Bose Speaker EOL 2026: Open Source Alternatives
- Bose discontinued its soundtouch series of wireless speakers in 2022, but existing owners can continue to use thier devices.
- The Bose SoundTouch line was discontinued in December 2022 as Bose shifted its focus to its Smart Speaker family, which integrates voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google...
- Despite the discontinuation, Bose continues to support existing SoundTouch speakers with software updates and troubleshooting resources. Bose's official SoundTouch FAQ page provides facts on continued use and compatibility.
“`html
Bose soundtouch 20 smart speaker.
Bose
Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET’s key takeaways
Table of Contents
- Bose SoundTouch devices
Bose SoundTouch speaker Discontinuation and Alternatives
Bose discontinued its soundtouch series of wireless speakers in 2022, but existing owners can continue to use thier devices. Users seeking similar functionality now have several alternative options, including Bose’s newer Smart Speaker line and competing products from Sonos, Amazon, and Google.
What Happened to Bose SoundTouch?
The Bose SoundTouch line was discontinued in December 2022 as Bose shifted its focus to its Smart Speaker family, which integrates voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Verge reported on the discontinuation, noting that while the SoundTouch ecosystem would remain functional, no new SoundTouch products would be released.
Despite the discontinuation, Bose continues to support existing SoundTouch speakers with software updates and troubleshooting resources. Bose’s official SoundTouch FAQ page provides facts on continued use and compatibility.
Continued Functionality for Existing SoundTouch Owners
SoundTouch speakers remain operational and can still connect to wi-Fi networks and stream music. however, some features may become limited over time as services evolve.
For users without current Wi-Fi connectivity,Bose recommends using a Bluetooth connection.Bose’s community support page details Bluetooth pairing instructions for SoundTouch speakers.
Example: A user with a SoundTouch 30 speaker can continue to stream music from Spotify via Wi-fi, or connect directly to a smartphone via Bluetooth if Wi-Fi is unavailable.
Bose Alternatives: The Smart Speaker Line
Bose’s primary replacement for SoundTouch is its Smart Speaker line, which includes the Bose Home Speaker series and the Portable Smart Speaker. These speakers offer multi-room audio capabilities, voice assistant integration, and support for various streaming services.
The Bose Smart Speaker 500, released in 2018, is a popular option. The official Bose product page details its features, including Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility.
Data Point: The Bose Smart Speaker 500 retails for $249 as of January 13, 2026.
Alternative Multi-Room audio Systems
Several other companies offer multi-room audio systems comparable to the former SoundTouch ecosystem.
- Sonos: Sonos is a leading provider of wireless home audio systems, known for its high-quality sound and seamless multi-room experience. The Sonos website provides details on their product line.
- Amazon Echo: Amazon’s Echo speakers, powered by Alexa, offer multi-room audio and voice control. Amazon’s Echo product page showcases available models.
- Google Nest: Google Nest speakers, featuring Google Assistant, provide similar functionality to Amazon Echo.The Google Nest speaker page lists available devices.
Example: A user previously invested in the SoundTouch ecosystem might consider transitioning to Sonos, which offers a similar level of audio quality and multi-room functionality.
