When it comes to improving your TV's audio, soundbars have become the go-to solution for most people. Today, we're comparing two popular options: the Bose Solo Series 2 ($179) and the Samsung HW-B550D ($179.99). Let's explore how these two different approaches to better TV sound stack up against each other.
Before diving into the comparison, it's helpful to understand what makes soundbars different. Unlike your TV's built-in speakers, which are usually small and face downward or backward, soundbars use larger, forward-facing speakers to create clearer, more directed sound. They're designed to be a simple upgrade that makes a big difference in your viewing experience.
The Bose Solo Series 2 was released in late 2020 as an update to the original Solo 5, bringing improved dialogue clarity and a more refined design. Meanwhile, the Samsung HW-B550D launched in 2022, incorporating newer features like DTS Virtual:X (a technology that simulates surround sound from a single bar) and adaptive sound processing.
The Bose takes a minimalist approach with a single, slim bar measuring just 2.8 inches tall. It's incredibly simple to set up – just connect the optical cable to your TV, plug in the power, and you're ready to go. The clean, understated design works well in any room, and its compact size makes it perfect for smaller spaces.
Samsung's approach is more comprehensive, with a larger main bar and a separate wireless subwoofer. While setup is still straightforward, you'll need to find space for both units. The subwoofer needs to be plugged into power but connects wirelessly to the main bar, giving you flexibility in placement.
The Bose Solo Series 2 excels at dialogue clarity. In my testing, shows like "The Crown" with lots of quiet conversation became much easier to follow. However, during action scenes in movies like "The Avengers," you might notice it lacks the deep bass impact that creates that theater-like experience.
The Samsung HW-B550D delivers a more cinematic experience. Its 3.1 channel setup means it has dedicated center channel for dialogue, plus left and right channels for music and effects. The wireless subwoofer adds significant bass impact – you'll actually feel explosions and musical bass lines. In testing, movies like "Dune" showed off its capability to handle both subtle atmospheric sounds and powerful bass moments.
Both units handle music differently:
The Bose remote is simple but effective, controlling volume, source, and basic sound adjustments. Samsung's remote offers more features, including different sound modes and subwoofer level control.
The Bose Solo Series 2 is ideal here. Its compact size and focused sound work perfectly in smaller spaces where a subwoofer might be overwhelming.
The Samsung HW-B550D is better suited for larger spaces. Its more powerful output and separate subwoofer help fill bigger rooms with sound.
Both soundbars are priced similarly around $179, but offer different value propositions:
Choose the Bose Solo Series 2 if:
Choose the Samsung HW-B550D if:
Both soundbars represent significant upgrades from TV speakers, but they serve different needs. The Bose excels in simplicity and dialogue enhancement, while the Samsung offers a more complete home theater experience. Consider your room size, primary use case, and whether you want the extra impact of a subwoofer when making your choice.
Your viewing habits should be the deciding factor. If you're mainly watching news and TV shows, the Bose's dialogue focus might be perfect. But if you're looking for a more immersive experience for movies and music, the Samsung's fuller range and additional features make it the better choice.
| Bose Solo Soundbar Series 2 ($179) | Samsung HW-B550D ($179.99) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how sound is distributed and overall immersion | |
| 2.0 (basic stereo) | 3.1 (dedicated center channel + subwoofer) |
| Subwoofer - Critical for bass impact in movies and music | |
| None | Included wireless 5" subwoofer |
| Size - Important for placement flexibility and room aesthetics | |
| 21.6" W x 2.8" H x 3.4" D (compact) | 33.9" W x 2.4" H x 3" D (bar) + separate subwoofer |
| Primary Audio Enhancement - Key feature for dialogue clarity | |
| Dedicated dialogue mode | Center channel + Adaptive Sound Lite |
| Connection Options - Affects compatibility and setup simplicity | |
| Optical + Bluetooth | HDMI ARC, Optical, Bluetooth multi-device |
| Sound Processing - Impacts overall audio experience | |
| Basic stereo processing | DTS Virtual:X + Dolby Audio |
| Remote Control Features - Affects ease of use and adjustability | |
| Basic volume/source control | Full feature control + sound mode adjustment |
| Room Size Suitability - Critical for optimal performance | |
| Small rooms (under 200 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (200+ sq ft) |
| Power Output - Determines maximum volume and sound clarity | |
| Not specified (suitable for near-field listening) | 340W total system power |
| Best Use Case - Helps match product to needs | |
| TV shows, news, sports, dialogue clarity | Movies, music, gaming, immersive content |
The Samsung HW-B550D is significantly better for movies due to its 3.1 channel configuration and wireless subwoofer. The dedicated center channel and bass capabilities provide a more immersive movie experience compared to the Bose Solo Series 2.
Both soundbars are similarly priced, with the Bose Solo Series 2 at $179 and the Samsung HW-B550D at $179.99, making price less of a deciding factor in the choice.
Both excel at dialogue, but in different ways. The Bose Solo Series 2 has a dedicated dialogue mode, while the Samsung HW-B550D uses a dedicated center channel. Both will significantly improve dialogue clarity over TV speakers.
It depends on your preferences. The Samsung HW-B550D includes a wireless subwoofer for better bass, while the Bose Solo Series 2 doesn't include one. For home theater use, a subwoofer significantly improves the movie-watching experience.
The Bose Solo Series 2 is ideal for small rooms due to its compact size and simpler setup. The Samsung HW-B550D requires more space for both the soundbar and subwoofer.
Yes, both the Bose Solo Series 2 and Samsung HW-B550D are compatible with any TV that has optical output. The Samsung also offers HDMI ARC connectivity for newer TVs.
The Samsung HW-B550D offers better music performance due to its subwoofer and fuller range. However, the Bose Solo Series 2 is adequate for casual music listening.
No, both the Bose Solo Series 2 and Samsung HW-B550D are designed for easy DIY installation with simple cable connections and clear instructions.
The Samsung HW-B550D offers more connectivity options, including HDMI ARC and multi-device Bluetooth, compared to the Bose Solo Series 2 which has basic optical and single-device Bluetooth.
Yes, both the Bose Solo Series 2 and Samsung HW-B550D can be wall-mounted. Both include mounting hardware in the box.
The Samsung HW-B550D is better for gaming with its dedicated game mode and superior bass response. The Bose Solo Series 2 works for gaming but doesn't offer specific gaming features.
The Samsung HW-B550D offers virtual surround through DTS Virtual:X, while the Bose Solo Series 2 is limited to basic stereo. Neither provides true surround sound without additional speakers.
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 - bestbuy.com - crutchfield.com - avsforum.com - consumerreports.org - abt.com - pcrichard.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - rtings.com - samsung.com - jeffsappliance.com
