Are you tired of straining to hear dialogue in your favorite movies and TV shows? The Bose Solo Soundbar 2 offers a solution to this common problem. This compact soundbar delivers clear, enhanced audio that transforms your home entertainment experience.
The Solo Soundbar 2 represents Bose’s commitment to quality sound in a sleek, minimalist package. The soundbar improves dialogue clarity and produces spacious sound despite its small size.
This review explores all aspects of the Bose Solo Soundbar 2. We discuss its design, sound quality, connectivity options, setup process, and value compared to competitors.
In a Nutshell
- The Bose Solo Soundbar 2 measures just 21.6 inches in length and under 3 inches in height, making it an ideal solution for smaller spaces and TV setups
- Features two full-range drivers angled for wide, spacious sound that fills the room effectively
- Includes a specialized Dialogue Mode that enhances voice clarity, making it easier to understand conversations in movies and TV shows
- Offers Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices
- Supports Dolby Digital decoding for improved sound quality from compatible content
- Comes with a remote control, wall mount kit, and optical cable in the box for a complete setup
- Easy one-connection setup with most TVs through the optical audio cable
- Maximum output power of 100 watts provides sufficient volume for most living rooms
- No HDMI connections available, which may be a limitation for some users looking for ARC functionality
- Can be paired with the Bose Bass Module 500 for enhanced bass performance (sold separately)
- Price point around $199 (standard retail) represents a midrange value in the soundbar market
- Sleek, minimalist design with a black finish that complements most TV setups
Design and Build Quality: Sleek Minimalism Meets Durability
The Bose Solo Soundbar 2 features a sleek, minimalist design that works well with any home setup. The soundbar measures 21.6 inches (54.9 cm) in width, 2.8 inches (7.1 cm) in height, and 3.4 inches (8.6 cm) in depth. This compact size makes it suitable for placement beneath most TVs without blocking the screen or remote sensor.
The exterior has a premium matte black finish that resists fingerprints and dust. The soundbar weighs just 3.72 pounds (1.7 kg), making it easy to move and position. The front grille has a mesh design that protects the speakers while allowing sound to travel freely.
Bose uses high-quality materials throughout the construction. The outer casing consists of durable alloy steel that provides good protection for the internal components. The soundbar feels solid and well-built despite its lightweight design. There are no rattles or loose parts when handling the unit.
The top of the soundbar features simple, intuitive controls including power, volume, and source selection buttons. These controls have a responsive feel with good tactile feedback. The LED indicator on the front provides visual feedback about the current status of the soundbar, including power, source, and connectivity information.
Overall, the design reflects Bose’s emphasis on functional elegance. The soundbar looks professional without drawing unnecessary attention to itself. This approach allows the Solo Soundbar 2 to blend seamlessly with your existing entertainment setup.
Sound Performance: Clear Dialogue and Balanced Audio Delivery
The Bose Solo Soundbar 2 delivers impressively balanced sound for its size. The soundbar uses two full-range drivers positioned at angles to create a wider soundstage than you might expect from such a compact unit. This driver arrangement helps the sound fill the room more effectively than typical TV speakers.
The midrange performance stands out as a particular strength. Dialogue comes through with excellent clarity and definition, making it easier to understand conversations in movies and TV shows. This proves especially valuable for content with quiet dialogue or thick accents.
The soundbar includes a dedicated Dialogue Mode that further enhances vocal clarity. This feature adjusts the frequency response to prioritize the human voice range, making conversations stand out more prominently against background music and effects. The difference becomes immediately noticeable when switching this mode on during dialogue-heavy scenes.
For a small soundbar, the Solo 2 produces surprisingly decent bass response. While it cannot match the low-end performance of systems with dedicated subwoofers, it delivers enough bass to add depth to movies and music. The bass sounds clear rather than boomy, avoiding the artificial-sounding bass boost that some compact soundbars employ.
The high-frequency performance provides good detail without harshness. Sounds like breaking glass, rustling leaves, and high-pitched instruments come through with good definition. The treble stays balanced with the midrange, creating a cohesive sound profile across the frequency spectrum.
When it comes to overall volume capability, the Solo Soundbar 2 can reach up to 85 dB SPL, which proves sufficient for most medium-sized living rooms. The sound remains clean and undistorted at moderate volumes. At maximum volume, some compression becomes noticeable, but this affects mainly bass-heavy content.
The soundbar supports Dolby Digital decoding, which improves the sound quality when watching compatible content. While it lacks advanced surround formats like Dolby Atmos, the built-in processing creates a wider than expected soundstage that extends beyond the physical dimensions of the soundbar.
