TLDR Review: Bose Solo 5 Soundbar (Renewed)
Pros
- •Produces surprisingly full and rich sound for its compact size, significantly enhancing TV audio compared to builn speakers.
- •Dialogue enhancement feature notably improves speech clarity, making conversations easier to follow.
- •Bluetooth connectivity works well, especially with Apple TV and smartphones, allowing wireless audio streaming with balanced bass.
- •Compact, sleek, and slim design fits neatly into small living spaces without cluttering the area.
- •Remote control is multifunctional and programmable, potentially replacing multiple remotes for TV and Blay systems.
- •Simple installation and setup process make it useriendly even for those not tech-savvy.
- •Auto Off feature helps save energy by turning the unit off after about an hour of inactivity.
- •Delivers a more immersive sound experience that some users compare to a movie theater atmosphere.
- •Reliable and consistent sound quality aligns with Bose's reputation for premium audio in small form factors.
Cons
- •The soundbar relies entirely on the remote for adjustments since it has no physical buttons, which some find inconvenient.
- •Remote control is bulky and can be cumbersome to handle, with programming requiring patience and multiple steps.
- •Lacks a dedicated subwoofer, so bass depth is limited and may feel thin at maximum volume levels.
- •Volume display does not appear when using TV antenna input, which can be a minor annoyance.
- •Build quality is perceived as weaker compared to other Bose products, particularly the fiber optic audio port which can be fragile.
- •Some users find sound quality average and not as strong as expected given the price point.
- •No RF remote control support, so the FireTV remote must be used separately if you have that device.
- •May require an optical adapter if the TV doesn’t have an optical port, adding to the setup complexity.
- •Best suited for small to medium rooms; larger spaces may find sound coverage insufficient.
- •Possibly discontinued or replaced by newer Bose models, which could limit future support.
Bottom Line
The **Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar** offers excellent sound enhancement for small living spaces, easily beating most built-in TV speakers with rich, clear audio and easy Bluetooth streaming. However, if you want deeper bass, physical controls on the soundbar itself, or something more robust for larger rooms, this might feel a bit limited. Its reliance on a bulky remote and some durability concerns with the fiber optic port are worth considering. If you want similar Bose quality but with more features or power, look out for newer Bose models or consider soundbars with dedicated subwoofers for fuller bass. If your priority is easy streaming and room-friendly design with good dialogue clarity, this is a solid choice at around $175, especially in renewed condition.
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