When it comes to improving your TV's sound, you've got options ranging from simple to spectacular. Today, we're comparing two very different approaches: the budget-friendly Bose Solo Soundbar Series II ($179.99) and the premium LG S90TR 7.1.3 Channel Soundbar ($799.99). Let's break down exactly what you get at each price point and help you make the right choice for your setup.
Before diving into the specifics, let's clear up some terminology. Soundbars come in different channel configurations - the numbers tell you how many speakers and their purpose. A 2.0 system like the Bose Solo has two speakers for stereo (left and right). The LG S90TR's 7.1.3 configuration means seven surround speakers, one subwoofer (the ".1"), and three upward-firing speakers for height effects.
The soundbar market has changed dramatically in recent years. When the Bose Solo Series II launched in 2020, it represented a solid upgrade from TV speakers. However, the 2024 LG S90TR shows how far we've come, incorporating technologies like Dolby Atmos (which creates a 3D sound bubble around you) and room calibration (which automatically adjusts sound for your space).
The Bose Solo focuses on clear dialogue and decent stereo separation. It's perfect for news, sports, and TV shows where understanding speech is priority one. There's a dialogue enhancement mode that really helps with mumbled conversations or thick accents.
The LG S90TR is in a different league entirely. Its separate subwoofer handles deep bass (think explosion effects or movie soundtracks), while the rear speakers create true surround sound. Those three upward-firing speakers bounce sound off your ceiling for height effects - when a helicopter flies overhead in a movie, you'll actually hear it move above you.
Your room size should heavily influence your choice:
The Bose Solo keeps things simple:
The LG S90TR offers more flexibility:
For basic TV watching, both soundbars will significantly improve upon built-in TV speakers. The Bose handles dialogue well and provides clear stereo separation. However, the LG creates a truly immersive experience:
Both handle music differently:
The $620 price difference is substantial, but consider what you're getting:
Think about your viewing habits:
The Bose Solo is essentially plug-and-play:
The LG S90TR requires more setup but offers more customization:
The Bose's limitations are fixed - it will always be a 2.0 system. The LG supports modern formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, plus its multiple HDMI ports handle 4K/120Hz passthrough for next-gen gaming consoles.
Choose the Bose Solo Soundbar Series II if:
Choose the LG S90TR 7.1.3 Channel Soundbar if:
Both soundbars serve their intended purposes well, but they're aimed at very different users. The Bose offers a solid basic upgrade that most people will appreciate, while the LG delivers a premium experience for those who want to be immersed in their entertainment.
Remember that a soundbar is often a long-term investment - you'll likely keep it through several TV upgrades. Consider whether saving up for the more capable system might be worth it in the long run, especially if you're a movie enthusiast or gamer.
Think about how you'll use it most often. If you're mainly improving dialogue clarity for everyday TV watching, the Bose does that job admirably at a reasonable price. But if you want to feel like you're in a movie theater when watching the latest blockbuster, the LG's premium features deliver that experience.
| Bose Solo Soundbar Series II ($179.99) | LG S90TR 7.1.3 ($799.99) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines surround sound capability and immersion | |
| 2.0 (basic stereo) | 7.1.3 (full surround with height channels) |
| Room Size Suitability - Critical for determining if sound will fill your space properly | |
| Small to medium rooms (up to 200 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (200-600+ sq ft) |
| Subwoofer - Essential for movie impact and music bass | |
| None | Wireless powered subwoofer included |
| Dolby Atmos Support - Important for modern movie/streaming content | |
| No | Yes, with dedicated height channels |
| Maximum Volume Output - Affects usability in larger spaces | |
| 85 dB (adequate for TV viewing) | 95 dB (theater-like volume capability) |
| Connectivity Options - Determines flexibility with different devices | |
| Optical and Bluetooth only | HDMI eARC, multiple HDMI inputs, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Setup Complexity - Consider your comfort with tech | |
| Simple plug-and-play (5 minutes) | More complex but guided setup (30 minutes) |
| Additional Features - Extra value considerations | |
| Basic dialogue enhancement mode | Room calibration, app control, gaming mode |
| Primary Use Case - Most important decision factor | |
| TV dialogue and basic stereo music | Home theater, gaming, immersive music |
The LG S90TR ($799.99) is significantly better for home theater use due to its 7.1.3 channel configuration, Dolby Atmos support, and included subwoofer. The Bose Solo Series II ($179.99) is more suited for basic TV audio enhancement.
There's a $620 difference. The Bose Solo Series II costs $179.99, while the LG S90TR is priced at $799.99.
Yes, both soundbars will work with any TV. The Bose connects via optical cable, while the LG offers both HDMI and optical connections for universal compatibility.
The LG S90TR provides a superior movie experience with its surround sound speakers, subwoofer, and Dolby Atmos support. The Bose Solo Series II offers basic stereo sound only.
For true home theater experience, yes. The LG includes a wireless subwoofer, while the Bose has no subwoofer. The difference in bass impact is substantial for movies and music.
The Bose Solo Series II has a simpler setup with just two cables (power and optical). The LG S90TR requires more setup time but offers guided installation through its app.
The LG S90TR is excellent for gaming with HDMI 2.1 features and surround sound. The Bose Solo Series II works but offers only basic stereo sound.
The Bose requires minimal space (just the soundbar). The LG needs room for the main unit, subwoofer, and two rear speakers - ideal for medium to large rooms.
Both support Bluetooth streaming, but the LG S90TR adds Wi-Fi streaming with higher quality. The Bose Solo Series II is limited to Bluetooth only.
Both perform well with dialogue, but they achieve it differently. The Bose has a dedicated dialogue mode, while the LG uses its center channel speaker for clear voice reproduction.
No professional installation is required for either model. The Bose is plug-and-play, while the LG requires more setup time but includes clear instructions.
For basic TV audio enhancement, the Bose Solo Series II offers good value at $179.99. For home theater enthusiasts, the LG S90TR justifies its $799.99 price with significantly more features and better performance.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: rtings.com - bose.com - bose.com - assets.bose.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - pistonheads.com - costco.com - googlenestcommunity.com - youtube.com - discussions.apple.com - rtings.com - abt.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - microcenter.com - buydig.com - bestbuy.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - oceanstateappliance.com - youtube.com - avsforum.com - lg.com
