers.
The included Bose Music app simplifies setup, lets you adjust EQ settings, and is the portal for firmware updates.
User Experience & Firmware Caveats
While the feature update was well received, some users reported trouble updating the firmware—such as getting stuck in update loops or having difficulty entering service mode. Bose has since provided multiple update paths (automatic, in-app, USB, and Direct-IP), but it’s worth noting that users should monitor update status carefully. If your soundbar displays a scrolling white light for more than 20 minutes, the update may be stalled.
Feature Ratings (Out of 10)
| Feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| Sound Quality | 9.0 |
| Dialogue Clarity | 9.5 |
| Dolby Atmos Performance | 8.5 |
| Smart Features & AI Modes | 8.0 |
| Build & Design | 8.5 |
| App Experience & Controls | 7.5 |
| Update Process Reliability | 6.5 |
| Connectivity Options | 9.0 |
| Voice Assistant Integration | 8.5 |
| Value for Price | 8.5 |
Overall Score: 8.5 / 10
Final Thoughts
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 strikes a rare balance between size, sound quality, and smart functionality. With the recent firmware upgrades, it now punches even further above its weight class—delivering features that were once reserved for much more expensive models. While the update process has room for improvement, the end result is a stellar home audio solution for small- to medium-sized rooms. It’s ideal for anyone who values immersive sound, seamless smart features, and a clean, modern setup.
Key Takeaways
- The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 delivers immersive Dolby Atmos sound in a compact, space-saving design.
- Setup is straightforward with multiple connectivity options and compatibility with other Bose audio products.
- Smart features include voice control, Bluetooth connectivity, and TrueSpace technology for enhanced audio performance.
Design and Build Quality
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 features a sleek, compact design that maintains Bose’s reputation for quality construction. It strikes an excellent balance between size and performance while offering versatile placement options.
Material and Durability
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 showcases Bose’s commitment to premium build quality. It features a solid construction with a matte black finish that gives it a sophisticated appearance while helping it blend into most home entertainment setups. The soundbar has the same size and shape as the Bose Smart Soundbar 300, making it relatively compact compared to other Dolby Atmos-capable soundbars.
Despite its smaller footprint, the unit feels substantial and well-made. The exterior casing is robust, suggesting good durability for long-term use.
The control buttons are seamlessly integrated into the top surface, maintaining the soundbar’s clean lines. Connection ports are logically arranged on the back panel for easy access during setup.
Bose Soundbar Wall Bracket Compatibility
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 offers flexible placement options for optimal sound distribution. It can sit flat in front of a TV on an entertainment unit or be mounted directly on the wall below the television.
For wall mounting, the soundbar is compatible with the dedicated Bose Soundbar Wall Bracket, sold separately. This bracket provides a secure and clean installation that complements the soundbar’s minimalist design.
The mounting process is straightforward with the proper bracket. The soundbar’s lightweight yet sturdy build makes it suitable for wall mounting without concerns about stability. When mounted, the soundbar maintains a low profile against the wall, creating a streamlined appearance that works well with wall-mounted televisions.
Setup and Configuration
Setting up the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is straightforward with multiple connectivity options and audio calibration features that optimize sound for your specific room layout. The process involves a few key steps from unboxing to final audio tuning.
Unboxing and Initial Setup
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 comes with everything needed for a complete setup. In the box, users will find the soundbar, power cord, remote control, and necessary cables.
To begin setup, place the soundbar in front of the TV, either on a table or mounted on the wall using compatible brackets. Next, connect the power cord to the soundbar and plug it into a wall outlet.
The soundbar will automatically enter Setup mode when first powered on. At this point, users should download the Bose app on their smartphone or tablet. The app guides users through the rest of the setup process step by step.
The app will search for compatible products in Setup mode and connect to the Smart Soundbar 600. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial configuration.
Connectivity Options
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 offers multiple connectivity options for integration with various devices.
HDMI Connection: The preferred connection method is using an HDMI eARC cable between the soundbar and TV. This provides the best audio quality and enables TV remote control functionality.
Optical Connection: For TVs without HDMI eARC, the optical cable provides a reliable alternative connection method.
Wireless Connectivity: The soundbar supports several wireless protocols:
- Wi-Fi for network integration
- Bluetooth for direct streaming from mobile devices
- Spotify Connect for direct streaming
- Apple AirPlay 2 for Apple device connectivity
The Bose app manages all connection settings and allows users to switch between different audio sources easily. Users can connect multiple devices simultaneously and switch between them as needed.
