Bose · Soundbar · 418775

Bose Solo Soundbar Series II Review: A Compact, Basic TV Audio Upgrade

The Bose Solo Soundbar Series II is a compact 2.0-channel soundbar designed to deliver clearer dialogue and fuller sound than typical television speakers. Its two angled full-range drivers, adjustable bass and Dialogue Mode suit bedrooms and smaller living spaces. However, it lacks HDMI ARC/eARC, video passthrough, a subwoofer and surround-speaker expansion, so shoppers must confirm that their TV has optical, coaxial or 3.5 mm audio output.

Video summary

Tech Steve presents the Bose Solo Soundbar Series II as a basic option for improving television sound without adding a subwoofer or rear speakers. He highlights its compact 21.6-inch width, two-driver design, rear port, Dialogue Mode and adjustable bass. Setup is demonstrated through an optical connection to a 2024 TCL Q6, while Bluetooth is used successfully with a smartphone. An attempted setup with a Sony Bravia 7 illustrates the soundbar's main compatibility limitation: it has no HDMI ARC/eARC, and Bluetooth may not function as a substitute for TV audio. Steve finds the sound clearer and fuller than built-in TV speakers but cautions that it is not a powerful or immersive system.

Bottom line

Tech Steve Takeaway

Buy the Bose Solo Soundbar Series II if you want a compact, straightforward boost in dialogue clarity and bass for a bedroom or smaller TV setup. Check your TV for optical, coaxial or headphone audio output first. Shoppers wanting HDMI eARC, one-remote convenience, a subwoofer or surround sound should choose a more expandable soundbar.

The Bose Solo Soundbar Series II is a 21.6-inch-wide standalone 2.0-channel soundbar containing two angled full-range drivers. It offers Dialogue Mode, remote-controlled bass adjustment, Bluetooth 4.0 and Bose SimpleSync. Television connections include optical digital, coaxial digital and 3.5 mm analog inputs. It has no HDMI ports, subwoofer, rear speakers, voice assistant or automated room calibration.

Sound quality

The soundbar uses two angled full-range drivers and Bose digital signal processing to produce clearer, fuller television audio than small built-in speakers. Tech Steve heard crisper sound, more noticeable bass from the larger ported cabinet and improved vocal clarity through Dialogue Mode. It is intended as a modest upgrade rather than a room-filling home-theater system, and it has no separate subwoofer, center channel, surrounds or height speakers.

Connectivity and features

Bluetooth 4.0 supports wireless music playback from compatible phones and tablets, with a documented range of approximately 33 feet. Bose SimpleSync can synchronize playback with one compatible Bose smart speaker or soundbar, controlled through that compatible smart product and the Bose app. The Solo itself has no built-in voice assistant. Status is communicated through LEDs rather than a display.

What we like

Compact 21.6-inch cabinet fits easily below smaller televisions
Dialogue Mode makes speech and vocals easier to understand
Optical, coaxial and 3.5 mm inputs support a range of older and basic TV setups
Bluetooth enables wireless music playback from phones and tablets
Bass adjustment provides simple control over low-frequency output
Optical cable and wall bracket are included
Wall-mount audio adjustment helps compensate for mounted placement

What to consider

No HDMI ARC or eARC, limiting compatibility with TVs that only provide HDMI audio output
Volume control may require the separate Bose remote unless the TV remote can be programmed for it
No HDMI inputs or video passthrough
No included subwoofer, discrete center channel, surround speakers or height channels
Cannot be expanded with Bose or third-party bass modules or satellite speakers
No automated room calibration or built-in voice assistant
LED status indicators are less informative than a full display
External power brick adds another component to manage

Tech Steve verdict

The Bose Solo Soundbar Series II works best as a compact upgrade for bedrooms, apartments and smaller television setups where dialogue clarity and simple operation matter more than cinematic impact. Its Dialogue Mode, adjustable bass, Bluetooth playback, multiple legacy audio inputs and included wall bracket are useful benefits. The tradeoffs are substantial for modern home theaters: there is no HDMI ARC/eARC, no video passthrough, no automated room correction and no option to add a bass module or satellite speakers. Buy it for basic Bose sound when your TV has a compatible audio output; choose a modern HDMI-equipped system if you want easier volume control, stronger bass or immersive surround sound.

What makes it different

Exclusive technology

Bose Dialogue Mode

Adjusts the soundbar's audio balance to make dialogue and vocals easier to understand.

Bose proprietary DSP

Digitally processes incoming audio to bring out details that may be difficult for built-in television speakers to reproduce.

Bose SimpleSync

Uses Bluetooth to synchronize music with one compatible Bose smart speaker or soundbar. The compatible smart product and Bose app control the grouping.

Specifications

Audio

Speaker System2.0-channel standalone soundbar with two angled full-range drivers

Speaker Count2

Included SubwooferNo

Included Rear SpeakersNo

Compatible Rear Speaker KitNone; Bose states that satellite surround speakers cannot be connected.

Dolby Audio FormatsDolby Digital

Sound ModesDialogue Mode

Dialogue EnhancementDialogue Mode adjusts the audio balance to improve the clarity of dialogue and vocals in movies, television programs and podcasts.

Optional AccessoriesReplacement Bose TV Speaker/Solo Soundbar Series II remote control, Replacement Bose DT20V-1.8C power supply, Replacement Bose power cord