OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 1,310 independent expert reviews and 1,704 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v2.0

Bose Solo 5 Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£210N. of audio channels:2.0Audio output power:30 WHDMI ARC type:none

Bose Solo 5 Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 38 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Bose Solo 5
4.9/10

Overall score

Score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the soundbar's quality, based on technical analyses and grades from independent expert reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best soundbars on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components

95%

4.8

Technical score

5%

7.3

Reviews score ( 17 · 21)

Reviews score 5% · 7.3 · based on 38 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
â–¼Worse than 86% of soundbars
6.3

Value for money

Value for money
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

70%

4.9

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 96%
4.8

Technical score

Technical score
4.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

25%

4.2

Audio

18%

4.7

Formats

16%

5.7

Connectivity

14%

5.3

Controls

12%

4.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

7.2

Design

â–¼Worse than 85%
7.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Grades by review (38)
17 reviews: 8 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. 21 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 77%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of soundbar Bose Solo 5

Technical score
Technical score
4.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components:

25%

4.2

Audio

18%

4.7

Formats

16%

5.7

Connectivity

14%

5.3

Controls

12%

4.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

7.2

Design

4.8
Reviews score
7.3
Value for money
Value for money
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components:

70%

4.9

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

6.3
Brand name
Bose
N. of audio channels
2
This soundbar offers 2 audio channels, fewer than 43.6% of soundbars and equal to 56.4% of soundbars.
Audio output power
30 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 30 W of audio output power, less than 71.8% of soundbars and equal to 4% of soundbars.
Max SPL
87.4 dB SPL
Market range: <75 dB SPL – >105 dB SPL
This soundbar has a max SPL of 87.4 dB SPL, lower than 78.4% of soundbars.
Min frequency
57.4 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 57.4 Hz, higher than 65.1% of soundbars.
Show more
Dolby Atmos
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos. 20.7% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 10.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby TrueHD. 17.6% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 10.1% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital Plus. 25% of soundbars include this feature.
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N. of HDMI inputs
0
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs, fewer than 32.5% of soundbars and equal to 67.6% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This soundbar does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 31.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 3.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
4
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 4, which is older than that of 88.1% of soundbars and the same as that of 6% of soundbars.
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Smartphone app
no
This soundbar does not have smartphone app. 35.1% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 26.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
no
This soundbar does not have control panel. 91% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
no
This soundbar does not support voice assistant compatibility. 31.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 12.2% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
HDMI version
N/A
HDMI ARC type
none
This soundbar has none as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is less advanced than what 68.6% of soundbars and the same as what 31.4% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
no
This soundbar does not support HDMI-CEC. 63.1% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
none
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none, which is lower than that of 21.5% of soundbars and the same as that of 78.5% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
none fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none fps, lower than 18.2% of soundbars and equal to 81.8% of soundbars.
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AirPlay
no
This soundbar does not support AirPlay. 20.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
no
This soundbar does not support Chromecast built-in. 12.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This soundbar does not support Spotify Connect. 23.4% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
no
This soundbar does not support native Amazon Music. 21.3% support native Amazon Music.
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Width
548 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 548 mm wide, narrower than 71.3% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Height
70 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 70 mm high, taller than 56.2% of soundbars and equal to 3.2% of soundbars.
Thickness
86 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 86 mm thick, thinner than 49.2% of soundbars and equal to 1.6% of soundbars.
Weight
1,690 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 1,690 g, less than 62.2% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic
This soundbar uses plastic for the build material, which is different from that of 4.8% of soundbars and the same as that of 89.4% of soundbars.
Metal grille.
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Bose Solo 5 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • Coaxial digital input
    This soundbar has coaxial digital input, the average soundbar does not.
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • 214 mm narrower width
    This soundbar is narrower than the average soundbar (548 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    548 mm vs 762 mm
  • AAC support
    This soundbar supports AAC, the average soundbar does not.
  • 2.33x more popular
    Bose Solo 5 is more popular than the average soundbar (10 vs 4.3).
    10 vs 4.29
  • 2.33x more popular
    Bose Solo 5 is more popular than the average soundbar (10 vs 4.3).
    10 vs 4.29
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • AAC support
    This soundbar supports AAC, the average soundbar does not.
  • Coaxial digital input
    This soundbar has coaxial digital input, the average soundbar does not.
  • 214 mm narrower width
    This soundbar is narrower than the average soundbar (548 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    548 mm vs 762 mm
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has none as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    none vs eARC
  • 2 fewer drivers
    This soundbar has fewer drivers than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    2 vs 4
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (USB-A port is for service only, not audio input)
  • No on-board controls
    This soundbar does not have control panel, the average soundbar does.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.0 vs 5.0
  • No HDMI-CEC support
    This soundbar does not support HDMI-CEC, the average soundbar does.
  • Narrower bass adjustment range
    This soundbar has a lower bass adjustment range than the average soundbar (-8 to 0 dB vs -100 to 100 dB). The average soundbar offers a bass adjustment range of -100 to 100 dB.
    -8 to 0 dB vs -100 to 100 dB
  • 2 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    2 vs 4
  • 7.3% worse value for money
    Bose Solo 5 has worse value for money than the average soundbar (6.28 vs 6.7).
    6.28 vs 6.75
  • 2.21x more expensive
    Bose Solo 5 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£210 vs £95).
    £210 vs £95
  • 2 fewer drivers
    This soundbar has fewer drivers than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    2 vs 4
  • 2 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    2 vs 4
  • Narrower bass adjustment range
    This soundbar has a lower bass adjustment range than the average soundbar (-8 to 0 dB vs -100 to 100 dB). The average soundbar offers a bass adjustment range of -100 to 100 dB.
    -8 to 0 dB vs -100 to 100 dB
