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 Soundbar Series II Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£45N. of audio channels:2.0Audio output power:?HDMI ARC type:none

Bose Solo Soundbar Series II Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 17 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Bose Solo Soundbar Series II
5.2/10

Overall score

Score
5.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components

95%

5.1

Technical score

5%

7.8

Reviews score ( 5 · 12)

Reviews score 5% · 7.8 · based on 17 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.
▼Worse than 70% of soundbars
6.6

Value for money

Value for money
6.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components

70%

5.2

Overall score

30%

10

Price

▼Worse than 72%
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components

25%

4.5

Audio

18%

4.8

Formats

16%

6.3

Connectivity

14%

5.8

Controls

12%

4.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

7.4

Design

▼Worse than 70%
7.8

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 52% of models
Grades by review (17)
5 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 12 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.
▲Better than 52%
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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.

What owners say about the Bose Solo Soundbar Series II

Based on 33 owners sharing their experience in online comments

18%positive27%mixed55%negative

Owners praise the sound for viewing, but many find little improvement over TV audio and struggle with connections and controls.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say the TV remote only handles volume and power on some sets, so bass and other settings still need the separate Bose remote.5
  • Owners say the soundbar barely sounds better than a TV's built-in speakers, with some finding the TV fuller.4
  • Owners say the soundbar often has to be reconnected to the TV each time the TV turns on.3
  • Owners say the sound can feel thin, lacking fullness, and a few found it fatiguing or unimpressive.3
  • Owners feel the soundbar costs too much for its limited features and sound, and some say it lacks useful inputs.3
  • Owners say the sound cuts out or the soundbar powers off on its own, including with some projectors and TVs.3
  • Owners find the status light colours and remote confusing, and it is unclear whether the remote buttons work.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #85 of 189 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar Bose Solo Soundbar Series II

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components:

25%

4.5

Audio

18%

4.8

Formats

16%

6.3

Connectivity

14%

5.8

Controls

12%

4.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

7.4

Design

5.1
Reviews score
7.8
Value for money
Value for money
6.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components:

70%

5.2

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.6
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
?
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
56.6 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 56.6 Hz, higher than 64% of soundbars and equal to 0.6% 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.
Show more
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
4.2
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 4.2, which is older than that of 61.6% of soundbars and the same as that of 24.9% 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.
Show more
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.
Show more
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.
Show more

Bose Solo Soundbar Series II vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    This soundbar supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
  • 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.
  • 1 more supported Bluetooth codecs
    This soundbar supports more Bluetooth codecs than the average soundbar (2 vs 1). The average soundbar supports 1 Bluetooth codecs.
    sbc, aac
    2 vs 1
  • 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 Soundbar Series II is more popular than the average soundbar (10 vs 4.3).
    10 vs 4.29
  • 2.33x more popular
    Bose Solo Soundbar Series II 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.
  • 1 more supported Bluetooth codecs
    This soundbar supports more Bluetooth codecs than the average soundbar (2 vs 1). The average soundbar supports 1 Bluetooth codecs.
    sbc, aac
    2 vs 1
  • 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.
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    This soundbar supports manual audio delay adjustment, 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 on-board controls
    This soundbar does not have control panel, the average soundbar does.
  • No HDMI-CEC support
    This soundbar does not support HDMI-CEC, the average soundbar does.
  • 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
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • Harder firmware updates
    This soundbar uses USB for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.
    USB vs app-based, USB
  • 1.6% worse value for money
    Bose Solo Soundbar Series II has worse value for money than the average soundbar (6.64 vs 6.7).
    6.64 vs 6.75
  • 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
  • 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
  • 4.6 Hz higher min frequency
    This soundbar has a higher minimum frequency than the average soundbar (56.6 Hz vs 52 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 52 Hz.
    56.6 Hz vs 52 Hz
  • 1 fewer equalizer bands
    This soundbar offers fewer equalizer bands than the average soundbar (1 vs 2). The average soundbar offers 2 equalizer bands.
    1 vs 2
  • 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 playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • 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
  • 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
  • 1 years older release
    This soundbar is older than the average soundbar (2020 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    October 2020
    2,020 vs 2,021