Connectivity Options: Simple but Sufficient
The Bose Solo Soundbar 2 offers straightforward connectivity options focused on ease of use rather than extensive versatility. The primary connection method uses the included optical digital audio cable, which works with virtually all modern televisions. This provides a clean, reliable digital audio connection.
For older devices or additional audio sources, the soundbar includes an auxiliary 3.5mm input. This allows connection to devices like MP3 players, older TVs, or any audio source with a headphone jack. The coaxial digital input provides another option for connecting to TVs or other digital audio sources.
The built-in Bluetooth 4.0 capability allows wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, and computers. The Bluetooth connection maintains stable performance up to the standard 30-foot range. Pairing works quickly and reconnects automatically when devices come back in range. The soundbar can remember up to eight previously connected devices for seamless switching between sources.
Notably absent is any form of HDMI connectivity, including HDMI ARC. This omission means you cannot control the soundbar volume using your TV remote through HDMI-CEC. Instead, you must use the included Bose remote or program a universal remote to work with the soundbar.
The soundbar includes a subwoofer output for connecting the Bose Bass Module 500 or other compatible powered subwoofers. This connection allows you to enhance the bass performance of the system if desired. The soundbar automatically detects and adjusts its output when a subwoofer connects.
For those with other Bose products, the Solo Soundbar 2 supports Bose SimpleSync technology. This feature allows you to connect the soundbar to compatible Bose speakers or headphones for synchronized playback throughout your home or private listening.
Setup and Installation: Plug and Play Simplicity
Setting up the Bose Solo Soundbar 2 proves remarkably simple, even for those without technical expertise. The entire process typically takes less than five minutes from unboxing to playing audio. This plug-and-play approach represents one of the soundbar’s strongest selling points.
The package includes everything needed for immediate use:
- The soundbar unit
- Remote control with batteries
- Optical digital audio cable
- Power cord
- Wall mounting kit
- Quick start guide
For tabletop placement, simply position the soundbar in front of your TV, connect the optical cable between the TV and soundbar, and plug in the power cord. The soundbar automatically detects the optical input when powered on. Most TVs recognize the external audio device immediately and disable their internal speakers.
For those preferring wall mounting, the included kit provides all necessary hardware. The mounting process follows these steps:
- Attach the wall bracket to the wall using appropriate anchors
- Connect the soundbar bracket to the back of the unit
- Hang the soundbar on the wall bracket
- Connect cables to the rear inputs
The remote control setup requires no programming for basic functions. For extended functionality, the remote can learn commands from your TV remote, allowing for simplified operation. The process involves:
- Pressing the TV button on the Bose remote
- Holding specific button combinations to enter learning mode
- Pointing your TV remote at the soundbar and pressing the corresponding buttons
Once set up, the soundbar operates with minimal user intervention. It includes an auto-wake feature that turns on the soundbar when it detects an audio signal from the TV. Similarly, the auto-sleep function conserves power by turning off the soundbar after 20 minutes of inactivity.
Remote Control and User Interface: Intuitive Control at Your Fingertips
The Bose Solo Soundbar 2 comes with a compact yet functional remote that measures 4.1 inches in height, 1.6 inches in width, and 0.48 inches in depth. Despite its small size, the remote includes all essential functions and features an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in hand.
The button layout follows a logical arrangement with the most commonly used functions positioned centrally. The power button sits at the top, while volume controls occupy prominent positions for easy access. The remote includes dedicated buttons for:
- Power on/off
- Volume up/down
- Mute
- TV input selection
- Bluetooth connection
- Bass adjustment
- Dialogue mode
Each button provides good tactile feedback, making it possible to operate the remote without looking at it once you become familiar with the layout. The buttons illuminate in low light conditions, improving usability in darkened rooms during movie watching.
The soundbar itself features minimal onboard controls located on the top surface. These include power, volume adjustment, and source selection. These buttons serve as backups to the remote and prove useful if the remote is temporarily misplaced.
The LED indicator on the front of the soundbar communicates various status information through different colors and patterns:
- Solid white: Power on, connected to primary source
- Pulsing white: Connecting to WiFi network
- Solid amber: Standby mode
- Blinking amber: Update in progress
- Solid red: Error state requiring reset
The user interface focuses on simplicity rather than complexity. The lack of a display screen means all status information conveys through the LED indicator. While this minimalist approach limits detailed feedback, it aligns with the soundbar’s overall emphasis on straightforward operation.