  • 5.7 dB SPL lower max SPL
    This soundbar has a lower max SPL than the average soundbar (87.4 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL). The average soundbar reaches 93.1 dB SPL max SPL.
    87.4 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL
  • 57.1% less audio output power
    This soundbar has a lower audio output power than the average soundbar (30 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    30 W vs 70 W
  • 100 Hz lower max frequency
    This soundbar has a lower maximum frequency than the average soundbar (19,900 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average soundbar has a maximum frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    19,900 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 5.4 Hz higher min frequency
    This soundbar has a higher minimum frequency than the average soundbar (57.4 Hz vs 52 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 52 Hz.
    57.4 Hz vs 52 Hz
  • 2 fewer supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports fewer audio formats than the average soundbar (0 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    0 vs 2
  • Limited music format support
    This soundbar supports fewer music formats than the average soundbar (none vs MP3).
    none vs MP3
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (USB-A port is for service only, not audio input)
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.0 vs 5.0
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    no (The USB port is for service/firmware updates only, not media playback)
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has none as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    none vs eARC
  • No HDMI-CEC support
    This soundbar does not support HDMI-CEC, the average soundbar does.
  • No on-board controls
    This soundbar does not have control panel, the average soundbar does.
  • Harder firmware updates
    This soundbar uses USB for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.
    USB vs app-based, USB
  • 6 years older release
    This soundbar is older than the average soundbar (2015 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    September 24, 2015
    2,015 vs 2,021
  • 3 mm higher height
    This soundbar is taller than the average soundbar (70 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    70 mm vs 67 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Rodney Davidson
≈ estimated
04/11/2023
Long-term review · years of use and a house move
Verdict
Bose Solo 5 has strong sound and has held up well over years of use.
7.0
High Fidelity Finance
≈ estimated
17/12/2020
Hands-on review · small-room sound and remote tests
Verdict
Bose Solo 5 is good for a small bedroom, but is likely to fall short for movies and bigger rooms.
9.0
KosherTech
≈ estimated
28/01/2019
Hands-on review · sound tests and one-week test
Verdict
Bose Solo 5 is a very good soundbar for the money, filling a large room with clean dialogue and no distortion.
7.0
Maxim HD Entertainment
≈ estimated
27/11/2017
Unboxing and hands-on test · bass, placement and Bluetooth sound
Verdict
Bose Solo 5 is good for a bedroom or desk, but not for a living room that expects strong sound.
7.0
What Money Problems
≈ estimated
06/07/2017
Unboxing and review · remote setup and sound comparison
Verdict
Bose Solo 5 is a decent soundbar for a small bedroom with a small TV, though its bass is limited.
9.0
Team AG
≈ estimated
29/01/2017
Hands-on review · a month of daily use
Verdict
Bose Solo 5 is excellent for everyday TV, music and parties, but it can't replace a subwoofer.
8.0
All About Home Electronics.com
≈ estimated
17/01/2017
Hands-on review · unboxing, setup, sound and Bluetooth tests
Verdict
Bose Solo 5 makes voices very clear and is simple to set up, but its bass lacks deep punch.
9.0
Conrad Comments
≈ estimated
17/12/2016
Hands-on review · sound, remote and speech mode tests
Verdict
Bose Solo 5 is a very impressive soundbar and clearly recommended, though it is not a full home theater.
9.0
Jeremy Judkins
≈ estimated
03/07/2016
Hands-on review · several months of daily use
Verdict
Bose Solo 5 is one of the best soundbars right now, especially for how compact it is.
9.0
Juan Camacho
≈ estimated
01/08/2023
Short overview · five reasons to buy
Verdict
Bose Solo 5 is a great choice for TV sound, with clear vocals, Bluetooth and easy setup.
8.0
Tech Steve
≈ estimated
10/10/2019
Unboxing and sound test · remote and Bluetooth setup
Verdict
Bose Solo 5 is a really nice speaker, and the reviewer invites viewers to consider it.
9.0
Random Reviews & How-To's
≈ estimated
07/09/2019
Setup and first impressions · wall mount and sound check
Verdict
Bose Solo 5 is a really nice soundbar for the price, with built-in bass and simple mounting.
More graded video reviews (1)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
29/11/2022
Hands-on test · Compact TV soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Solo 5 is a tiny soundbar for a bedroom or kitchen TV, suited to medium rooms, though its upgrade over TV speakers is modest.
8.0
immersiveaudioalbum.com
≈ estimated
18/04/2022
Written review · Two-channel soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Solo 5 is a simple two-channel soundbar that's easy to set up and a clear upgrade on most TV speakers, but its bass is limited.
6.2
rtings.com
✓ explicit
20/11/2020
Lab test · Small soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Solo 5 is a small, balanced soundbar that keeps TV dialogue clear, but it isn't loud and is weak on movie bass.
7.8
techgearlab.com
✓ explicit
12/06/2017
Hands-on test · Sound and remote
Verdict
The Bose Solo 5 is a decent soundbar with a very capable remote, but its muffled bass and few settings make it a poor choice for most people.
7.0
yugatech.com
≈ estimated
16/09/2016
Quick review · Week-long listening
Verdict
The Bose Solo 5 is a simple, compact soundbar with clear, detailed sound for casual listeners, but bass fans should look elsewhere.
7.0
consumerreports.org
≈ estimated
[Date Not Listed]
Lab test · Basic 2.0 soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Solo 5 is a basic soundbar that handles TV dialogue and music reasonably well, but its bass is boomy and its treble harsh.
7.5
stereoguide.com
✓ explicit
03/03/2023
Listening test · Compact soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Solo 5 is a compact, easy-to-use fix for flat TV sound with clear speech, though its thin bass suits talk shows more than action.
7.0
hifireport.com
≈ estimated
05/09/2021
Technical review · Two-channel soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Solo 5 is a compact, simple soundbar that handles dialogue and midrange well, but its two center speakers give narrow, non-surround sound.
4.0
soundbars.com
≈ estimated
17/08/2020
Written review · Compact 2.0 bar
Verdict
The Bose Solo 5 is a compact, sturdy bar with clear voices, but weak bass and no HDMI port limit it to small rooms and dialogue-heavy TV.
8.0
easyhometheater.net
≈ estimated
26/03/2020
Hands-on review · Compact TV bar
Verdict
The Bose Solo 5 is a compact bar with clear voices and easy setup, best for small to medium rooms, shows and music, but bass thins out in big rooms.
9.0
lowbeats.de
✓ explicit
02/12/2015
Listening test · Tiny TV soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Solo 5 is a tiny soundbar that makes voices clearer than TV speakers and sounds balanced, but its bass is restrained for action films.
7.5
stereoguide.de
✓ explicit
10/07/2022
Listening test · Compact soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Solo 5 is a simple, compact fix for thin TV sound, with clear speech and easy setup, but it lacks bass for action films.
6.0
lesnumeriques.com
≈ estimated
14/04/2016
Lab test · Compact Bluetooth soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Solo 5 suits small and medium rooms, widening TV sound and keeping voices clear, but it lacks precision and can't fill big rooms.
8.0
audiocasque.fr
≈ estimated
02/12/2015
Hands-on test · Compact soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Solo 5 is a compact soundbar that is easy to set up and improves TV sound, but its universal remote can drop the cable box link.
6.0
aaafasso.fr
≈ estimated
17/05/2019
Hands-on test · Universal remote
Verdict
The Bose Solo 5 is a basic but clear soundbar with a useful universal remote, best for a small TV in a bedroom or kitchen.
7.0
mundoaltavoces.com
✓ explicit
11/06/2018
Hands-on review · Wall-mounted soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Solo 5 gives clear voices in a tiny body, but weak bass makes it better for music than for action films.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bose Solo 5