Video reviews

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

8.0
JIVE Engineering
≈ estimated
03/06/2026
Hands-on review · unboxing, setup and sound tests
Verdict
Bose Solo Soundbar Series II is ideal for a compact desk setup, but a dedicated soundbar with a subwoofer is better for movies.
9.0
Review Box
≈ estimated
25/05/2025
Sound test · music playback on a computer
Verdict
Bose Solo Soundbar Series II has strong bass and immersive sound from a small body, and it connected to the computer without trouble.
7.0
Tech Steve
≈ estimated
07/02/2025
Hands-on review · TV connection and sound tests
Verdict
Bose Solo Soundbar Series II is basic and may not impress, but it suits Bose fans who want a simple upgrade for a small TV.
9.0
Dad Reviews with @LaneVids
≈ estimated
07/07/2023
Long-term test · about one month with a projector
Verdict
Bose Solo Soundbar Series II is sleek, loud and trouble-free with a projector, and its only drawback is no volume buttons on the speaker.
4.0
LIFE IN SPEED Mike Angels
≈ estimated
09/02/2023
Hands-on review · music playback and connection tests
Verdict
Bose Solo Soundbar Series II sounds flat and unimpressive for the price, and cheaper soundbars can sound better.
9.0
Your Review Channel
≈ estimated
30/11/2021
Unboxing and review · setup and sound tests
Verdict
Bose Solo Soundbar Series II offers clean sound and good looks for the money, though the second remote is a drawback.
9.0
Colin Reviews Stuff
≈ estimated
12/03/2024
First look · unboxing and setup
Verdict
Bose Solo Soundbar Series II sounds surprisingly good for such a small speaker, and we were very happy with it.
9.0
How To's
≈ estimated
28/12/2021
Unboxing · setup and sound test
Verdict
Bose Solo Soundbar Series II sounds impressive for its size and is worth checking out.
Overview video
Shop video
Not graded
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
04/03/2025
Hands-on test · Budget soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Solo Soundbar 2 is a small, loud bar with clear dialogue for TV, but it lacks HDMI and sounds boxed-in with music.
6.6
rtings.com
✓ explicit
19/07/2023
Lab test · Budget stereo bar
Verdict
The Bose Solo Soundbar Series II is a small stereo bar and a clear step up from TV speakers, but it has no Dolby Atmos and limited low bass.
9.0
lifewire.com
≈ estimated
25/12/2023
Real-life test · Small soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Solo Soundbar Series II suits small rooms: it fits under a TV, keeps dialogue clear, but is not as loud as bigger bars.
9.0
inside-digital.de
≈ estimated
17/12/2023
Hands-on test · Slim TV bar
Verdict
The Bose Solo Series II is a simple, slim bar that is a clear upgrade over TV speakers, but it lacks deep bass and 3D sound.
7.0
global.techradar.com
✓ explicit
03/06/2025
Hands-on test · Budget soundbar
Verdict
The Bose Solo Soundbar 2 is a compact, loud bar with clear dialogue for TV, but it has no HDMI and is weak on music.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bose Solo Soundbar Series II

  • Excellent dialogue clarity, especially with the dedicated Dialogue Mode
  • Compact and low-profile design fits easily under most TVs and in small spaces
  • Simple 'plug-and-play' setup with included optical cable
  • Solid build quality and sleek aesthetic typical of the Bose brand
  • Reliable Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music from mobile devices

What customers don't like about Bose Solo Soundbar Series II

  • Lack of HDMI (ARC/CEC) port prevents controlling the soundbar with a TV remote
  • Limited low-end bass response and lacks a deep 'rumble' for action movies
  • No physical volume or power buttons on the unit itself; requires the remote for all functions
  • Narrow soundstage due to its small size, offering limited immersion for larger rooms
  • Absence of an on-screen display or visual interface for volume and setting levels

Verdict

The Bose Solo Soundbar Series II is a compact 2.0 channel audio system measuring 21.6 x 2.8 x 3.4 inches, designed specifically to improve vocal clarity in small-to-medium rooms. It features two angled full-range drivers, 36W nominal power (with peaks up to 100W), and built-in Dolby decoding to enhance spatial audio performance. Key characteristics include a dedicated 'Dialogue Mode' for crisp speech, integrated Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless streaming, and multiple wired inputs including optical, coaxial, and 3.5mm auxiliary. Main pros are its extremely simple one-cable setup, inclusion of a steel wall bracket, and a sleek, space-saving design that fits under most televisions. However, it lacks modern connectivity like HDMI ARC/CEC support, has no WiFi or AirPlay capabilities, and the absence of a dedicated subwoofer results in a noticeable lack of deep low-end bass for action movies.

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