Bluetooth Performance: Wireless Freedom for Music Streaming
The Bose Solo Soundbar 2 includes Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity that enables wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, and computers. This feature transforms the soundbar into a versatile speaker for music, podcasts, and other audio content beyond TV sound.
Pairing with devices proves quick and intuitive. The process follows these simple steps:
- Press the Bluetooth button on the remote
- The LED indicator blinks blue during pairing mode
- Select “Bose Solo” from your device’s Bluetooth menu
- A confirmation tone indicates successful connection
The soundbar maintains its connection reliably within the standard 30-foot Bluetooth range. The connection remains stable even with walls or furniture between the device and soundbar, though thick concrete walls may reduce the effective range. The system automatically reconnects to previously paired devices when they come back in range.
Once connected, audio playback sounds clean and detailed. The soundbar reproduces music with good clarity across most genres. The balanced sound profile works particularly well for vocal-centric music like folk, jazz, and acoustic performances. For bass-heavy genres like hip-hop or electronic dance music, the limitations of the small drivers become more apparent.
The Bluetooth implementation includes support for the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), ensuring high-quality stereo audio transmission. However, it lacks support for the aptX codec, which means it cannot deliver the highest possible Bluetooth audio quality with compatible devices.
The soundbar can remember up to eight previously paired devices, making it convenient for households with multiple users. Switching between connected devices requires disconnecting the current device before connecting another, as the soundbar does not support simultaneous connections to multiple sources.
The Bluetooth auto-connect feature proves particularly useful. When you power on the soundbar, it automatically attempts to reconnect to the two most recently connected Bluetooth devices, prioritizing the one that was connected last.
Dialogue Enhancement: Crystal Clear Conversations
One of the standout features of the Bose Solo Soundbar 2 is its dedicated Dialogue Mode. This feature addresses a common complaint with TV audio: difficulty understanding speech during movies and shows. The dialogue enhancement technology makes a significant difference in real-world use.
The Dialogue Mode works by selectively boosting frequencies most associated with human speech (typically 1kHz to 4kHz). This makes voices stand out more prominently against background music, sound effects, and ambient noise. The implementation feels subtle yet effective, enhancing clarity without making voices sound unnatural or tinny.
Activating the mode requires a simple press of the dialogue button on the remote. The difference becomes immediately noticeable, especially in content with:
- Whispered or quiet conversations
- Actors with thick accents
- Scenes with competing background noise
- Poorly mixed audio where dialogue gets buried
Users report the most dramatic improvements when watching:
- British drama series with regional accents
- Action movies with dialogue during loud sequences
- Documentaries with narration over background music
- News broadcasts with field reporters
The technology works through digital signal processing rather than simple equalization. This allows it to dynamically adjust based on the audio content rather than applying a static boost to certain frequencies. The result sounds more natural than basic speech enhancement found in some competing products.
For viewers with mild hearing impairments, this feature proves particularly valuable. Many users report no longer needing to use closed captions to follow dialogue when using the soundbar with this mode activated. Senior users especially appreciate this feature as it compensates for age-related hearing changes that often affect speech comprehension first.
Even with the dialogue enhancement active, the overall sound balance remains pleasantly cohesive. Unlike some competing technologies that make voices sound disconnected from the rest of the audio, the Bose implementation maintains a natural integration with music and effects.
Bass Performance: Surprising Depth for the Size
The Bose Solo Soundbar 2 produces impressive bass response considering its compact dimensions. While it cannot match systems with dedicated subwoofers, it delivers enough low-end presence to add depth and impact to movies and music.
The bass performance benefits from Bose’s proprietary signal processing that enhances low frequencies without causing distortion. This technology extends the perceived bass response beyond what the small drivers could typically produce. The result delivers a fuller, more satisfying sound than most TV speakers or budget soundbars.
For movies, the bass provides enough punch to make action sequences feel more immersive. Explosions, car crashes, and thunderstorms gain additional weight that standard TV speakers simply cannot reproduce. The bass remains controlled and tight rather than boomy or muddy, maintaining good definition even during complex scenes.
When playing music, the bass response works best with genres that don’t rely heavily on deep bass. It handles the low end of:
- Rock music with good definition on bass guitars
- Jazz with clear double bass notes
- Classical pieces with adequate weight for timpani and lower strings
- Vocal performances with appropriate warmth
The soundbar includes a bass adjustment button on the remote that allows some customization of the low-frequency output. This provides three settings:
- Normal: Balanced bass for general listening
- Reduced: Lower bass for night listening or dialogue-heavy content
- Enhanced: Increased bass for movies and music that benefit from stronger low end
At higher volumes, the bass remains surprisingly composed. Unlike many small soundbars that distort when pushed, the Solo Soundbar 2 maintains its composure even at 80-90% of maximum volume. Some compression becomes evident at maximum volume, but outright distortion rarely occurs.
