Bose Solo 5 vs Bose Solo: Which One is Best for You?

The appropriate soundbar may enhance your listening experience, while the wrong soundbar may not provide much of an upgrade over your existing factory speakers in terms of sound quality.

Given that you’re unlikely to purchase both the Bose Solo 3 and the Solo 5, which is the best option? Both have been put through their paces, and the results can be seen in our Bose Solo VS Solo 5 headphone comparison.

OverView of Bose Solo vs Solo 5:

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Bose Solo TV Sound System
Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System with Universal Remote Control, Black
Product
Bose Solo
Bose Solo 5
Features
Wide sound with Bose technology, Digital signal processing, Extremely easy setup, Simple four-button design, Flexible placement
Bluetooth connectivity, Dialogue mode, Single connection to TV, Universal remote control, Flexible placement
Image
Bose Solo TV Sound System
Product
Bose Solo
Features
Wide sound with Bose technology, Digital signal processing, Extremely easy setup, Simple four-button design, Flexible placement
CHECK OUT
Image
Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System with Universal Remote Control, Black
Product
Bose Solo 5
Features
Bluetooth connectivity, Dialogue mode, Single connection to TV, Universal remote control, Flexible placement
CHECK OUT

Design

In addition, since the Bose Solo is a pedestal-style soundbar, it can support the whole weight of your television set. The remote sensor for your television will remain open, ensuring that it does not interfere with the operation of the remote control. However, even though a stand-type soundbar would not need installation on the wall, it is possible to do so if you choose.

The Bose Solo 5 is a soundbar with a more classic style, which is shaped like a bar. When compared to the Solo, it is more compact and lighter.

The Bose Solo 5 offers more versatility in terms of placing possibilities, however, we don’t recommend using it as a TV stand since it is not built to sustain the weight of your television set.

Despite the fact that the Bose Solo is intended to be used as a stand, it can only support television sets weighing up to forty pounds. The Solo would be ideal to install if you have a bigger TV that weighs more than this amount of weight.

When you first pull the Solo and the Solo 5 out of the package, they have a premium feel about them. Each of them also has a matte brushed surface that is very robust and scratch-resistant. In any decor, the basic black design would look great.

Connection

You’ll find the connection ports for the two soundbars in the rear. The analog, optical, and coaxial inputs are the only ones available on the Bose Solo, which is a limited number of options. Even though the Solo and Solo 5 do not support HDMI, the optical connection is capable of delivering crystal-clear music to your ears.

Dolby Digital is supported by both the Bose Solo and the Bose Solo 5. This indicates that the soundbars are capable of decoding audio quality at that level. Dolby Digital is the industry standard for stunningly clear and spacious sound, which we’ll go over in further detail later.

The Bose Solo 5 features three inputs as well, one of which is different from the Solo’s input. Connecting through optical, coaxial, or auxiliary cables are all options. A feature that the Bose Solo is missing is Bluetooth.

The Solo 5 can stream content from a variety of mobile devices thanks to the built-in Bluetooth.

Bose Solo

Sound

As is typically the case when comparing soundbars, the sound quality of the Bose Solo VS Solo 5 comparison is a significant thing to consider. The sound quality of the Solo and the Solo 5 are almost identical.

Both the Solo 5 and the Bose Solo are devoid of any sound-adjustment options or sound modes. There is a crisp conversation mode pre-programmed within the Solo 5, and the Bose Solo is well-balanced in terms of overall sound quality.

To put it another way, you receive the settings straight out of the box with no space for customization or modification. There is a limit to how much sound they can make due to the fact that they are both rather small designs.

Again, the tiny size of the Bose Solo 5 may be a disadvantage in this situation, but it all depends on the size of your television. The manufacturer speakers are larger in proportion to the size of the television, which implies that a larger soundbar is required to meet and surpass the size of the factory speakers.

Bluetooth

The Bose Solo 5 is the only model with Bluetooth built-in, as we previously said. The option should be quite apparent for those of you who consider this to be a critical feature. This feature is not available on the Bose Solo headphones.

When you use the Solo 5, you’ll be able to stream music and enjoy any other entertainment from your mobile devices, thanks to the increased audio provided by the soundbar.

