It lacks HDMI connectivity, yet isnt as low priced as other top-tier budget options.
So, is the Bose Solo Soundbar 2 hot enough to compete in a fiery market?
Well, before we jump to any conclusions, lets talk about setup.
Getting the Bose Solo Soundbar 2 hooked up to your TV is easy enough.
But although setup is straightforward, youve probably picked up on a standout omission.
Thats right: theres no HDMI here.
Its an absolute must to qualify as one of thebest cheap soundbars.
I also typically find digital optical cables to be more fiddly and awkward than larger, easier-to-handle HDMI cables.
So, look, the Bose Solo Soundbar 2 and I didnt get off on the best foot.
But I wasnt going to write it off without a good listen and test session first.
And Im glad to report that the sound quality on offer is a major redeeming factor.
I felt that the low-end power on offer was substantial for a small soundbar like this.
It grabbed me instantly and filled our medium-sized TV testing room effectively.
Some of the lowest notes sounded a touch thin, however.
Thats something that even some fantastic budget rivals, like the Sony HT-SF150, skip on.
Enough about bass, though.
Id like to loop back around to dialogue.
This is generally quite crisp, but you’re able to improve things further by activating Dialogue Mode.
The most noticeable effect here is that volume is given a substantial boost.
Especially if youve used up all of your HDMI ports.
Sound rarely gets harsh or abrasive, even at higher volumes.
And this thing can get pretty loud, thanks to its maximum power output of 100W.
Not bad for a small lil fella.
The only time I felt sound quality took a significant dive was when I played some music over Bluetooth.
Having said that, music didnt sound tinny or horrible and vocals inBlack Eyewere certainly clear enough.
Something I did like about the Solo Soundbar 2, though, is its design.
OK, its a little plasticky but thats to be expected at this price point.
And the included remote is pleasingly slim and sleek, which adds a few more style points anyway.
It sounds surprisingly powerful and looks pretty sweet too.
And if youre all out of HDMI slots, then it might be worth a look.
you might get theHisense HS214 a cheaper, more modern, HDMI-ready mini bar if youre short on space.
You could even grab thePanasonic SC-HTB100if you want clear audio with a bit more width.
Now, a few years later, you could often find it at a discounted price.
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Features
Bass controls, dialogue mode, Bluetooth, lacks surround sound features.
4/5
Audio performance
Clear but not expansive audio, decently powerful, low bass not perfect.
3.5/5
Design
Diminutive, decently attractive design, neat remote.
Setup and usability
No HDMI is a real blow, but still easy enough to set up, responsive.
Value
Not too expensive but there are too many strong, significantly cheaper rivals.
Its pretty slim and not long at all, meaning it should seamlessly slot into your TV unit.
And youd be correct to expect that.
Its a basic 2.0 channel soundbar with no surround or virtual surround capabilities.
Its a premium-looking standalone soundbar with surprisingly good virtual surround sound technology.
That includes HDMI ARC, by the way.
Read our fullSony HT-SF150 review.
Hisense HS214The Hisense HS214 is pretty similar to this bar from Bose.
Read our fullHisense HS214 review.
In addition, I connected theSamsung Galaxy S24 FEto the soundbar to assess audio quality over Bluetooth.