For those wanting more substantial bass, the soundbar includes a dedicated subwoofer output. This allows connection to the Bose Bass Module 500 or other compatible powered subwoofers. Adding a subwoofer creates a more complete frequency response, particularly beneficial for movie watching and bass-heavy music genres.
Value Proposition: Balancing Cost Against Performance
The Bose Solo Soundbar 2 typically retails for around $199 (standard price), positioning it in the mid-range of the entry-level soundbar market. This price point places it above basic budget options but well below premium multi-speaker systems. When evaluating its value, several factors deserve consideration.
The Bose brand reputation contributes significantly to the pricing. The company has established itself as a premium audio brand with a focus on simplicity and reliable performance. This reputation allows Bose to command slightly higher prices than lesser-known brands with similar specifications.
In terms of sound quality per dollar, the Solo Soundbar 2 delivers good value. The clear dialogue reproduction and balanced sound profile outperform many comparably priced competitors. The soundbar excels particularly for TV and movie watching, with dialogue enhancement technology that makes a real difference in everyday use.
The build quality and durability justify part of the price premium. The solid construction and quality materials suggest the soundbar will provide years of reliable service without degradation. User reviews frequently mention the durability as a positive aspect compared to cheaper alternatives that may develop issues over time.
The simplicity factor adds significant value for users who prioritize ease of use. The straightforward setup process and intuitive operation eliminate the complexity found in some competing systems. For households with less technically inclined members, this simplicity represents a meaningful benefit worth the additional cost.
Several feature omissions affect the value equation:
- No HDMI connections or HDMI ARC
- No Wi-Fi connectivity or smart assistant integration
- Limited EQ adjustment options
- No room correction capabilities
Compared to competitors, the value proposition varies:
- At similar prices, some brands offer additional speakers or subwoofers
- Competitors like Yamaha, Sony, and JBL often include more connection options
- Some alternatives provide more advanced surround processing
- Few competitors match the simplicity of setup and operation
For budget-conscious shoppers, occasional sales reduce the price to around $149-$179, substantially improving the value proposition. Refurbished units from Bose’s official store typically sell for around $169, offering nearly the same performance and warranty protection at a reduced price.
Overall, the Solo Soundbar 2 represents fair value for users prioritizing sound quality, brand reliability, and simplicity over extensive features or connections. It delivers notable improvements over TV speakers without the complexity or cost of more elaborate audio systems.
Comparison with Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?
The soundbar market offers numerous alternatives to the Bose Solo Soundbar 2 across various price points. Understanding how it compares helps determine whether it represents the best choice for your specific needs.
When compared to the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), the Bose costs significantly less but offers fewer features. The Sonos provides superior sound quality, HDMI connectivity, voice assistant integration, and multi-room capabilities. However, it typically costs around $449, more than double the Solo Soundbar 2’s price. The Bose offers better value for basic TV sound enhancement without the premium features.
Against the Yamaha SR-B20A, priced similarly around $199, the competition becomes more direct. The Yamaha offers additional connection options including HDMI ARC and more sound modes. The Bose delivers better dialogue clarity and a more premium build quality. Both provide similar overall sound quality, with the Bose having slightly better midrange performance and the Yamaha offering stronger bass response.
The JBL Bar 2.0 represents another similarly priced competitor at approximately $149-$179. The JBL provides marginally more powerful bass and includes HDMI ARC connectivity. The Bose counters with superior dialogue clarity and a more refined sound across the frequency spectrum. The build quality of the Bose feels more premium compared to the somewhat plastic feel of the JBL.
When compared to its predecessor, the Bose Solo 5, the Series II offers minimal improvements. Both use similar driver technology and have nearly identical frequency responses. The main differences include slight refinements to the dialogue enhancement technology and updated Bluetooth capability in the Series II. Owners of the Solo 5 would find little reason to upgrade.
The Sony HT-S100F costs less at around $129 while offering HDMI connectivity. The Sony produces louder maximum volume but with less clarity at higher levels. The Bose delivers better dialogue enhancement and more balanced overall sound. The build quality of the Bose feels more substantial compared to the Sony’s lighter construction.
For those considering premium options, the Bose Smart Soundbar 300 offers significant upgrades including voice assistant integration, multi-room capability, and HDMI ARC. However, at $449, it costs more than twice as much as the Solo Soundbar 2. The substantial price difference makes the Solo 2 the better value for basic sound enhancement without smart features.