Bose Solo TV Sound System
  • Wide, even sound throughout the room from Bose speaker array technology
  • More effects, music and dialogue, clearly and naturally, with proprietary digital signal processing
  • Single speaker fits neatly under your HDTV, no additional equipment needed
  • Extremely easy setup, with one connection to your TV and one plug to the wall
  • Simple four-button remote with power, mute and volume

Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System with Universal Remote Control, Black
  • Connector Type: Lightning
  • Included Components: Bose Solo 5 TV sound system
  • Universal remote control
  • Power Cord
  • Optical digital audio cable

Control

Both headphones come with remote controllers. However, the remote for the Bose Solo is smaller and more fragile in comparison to the universal remote that comes with the Bose Solo 5.

The remote control has a straightforward appearance that complements the basic design of the Bose Solo. All of the buttons are well labeled and there are just four of them in total. These are the most fundamental restrictions, and they are pretty much all that the majority of people need in the first place. You have the ability to adjust the volume up and down, as well as the power button and the mute button, on your device.

Because the Bose Solo remote is not a universal remote, it will only operate with the Bose Solo, which is a bummer. On the other hand, a different degree of convenience is provided with the Bose Solo 5.

All of your gadgets, including your television, may be controlled via its remote. The users will find it more convenient since they will no longer have to hunt for a separate remote control each time.

A display and control panel are not included on either the front or the rear of the Bose Solo and Solo 5. Both approaches will need a significant amount of reliance on the remote, as a result. If you don’t need a display screen, there are other excellent options, such as the Samsung HW-J450 soundbar.

Setup

There is no difficulty in configuring any of the soundbars. Both devices use a plug-and-play design. To get started, all you have to do is connect it to your television using the given wires and configure the appropriate parameters on your remote control.

Regardless of the soundbar you choose, you must make certain that the connections are compatible with your television. Be aware that none of the soundbars has an HDMI port. On the Solo 15, there is no such feature.

Conclusion: Bose Solo vs Bose Solo 5?

After a few weeks of testing, our specialists have concluded that the Bose Solo is sufficient for all of the essential functions. However, the Solo 5 is a great option if you want Bluetooth and a few extra features.

Not that the Bose Solo is a bad soundbar. Thanks to this device’s no-fuss design, setup and use are a breeze. When put immediately beneath your TV, it won’t interfere with your TV’s remote sensor.

Best Seller List of Bose Soundbars:

