When it comes to improving your TV's sound, you've got plenty of options. Today, we're looking at two very different approaches: the entry-level Bose Solo Soundbar Series 2 at $180 and the premium LG S95TR 9.1.5 Channel Soundbar at $1000. While they're both technically soundbars, they serve quite different purposes and users.
Soundbars have come a long way from simple stereo speakers. Modern options range from basic TV sound enhancers to complete home theater replacements. Before diving into our comparison, let's understand what matters:
The Bose Solo 2 was released in 2020 as a straightforward solution to poor TV speakers. It's a classic two-channel stereo soundbar, meaning it has left and right speakers built into one slim bar. No separate subwoofer, no surround speakers - just clearer, fuller sound than your TV provides.
In contrast, the LG S95TR launched in early 2024 with all the latest audio tech. It's a complete 9.1.5 system - that means nine surround channels, one subwoofer, and five height channels for Dolby Atmos (which creates the impression of sound coming from above). It's designed to compete with dedicated home theater systems.
For everyday TV watching, both soundbars will significantly improve your experience, but in different ways:
The Bose excels at:
The LG delivers:
This is where the differences become stark. The Bose provides clearer sound than TV speakers but can't create true surround effects. It has to "downmix" surround sound into basic stereo.
The LG, however, transforms your room into a mini theater. When watching movies with Dolby Atmos (like most Netflix and Disney+ content), you'll hear sounds precisely placed around and above you. Rain seems to fall from the ceiling, helicopters fly overhead, and explosions have real impact thanks to the wireless subwoofer.
Both handle music differently:
The Bose keeps it simple with:
The LG offers:
The Bose has basic features like auto-wake and a dialogue mode. The LG includes:
The Bose Solo 2 is truly plug-and-play:
The LG S95TR requires more planning:
The $820 price difference is substantial, but we're really comparing different product categories:
The Bose at $180:
The LG at $1000:
Choose the Bose Solo 2 if:
Choose the LG S95TR if:
The Bose, being an older and simpler model, doesn't offer much room for expansion. It's a "what you see is what you get" product. However, its basic features should remain useful for years.
The LG's HDMI 2.1 ports, software updates, and advanced processing make it more future-proof. It's ready for next-gen gaming consoles and developing audio formats.
Rather than thinking about which is "better," consider which better serves your needs. The Bose Solo 2 excels at its primary job - making TV sound clearer and fuller. The LG S95TR creates a premium home theater experience but requires more space, setup, and budget.
Choose based on your room size, main usage, and how much you value immersive sound. Either way, both will significantly improve your TV audio experience - they just take different paths to get there.
| Bose Solo Soundbar Series 2 - $180 | LG S95TR 9.1.5 Channel - $1000 |
|---|---|
| Audio Channels - Determines how immersive and precise the sound positioning can be | |
| 2.0 (basic stereo) | 9.1.5 (full surround with height channels) |
| Room Size Sweet Spot - Crucial for optimal sound distribution | |
| Small rooms up to 200 sq ft | Medium to large rooms 200-500 sq ft |
| Subwoofer - Important for feeling bass impact in movies and music | |
| None (limited bass response) | Wireless powered subwoofer included |
| Dolby Atmos Support - Enables overhead sound effects in modern content | |
| No (downmixes to stereo) | Yes (with dedicated up-firing speakers) |
| Connectivity - Affects what devices you can connect and audio quality | |
| Optical and Bluetooth only | HDMI 2.1, eARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay |
| Setup Complexity - Consider your comfort with tech setup | |
| Simple plug-and-play (5 minutes) | More complex with multiple components (30+ minutes) |
| Gaming Features - Critical if you're a console gamer | |
| None | VRR, low latency mode, 4K/120Hz passthrough |
| Additional Speakers - Affects surround sound realism | |
| None | Two wireless rear speakers included |
| Smart Features - Convenience and future-proofing | |
| Basic remote control only | Room calibration, app control, voice assistants |
| Primary Use Case - Most important consideration | |
| TV dialogue enhancement, basic music | Home theater, gaming, immersive audio |
The LG S95TR 9.1.5 Channel Soundbar is significantly better for movies due to its Dolby Atmos support, dedicated subwoofer, and surround speakers. The Bose Solo Series 2 is limited to basic stereo sound without true surround effects.
The Bose Solo Series 2 costs $180, while the LG S95TR is priced at $1000. The $820 difference reflects their different target markets and capabilities.
The Bose Solo Series 2 is ideal for small spaces under 200 square feet. It's compact, simple to set up, and provides clear sound without overwhelming the room.
While the Bose Solo Series 2 works without one, a subwoofer like the one included with the LG S95TR significantly improves movie and music experience by adding deep bass response.
The Bose Solo Series 2 is simpler with just two cables (power and optical). The LG S95TR requires more setup time for its multiple components and calibration.
The LG S95TR with its HDMI 2.1 ports, software updates, and advanced audio formats is more future-proof than the basic Bose Solo Series 2.
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 - techradar.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - trustedreviews.com - zdnet.com - rtings.com - lg.com - lambcotvandappliance.com - valueelectronics.com - romomattressfurniture.com - dolby.com - youtube.com