ADAPTiQ Audio Calibration
ADAPTiQ Audio Calibration is a signature Bose technology that optimizes the soundbar’s audio performance based on room acoustics.
The calibration process uses the included ADAPTiQ headset that connects to the soundbar. Users wear this headset while the system plays a series of test tones at five different positions in the room.
To start calibration:
- Connect the ADAPTiQ headset to the soundbar
- Open the Bose app and select “ADAPTiQ” from the settings menu
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
The system measures how sound reflects off walls, furniture, and other surfaces. It then automatically adjusts audio settings to deliver optimal performance for the specific room layout.
This calibration makes significant improvements to clarity, bass response, and surround sound effects. Users can rerun the calibration anytime after rearranging furniture or moving the soundbar to a new location.
Sound Technology and Features
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 integrates several advanced audio technologies to deliver an immersive listening experience. At its core, the soundbar combines Dolby Atmos capabilities with Bose’s proprietary TrueSpace technology to create a multidimensional soundstage.
Bose TrueSpace Spatial Processing
Bose TrueSpace technology is a spatial processing system that enhances the audio experience by creating a more expansive soundstage. This proprietary technology analyzes and upmixes audio content, adding height effects to standard audio formats. The result is a more immersive experience even when playing non-Atmos content.
The system works by intelligently directing sound waves throughout the room, giving users the impression that audio is coming from multiple directions. This creates a more three-dimensional audio experience from a single soundbar.
TrueSpace works continuously in the background, analyzing incoming signals and optimizing them based on the content. Whether users are watching movies, sports, or listening to music, the technology automatically adjusts to provide the best possible spatial audio experience.
Dolby Atmos and Surround Sound
The Smart Soundbar 600 fully supports Dolby Atmos technology, which allows for object-based audio positioning. Unlike traditional channel-based audio, Atmos treats sounds as individual objects that can be precisely placed anywhere in a three-dimensional space.
To achieve this effect, the soundbar includes upward-firing speakers that bounce sound off the ceiling to create height channels. This arrangement allows users to experience overhead audio without installing ceiling speakers.
The soundbar’s PhaseGuide technology works alongside Atmos to direct sound to areas where there aren’t physical speakers. This creates the illusion of sound coming from places beyond the physical boundaries of the soundbar.
For those wanting to expand their system, the Smart Soundbar 600 can be paired with additional Bose speakers to create a true surround sound setup.
Audio Output and Quality
The Smart Soundbar 600 delivers impressive audio quality across various content types. Its balanced acoustic performance provides clear dialogue, rich bass, and detailed high frequencies.
For dialogue-heavy content, the soundbar features an A.I. Dialogue Mode that enhances speech clarity without requiring volume adjustments. This makes it easier to understand conversations in movies and TV shows, even during quiet listening sessions.
Audio specs:
- Multiple channels of audio output
- Custom-designed transducers
- Compact form factor with room-filling sound
- Compatible with various audio formats
The soundbar performs well at both low and high volumes, maintaining audio clarity throughout its range. This versatility makes it suitable for both casual TV watching and more immersive movie nights when higher volumes are desired.
Smart Features and Integration
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 combines powerful audio with innovative smart capabilities that integrate seamlessly into modern home entertainment systems. From voice control to multi-room audio, these features enhance the overall listening experience.
Voice Assistants and Control
The Smart Soundbar 600 comes with built-in Amazon Alexa, allowing users to control their soundbar with simple voice commands. Users can adjust volume, change inputs, or play music without reaching for the remote.
“Alexa, turn up the volume” or “Alexa, play music from Spotify” are commands that work seamlessly with the device. The soundbar’s microphones can pick up voice commands even while music is playing.
Voice control extends beyond basic soundbar functions. Users can also control smart home devices, check the weather, get news updates, or set reminders through Alexa integration.
While Amazon Alexa is built-in, the soundbar also works with Google Assistant through connected devices, offering flexibility for homes that prefer Google’s ecosystem.
Bose Music App and Multi-Room Listening
The Bose Music App serves as a central control hub for the Smart Soundbar 600. It guides users through setup and provides access to streaming services like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Pandora.
Through the app, users can adjust audio settings, create presets for favorite content, and customize the soundbar experience. The interface is intuitive and user-friendly.
