Design and build:

Bose Solo 5 and Solo Series 2 are similar sized speakers. They are compact in size and will easily fit under 55 to 65” TVs. The bars are available in basic black color, and they are wall mountable. They have a good plastic body that is covered by a metal grille. Overall, the build quality is sturdy and feels solid.

Performance:

Bose Solo 5 and Solo Series 2 are stereo soundbar that are an excellent upgrade over TV audio.  Comparing Bose Solo 5 vs Solo Series 2, the Solo 5 can get a bit louder than the Solo Series 2. They have an SPL of around 85 dB and are suitable for small rooms.

Bose Solo 5 has TrueSpace feature that focuses on creating a surround sound field around the user. It has an average soundstage, but we were impressed by the accuracy. Since it does not have a dedicated center channel, it uses a phantom center channel for vocal clarity. Voices are loud and clear. We did not have any problem listening to dialogues in TV shows and movies.

The voice enhancement mode helps to enhance the dialogues further. This is similar to the Solo Series 2 soundbar. Since this is a 2-channel soundbar, we did not expect immersive surrounds. It has poor surrounds, but the sound is much better than built-in TV speakers.

Bose Solo Series 2 has two full-range angled drivers. It has a wide soundstage, and it is room-filling in compact spaces. It has mediocre surrounds, and this is quite expected from a stereo bar. Along with the Solo 5, the Solo Series 2 has only Dolby Digital audio format that is needed for surround sound. In small rooms, the soundbar shines with clarity at moderate volumes.

As a standalone bar, it delivers full-bodied and detailed performance that is quite satisfying. While watching movies, the movie effects and vocals were intelligible and loud. The soundbar has an average bass but coming from a single unit, it is tolerable.

Connectivity:

Bose Solo 5 and Solo Series 2 have optical and 3.5mm port. There are no HDMI ports that are available in most new TVs. For wireless connectivity, there is only Bluetooth. With Bose SimpleSync feature, users can connect product from Bose Home Speaker family to the Bose Solo 5 or Solo Soundbar Series 2.

Both these soundbars stick to few and some basic features. They do not support ‘fancy’ features like Chromecast, Airplay, multiroom, etc.

Control options:

None of the bars have any physical controls on the bar. So, users must use the included remotes for giving commands. The Solo 5 has a large remote with several buttons compared to the small and minimalist remote of the Solo Soundbar Series 2.

Settings:

These soundbars offer very few audio settings. You will only get voice mode and bass mode.

Cost:

Bose Solo 5 vs Solo Series 2 price comparison shows, they are both affordable and available under $200. Between the two, the Solo 5 is slightly costlier than the Solo Series 2.

FAQ:

Why should I choose Bose Solo 5?

Bose Solo 5 can be considered a mini soundbar for tight spaces. Not all users are ready for a home theater system, so the Solo 5 is a single standalone bar is the best choice for them. It is a great option for newbies or old age group who do not seek audiophile grade quality. Instead, these group of users simply want a decent audio performance that is enjoyable and entertaining.

What is the best alternative to Bose Solo 5 and Solo Series 2 soundbar?

With an increase in price, you can replace the Solo 5 or Solo soundbar series 2 with Bose Soundbar 900. It is available under $800 and has a 5.1.2 channel configuration. It is best for users who seek immersive audio performance from a standalone bar. You will experience powerful surrounds, tight bass along with a sense of height effects. The bar is also expandable.