Bestseller No. 1
Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote...
  • Hear your TV better: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is a small soundbar that clarifies speech and is a simple fix for better TV sound
  • Wide, natural sound: 2 angled full-range drivers deliver a more realistic, spatial audio experience for overall better TV sound from a small soundbar
  • Enhanced dialogue: This TV speaker is designed to specifically focus on clarifying and elevating vocals and pronunciation
  • Bluetooth TV Speaker: Pair your device to this Bluetooth soundbar to wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts. Connect up to 3 devices through the inputs (HDMI, Optical in, and AUX in); the first powered on device will automatically connect
  • Simple setup: A single connection from this compact soundbar to the TV via an optical audio cable (included) or an HDMI cable (sold separately) has you up and running in minutes
Bestseller No. 2
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, Surround Sound System for TV, Dolby Atmos Soundbar for TV Plus Alexa and...
  • YOUR FAVORITE CONTENT NEVER FELT THIS DEEP: Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Voice Control is top-of-the-line wireless speaker, surround sound system for TV and so much more
  • DOLBY ATMOS SOUNDBAR: TV soundbar features Dolby Atmos and Bose TrueSpace technology which separates sounds and places them in different parts of a room for an immersive spatial audio experience
  • ULTRA-CRISP DIALOGUE CLARITY: A.I. Dialogue Mode balances voice and surround sound for ultra-crisp vocal clarity, so you never miss what your favorite characters say again with this surround sound speaker
  • SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM: With six transducers, including two custom-engineered upward firing dipole speakers, it will feel like your space is filled with sound from every direction, even overhead
  • AMAZON ALEXA VOICE CONTROL: Control your entertainment, daily tasks and access information using your voice with Amazon Alexa
Bestseller No. 3
Small Subwoofer Home Theater for TV Surround System 5 Wired Speakers Amplifier 4 inch Woofer...
  • Our home theater system speakers. Equipped with a 4-inch subwoofer and a built-in receiver, these speakers offer exceptional sound quality and powerful bass, all while maintaining high volume levels. Experience professional-level audio performance optimized for your entertainment needs. Small sound systems are compact and designed to fit well in small spaces. This flexibility of surround sound system allows you to optimize the sound quality based on the room you are in.
  • Surround Sound System is the perfect solution for immersive audio in a small apartment or small room. This compact and versatile audio setup offers a dynamic and balanced sound experience that will elevate your entertainment and listening activities to new heights, all while fitting seamlessly into limited space. For such a small speaker system it works amazing it's light compact and loud perfect for TVs, computers, projectors.
  • The Surround Sound unit consists of a central speaker, 2 front speakers, 2 rear speakers, and a main speaker/ subwoofer, creating a multi-channel audio configuration that reproduces audio from all directions. It connects to Bluetooth hassle free and are very loud with great sound quality in every speaker. This setup provides a realistic and enveloping soundstage, making you feel like you are right in the middle of the action, whether you are watching movies, playing games, or listening to music.
  • Despite its compact size, the home theater sound system delivers powerful and clear sound quality, with crisp highs, rich midrange, and deep lows. The combination of multiple speakers and a subwoofer ensures that every sound detail is reproduced with precision, creating a truly immersive audio experience that will enhance your enjoyment of all types of media. The home theater sound system can be placed strategically around your small or medium-size room to optimize audio dispersion and create the perfect listening environment. This product for a small studio or apartment setting, not too powerful but just right for the size.
  • EASY TO CONNECT AND SET UP Step 1: Wired Connection - 5 small speakers with built-in cables are wired to connect to the "AUDIO OUTPUT" slots of the Subwoofer. (NOT wireless). Step 2: Test the System to Make Sure it Set Up Properly - Turn on the subwoofer which is under the power supply, and test the remote control and Bluetooth connection (Connect Bluetooth named "Bobtot B38" on "BT" mode) to ensure everything is working properly.
Bestseller No. 4
Bose New Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar, Bluetooth Soundbar Speaker with Voice Control and Amazon Alexa...
  • TOTAL IMMERSION, FOR EVERYTHING YOU PLAY: The Bose Dolby Atmos Soundbar features shockingly immersive sound for its size and utilizes proprietary TrueSpace technology so you can feel everything you watch
  • ULTRA-CRISP DIALOGUE CLARITY: Never miss out on what your favorite characters are saying, this TV soundbar uses A.I. Dialogue Mode to balance voices and surround sound for ultra-crisp vocal clarity
  • ONLY TRUESPACE ELEVATES IT ALL: Bose TrueSpace technology intelligently analyzes signals other than Dolby Atmos, like stereo or 5.1, and upmixes them to create an immersive multi-channel sound experience
  • BIG-TIME TECH FOR A SMALL SOUNDBAR: The Bluetooth soundbar speaker features an acoustic architecture that fits five transducers into its compact frame, including two that fire upward, for spacious, realistic sound