  • Compact and space-saving design ideal for small rooms or bedrooms
  • Dialogue Mode significantly enhances speech clarity for TV shows and news
  • Simple 'plug-and-play' setup with minimal cables required
  • Solid, high-quality build and sleek aesthetic
  • Universal remote included can be programmed to control other devices
  • Reliable Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music streaming

What customers don't like about Bose Solo 5

  • Lack of deep, impactful bass due to the absence of a dedicated subwoofer
  • No HDMI or HDMI ARC/eARC ports, limiting connection options to optical or coaxial
  • Narrow soundstage that lacks immersive stereo separation
  • Maximum volume may not be sufficient for large living areas
  • No support for advanced audio codecs like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X
  • Universal remote is noted by some users as being unnecessarily large and bulky

Verdict

The Bose Solo 5 is a compact 2.0 channel soundbar designed to significantly enhance TV audio through dual internal drivers and proprietary TrueSpace technology. Measuring approximately 54.8 x 7.0 x 8.6 cm and weighing 1.6 kg, this one-piece system offers versatile placement options and simple single-cable connectivity via optical, coaxial, or 3.5mm auxiliary inputs. Key features include integrated Bluetooth for wireless streaming, a dedicated 'Dialogue Mode' for vocal clarity, and a programmable universal remote that can control multiple home theater devices. While it is praised for its space-saving build, ease of setup, and balanced mid-range, notable drawbacks include its lack of HDMI ARC/CEC support, no visual display for volume levels, and a limited bass response that may underwhelm users seeking a deep, cinematic experience.

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