Multi-room listening is a standout feature. Users can group the Smart Soundbar 600 with other Bose smart speakers to play synchronized audio throughout the home.
The app allows for independent volume control of each speaker in the multi-room setup. This makes it perfect for parties or when moving between rooms.
Wi-Fi connectivity enables high-quality streaming directly to the soundbar. Users can also cast audio content from compatible devices using AirPlay 2 or Spotify Connect.
Compatibility with Other Bose Products
The Smart Soundbar 600 works seamlessly with other Bose products to create a more immersive audio system. It can be paired with the Bose Bass Module 500 or 700 for enhanced low-frequency performance.
For a full surround sound experience, users can add Bose Surround Speakers. These wireless speakers sync perfectly with the soundbar to create a complete home theater setup.
The soundbar also connects with other Bose smart speakers for whole-home audio. This creates a unified sound system throughout the house.
All connections between Bose products happen wirelessly, eliminating the need for additional cables. This makes for a cleaner setup with fewer visible wires.
The Bose Music App recognizes all connected Bose products automatically, making it easy to manage the entire system from one interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 offers several features and capabilities that users frequently inquire about. Below are answers to common questions regarding comparisons with other models, setup procedures, and technical specifications.
How does the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 compare to the Soundbar 700 in terms of features and performance?
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 provides a more compact design than the Soundbar 700 while still delivering impressive audio quality. The 700 model offers slightly better sound separation and clarity due to its larger drivers and cabinet.
Both soundbars feature voice assistant integration and the Bose Music app for control. However, the 700 includes a universal remote control while the 600 does not.
The Soundbar 700 generally provides more powerful bass response without a subwoofer compared to the 600 model. Price point also differs significantly, with the 600 being more budget-friendly.
What are the key differences between the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 and the Soundbar 900?
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is the premium option with more advanced Dolby Atmos implementation and additional upward-firing speakers. This creates a more immersive overhead sound experience compared to the 600 model.
The 900 has a wider soundstage and more powerful audio processing capabilities. It includes PhaseGuide technology that the 600 lacks, which creates wider spatial effects.
Size difference is notable, with the 900 being larger and designed for bigger rooms and TV setups. Both support wireless connectivity, but the 900 offers more expansion options with compatible Bose speakers.
Can the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 be used without a subwoofer, and what is the impact on audio quality?
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 functions well as a standalone unit without requiring a subwoofer. It delivers balanced sound with respectable bass response for its size.
For smaller rooms, many users find the built-in bass capabilities sufficient for everyday TV viewing and casual music listening. The soundbar uses proprietary Bose tuning to maximize low-frequency performance from its compact enclosure.
Adding a compatible Bose subwoofer will significantly enhance bass depth and impact, particularly beneficial for action movies and bass-heavy music. This optional upgrade path allows users to start with just the soundbar and expand later.
What setup steps are required for the Bose Smart Soundbar 600?
Setting up the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 begins with placing it in front of the TV or mounting it on the wall using the optional wall bracket. Connect it to power and then to the TV using the included HDMI cable, preferably to the HDMI ARC/eARC port.
Download the Bose Music app to a smartphone or tablet. The app will guide users through the remaining setup process including Wi-Fi connection and voice assistant configuration.
For optimal performance, running the ADAPTiQ audio calibration using the included headset helps the soundbar adjust to room acoustics. This process takes about 10 minutes and significantly improves sound quality.
How do I reset the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 to its factory settings?
To reset the Bose Smart Soundbar 600, first locate the volume down button and the TV button on the soundbar itself. Press and hold these two buttons simultaneously for about 5 seconds.
The light bar will pulse white and then gradually fade to indicate the reset is in progress. Once complete, the soundbar will restart with factory default settings.
After resetting, users will need to set up the soundbar again using the Bose Music app, including reconnecting to Wi-Fi networks and reconfiguring any voice assistants.
What are the dimensions of the Bose Smart Soundbar 600?
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 measures 27.3 inches (69.4 cm) in width, making it suitable for most modern television setups. Its compact depth of 4.1 inches (10.4 cm) allows for flexible placement options.
The height of the unit is 2.2 inches (5.6 cm), giving it a sleek, low profile that won’t obstruct the bottom of most TV screens. These dimensions make it significantly smaller than the 700 and 900 models.
The soundbar weighs approximately 6.1 pounds (2.8 kg), making it lightweight enough for easy wall mounting with the appropriate bracket.