  • STREAMING, ANY WAY YOU WANT: Stream songs and video via Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, or Chromecast built-in, if you can get it on your phone, you can hear it through your Bose soundbar
Bestseller No. 5
Bose Smart Soundbar 600 with Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth Wireless Sound Bar for TV with Built-in...
  • FULL IMMERSION FOR ALL ENTERTAINMENT: Smart Soundbar 600 is a Dolby Atmos soundbar that also features proprietary TrueSpace technology and two upward firing transducers to deliver shockingly immersive sound for all your movies, TV shows, and music
  • TRUESPACE ELEVATES IT ALL: No matter what you’re watching, Bose TrueSpace technology intelligently analyzes signals other than Dolby Atmos, like stereo or 5.1, and upmixes them to create an immersive multi-channel sound experience
  • PACKED WITH TECHNOLOGY: The acoustic architecture squeezes 5 speakers (including 2 upward firing) into a small, 27.5” wide soundbar to spread sound across the room: horizontally left and right, forward, and overhead
  • WIRELESS SOUNDBAR FOR STREAMING: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast built-in compatibility let you stream content anyway you want
  • TOTAL CONTROL: Amazon Alexa voice control is built in. Or you can access Works With Google Assistant capabilities with a compatible Google device. There’s also the included remote control and the Bose app for quick access to your music
SaleBestseller No. 6
Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker, Integrated Tweeter and Bluetooth, (HTS100F),...
  • Straight from the theater to your home: easy set-up, built-in tweeter, 2-ch speaker with simple Bluetooth connection
  • Deep sound with Bass Reflex speaker
  • High power with a slim design that matches any room and is perfect for small living spaces
  • Voice enhancement feature is great for TV content with hushed dialogue, or to make conference call participants easier to hear
  • Easy TV set up with HDMI ARC
Bestseller No. 7
Bose Solo Series II 3-Inch Soundbar with Two Angled Full-Range Drivers, Built-In Dolby, and Front...
  • Easy-To-Use And Compact Soundbar. Standing just under 3″ (7 cm) tall, this soundbar can fit under most TVs. A high-quality steel wall bracket is included to mount it flush to the wall. And small LED lights on the front indicate when certain features are enabled.
  • Designed For Voice Clarity. In Dialogue Mode, the Bose Solo Soundbar Series II makes every word easier to understand — without having to adjust the volume. Simply press the Dialogue Mode button on the included remote to enable. Plus, built-in Dolby decoding creates a richer, more satisfying listening experience with remarkable realism.
  • More Music — Bluetooth Soundbar. Music, podcasts, and more. Listen to what you want, when you want with a Bluetooth connection to your device. Press the “Bluetooth” button on the remote to pair a device to your soundbar.
  • One connection to your TV
  • Basic remote and wall bracket included
SaleBestseller No. 8
Bose Solo Soundbar Series II
  • 21.6" Soundbar Bluetooth Enabled for Wireless Streaming Dialogue Mode for Clearer Voices Built-in Dolby Decoding Includes Remote, Wall Mount, and Optical Cable
Bestseller No. 9
Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote...
  • TV Speaker (Black) - Remote Control with Battery Pre-Installed - Optical Cable - Power Cord - Quick Start Guide - Bose 1 Year Limited Warranty - H&A High-Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet (Gold Series)
  • Hear your TV better: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is a small soundbar that clarifies speech and is a simple fix for better TV sound
  • Wide, natural sound: 2 angled full-range drivers deliver a more realistic, spatial audio experience for overall better TV sound from a small soundbar
  • Enhanced dialogue: This TV speaker is designed to specifically focus on clarifying and elevating vocals and pronunciation
  • Bluetooth TV Speaker: Pair your device to this Bluetooth soundbar to wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts. Connect up to 3 devices through the inputs (HDMI, Optical in, and AUX in); the first powered on device will automatically connect
Bestseller No. 10
Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar Speaker, Black, Bundle Bass Module 700, Sound Bar for Home...
  • Immersive Audio Experience: The Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar and Bass Module 700 deliver a captivating three-dimensional audio experience, making movies, music, and gaming truly immersive.
  • Effortless Voice Control: With built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, control your entertainment and smart home devices with ease using voice commands, even in noisy environments.
  • Versatile Connectivity: Enjoy flexibility with multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast for seamless streaming from various devices.
  • Customizable Home Theater: Elevate your entertainment by adding the Bose Bass Module 700 for deep, resonant bass and optional surround speakers for a complete and customizable home theater experience.
  • Control your TV with your voice using Voice4Video technology and Alexa

-our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.

Last update on 2025-02-06

Lance Ulanoff is a renowned tech journalist, commentator, and on-air expert with over 36 years of experience. He has held esteemed positions including Editor in Chief of Lifewire and Mashable, where he delved into the impact of technology on daily life. Lance's expertise has been featured on major news programs globally, and he has made appearances on Fox News, CNBC, and the BBC.