In terms of size and form factor, the Polk Audio MagniFi Mini offers comparable sound quality from an even smaller package at a similar price point. The Polk includes a wireless subwoofer for stronger bass performance but lacks the dialogue clarity of the Bose. The Bose offers a more premium look and feel compared to the somewhat utilitarian design of the Polk.
Who Should Buy the Bose Solo Soundbar 2?
The Bose Solo Soundbar 2 best suits specific user profiles and situations. Understanding who benefits most from this soundbar helps determine if it matches your particular needs.
TV enthusiasts with limited space represent ideal candidates for this soundbar. The compact dimensions work perfectly in smaller rooms, apartments, or bedrooms where larger sound systems would feel overwhelming. The clean, minimalist design integrates well with space-conscious setups.
Users who prioritize dialogue clarity will appreciate the specialized dialogue enhancement mode. This makes the soundbar particularly valuable for:
- Older viewers with mild hearing difficulties
- Those who frequently watch dialogue-heavy content like dramas and news
- Households where English may not be the first language
- Anyone who struggles to hear conversations on TV at normal volumes
Technologically casual users benefit from the straightforward setup and operation. The plug-and-play approach eliminates complicated configuration steps. This simplicity appeals to:
- Seniors who feel intimidated by complex technology
- Busy households seeking hassle-free solutions
- Anyone who prefers intuitive operation over extensive features
- Those upgrading from TV speakers for the first time
Secondary room environments represent another ideal use case. While audiophiles might choose more elaborate systems for their main viewing area, the Solo Soundbar 2 works perfectly for:
- Bedrooms where simplicity matters more than maximum performance
- Home offices that double as occasional entertainment spaces
- Guest rooms that need decent but not extraordinary sound
- Vacation homes where reliability trumps cutting-edge features
Budget-conscious brand loyalists who value Bose’s reputation for quality find the Solo Soundbar 2 appealing. It offers the Bose experience at a more accessible price point than the company’s premium models. This allows entry into the Bose ecosystem without the substantial investment required for their higher-end soundbars.
The soundbar proves less suitable for:
- Dedicated home theater enthusiasts seeking immersive surround sound
- Bass enthusiasts who prioritize powerful low frequencies
- Tech-forward users who value voice control and smart features
- Those with multiple HDMI sources who need HDMI switching capability
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bose Solo Soundbar 2 work with any TV?
Yes. The Bose Solo Soundbar 2 works with virtually any television that has an optical audio output, auxiliary output, or coaxial digital output. Most modern TVs have at least one of these connection options.
Can I connect a subwoofer to the Bose Solo Soundbar 2?
Yes. The Bose Solo Soundbar 2 includes a subwoofer output that supports connection to the Bose Bass Module 500 or other compatible powered subwoofers for enhanced bass performance.
Does the Bose Solo Soundbar 2 support Bluetooth?
Yes. The soundbar features Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity that allows wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices with a range of approximately 30 feet.
Can I wall mount the Bose Solo Soundbar 2?
Yes. The package includes a wall mounting kit with all necessary hardware for secure installation on most wall types. The soundbar weighs only 3.72 pounds, making it suitable for standard drywall mounting.
Does the Bose Solo Soundbar 2 support Dolby Atmos?
No. The soundbar supports basic Dolby Digital decoding but does not support advanced formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. It focuses on stereo sound enhancement rather than multi-channel surround processing.
Can I control the Bose Solo Soundbar 2 with my TV remote?
Possibly. The soundbar does not support HDMI-CEC for automatic remote control. However, you can program some universal remotes to control the soundbar, or the included Bose remote can learn commands from your TV remote.
What is the warranty period for the Bose Solo Soundbar 2?
The Bose Solo Soundbar 2 comes with a standard one-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use conditions.
How many watts is the Bose Solo Soundbar 2?
The Bose Solo Soundbar 2 has a maximum output power of 100 watts, which provides sufficient volume for most medium-sized rooms.
Can I connect the Bose Solo Soundbar 2 to my phone?
Yes. You can connect any Bluetooth-enabled smartphone to the soundbar for wireless audio streaming. Simply put the soundbar in pairing mode and select it from your phone’s Bluetooth menu.
Is the Bose Solo Soundbar 2 better than the Bose Solo 5?
The two models perform very similarly. The Bose Solo Soundbar Series II and the Bose Solo 5 have nearly identical sound profiles and features. The Series II offers minor refinements to the dialogue enhancement technology and updated Bluetooth, but owners of the Solo 5 would find little reason to upgrade.
